THE retreat in Crete
12 – 16 May 2026
by Pilates Tania Tsiora
Starts 2pm on the 12th and finishes at noon on 16/05.
Chania, Crete
"Move, taste, connect, and recharge – your ultimate cultural and mindful
getaway!"
Explore the authenticity of Chania with Pilates and more.
This is THE retreat for YOU!
The retreat in Crete offers a complete experience that renews both body and mind through Pilates, self-care, and nourishing nutrition. These days are all about you: a precious pause to reconnect with yourself, restore your energy, and rediscover a sense of wholeness often lost in everyday life. It's not just about exercise – it's an opportunity to nurture yourself on every level, through movement, wholesome meals, outdoor activities and moments of deep relaxation, while drawing inspiration for meaningful evolution in your life. During the 5 days in Chania, every practice is thoughtfully designed to awaken strength, vitality, and clarity. From Pilates sessions to nutrition workshops and the joy of Cretan traditions, each experience supports your personal evolution. You will feel inspired, with fresh energy and perspective to carry into your everyday life. We will also explore some significant exercises of functional strengthening training
and the importance of intermittent fasting combined with the Mediterranean diet. We will discover its benefits for both body and mind and why practicing it a few times a week – if not daily – can be such a natural path to balance and wellbeing. For those who wish, there will be the opportunity to apply this Intermittent Mediterranean Fasting approach for 1 or 2 days during the retreat – but no obligation. You will receive lots of tips and personalized advice to apply when you get back home.
Here are some valuable benefits of the classes and workshops:
1. Body & Mind Rejuvenation – Through Pilates, strengthening training & massage, you'll
feel stronger, more flexible, and full of energy.
2. Holistic Wellbeing Experience – A blend of exercise, nutrition, massage and
mindfulness to balance body, soul, and spirit.
3. Time Just for You – Step away from daily responsibilities and reconnect with yourself.
4. Transformation & Inspiration – Leave behind fatigue and open space for change in your
life.
5. Boosting vitality and balanced energy via Mediterranean fasting approach.
Live well! You deserve it!
A few words about me and my connection with Crete
Originally from Greece, I was born in Kozani, grew up in Thessaloniki, and have lived in Brussels for the past 15 years. Since age four, gymnastics and dance have been part of my life. It wasn't until ten years ago, during my work as a human rights activist, that Pilates entered my life, and I changed careers. I genuinely believe that, through Pilates, the mind and body work beautifully together to help people reach their full potential. This is what I love doing. I'm a true believer that we can enjoy life more.
I visited Crete over 20 years ago and even if I did not have the opportunity to study close to Chania, in the end I have visited the island of Crete over 20 times! I've met authentic people and brought numerous friends to discover this amazing place (τόπος). In 2019, I organized my first retreat in the southern part of Heraklion.
And now, in 2026, it will be our third retreat!
What is THE retreat in Crete all about?
Our retreat in Chania is a complete journey for body and mind. Through tailored Pilates sessions, nourishing Mediterranean-inspired nutrition, and outdoor activities, you'll restore balance and vitality. Experience the joy and energy of traditional Cretan Dances, while our
Intermittent Mediterranean Fasting approach supports digestion, energy, and overall well being. It's a chance to relax, reconnect with yourself, and embrace a positive evolution in your lifestyle. Every detail is designed to offer you rejuvenating experiences and moments of pure
enjoyment.
Chania, the westernmost part of the island of Crete, is famous for its lovely beaches, wild countryside, exceptional food, and more. The Chania region keeps its local and traditional identity and impressive landscape spots. The Cretans make a lot of effort to preserve their
traditions, and the farmers aim to cultivate organic produce and preserve their ancient agricultural practices. Popular during summer, the season during our retreat is less touristy with 18–28-degree weather. By the end of your stay, you'll discover the personalized nutrition tips and guidance that suit you best.
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 15 attendees, including your partners and friends (if you want to bring someone with you – there's a guest experience attendee ticket).
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Tania & Elizabeth
Email us at: info@pilatestaniatsiora.com
…
"Αυτή η ευτυχία, να έχεις ήσυχη την ψυχή σου και να 'χεις έναν σκοπό, που η πραγμάτωση του να
εξαρτάται μόνο από σένα και κάθε μέρα να κάνεις ένα βήμα πιο μπροστά, κάθε μέρα να κάνεις ένα
βήμα πιο πάνω, κάθε μέρα ν'ανηφορίζεις…Μια αστραπή η ζωή μας, μα προλαβαίνουμε".
