The Magic Of Connection

An Exhilarating 8-Day Retreat in Crete

16-23 September 2024

Is This You?

In the fast-paced swirl of modern life, you can easily feel disconnected from yourself, others and the world around you. You’ve lost your spark and forgotten what makes you uniquely you. You find yourself overstimulated and overthinking, longing for more meaning, more connection – and some better weather! You’re craving a new adventure and a chance to reset.

The Magic of Connection is your sanctuary to step away from the demands of city living: surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Crete, you’ll enjoy a curated program of activities that invites you – in an immersive and playful manner – to reconnect with yourself, others and the world around you.

Ed & Rob

Welcome!

Hi, we’re Ed and Rob, your guides on this exhilarating adventure in Crete.

“The Magic of Connection” brings together our trademark blend of wellness, relaxation, self-discovery, and adventure: you’ll experience some of the best of what Crete has to offer while connecting with new people, immersing yourself in nature, and going on a personal journey to reconnect with your innate magic.

This acclaimed program was born out of our love for welcoming people to Crete and for sharing our expertise in holistic wellness and personal transformation. Each element has been lovingly and carefully designed to guide you in a playful and immersive way. 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip to Crete that includes amazing food, great people, exhilarating activities and meaningful conversations – with plenty of relaxation, fun and laughter along the way – this is for you.

We’d love for you to join us in Crete in September!

THE magic of the retreat

Connect with:

Yourself

Beach workouts, guided meditations, personal reflection, and sound journeys.

Others

Group sessions, meaningful conversations, awesome people, new friends.

Nature

Gorge and mountain hikes, wild swimming, nature immersion, beach time.

Crete

Epic landscapes, generous people local area & culture, delicious food.

This unique retreat focuses on connection to the self, others and the world. Through shared experiences, outdoor adventures and personal growth activities, we will create a playful and immersive space for honest expression and communication, in which we can appreciate each other’s strengths and qualities – without expectations.

Our unique blend of wellness, relaxation, self-discovery, and adventure is designed to rekindle your natural sense of curiosity and joy. Imagine starting your day with a sunrise over the Mediterranean, followed by a plunge into crystal-clear waters. Or spending a day rediscovering your magic, relaxing at the beach and sharing with fellow participants around an evening campfire.

Yourself

Beach workouts, guided meditations, personal reflection, and sound journeys.

Others

Group sessions, meaningful conversations, awesome people, new friends.

Nature

Gorge and mountain hikes, wild swimming, nature immersion, beach time.

Crete

Epic landscapes, generous people local area & culture, delicious food.

Testimonials

What Previous Participants Have Said:

5/5

Pricing Options

Accommodation

Private Room in Armonia

€2,100pp – single occupancy

Enjoy the comfort of stunning rooms at Armonia with your own en-suite bathrooms, perfect for making new friends. Maximum 2 per room.

Private Room Under the Studio

€2,000pp – shared occupancy

Opt for a cooler, quieter room underneath the studio, ideal for extra peace.

Payment Options

Joining us is Easy

Flexible Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your adventure into up to 4 manageable instalments, completing payments 4 weeks before we kick off.

Book With A Deposit

Secure your spot with a 25% deposit after a chat with us to ensure this is the right fit for your needs.

Bursaries

A limited number of spots are available at a reduced rate for those needing financial assistance (applies to shared accommodation only)

Come With A Friend

Adventures are better shared! Friends and couples enjoy a 10% discount each.

*Not compatible with other offers.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Book your Spot now.
We can't wait to welcome you in Crete.

CLICK FOR MORE

More Details:

The Program

8 Days of Adventure

Before You Read

While you can check out the detailed retreat program below, most participants prefer not to know the itinerary, choosing instead to be surprised at every turn.

  • Arrivals and Settling-In
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Sunrise at Georgoupoli beach followed by a swim at Lake Kournas 
  • Healthy Breakfast
  • Find Your Magic Session with Ed
  • Lunch at Armonia
  • Free time
  • Soul Embodiment Class with Kim
  • Dinner at Armonia
  • Healthy Breakfast
  • Excursion to Kourtaliotiko Waterfall (one of the most incredible experiences on the island) including a 1-hour hike up and down a beautiful gorge
  • Lunch at GioMa in Plakias, our favourite local restaurant by the sea
  • Sound Journey at Armonia
  • Light dinner
  • Campfire/Games night
  • Healthy Smoothies
  • Beach Workout with Ed (tailored to all levels) followed by a Cold River Swim at Kyani Akti
  • Brunch at Armonia
  • Find Your Magic Session with Ed
  • Free time
  • Find Your Magic Session with Ed
  • Dinner at Armonia
  • Early Departure to Balos Beach
  • Morning at Balos
  • Lunch in the area at taverna Gramvoussa
  • Return to Armonia
  • Soul Embodiment Class with Kim
  • Light Dinner
  • Healthy Smoothies
  • Group Workout with Ed (tailored to all levels) 
  • Brunch at Armonia
  • Find Your Magic Workshop 
  • Free Time
  • Dinner at Armonia
  • Sound Journey Under the Stars
  • Healthy Breakfast
  • Walk in Douliana Forest 
  • Voice Workshop with Rob
  • Light Lunch
  • Free Time
  • Find Your Magic Session with Ed
  • Celebration Dinner at Arismari taverna (Gavalochori)
  • Healthy Breakfast
  • Completion Session
  • Departure at midday

