23rd - 30th June 2025
Douliana, Crete
All Inclusive
13 Guests Max
The Art of Living: A Seven-Day Mindfulness Odyssey in Crete
With Clinical Hypnotherapist Fiona Brennan
Early Bird: book before Monday February 17th, 2025 to save €400!
Value for Money: 5/5
“I don’t know how you put a monetary value on what we got for the week. On an emotional level – I can’t put a price on the learnings and the experience that I had. Worth every penny. Amazing.“
Light Up 2025 is an exclusive, therapeutic wellness retreat on the sunny island of Crete.
An Invitation to Transform Your Life
Join Fiona & Ciaran in their spiritual home.
Step into a world where the mountains embrace the sea, where time slows, and your soul finds its rhythm.
We want to show you why we love this beautiful island and it’s people so much!
We invite you to join us for a deeply nourishing seven-day retreat in Crete, inspired by Fiona Brennan’s clinical expertise and lived experience and based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh (See content below).
This is your chance to reconnect with yourself, awaken your senses, and embrace the art of truly living.
Seven-Day Retreat Teaching Content
*Please note you will have plenty of time for rest & reflection each afternoon to spend at the pool or to go swimming in the sea locally.
Day 1: Emptiness – The Wonder of Interbeing
- Teaching: Recognise that you are not separate from life, but deeply interconnected with all that is.
- Practice: Guided meditation on interbeing, mindful breathing exercises, and opening circle to connect with yourself and others.
Day 2: Signlessness – A Cloud Never Dies
- Teaching: Let go of rigid ideas and embrace the fluid, ever-changing nature of life.
- Practice: Walking meditation, journaling reflections on impermanence, and a mindful eating experience to savour each moment fully.
Day 3: Aimlessness – Resting in God/The Universe
- Teaching: True peace and happiness come from embracing the present, rather than chasing an ideal future.
- Practice: Deep relaxation, gratitude meditation, and time for creative expression, allowing joy to arise naturally.
Day 4: Impermanence – Now Is the Time
- Teaching: Accept change as a constant and learn to flow with it rather than resist it.
- Practice: Letting go ritual and a heartfelt discussion on embracing life’s transitions with grace.
Day 5: Non-Craving – You Have Enough
- Teaching: Recognize that contentment and fulfilment arise from within, not from external acquisitions.
- Practice: Metta (loving-kindness) meditation, sharing circles on abundance, and a joyful celebration of the simple pleasures of life.
Day 6: Letting Go – Transformation and Healing
- Teaching: Releasing attachments and past wounds allows space for growth and renewal.
- Practice: Guided meditation on surrender, sound bath for deep healing, and dancing beneath the stars to embody the joy of freedom.
Day 7: Nirvana Is Now
- Teaching: Nirvana is not a distant goal but a state of being fully present and alive in this very moment.
- Practice: Silent morning meditation, reflection on integrating retreat lessons into daily life, and a closing ceremony to honour the journey ahead.
Bespoke & immersive retreat on the light-filled island of Crete.
Embark on the 7 MOST positively transformative days and nights of your life.
Small & intimate – we keep it small so you get the attention you deserve!
Excellent value – full board and all-inclusive.
- Practise gentle morning yoga amd feel the first golden rays of sunshine warm your skin
- Savour fresh, nourishing meals made from locally sourced ingredients, lovingly prepared by our host Natalie
- Swim in crystal-clear waters, letting the sea cleanse and rejuvenate you
- Explore the charming streets of Chania, rich with history and culture
- Sail into the sunset on a serene cruise, surrendering to the beauty of the open sea
- Experience a deeply relaxing sound bath, allowing vibrations to restore balance and harmony
- Book an optional massage with Heidrun to enhance relaxation and well-being further
- Laugh, dance and share heartfelt moments with like-minded souls
This retreat is an intimate gathering, where you can come with a friend or arrive solo and make meaningful connections. In this sacred space, you are free to be your authentic self, knowing that you are seen, heard, and embraced with love. The small group setting allows time for everyone’s story to be shared, fostering deep bonds and heartfelt understanding. Together, we will create a supportive environment where joy is celebrated, healing unfolds naturally, and laughter becomes a language of connection.
This retreat is not just an escape; it’s an opportunity to bring mindfulness, joy, and connection into your everyday life.
Leave with a heart full of memories and a toolkit full of practices to help you live each day with clarity, purpose, and unbridled joy.
Are you ready to embrace the journey?
What's Included?
Transfers by private minibus/taxi to and from Chania airport to the cottages for those departing on the Ryanair Dublin flight.
