RETREATS

On Holiday With Dionne And Friends
The ethos behind the package is to have a stress-busting holiday which has exercise as its focus, but presents an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of like-minded people and make new friends. The guidelines for the amount and type of exercise prescribed for the week are based on the American College of Sports Medicines ( ACSM 1990) recommendations to improve health related fitness.

Why have I used these guidelines? To give individuals an idea of the type of activities we need to do just to remain healthy and to see that it can be achieved. Do not worry, all of the activities on offer will be of low to moderate intensity and the vacation will still have a holiday feel. There will be free time for day excursions and exploring the local area and healing therapies can be arranged. The venue is the White Mountain Retreat in Crete.

Proposed Activities

• Walking
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Strength/endurance work with resistance bands
• A dance class i.e. salsa (to be confirmed)
• Talks on nutrition and exercise

The White Mountain Retreat
The retreat is located just outside the hill village of Plaka near the beach resort of lmyrida. Drivetime to Chania, the nearest large town and airport is approximately 40 minutes. The accommodation at the White Mountain Retreat is pleasant, simple and natural. The centre is set in a beautiful rolling coastal landscape overlooking Souda Bay on the north west coast of Crete. White Mountain Retreat stands on an ancient sacred headland above the sea; the centre has three buildings, terraces, surrounding gardens and olive groves occupying almost six acres of land. Areas of the centre are set aside for quietude, meditation and exercise, for group work and relaxation, indoors and out.

The food on the holiday is on a half board basis but features lots of vegetarian dishes although meat dishes are available, all prepared with the best organic fresh and whole food ingredients. Special dietary needs can be catered for provided that sufficient notice is given.

A selection of comfortable single, twin and three berth rooms are available often with a sea view and terrace access, all with shared bath or shower rooms.

The date of the holiday is the week of Tuesday the 31st August to Tuesday the 7th September.

Price
The total cost of the holiday is £665.

The price of the holiday includes:-
• Transfer to and from Chania airport or Souda port
• Flight from London/Gatwick to Chania/Crete and the return journey
• Food and accommodation at The White Mountain Retreat on a half board basis
• Tuition fee for all the exercise instruction

The total cost of the holiday can be paid in its entirety if one so wishes. Alternatively an instalment scheme is available with the proviso that dates shown for payments are absolute deadlines and must be met.

Instalment Scheme
1st initial deposit of £160 for flight and venue payable immediately
2nd instalment of £199 due by Friday 4th June
3rd instalment of £210 due by Friday 9th July
4th final instalment of £96 due by Friday 6th August

What is not included in the cost of the holiday
• There is no insurance cover included in the total cost
• Cost of healing therapies are payable to therapist and they charge their own rate
• Cost of excursions is not included in the total cost
• Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages are competively priced
• Bicycles and scooters are available to hire for an additional fee
• Cars are also available to hire

Additional information
Sole travellers are welcome as a few single rooms are available and if necessary alternative accommodation not far from The White Mountain Retreat can be found so book early if sharing a room with a stranger is a problem. The holiday is open to both male and females and even if travelling alone their will be a strong focus on socializing with other individuals on the trip. Once the group members have been finalised a meeting will be arranged so that people can get to know others on the trip and any final details sorted out. Depending on the group request it also possible to book excursions prior to the holiday. On a few occasions we will eat out together in a local taverna as a group.

Please check the website for the final itinerary but it will feature all of those activities stated earlier as the focus is low intensity exercise and relaxation.