Our goal is to give you an amazing personal and group experience while tailoring the program content to what you most need right now. We will:

  • Take time to get to know you before you arrive via an in-depth questionnaire and 1:1 Preparation Call
  • Check in with you at regular intervals throughout the week, to guide you through any challenges and give you practical ways to apply what you’re discovering
  • Adapt the beach workouts according to your unique level and body, from complete beginners to advanced
  • Give you the option and time to book extra 1:1 sessions, including sound therapy with Rob, massage or energy healing with some of our recommended practitioners.

 

For more information about how we create these life-changing experiences and how each element of the retreat works together, visit the About and Philosophy pages.

Client Love

Testimonials

5/5

Your Hosts

Who we Are
Picture of Rob Sykes

Rob Sykes

Rob is a sound therapist, straw marquetry artist, and DJ who creates experiences and art that connect people, awaken their senses, and elevate their lives. After 30+ years as an international DJ, he turned his passion for music into a healing art, retraining as a sound therapist in the UK and setting up a practice in Crete.

After decades spinning decks across the globe and working for MTV, Rob now tunes into a different frequency, crafting soundscapes that heal and energise. He’s also your go-to guy for a cheeky sense of humour and an uncanny ability to turn every moment into an immersive, all-sensorial experience.

Picture of Rob Sykes

Rob Sykes

Rob is a sound therapist, straw marquetry artist, and DJ who creates experiences and art that connect people, awaken their senses, and elevate their lives. After 30+ years as an international DJ, he turned his passion for music into a healing art, retraining as a sound therapist in the UK and setting up a practice in Crete.

After decades spinning decks across the globe and working for MTV, Rob now tunes into a different frequency, crafting soundscapes that heal and energise. He’s also your go-to guy for a cheeky sense of humour and an uncanny ability to turn every moment into an immersive, all-sensorial experience.

Picture of Edward Pike

Edward Pike

From a Degree in Management to coaching people in the wilds of Crete, Ed’s your man for a thoughtful chat, a sunrise trek or an impromptu workout. With a resume that includes everything from body psychotherapy to creative consulting, his multifaceted career is matched only by his intuitive talent to ensure that every participant finds their own rhythm.

Ed is known for guiding people to rediscover their uniqueness so that they can do more of what they love. A certified personal trainer, body psychotherapist, intuitive life coach, and creative consultant, he has been supporting individuals and groups for 11 years to come home to their most alive, embodied, and powerful selves.

Picture of Edward Pike

Edward Pike

From a Degree in Management to coaching people in the wilds of Crete, Ed’s your man for a thoughtful chat, a sunrise trek or an impromptu workout. With a resume that includes everything from body psychotherapy to creative consulting, his multifaceted career is matched only by his intuitive talent to ensure that every participant finds their own rhythm.

Ed is known for guiding people to rediscover their uniqueness so that they can do more of what they love. A certified personal trainer, body psychotherapist, intuitive life coach, and creative consultant, he has been supporting individuals and groups for 11 years to come home to their most alive, embodied, and powerful selves.

The Venue

Armonia Retreat

‘Find Your Magic’ is based at one of Crete’s most beautiful spaces: Armonia Retreat Centre, a serene sanctuary in the heart of the picturesque village of Douliana, 26km East of Chania. Facilities include large indoor and outdoor workshop spaces, a lounge, a kitchen, an outdoor dining area, a wood fire sauna, a campfire circle and a gym.

Fun Fact: we made these videos through our Find Your Magic Studio.

The Bedrooms

Shared or single
PRIVATE ROOMS in ARMONIA

Beauty and serenity are paramount in this modern, comfortable and gorgeous retreat centre. Enjoy your own bed in one of the 4 spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

PRIVATE ROOMS in Neighbouring Stone VILLA

Stay in a private bedroom with your own bathroom, in a traditional stone villa next door to Armonia. You’ll be sharing a villa with one other retreat participant, and have access to a shared swimming pool.

The Food

PLANT-BASED HEAVEN

Our chef Gita will be preparing heavenly and healthy plant-based and vegetarian food that nourishes your body and soul and leaves you feeling energised and revitalised.  Whilst most meals will take place at Armonia, we will also be sampling some of our favourite local Cretan restaurants and tavernas.

The Details

Terms & Conditions

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Book your Spot now.
We can't wait to welcome you in Crete.

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