7 nights accomodation in one of the 8 cottages
All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
Personal exploration sessions each morning with acclaimed Clinical Hypnotherapist, Fiona Brennan
Guided meditation sessions every day
Soundbath
Yoga & mindful movement every day
Excursion: to the beautiful city of Chania and dinner in the old town
Sleep time/wind down hypnotherapy some evenings with Fiona Brennan
Plenty of rest & reflect time each afternoon (except on excursion day) to relax by the pool or in the garden etc
N.B. The cost your flights is not included. Ryanair fly directly from Dublin to Chania and flights are open for booking.
- There is an optional one-hour fully massage with our brilliant masseuse, Heidrun €60 (payable directly to her in cash).
- There is also an optional 2-hour Sunset Cruise in Souda Bay one of the evenings, approx €30 (payable directly to Kalives Cruises).
Do you find it hard to make or even better take time for yourself?
Have you been to therapy or considering it but are concerned it will be too hard and take too long?
Do you feel that the responsibilities of life can become too much?
Many of Fiona’s clients express similar concerns when they are struggling to stay positive in a world that is full of uncertainty.
When you are in the same routine day in and day out with the same people and the same challenges it is very hard to get a different perspective.
In order to shift your mindset you need to change your circumstances. To step into the light and away from the noise. To step out of the familiar and into the beauty of the unknown.
The range of guests that attended our Light Up retreats in 2022, 2023 and 2024 were people just like you. Many of them expressed excitement and nerves about embarking on such an adventure. Many felt guilty for prioritising themselves, taking time away from family and spending money on their own well-being. Some of our guests had families to look after with children and also parents getting older, some had their own businesses and/or demanding careers that left them with no free time. Some of them had all of the above. Either way, each person came with courage and a determination to embrace the opportunity to really let go of what no longer serves them and to embrace a lighter, brighter, way of being in the world. We are so proud of the group and they continue to support one another.
Overall: 5/5
“What Fiona and Ciaran do on these Retreats is literally life changing. The therapy, the work on yourself, the discoveries are all amazing but the awareness that we need to be able to bring this home and make it part of our lives is supported with practices, follow ups and practical changes. Being able to access the space, silence and the lack of distraction that we had in Crete here, back in our everyday lives, is a testament to Fionas skills and ability and a gift that she shares with us all.“
More about the Retreat
Light Up 2025 is more than a week’s pampering or a retreat from life – it’s a life-changing experience that provides you with life-long tools, a small supportive community, self-knowledge and above all self-belief.
We are alive for an average of 4,000 weeks. Can you take just one for yourself to make the most of your precious time on this planet?
In the intimate group sessions you will be guided under Fiona’s supervision to explore what it is specifically that has been holding you back so far and then provided with the practical steps to help you start to move forward.
The yoga, meditation and sound bath sessions will help you to release and to rejuvenate your energy. The downtime each afternoon is for you to connect to yourself, to reflect and to rest. The excursions and evening dinners are all about fun and connection.
Like anything you have ever achieved in your life, your energy and work is required to make it happen. Positive mental health is a lifetime commitment and needs your devotion and attention. Fiona practises all that she preaches and will share with you her private insights into how to manage anxiety and fears when they arise.
From a practical perspective you are in the very best hands with the Retreat Manager, Ciaran, Fiona’s partner in love, life and business.
Ciaran’s attention to detail is second to none and he is always there with a bright smile to help you.
Overall: 5/5
“The Light Up 2024 retreat was amazing. From start to finish everything worked so well. The organisation of the whole retreat was so smooth and efficient there was never any issue and communication from time of booking to time of leaving at the end of a fanastic week was so good.“
Meet the Team
Dimitris Gkioulos – Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga Coach
Yoga: 5/5
“For me the morning yoga sessions with Dimitris were a highlight. He is such a beautiful, zen soul who is not only amazing at leading a yoga session but so intuitive to everyone present and what people needed any morning. I would move to Chania if I could attend a yoga session with Dimitris every day!“
Dimitris is a highly experienced Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher who worked with us at the highly successful Light Up retreats in 2022 and 2024.
He is the owner of Re-Treat Yoga Studio (www.retreatyogastudio.gr) and organises and teaches at yoga retreats and workshops in Crete, Greece and beyond.
He is also a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and a lecturer in “Yoga & Mental Wellness” in collaboration with psycotherapists, and the inspirer of the “Yamas ~ Food Project” a culinary project combining mindful eating and cooking in yoga retreats.
He has completed many yoga teacher trainings including 200h of Yin Yang Yoga, 200h of Vinyasa Flow Yoga and a 100h course on Mindfulness Meditation. He has also completed a 120h Thai Yoga Massage Training and has attended various workshops such as the three-day Yoga Workshop with Sean Phelps and Retreat with Ricardo Barbato.