Νίκος Καζαντζάκης
"Happiness is having peace of mind and having a goal, the achievement of which depends only on you,
and every day taking a step forward, every day a step further, every day moving on. Our life is over in
a flash, but we still have time".
Nikos Kazantzakis (Greek (Cretan) writer, poet, politician, philosopher 1883 – 1957
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
● Four nights' accommodation in our chosen hotel
● Four 1-hour morning mat Pilates classes
● One 2-hour workshop of Pilates
● One 2.5-hour workshop on nutrition, and tailor-made guidance
● 2 Cretan traditional dances workshops
● 2-hour strengthening functional conditioning training
● 1 outdoor activity
● 1 massage 50 min (relaxation or sports massage)
● Food – 4 breakfasts (tell us about any food intolerance/allergies one month prior
to the retreat)
● Surprise aperitif
● Welcome Dinner
● Water during classes and workshops
● Transfer from and to the airport of Chania
● Welcome pack with souvenirs from PTT, Crete and northern Greece
Not Included:
● Air or boat transport to and from Chania
● Health insurance & Travel Insurance
● Off-site hotel accommodation (if you prefer to choose your own accommodation)
● Lunch & dinners (apart from Welcome dinner and surprise aperitif).
● Other visits
● Extra nights in the hotel
● Other transport
● Extra Massages – on demand
● Private classes – on request
● Extra outdoor activity- Saturday afternoon 16th of May
In case of cancellation from your side until the 1st of March 2026, 2/3 of the total amount is non-refundable and the rest can be used for online privates and workshops organized by Pilates Tania Tsiora up to 15th of September 2026. Please note that this is generous since for most retreats the whole amount is non-refundable.
Feel free to contact us: info@pilatestaniatsiora.com
Meet the teachers and special guests of the retreat!
Elizabeth Whittam
Certified Classical Pilates Teacher, 3rd Generation of Joseph Pilates
Elizabeth is Belgo-British and originally from Yorkshire in England but has lived in Brussels for many years. Movement practice has been a constant in her life and she has been passionate about Pilates since taking her first class in 2008. Formerly from a human resources background, Elizabeth made a major career switch in 2014 to begin teaching Pilates in Brussels – and has never regretted it! Supportive in her teaching approach, she loves to witness the change in clients as they grow stronger and more supple, gaining confidence as they realize they can move with more ease, and are capable of so much more than they imagined.
Tania Tsiora
Certified Classical Pilates Teacher, 3rd Generation of Joseph Pilates
Gymnastics and dance have been a big part of Tania's motivation in her daily life since an early age. She started artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and Greek dances at the age of four. In her career Tania worked as a human rights activist and later she followed her passion. Tania helps people, through Pilates, to be more present and focused on achieving what they want. She opened Pilates Tania Tsiora studio in Brussels in 2020 and since then she has been organizing, and been invited to workshops in Brussels and abroad. Her wish is to create a worldwide community with people who want to take care of themselves and live better with others in the long term.
Tania truly believes that self-care is a top priority to live well within a community.
Erika Saka
Nutritionist
Erika holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Harokopio University of Athens. She also obtained a Master's degree in Applied Dietetics and Nutrition with a specialization in Nutrition and Exercise. During her studies, she focused on the connection between nutrition and health, gaining a solid scientific background in nutritional care and support.
She has significant experience in supporting individuals who wish to manage their body weight (aiming for the maintenance of a healthy body weight) through sustainable nutrition strategies. She specializes in the nutritional management of individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases). At the same time, she provides nutritional guidance to both professional and amateur athletes, with an emphasis on enhancing sports performance and recovery.
Machi Tsiora
Physiotherapist, Massage therapist and health consultant
Machi has a diploma in physical therapy from the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Through her studies and experience, and having worked in one of the biggest rehabilitation centers in Europe, she specializes in musculoskeletal and neurological pathologies.
She has also worked as a spa and massage treatment consultant and has organized and set up these services in several spa centers all over Greece.
Machi is passionate about well-being. She has been through seminars and postgraduate programs from trigger point pressure, lymphatic drainage, McKenzie Technique, ergonomics in athletes, to clinical dietary and health consulting. Last year she went back to study more nutrition while having two little boys and maintaining her job as a physiotherapist.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in the heart of the Old Town of Chania!
