Crete Retreat
13th - 20th Sept 2025
*Fully Booked*
I invite you to join me for a week of relaxation and inspiration on the beautiful and mythical Greek island of Crete. It will be mid -September, still warm and sunny but without the intense heat of the peak summer months.
I envisage a gathering of friends, deep conversation, sea bathing, storytelling, music, walks in nature, sunshine and fresh local food. Come and be nourished on every level!
Where the Formless Meets the Form
For me, the retreat space provides a perfect container for exploring and sharing two of my greatest passions with you - the 3 Principles understanding introduced by Sydney Banks, and the mythical perspective I have gained primarily through a lifelong study of the work of Joseph Campbell and C.G. Jung.
Whilst they differ in emphasis, I have found both of these pathways to self-understanding to be incredibly helpful for attuning oneself to the deeper rhythm and mystery of life in a way that is both spiritual and practical at the same time. After all, what use is a spiritual understanding if it doesn’t embrace, inform and illuminate the nitty gritty ups and downs of daily life? Together, we’ll explore…..
Formless Principles
The 3 Principles provide a way for us to know and understand how our experience gets created internally through the power of Thought. Realising this experientially introduces a level of choice, self-responsibility and freedom that is unavailable when life appears to be ‘just happening’ to us randomly.
Through Consciousness, our thoughts are brought to life via our sensory system and experienced as our moment-to-moment reality. As conscious beings, we are gifted with the capacity to be aware not only of our thought-created experience, but also of our true nature as awareness itself.
The principles also reveal our unbreakable connection to the invisible, formless intelligence behind all of life that Sydney Banks referred to as Universal Mind. This divine intelligence is the source of all that we can perceive, and in its purest form we experience it as truth, love, wisdom and wellbeing.
As we deepen in our apprehension of these hidden forces at work behind the scenes, we find we can co-create a life experience that is far less stressful, more joyful, loving and creative than we ever could have imagined.
“One of the most beautiful things that any human can realize is the mystical bridge between the form and the formless. Thought is that bridge.”
Timeless Myths
The mythical realm is the universally comprehensible medium through which the most elemental of forms - the archetypal energies - are brought to life through stories that have a deep resonance with the human psyche.
The themes of myth contain a perennial wisdom that endures throughout time and across all lands and cultures. Whilst the outer forms may change, the inner meaning remains intact.
When we look at life through a mythical lens, we uncover the universal in what appears to be the personal. We find a way to navigate safely through life’s dark forests and deep waters. We discover meaning and purpose in our struggle and misfortune. We find the patience to endure and the courage to continue when we feel like giving up.
We learn to recognise our allies, guides and helpers who are ever-present yet remain invisible until we are ready to meet them. We begin to break free from the spells and enchantments that we didn’t even know we were enslaved by. We unearth the treasure that is uniquely ours, and offer our gifts to the world with gratitude and in service to our own highest calling.
“Myth is a wild way of telling the truth”
Our retreat venue is the family-run Orizon Center for Life and Creation, overlooking the sea and only 35 minutes drive from Chania airport. Accommodation is in the on-site Akrimios apartments or the nearby Aptera hotel. Fresh, local organically grown food is served in the Akrimios cafe/restaurant.
Retreat Schedule
Saturday Sept 13th
14.00 - 17.00 Arrival & Check in
17.30 - 19.00 Welcome Group Session with Ian
Sept 14th - 16th & 18th - 19th
09.30 - 13.00 Morning Group Session with Ian
13.00 - 17.30 Lunch Break & Free Time
17.30 - 19.00 Evening Group Session with Ian
Wednesday Sept 17th - free day to explore
Saturday Sept 20th
09.30 - 11.00 Final Group Session with Ian
Check out & departure
The schedule is intentionally relaxed, with the afternoons free to enjoy the surroundings, swim, sunbathe, take a walk or a siesta, as you please.
For those booking the retreat & accommodation package, breakfast and dinner will be served at the Akrimios cafe/restaurant daily.
Lunches can also be taken at Akrimios restaurant or at one of the local tavernas (there are 2 within a 15 minutes walk). You can also take a picnic to the beach or a taxi into Chania if you fancy a change of scene.
Should you wish to stay extra nights before or after the retreat this will need to be booked separately with the Orizon Center or the Aptera Hotel.
Retreat Booking & Accommodation Options
Full Residential Retreat Package
Includes -
Attendance at all retreat sessions
Seven nights accommodation in shared Akrimios apartment from 13th - 20th September
Breakfast & dinner at Akrimios restaurant
Use of the Akrimios swimming pool
Full Package cost: £1175`
The apartments have air conditioning, wifi and a balcony overlooking the sea. All kitchens are equipped with a fridge, coffee machine, kettle and utensils. Bed sheets and towels are included. Apartment sizes vary from 2 - 6 beds, maximum 2 beds per room. If you prefer not to share, you can book a studio or apartment at the nearby Aptera Hotel.
The nearest airport is Chania International which is 33km away and takes about 35 minutes by car. There is also a direct bus service that runs from CHANIA AIRPORT-SOUDA-RETHYMNO and stops very close to the venue - see the KTEL website for details. (Please check the up to date schedule a few weeks before travel).
Heraklion International airport is 128km away and takes at least 2 hours by car.
The main local taxi company is HERMIS and an alternative company can be found here. You can expect to pay around 45-50 euros one way from Chania airport to the venue.
Retreat Attendance Only
Includes -
Attendance at all retreat sessions without accommodation or meals
Retreat only price £625
Accommodation can be booked separately at the nearby Aptera Hotel (best prices available if you book direct with the hotel and tell them you are attending the retreat).
There are studios, one-bed and two-bed apartments available from 75 Euros per night excluding meals. The apartments are equipped for self-catering, or meals can be taken at the Akrimios restaurant. Please note there is no swimming pool at the hotel, and it is situated 1.6km from the Orizon center (about 20-25 mins walk or a short drive).