Chill & Still: A Gentle Reset by the Sea
Autumn Escape to Paradise
With the Energy of Five Elements
Crete, Greece
1-6 November 2025
Autumn Escape to Paradise
With the Energy of Five Elements
Crete, Greece
1-6 November 2025
If you’re craving a gentle reset in a sun-kissed place that feels both nourishing and effortless, join us this November in Crete for a light-hearted escape by the sea. You’ll unwind with daily yoga and meditation, soak up the warmth on a private beach, enjoy soulful rituals inspired by nature’s elements – and be serenaded by Greek musicians under the stars. Come home rested, inspired, and totally chilled-out!
This retreat gives you what you’ve been craving – space to fully exhale, to move gently, to laugh, to rest without guilt.
You’re surrounded by the sounds of the sea, golden sunsets, and the warm scent of olive trees. The kind of nature that softens you without trying.
This is a pause to return to life – clearer, calmer, and more connected.
Before we get into the details, just take a moment… and picture what your days in Crete might feel like.
Imagine starting your day with an energising morning yoga practice and finishing your day with a restorative evening yoga practice, taking care of your body. Imagine meditating, practising mindfulness and drawing your attention inwards.
Later, you lie down under the stars, as the sound of Tibetan bowls vibrates through your chest – melting away anything heavy you didn’t know you were still carrying.
Now imagine this all unfolding in the warmth of the Cretan sun, with the sea just a few steps away. You spend your days lounging on a private beach, reading, napping, dipping your toes in the water. Time slows down. You feel your shoulders drop. You finally let yourself just be.
In the evenings, there’s candlelight, nourishing food, the sound of laughter, maybe live music floating in the air. You return to your cosy bed – content and deeply rested – and drift off with the waves outside your window.
Imagine pampering your body with a grounding body scrub, tasting local olive oil, laughing with your new friends as live Greek music begins to play, and maybe even dancing! Later, you tie a ribbon to the Wish Tree – something you’re releasing, something you’re inviting in.
You don’t have to plan a thing. Just show up and let Crete work its magic.
Not just a break from work – but a break from pressure, from performance, from pushing through.
The kind of rest that doesn’t leave you with a packed itinerary or the need for another holiday afterwards. The kind that lets your shoulders relax and your breath deepen.
Chill & Still: A Gentle Reset by the Sea was born from that need.
It’s a light-hearted, soul-nourishing getaway that invites you to rest and chill out, and return home feeling soft, clear, and deeply restored.
When was the last time a destination truly surprised you – even after years of travel?
You’ll be surrounded by the olive trees, relax on a private beach, and enjoy soulful moments like live music under the stars. So that you feel wonder again – not from rushing, but from slowing down and seeing things freshly.
Are you tired of holidays that feel busy but not fulfilling?
This retreat is a blend of yoga, me-time, shared joy, and local rituals – designed for people who want to relax and stop performing. So that you come home with real stories, not just pretty pictures – and a body that feels as good as your heart.
Have you been spending more time in your head than in your body – or outside?
You’ll breathe with the rhythm of the waves, walk barefoot, feel the sun warm your skin, and pause to actually feel how you are. So that you return to your life not just rested, but reconnected – to yourself, your senses, and the world around you.
Do you long for a break that’s easy and effortless – without having to organise a thing?
Every detail is taken care of – from yoga to meals to surprise adventures – so you can fully relax without having to check schedules, make decisions, or ‘fit it all in.’ So that you can truly let go, knowing there’s enough spaciousness for both connection and quiet.
This retreat follows my signature SHAPE method, where each day is guided by one of the 5 nature elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood. Every activity, every yoga session, and every meditation reflects the qualities of an element for the day. This isn’t a retreat like the ones you’ve been on before. This is a totally immersive experience.
Inspired by Chinese metaphysics, this is a structured approach for your step-by-step inner journey. You remove what’s no longer needed (Fire). You ground (Earth). You get clear (Metal). You choose (Water). You grow (Wood).
This is why this retreat is not just a bunch of random activities – it is your journey back to yourself, aligned with the rhythm of nature.
I really learned a lot during our yoga sessions where Irina has catered for our individual needs every single day.
I became calmer in a good way. After the retreat, I realised that there is no point in stressing so much in everyday life.
The experience exceeded my expectations. The organisation was great, the yoga classes were tailored to the specific needs of the participants.
Our home for 6 days/5 nights is a family-owned villa with its own private beach, in the peaceful Ferma Bay surrounded by endless views of the sea.