Heidrun Kimm – Ayurvedic Massage Therapist, Sound Massage Practitioner and Aquasonus© Wellness Practitioner
Massage: 5/5
“OMG Heidrun, She is incredible lady. What can I say, I booked a second massage with her. Excellent. “
Heidrun performs highly effective ‘sound bath’ meditations complete with singing bowls and gongs and will be doing one of these sessions during the Retreat.
“A truly magic lady – her massage was so intuitive and healing but the sound bath took healing and emotional release to a whole new level. I felt like I released years probably decades of suppressed emotional trauma during the placement of the bowls in the sound bath – it was so freeing and I felt so much lighter. Amazing experience – years of therapy didn’t scratch the surface of these repressed memories and emotions yet they were processed and released during the sound bath – amazing.”
Book with Confidence!
N.B. If for any reason the Retreat is cancelled by the organisers then a full refund including the booking deposit will be made as soon as is practicable.
Ryanair flies direct to Chania from Dublin and flights are now available to book.
Discover
The Cottages
Situated in the small and unspoilt hillside village of Douliana, half an hour drive from the Venetian influenced city of Chania and its international airport, and just a ten minute drive from the nearest sandy beach of Almirida and Kalives. Natalia’s houses (5 cottages) and Helianthos (3 cottages next door) will be your home for the week. Each cottage has its own partially-covered veranda, for you to sit out and enjoy the views and comes with air-conditioning, for your comfort during the hotter summer months. All of the guest houses come with fully-equipped kitchen (not that you will need it), an ironing board and iron, a hair dryer and a safety deposit box. All bed linen and towels are provided, and these are changed twice-weekly during your stay.
Accomodation: 5/5
“Perfect accommodation. Very relaxing, magnificent surroundings Natilla, her family and staff were just so nice, nothing was a problem. I would go back and recommend to my friends as a place to go for sure.“
Swimming Pool Natalia
Garden area Natalia
Terrace Agapi Natalia
Helianthos Pool
Helianthos Twin
Helianthos Twin
Agapi Double Room
mezzanine to twin loft leads off.
Lydia Twin
Helianthos Private Cottage
Helianthos Private Cottage
Bathroom Natalia
Outdoor area Natalia
Natalias Houses
Dining Area Natalia
Bar Area Natalia
Helianthos Swimming Pool
Accomodation: 5/5
“Our little house was delightful, so comfortable & spacious. With beautiful views of our stunning surroundings. I enjoyed every moment being there and had the most restful sleeps. “
The Retreat in Images
By the pool in Natalia’s Houses
Natalia and Vassos – your hosts
A session with Fiona
On the sunset cruise
Pool & dining in Natalia’s Houses
A session with Fiona
On the sunset cruise
Yoga with Dimitris
Daily Board
Yoga with Dimitris
With the Captain on the sunset cruise
Swimming off the boat – sunset cruise
Enjoying the fun on the cruise
Palm trees in the village of Douliana
Dinner in local taverna
A session with Fiona
Dinner in local taverna
Breakfast in Natalia’s
The Village
A unique peaceful village, viewing the White Mountains, surrounded by vineyards, carob trees and olive groves. With small narrow streets and most of the buildings dated back to the 1885. A place where you can still witness, the true rural way of Cretan life and be part of it. Douliana is well hidden from mainstream tourism, away from busy main roads yet only 3km from the nearest beach, Kera and 4km from the resort towns of Kalives & Almyrida. Ideal for families, hikers and nature lovers with many countryside footpaths to explore. With a mixture of easy walks and challenging hikes, something to suit all tastes. Douliana has been awarded with protected Village status due to its historic stone buildings, and awarded the title of the national conservation area of beauty “NATURA”.
Douliana Crete
Douliana
Douliana
Taverna Douliana
Douliana
Douliana
Natalia shows her produce
Natalia’s Cretan Market
DISCOVER
Location & Nearby Attractions
Agios Georgios Monastery
Kera Beach
Sunset – Almyrida
Apokoronas Beach
Chania Venetian Lighthouse
Mosque in Chania Harbour
Chania Backstreets Old Town
Excursion: 5/5
“Really enjoyed the trip to Rethymno. It was nice having the afternoon to ourselves and doing our own thing. The city is beautiful and we had a lot of fun wandering around…dinner in Rethymno was lovely, a beautiful evening. Thank you! “
Food & Drink
Delicious Gourmet Food
Food: 5/5
“Natalia’s meals were lovely, it was nice to try local authentic food, it all tasted beautiful, lots of variety and quantity.“
Natalia prepares all of the food herself and uses fresh, organic local produce, olive oil, honey and herbs. She also runs her own Cretan market selling these products and many more!
