Welcome to Somatika

Somatika is more than a training retreat. It’s a space to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in:

✹ focused handstand training
✹ movement exploration
✹ deep rest and recovery
✹ connection with like-minded people

Over the week you’ll experience a blend of structured training, time by the ocean, shared meals, and moments to slow down.

Crete provides the perfect backdrop for this experience and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Retreat Overview

Dates
Tuesday 7– Sunday 12 April 2026

Location
Altera Cave Villas
Crete, Greece
Google maps link

Nearest Airport
Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Check-in opens
4:00 PM | Tuesday 7 April

Welcome Dinner
7:30 PM

Check-out
10:00 AM | Sunday 12 April

Airport Transfers

We have organised shared group transfers to and from Heraklion Airport to the retreat venue.

Transfer timing has been based on the most common arrival times among participants. Final group allocations will be posted in the WhatsApp group chat.

Tuesday 7 April

✹ 2pm – Group 1

✹ 7pm – Group 2

Sunday 12 April

✹ 8am – Group 1

✹ 10am – Group 2

You’re very welcome to organise a private transfer at your convenience, but please let us know so we can remove you from the group transfer list.

Please contact Safe Rides Transfer and quote the discount code SOMATIKA.

Arrival Day

Check-in opens at 4:00 PM.

Once you arrive you can:

• settle into your villa
• relax by the pool
• explore the property
• meet fellow retreat participants

Welcome Dinner

On arrival day, 7:30 PM join us for a welcome dinner.

This will be our first gathering as a group where we:

• meet everyone attending
• share the intentions for the week
• walk through the retreat schedule

Training at Somatika

Training will be structured yet flexible to support different experience levels.

Each day includes:

• Handstand skill sessions
• Strength and conditioning
• Mobility and flexibility work
• Mindfulness practices
• Recovery and rest time

You can refer to the full day to day itinerary here.

Excursion

Midway through the retreat we’ll take a group excursion to Agios Pavlos Sandhills Beach, a beautiful and unique coastal landscape in Crete.

This will be a relaxed afternoon to step away from training and enjoy the natural surroundings together. Expect time for:

• swimming in the Libyan Sea
• exploring the sand dunes
• relaxing by the water
• connecting with the group outside the training space

There will be plenty of free time to move, rest, or simply enjoy the ocean.

Our Retreat Home

Somatika 2026 will take place at the beautiful Altera Cave Villas, our Retreat Partner for this year’s experience.

Nestled into the hills overlooking the Libyan Sea, the villas offer a peaceful and inspiring setting designed for rest, movement, and connection. The architecture blends traditional Cretan cave design with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both grounding and luxurious.

Throughout the week this will be our home base, a place to train, recharge, and enjoy the slower rhythm of island life.

The property features:

• stunning sea views
• private and shared pools
• spacious outdoor terraces
• peaceful areas to relax between sessions
• beautiful communal spaces for meals and gatherings

The quiet location allows us to step away from busy tourist areas and fully immerse ourselves in the retreat experience, while still being close to some of Crete’s most spectacular coastline.

We chose this venue intentionally for its peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking views, and the way it supports both focused training and rest.

Meals

Meals throughout the retreat are freshly prepared by our Retreat Partner, Crete Chefs, using seasonal Mediterranean ingredients and locally sourced produce.

We want you to feel well nourished, energised for training, and truly looked after during your time here, so expect generous, wholesome meals designed to support both recovery and performance.

Meals included:

• daily silent breakfast
• selected lunches
• community-style dinners

Silent Breakfast

Each morning begins with a quiet, self-serve breakfast. Coffee and tea will be available first thing in the morning, along with a selection of light breakfast options you can enjoy as you ease into the day.

We keep this time intentionally quiet so everyone can wake up slowly, hydrate, enjoy the morning views, and prepare for training without the rush of conversation. We encourage you to use this time to journal, watch the sunrise, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment before the day begins.

Shared Meals & Community Time

Lunches and dinners will be shared meals enjoyed together, creating space for connection, conversation, and community after a full day of training.

Meals are served family-style, encouraging a relaxed and social atmosphere where everyone can gather around the table and unwind.

Greek Night Celebration

On our final evening we’ll celebrate the week with a special Greek Night dinner, featuring traditional dishes, local wine, and a festive atmosphere to close the retreat together.

It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the week, celebrate the progress made, and enjoy one last evening as a group.

Late Arrivals

We know some guests will be arriving later in the evening on arrival day and may miss the welcome dinner. For those arriving after dinner time, our chefs will prepare a meal that will be waiting in your villa, so you can settle in comfortably and not go to sleep hungry after your travels.

Your Retreat Gifts

We’re excited to gift each participant a set of custom handstand blocks, along with a Somatika tote bagand Movement Made resistance bands to support your training throughout the week.

Your retreat essentials will be waiting for you in your villa when you arrive, ready to use during our sessions together.

We hope these become tools you continue using long after the retreat as a reminder of your time in Crete.

What to Pack

Training Essentials

• training clothes
• light layers for spring weather

General Items

• beach towel
• swimwear
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• comfortable shoes
• reusable water bottle

Optional

• journal & pen
• snorkel mask

Travel Insurance

All participants are responsible for arranging their own:

• travel insurance
• medical insurance

We strongly recommend ensuring you are covered for:

• international travel
• medical treatment
• trip delays or cancellations

Helpful Notes

To help create a great experience for everyone:

• prepare in advance with your 30-days free access to Somatika App
• arrive well rested and ready to train
• stay hydrated throughout the week
• respect shared spaces and fellow participants
• allow yourself time to disconnect and be present

Somatika is designed to be both physically challenging and restorative.

Contact

If you have questions before arrival, please reach out to Amy:

team@mindful-somatics.com

WhatsApp Group

Please join this WhatsApp group with all participants.

This will give you the chance to connect with your fellow retreat guests ahead of arrival, ask any last-minute questions, and coordinate things like shared airport transfers or travel plans if helpful.

We’ll also use the group during the retreat to share any quick updates, reminders, or schedule notes.

We Can’t Wait to Welcome You

Crete is a magical place, and we’re so excited to share this experience with you. Get ready for a week of handstands, movement, ocean air, and connection.

See you soon.

Amy & the Somatika Team