A small, carefully selected gathering for those ready to explore what it means to live with greater meaning, intention and courage.
Rooted in ancient Greek Stoic philosophy and informed by lifestyle medicine, Eudaimonia brings together transformative teaching, reflective workshops, meditation and sound baths in an exceptional private setting in the heart of our home in Crete — where we welcome you not simply as guests, but into our world.
13–20 JULY 2027 · CRETE, GREECE
An exceptional setting. A deeply personal experience.
Set in the cooler foothills of Crete’s White Mountains, just ten minutes from the sea, Eudaimonia unfolds at Arosmari Village Boutique Hotel — a beautiful, intimate setting chosen to complement the experience at every level.
With exclusive use of the hotel, generous space to relax, a large swimming pool and air-conditioned accommodation, the setting offers the comfort, privacy and tranquillity to step away from everyday life and give yourself fully to the experience.
Direct flights to Chania make reaching Crete straightforward, while the warmth of the surroundings and the personal nature of the gathering create something that goes beyond a stay in a beautiful hotel.
You are not simply joining us at a destination. Our house is on site and you are being welcomed into our world, where exceptional hospitality, thoughtful teaching and the opportunity for meaningful transformation come together.
Meet Your Hosts
A philosophy we live, not just teach.
Eudaimonia brings together our shared passion for living well and our belief that a flourishing life is cultivated through the choices we make every day.
The teachings are led by Fiona Brennan author of the 2019 bestselling self-help classic The Positive Habit, rooted in Stoic philosophy and the science of habit formation. Her work is complemented by training in Lifestyle Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Positive Psychology, bringing together ancient wisdom and contemporary science to explore how we can live with greater intention, resilience and purpose.
Ciaran Hyde, her husband and co-host, is the retreat manager and a meditation teacher and soundbath practitioner. He brings a thoughtful, calming presence to the experience, creating space for rest, reflection and restoration. He is also the man to go to with any practical concerns.
Together, we welcome you not simply to attend a retreat, but to share in a philosophy and a way of life that mean a great deal to us.
The Philosophy
“Happiness is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.”
More than happiness. A way of living.
The ancient Greeks understood that a good life is about more than feeling good.
Eudaimonia is often translated as “happiness”, but its deeper meaning is human flourishing: living with purpose, developing our character and becoming the fullest expression of who we can be.
The word itself offers a glimpse into its meaning:
- Eu — good, well, true
- Daimon — inner spirit, divine spark, our guiding rational nature
- -ia — a state or condition of being
Eudaimonia is a state of good spirit, cultivated through our daily choices, habits and actions. It is not a fleeting feeling or a peak experience, but an ongoing practice of living well.
While hedonia centres on pleasure and enjoyment, eudaimonia asks a deeper question: Am I living a life of meaning and purpose, guided by what truly matters?
As Aristotle wrote:
“Happiness is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.”
At Eudaimonia, we bring this philosophy to life through ancient Greek Stoic wisdom, lifestyle medicine and the everyday practices that help us flourish.
From Philosophy to Practice
Seven nights in Crete: 13–20 July 2027
Each day at Eudaimonia has its own character. Inspired by ancient Greek philosophy and the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, the week combines thoughtful teaching with experiences that bring the ideas to life.
We’ll greet the sunrise, walk in nature, swim in the Mediterranean, move gently, enjoy nourishing Mediterranean food, explore the history and culture of Crete, and make time for meditation, reflection and deep rest. There will be shared discoveries and meaningful conversations, alongside generous afternoons to swim, read, nap or simply be.
The programme is intentionally varied, not overloaded. We want you to experience the value of healthy habits and meaningful connection without feeling that every moment needs to be full.
Sample Timetable
To view the proposed timetable please click here.
This is an illustrative programme, and exact timings and activities may evolve. The intention is to offer a rich and varied experience without overloading the days, with room for individual needs, rest and spontaneity.
The six pillars, woven throughout the week
Nourishing food · Fresh Mediterranean meals, seasonal ingredients and mindful enjoyment of food.
Movement · Sunrise walks, gentle yoga, swimming and opportunities to explore on foot.
Restorative sleep · Unhurried mornings, space to unwind and evening soundbaths beneath the stars.
Stress management · Meditation, breathing, reflection, nature and practices that encourage calm and resilience.
Positive social connection · Shared meals, philosophical conversations, workshops, local culture and the experience of belonging to a small group.
Avoidance of risky substances · An exploration of choices that support wellbeing, approached thoughtfully and without judgement.
Who is Eudaimonia for?