Daily Seasonal Breakfast
A fresh and healthy range of fruits, cereals, Greek yoghurt and bread is provided buffet style every morning.
Coffee, Tea, Water, & Assorted Beverages
Coffee, a range of teas, water and fruit juices are provided and available for self-service.
Lunch
A healthy and nutritious buffet lunch is provided every day consisting of salads, Greek specialities and fresh breads.
Dinner
Delicious meat and vegetarian options are provided in our buffet each evening. Sample a range of home-cooked Greek specialities.
Grilled meats and veg
Delicious mixed Greek salad with olives and feta
Tomato, bread, olive and basil salad
Mariana medvedeva
okra
mezedes
fruits
chickpeas
cake
breakfast
beans
artichokes
Food: 5/5
“…and the food – a week of fruit and amazing vegetables and everything so fresh and authentic, could not have asked for more… so grateful.“
INFORMATION
Programme/Timetable
The retreat is structured in such a way that there will be a balance of group sessions with free time to relax by one of the pools or to stroll around the village and countryside and visit the local beaches. There will also be an excursion to the beautiful city of Chania with its Venetian harbour and lighthouse, charming old town, city walls and bustling shopping. Dinner will be provided in a local restaurant.
Information
What’s included?
Value for Money: 5/5
“Very good value for money. Very professional, all aspects thought of and made my experience seamless and very pleasant. Stars 10.“
Cost of retreat including:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Full board nutritious Mediterranean food prepared by Natalia plus at least 2 dinners out in local restaurants
- Exclusive group sessions with Fiona
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- A healing sound bath
- An exciting excursion to Chania city
Prices range from €2,300 to €3,200 depending on room type.
Early Bird: book before Monday February 17th, 2025 to save €400!
Payment Plan:
Pay a €500 deposit now and then pay the remainder in 3 equal and affordable instalments:
by 1st March 2025
by 1st April 2025
by 1st May 2025
We have endeavoured to keep prices down and will work with you to make it as easy and affordable as possible. Prices are the same as last year despite inflation!
There are a very limited number of spaces in this highly exclusive retreat. We keep the group small so that you get the attention you deserve.
N.B. If for any reason, the Retreat is cancelled by the organisers then a full refund including the booking deposit will be made as soon as is practicable.
What's Included?
Transfers by private minibus/taxi to and from Chania airport to the cottages for those departing on the Ryanair Dublin flight.
7 nights accomodation in one of the 8 cottages
All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
Personal exploration sessions each morning with acclaimed Clinical Hypnotherapist, Fiona Brennan
Guided meditation sessions every day
Soundbath
Yoga & mindful movement every day
Excursion: to the beautiful city of Chania and dinner in the old town
Sleep time/wind down hypnotherapy some evenings with Fiona Brennan
Plenty of rest & reflect time each afternoon (except on excursion day) to relax by the pool or in the garden etc
N.B. The cost your flights is not included. Ryanair fly directly from Dublin to Chania and flights are open for booking.
- There is an optional one-hour fully massage with our brilliant masseuse, Heidrun €60 (payable directly to her in cash).
- There is also an optional 2-hour Sunset Cruise in Souda Bay one of the evenings, approx €30 (payable directly to Kalives Cruises).
The Retreat is for those who:
are commited to working on themselves mentally and emotionally;
are not suffering from serious depression as defined by a medical practitioner;
have an average level of physical fitness to enable them to participate in all activities (walking, gentle yoga, comfortable in water).
Information
Amenities
WiFi
WiFi is available in each house.
Pools
There are 2 large outdoor pools with ample loungers and parasols for relaxing by the pools.
Bedroom Comforts
Super comfy beds to let you sleep deeply and peacefully at the end of your day. Each bedroom has air conditioning. Towels, shower gel, soaps are provided.
Terms & Conditions
The Terms and Conditions contains a waiver and cancellation policy which you will be required to sign before you book. It is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance which will cover any eventualities including cancellation.
Code of Conduct
We would respectfully suggest that participants turn in for the night no later than 11pm as the following day’s schedule starts at 7am. Attendees are reminded that the emphasis is on health and wellbeing. Attendees should participate as fully as possible in all scheduled activities. Participants should behave at all times in a respectful manner to other guests and staff.
Have a Question?
Contact the Retreat Manager
Join us at Light Up 2025!
Register now to secure your place!
Register now to reserve your place on this exclusive retreat. Please note the booking deposit of €500 secures your place and is non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances. Payment of the remaining amount can either be made in one go or in 3 instalments. By paying your booking deposit you are stating you have read and will abide by the cancellation policy contained in the Terms and Conditions.