October 17–21, Plakias, Crete

Take a few days to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to the essence of practice. Join us in beautiful Plakias, Crete, at a warm family-run hotel by the sea — the perfect place to deepen your connection to body, mind, and spirit.

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“Ashtanga is a living practice that continues to transform me, even now at 77. This path has gifted me strength, healthy joints, flexibility — but above all, presence. Each day we step on the mat, we open the door to ourselves.” — Kathy

In our daily clinics, Kathy will share her decades of experience: how the breath and bandhas invite surrender and guide us safely through the practice — how skillful repetition of vinyasas builds a strong foundation — how back bending, when done mindfully, becomes a beautiful dance of expansion.

We’ll explore:
• Safe and supported backbends
• Hip openers
• The art of inversions — the queen and king of asanas — and their subtle gifts
• And finally, savasana: a sacred pause to integrate, heal, and renew.

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It’s an honour to share the Vinyasa Krama method as I received it directly from Srivatsa Ramaswami — the longest-standing student of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, one of modern yoga’s greatest teachers.

Vinyasa Krama means the artful sequencing of movement, breath, and awareness. It is not just a style — it’s a complete method for exploring yoga step by step, with precision, fluidity, and inner silence. Each posture unfolds through variations and transitions, synchronized with mindful, steady breath.

As Srivatsa Ramaswami writes:

“By integrating the functions of mind, body, and breath in the same time frame, the practitioner experiences the real joy of yoga practice.”

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Sample Schedule

October 17 — Friday
• 14:00 Check-in
• 17:00–18:30 Breath & Bandhas Workshop
• 18:30–19:45 Vinyasa Krama Supine Sequence
• 20:00 Indian homemade dinner

October 18–21 — Saturday to Tuesday
• 08:00–08:30 Morning Meditation
• 08:30–10:30 Ashtanga Mysore Practice
• 10:30–10:45 Pranayama
• 11:00 Nutritious Brunch
• Free Time to swim, rest, or explore Plakias
• 17:00–18:30 Evenings Workshops:
>Alignment
>Backbends
>Inversions
>Asana Insights
• 18:30–19:45 Vinyasa Krama Sequences
• 20:00 Dinner

The retreat ends on October 21st with a final nourishing brunch.

Where: Antonis Studios & Apartments, Mouson, Myrthianos Plakias 740 53. This is family run, a half mile walk uphill from the sea. The accommodation is clean and bright with cooking facilities and a wet-room bathroom. The family members are friendly and helpful. Out of season the area is quiet but has supermarkets and a couple of tavernas open. It is ideal for hiking with beautiful views of sea and mountains, and local villages to visit. It’s a 40 minute pleasant drive to the 3rd largest town, Rethymno, well worth a visit.

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Meet Your Teachers

Kathy Cooper
Kathy is among the first generation of Western Ashtanga teachers. For 50 years, she has been a devoted practitioner, learning directly from pioneers like David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, and Guruji K. Pattabhi Jois himself — completing all advanced series. Kathy’s daily practice is her healer and guide, her anchor to presence and transformation. Her teaching weaves the deep wisdom of alignment, bandhas, and breath into safe, sustainable practice that supports each student’s unique journey.

Konstantinos Tournas
Konstantinos has dedicated his life to the living tradition of yoga since 2006. His journey has taken him across India — from the Art of Living Ashram in Germany to studying with Manju Jois, Rolf & Marci Naujokat, Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor, Srivatsa Ramaswami and many more. He is certified in Ashtanga, Vinyasa Krama, Yin Yoga, Thai Massage, Reiki, Pranic Healing, and has immersed himself in Vedic studies, silence retreats, and group psychotherapy. Today he shares his knowledge with warmth and humility, offering daily classes in Heraklion and retreats in Europe and India.

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Why Join Us
• Deepen your practice with two experienced teachers
• Discover how Ashtanga & Vinyasa Krama can nourish you for life
• Relax and recharge by the sea in an authentic Cretan village
• Nourish your body with wholesome meals and mindful rest
• Connect with a warm community of fellow seekers

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Come as you are. Leave lighter, stronger, clearer — and inspired to carry the practice home.
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early bird till 15th of September

530 double shared room
600 single room
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after 15th of September

580 double shared room
650 single room