For those ready to make more of the life they live.
Eudaimonia is for people who want to live with greater purpose, strengthen their wellbeing and bring their daily choices into closer alignment with what truly matters.
Perhaps you’re at a crossroads, navigating a new chapter, rethinking old habits or simply sensing there’s more to living well than being busy, successful or comfortable.
You’re curious, open to new perspectives and willing to take an active role in your own growth — while sharing the experience with others on a similar journey.
Come with your partner, a family member or on your own. Each person brings their own perspective and their own reason for being here.
The Setting
A place close to our hearts. What makes Eudaimonia truly personal is that our own private home sits right next door. You’ll stay in the comfort of the hotel, while being welcomed into the place we call home — sharing in the beauty, stillness and spirit of a place that means a great deal to us. For seven nights, we invite you to slow down, reconnect and make space for what truly matters.
To view gallery click here.
In the foothills of Crete’s White Mountains, surrounded by olive groves, village churches and the gentle sounds of rural life, lies Arosmari Village Boutique Hotel, a haven in the timeless village of Vamos.
Arosmari Village Hotel is run by our travel partners Simpson Travel and gets 4.9 out of 5 on Trip Advisor, 4.9 out of 5 on Google Reviews.
Traditional stone and cypress-wood cottages sit among gardens scented with roses, jasmine and lavender. Hidden corners invite you to read, meditate or simply rest. A shepherd’s hut, an old threshing circle and a small chapel recall the rhythms of rural Crete, while leisurely breakfasts feature local produce and afternoons unfold beside the pool.
Intimate, adults-only and rich in authentic Cretan character, Arosmari offers exceptional comfort in a setting deeply connected to the land and its traditions.
A cooler setting for the Cretan summer
July in Crete can be hot, but Arosmari’s elevated foothill setting means temperatures are typically cooler than along the coast. Surrounded by mountain landscapes and away from the heat of the seafront, Vamos offers a more temperate feel, particularly in the evenings. With shaded gardens, a generous pool and air-conditioned cottages, you can enjoy the Cretan summer in comfort, with plenty of time to relax during the warmer hours.
Your Experience & Investment
Seven nights in Crete · 13–20 July 2027
Eudaimonia is an opportunity to step away from everyday life and invest in how you live, think and feel — guided by ancient Greek philosophy and informed by lifestyle medicine.
The heart of the experience lies in the teachings, reflective workshops and practical tools you’ll explore with us, alongside meditation, yoga and restorative soundbaths. These are complemented by time to rest, swim, discover Crete and connect with a small group of like-minded people.
A choice of accommodation
- Private one bedroom cottages (single occupancy) – an entire cottage including kitchen/living room, bathroom, bedroom with double bed and private terrace – €3,395
- Private one bedroom cottages (couple occupancy) – an entire cottage including kitchen/living room, bathroom, bedroom with double bed and private terrace – €5,530 (€2,765 per person)
- Twin bedroom for 2 friends in shared cottage – €4,790 (€2,395 per person)
- Private room with double bed in shared cottage – €2,995 (single occupancy)
- Private single bed room in shared cottage – €2,495 (single occupancy). There is only one room like this.
Special Introductory Rate
As we open applications for Eudaimonia, we’re delighted to offer a special introductory rate for those who apply by 30 November 2026. After this date, our standard rates will apply.
Once your application has been accepted, a non-refundable deposit of €500 per person secures your place, with €1,000 payable for couples or two friends booking together.
To make planning easier, we have a flexible payment plan in place, with no further payments required until February 2027.
N.B Your place is tansferable to a friend if you are unable to make it for any reason.
To view accommodation gallery please click here.
Your stay includes
- Philosophical teachings and experiential workshops
- Seven nights at Arosmari Village Boutique Hotel, with air-conditioned accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Guided meditation, gentle yoga and restorative soundbaths
- Included transfers and planned excursions
- Time for swimming, reflection, rest and connection
- A personal welcome into our home and a place that means a great deal to us
- An opportunity to transform your life
Flights to and from Crete are not included, allowing you to make your own travel arrangements.
We see this as more than a week away. It’s an investment in the time, guidance and practices that may help you bring greater meaning, intention and wellbeing into everyday life.
Your Next Chapter Begins Here
Perhaps this is a moment to pause, reflect and consider what living well could mean for you.
If Eudaimonia speaks to you, we invite you to apply to join us in Crete. With a small, carefully selected group, each application is an opportunity for us to get to know you and explore whether this experience feels right for you.
A week to explore what it means to flourish — and how to bring that understanding into everyday life.