This is a place where time slows down. Where you can sip tea on your balcony, stretch out with a book in a beach cabin, watch the colours of the sky shift as the sun sets over the water.
The retreat is planned for up to 12 guests to be accommodated in a single or double/twin setting – in villa rooms and wooden cabins, all with a sea view. There’s also a sauna and a beautiful studio where we’ll gather for yoga, sound journeys, and meditations.
You’ll be served two delicious, seasonal meals a day – thoughtfully prepared using local ingredients and traditional Cretan recipes. Think sun-ripened vegetables, fresh herbs, rich olive oil, and soul-warming dishes made with care. Your dietary needs will be fully respected, with vegetarian options available at every meal.
One of the highlights of the week is our local olive oil tasting – where you’ll get to savour the flavours of the island while learning what makes Cretan oil so prized around the world.
And on our final evening together, we’ll gather for a celebration dinner – a feast of flavours, music, and laughter to honour the beauty of the week we’ve shared.
Crete may be famous, but this part of the island is still a well-kept secret. Our retreat takes place in Ferma Bay, just outside the southern town of Ierapetra – close enough for convenience, far enough for peace. And with easy access from Heraklion Airport (just 75 minutes away), getting here is surprisingly simple.
You’ll wake up to the sound of waves, walk barefoot, and take in views that feel painted just for you.
Every corner of this place invites you to slow down and see.
Wouldn’t it feel good to have a week that’s beautifully planned – but never rushed?
Our time together will be unforgettable and full of chill and fun! I have organised and planned your retreat to make sure it nourishes your heart, mind and soul.
This retreat is designed with care to nourish your body, lighten your spirit, and invite joy through simple pleasures.
From candlelit yoga to beach naps, local olive oil tastings to music under the stars – every detail is here to support your reset.
We’ll begin and end each day with soft movement and breath. Mornings start with intention-setting and energising yoga to awaken the body. Evenings offer candlelit yin or restorative practices – gentle, grounding, and nourishing yoga after a day of sun and sea.
All sessions are adapted on the spot to meet your needs – whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner. Some practices will be in the studio, others barefoot by the sea. We’ll also weave in moments of mindfulness, stillness, and silent reflection.
You’ll swim in turquoise waters, nap in the shade, or enjoy reading your book by the water.
You might try a grounding body scrub ritual, listen to Tibetan bowls vibrate through your chest, or watch the sun melt into the sea with sand between your toes.
The private beach is always yours to return to. And so is the permission to do nothing.
We bring joy directly to you. You’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting followed by an evening of live Greek music, shared laughter, and a little dancing under the stars.
And on our final evening together, you’ll take part in a gentle Wish Tree ritual – a moment of quiet celebration and soft release.
These are moments of presence and pleasure – weaved into connection between the like-minded people and the richness of Cretan life.
Each day of this retreat is guided by one of the 5 nature elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Inspired by the SHAPE Method, our retreat flows as an inner journey: from releasing what no longer serves you to softening into joy and ease.
This isn’t a high-intensity bootcamp. It’s a carefully crafted rhythm that gives you structure without pressure, space without chaos.
Your mornings begin with intention-setting and an energising yoga class. After brunch, there’s plenty of time to rest, read, swim, or simply do nothing at all.
Each day includes a unique experience linked to its element – like a grounding body scrub, a sound journey, a surprise waterfall trip, olive oil tasting with live Greek music.
We close the day with candlelight, gentle movement, or shared reflection – leaving you soft, full, and deeply nourished by life.
Initiation with letting go and setting your intention.
Transfer to the accommodation, welcome, tea/coffee and snacks, opening information session, free time, opening ceremony, yoga, dinner.
You arrive in the warm embrace of Crete, greeted by the sea breeze and the soft golden light of late afternoon. There’s time to settle in, sip a welcome drink, and gently land.
As the sun begins to set, we gather for our opening circle and a candlelit yin yoga session – quiet, grounding, and full of intention. There’s no need to rush. Just arrive, exhale, and let the fire element gently awaken your senses.
Your inner journey: Today you set your intention. You begin the SHAPE cycle with Start, letting go of old layers and opening space for what’s to come.
Grounding and understanding where you are.
Yoga, brunch, free time on the beach, grounding body scrub, yoga, dinner, Blues Music Festival.
