Beds: Single beds in a private or shared room with an ensuite bathroom and small kitchenette. All rooms have a private balcony framing the Mediterranean blue with hot pink bougainvillea. Daytime lounging is possible pretty much anywhere in the space of this retreat which feels like a beautiful sea-facing ashram. Borrow a book from the library, make yourself a Cretan herbal tea and take your pick of a garden hammock.
Breakfast: Pre-yoga snacks are fruit, nuts and herbal teas but the brunch that follows the morning practice is out of this world. Usually vegan to cater for all tastes and made with fresh, organic and locally sourced produce as far as possible. The tomatoes are to die for. There is coffee upstairs but by the end of week you have ditched caffeine for the refreshing herbal teas and juices they make. Alcohol is a no-no and any sweet treats that appear are an occasional surprise and made from any combination of cocoa, dates, banana or coconut. When you’re four days into a sugar detox they taste like pure gold.
Where to practice yoga: Anywhere really, but classes take place in the two yoga shalas – one upstairs in a white-washed room that faces the sea, with a therapeutic cooling breeze blowing through, and the wooden decking downstairs, great for cooler morning practice. They have all the props on hand and any teacher leading the retreat remains on site for the duration. Alternatively, head down to either of the two neighbouring beaches.
Unique WP factor: This was my first ever yoga retreat and it set a very high benchmark. Phil and Helen who run it, are two of the loveliest people you will ever meet, Helen is a yoga teacher and Phil can turn his hand to pretty much anything, including fluent Greek (he is half-Cretan). They create a wonderful atmosphere, maintaining high yet unfussy standards and frequently welcome returning karma yogis year after year, who are eager to be part of the team and happy to cook, clean and generally make the new yogis feel welcome. Oh and a nod to the sunsets, over Triopetra (three rocks). Quite spectacular.
Not many people know but.. the beach to the left of the property (if you’re facing the sunset) is a nudist beach. Clothes, sarongs and swimsuits are all considered ‘too much clothing’.
*World on a Pillow stayed at Yoga Rocks in August 2012 and May 2014
WORLD ON A PILLOW 