You wake up to soft light and the gentle sound of the sea. After a grounding morning yoga session and nourishing breakfast, we begin our sensory ritual of the day: a grounding body scrub – an earthy, tactile way to land fully in your body.
The rest of the day is spacious. Swim. Read. Lie on the beach . Let your body be heavy and held.
In the evening, we return to the mat for a restorative practice to soothe and settle.
Your inner journey: Today you step into Honesty – noticing how you feel in your body, acknowledging where you truly are in your life.
Getting clarity about where you want to go.
Yoga, brunch, free time on the beach, yoga, dinner, sound journey with Tibetan singing bowls.
After a steady morning flow and wholesome brunch, the day opens into quiet clarity. You have time to reflect, journal, simply lie still and let your mind settle.
As the sun dips lower, we gather for a Tibetan sound journey. You lie down. The bowls sing. And slowly, layers begin to loosen. The kind of stillness where something essential rises to the surface.
Your inner journey: You enter Aim – defining what matters most, clarifying your goals, and choosing where your energy will flow next.
Embracing the fluidity and choosing your path.
Yoga, brunch, surprise trip, free time on the beach, yoga, dinner.
Today is a song of flow. We start with a gentle yoga practice that feels like water – soft and fluid. This is a day of surrender and spontaneity.
After brunch, you will be guided through a powerful water-inspired meditation – practicing letting go of whatever doesn’t serve you and welcoming what is meant for you.
Your inner journey: You are in the heart of Practice – translating intention into action through breath, and mindful movement.
Growth to the next step of your journey.
Yoga, brunch, free time on the beach, yoga, celebration dinner with olive oil tasting and live Greek music, Wish Tree ritual.
The day begins with a ‘root to rise’ flow – steady, expansive, alive. After brunch, there’s space to walk, breathe, and feel the quiet momentum of your own unfolding.
In the late afternoon, we gather for a special olive oil tasting and then… live music! Two Greek musicians arrive. The table is set. You eat, laugh, and sway under the stars.
We finish with the Wish Tree ritual – a beautiful moment to mark what you’re leaving behind and what you’re calling in.
Your inner journey: This is Evolution – you witness your growth, your unfolding, and you prepare to bring it home.
Coming back to centre and integrating the cycle of inner work.
Yoga, brunch, closing circle, transfer to the airport.
The final morning greets you with softness and sun. We meet on the mat one last time – to honour everything you’ve felt, everything you’ve released, everything you’re carrying forward.
After brunch, we gather in a closing circle – a space to reflect, share, and say goodbye with full hearts. You leave with sand in your shoes, softness in your body, and clarity in your heart.
Your inner journey: In this closing of the SHAPE cycle, you return to your Centre – integrated, grounded, and ready to live from your deeper truth.
Irina put together an amazing programme, excellent organisation, and most of all she creates the space for you to reconnect with yourself. I came home with some new friends and unforgettable memories.
Book your spot for the next retreat already! I cannot recommend a better yoga teacher. Irina is dedicated, human-centred, and adapting the session to everyone's body and needs.
Certainly a 5-star experience for me to join Irina’s well-organised yoga retreat. You can tell how much her heart and soul she dedicates to organise her retreats with love for everyone who joins.
How great would it be to step away from the cookie-cutter yoga classes?
On the retreat, we will practise yoga in a progressive way, and you will learn something new about yoga postures and their variations, so that you know how to position and move your body consciously to match your unique body needs.
Wouldn’t it be just great to not think about what to cook and what groceries to buy?
On this retreat, delicious brunches and dinners will be prepared for you from local products so that you can savour local cuisine. Your dietary requirements are taken care of.
How wonderful would it be to share this experience with someone special and also make new friends?
No matter if you travel by yourself or with your partner/friend, you will meet like-minded people with similar interests. This is a great opportunity to connect more deeply by sharing your challenges and blessings with people who understand you.
Are you excited about stepping away from the hassle of everyday life and finally having some dedicated time to re-connect to yourself?
Through the signature methodology of this retreat, where each day is planned around 1 of the 5 elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood), your inner work is supported and reflected by the nature spots we will visit, which will ultimately help you better to re-connect to yourself.
Hi, I’m Irina Oshchepkova! I am a certified yoga teacher with 1500+ hours of teaching experience and your host on this journey.
I spent 12+ years in the corporate world during which yoga became my way back to myself. What began as a stress relief practice turned into a calling: helping others reconnect with themselves and what truly matters.
Since then, I’ve hosted over a dozen retreats and created my SHAPE method – a practical, soulful framework blending movement, mindfulness, and meditation for real life.
Why Crete? I came for one week and stayed two months. What was meant to be a short break turned into a deeply healing journey. I had just gone through a life-shaking knee injury, and this island welcomed me – body and soul. The sea, the food, the pace of life… it all held me gently as I recovered. Now I can’t wait to share that joy with you.
This retreat is your pause. A space to move, reflect, and come home to yourself. You’ll leave rested and recharged, with renewed clarity about what really matters to you, and actionable tools to integrate into your daily life.
Irina is very attentive and willing to explain the logic behind each pose. I like that the classes are varied and we can work on different postures to get the maximum out of yoga practice!
The retreat was very-very well organised, it definitely helps you to relax, to nourish your soul. Beautiful location, great food, great nature!
Irina has given me some powerful tools for my daily life: how to connect with the present moment and to understand my body and be grateful for what it can do for me.
The payment is non-refundable but can be fully transferred to another person – if your plans have changed and you cannot go, please find your replacement. The necessary and appropriate travel insurance is required.
All the payments are made by credit card or by direct bank transfer. Please contact me at [email protected] for details on bank transfer and invoicing, or if you wish to pay by instalments.
Please check my advice on the best flight option here.
Do you have any questions that you would like to discuss with me in detail? Book a free call with me!
This is your gentle invitation to slow down, tune in, and spend a week held by the beauty of Crete. From peaceful mornings on your mat to barefoot walks, from laughter shared over meals to quiet moments under the stars – this retreat offers you something rare:
Time that truly feels like yours.
It’s time to rest.
Time to be nourished by nature.
Time to reconnect with your breath, your body, and your deeper self.
Give yourself the gift of space – real space – for your body, mind, and soul to exhale.
November in Crete is often pleasantly mild – sunny days, cooler evenings, and just enough breeze to keep the air fresh. Expect daytime temperatures around 18-22°C, with a mix of sunshine and occasional clouds. Perfect for movement and slow afternoons by the water.
Book your flight to Heraklion Airport (HER) in Crete, Greece. If you arrive at the other airport, Chania (CHQ), you can take a bus to get to Heraklion.
From HER airport, it’s a 75-minute drive to the retreat villa near Ferma Bay. One group transfer will be arranged based on the arrival time of the majority of guests.
You can also rent a car at your convenience.
Our opening session starts in the late afternoon (estimated 4 PM) on Saturday, 1 November 2025.
If you’re unsure about flight options or timing, I’m happy to help you plan your route.
All levels are welcome – from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Each session is adapted to your experience, energy, and any physical needs.
Bring comfortable clothes for yoga, beach time, and relaxed evenings. I recommend: a yoga outfit or two, swimsuit, layers for cooler evenings, something soft for the candlelight sessions, a notebook or journal. You’ll receive a full packing list after booking.
Absolutely. Crete is rich with history, culture, and stunning nature. If you have the time, stay a few extra days to explore nearby towns, or just enjoy more of the sea and sunshine. Let me know if you’d like suggestions – I’m happy to help.
Choosing this retreat means choosing your well-being. You’re not randomly spending – you’re making space to restore your energy, clarity, and connection. Stress and burnout often go unchecked until they cost more. This is your chance to reset gently, before that point.
You’ll leave feeling recharged, clearer, and more in tune with yourself.
There’s rarely a perfect time to step away – but often, that’s when we need it most.
This retreat offers a calm, supportive space to hear yourself again – and return with a renewed sense of clarity and focus.
This retreat isn’t just a vacation or one-size-fits-all solution. It’s designed using the proven SHAPE method, involving yoga, meditation, and activities aligned with the ancient wisdom of the 5 Nature elements. Don’t just take my word for it: past participants share how they’ve left feeling recharged, focused, and inspired, carrying the results into their daily lives.
This retreat is designed to be inclusive, relaxed, and welcoming. People join from different countries, backgrounds, and walks of life – but what they share is a desire to reconnect, reset, and be real.
There’s no pressure to share more than you want, and plenty of space to be social or quiet. In fact, many guests leave with genuine new friendships.
This isn’t about ticking off sights or having every minute scheduled. It’s a soft, structured space where your well-being is the priority.
You’ll move, breathe, reflect, savour, and rest – held by nature, supported by a clear rhythm, and surrounded by like-hearted people.
It’s a reset that lasts well beyond the return flight.