✨ The Art of Balance: A Handstand Retreat by Mindful Somatics™

7 - 21 April 2026 ||| Crete, Greece

SOMATIKA - Where technical precision meets strength and inner stillness.

Join Coach Chala, Founder of Mindful Somatics™, for 5 days of Strength, Handstand Balance, and Mindful Connection on the breathtaking southern coast of Crete, Greece!

This all-levels retreat is designed for anyone ready to unlock their handstand potential. Whether you’re just starting to explore handstands and feel unsure where to begin, or looking to break through a plateau in your advanced handstand skills, both beginner and advanced groups will be supported—as your coach, I’ll meet you exactly where you are.

Through a blend of mobility, strength, and somatic awareness, you’ll reconnect with your body, master new skills, and cultivate a sense of play and freedom in your practice.

Expect sunrise meditations, theory sessions that reveal the why behind each movement, and nourishing Mediterranean meals shared in community.

This handstand retreat is a transformative journey that balances intensity with restoration, community with solitude, and discipline with joy.

Who This Retreat Is For?

You are ready to finally unlock your handstand? A yoga teacher or coach wanting to offer more handstand training guidance to your students? A calisthenics or CrossFit athlete, or a curious beginner ready to reconnect with your body in a whole new way? This experience meets you where you are.

You’ll learn in a supportive, international community while balancing focused training with time to rest, reset, and explore the magic of Crete’s southern coast.

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Make It Mine

Retreat Benefits:

  • Train Smarter: Build strength, mobility, and awareness with expert coaching and theory-based sessions

  • Accelerate Progress: Unlock alignment and control with structured, progressive training

  • Connect Deeply: Cultivate somatic awareness and a stronger mind–body connection

  • Experience Crete! Enjoy ocean swims, local food, and stunning Mediterranean sunsets ✨

  • Start Early: Get 30 days of free access to the Mindful Somatics™ App to prepare for the retreat so you can get the most out of this experience

  • Find Your Tribe: Join a global community of dedicated, curious movers

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Make It Mine

  • Handstand Foundations to Mastery — From your first wall handstand to kick-up accuracy, press-to-handstand training, one-arm foundations, and handstand push-up strength progressions.

  • Handstand Theory Classes — Deepen your understanding of technique, strength progressions, and the mental focus behind these advanced skills.

  • Handstand Theory Classes — Deepen your understanding of technique, strength progressions, and the mental focus behind these advanced skills.

  • Meditation & Mindfulness — Sunrise stillness to ground and focus your mind.

  • Mobility Training — Develop flexibility, stability, and range of motion to free your body’s movement and express your full potential.

Practices You’ll Experience
at SOMATIKA:

The Mindful Somatics™ Philosophy

Mindful Somatics™ is more than a training method — it’s a conversation between your mind and body.
By blending athletic movement and technical precision with somatic awareness, you’ll learn to listen, adapt, and unlock new strength from the inside out.
You’ll leave Crete not only stronger, but more deeply attuned to your body’s intelligence.

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EXHALE…

Your Cretan Home: Altera Cave Villas

Altera Cave Villas, South Crete: https://alteracavevillas.gr/
Perched above the sparkling Libyan Sea, Altera Cave Villas is your sanctuary for rest, reflection, and play.

Located in Finikidia – Agios Pavlos, the villas overlook dramatic cliffs and tranquil beaches. Each villa features modern design, private pools, and panoramic sea views — perfect for post-training relaxation or morning meditation.

  • 3 km to Agios Pavlos (mini-market, cafes, and restaurants)

  • 30 minutes to Spili (supermarkets, pharmacy, and shops)

  • 13 km to Agia Galini (harbor town with shopping and dining)

You’ll experience authentic local Greek hospitality, fresh local cuisine, and the serene rhythm of island life — an ideal setting for deep practice and renewal.

Weather in Crete – April ☀️

Enjoy warm spring days around 18–22°C, perfect for training, ocean swims, and sunset walks. Cool mornings and evenings bring the ideal balance of energy and ease.

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Sample Itinerary:

April 7–12, 2025

(Schedule subject to small changes based on weather and group needs)

Day 1 – April 7: Arrival & Welcome

  • Arrive from Heraklion Airport

  • Settle into your villa and enjoy free time to unwind

  • Evening Welcome Circle & Dinner prepared by our Crete chef

Days 2–5: Training & Exploration

  • 6:15 AM – Sunrise Meditation on the Terrace

  • 7:00 AM – Coffee & Self-Serve Breakfast

  • 8:30 AM – Mobility & Theory Session (90 min)

  • 10:00 AM – Break

  • 11:00 AM – Brunch prepared by Crete chefs

  • 2:00 PM – Handstand Skills & Drills (all levels)

  • 3:00 PM – Advanced Handstand Training

  • 4:00–6:00 PM – Free Time (swim, rest, explore)

  • 6:00 PM – Dinner prepared by Crete chef

Excursions & Special Sessions:

  •  Sunrise ocean dip

  •  Afternoon Beach Session + Sunset Hangout at Agios Pavlos Sandhills Beach

Day 6 – April 12: Departures:

  • Morning goodbyes & Departures

Pricing & Accommodation

This retreat is intimate and in high demand, with limited spaces available. For our dorm-style rooms, we will do our best to accommodate male/female preferences.

To reserve your spot, we ask for a non-refundable deposit of €399, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the retreat by 7th, March 2026.

We recommend securing your place early to ensure you don’t miss out on this transformative experience!


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Cave Villa – Dorm Style Villa | €1,499

2-bedroom villa w/ 4 single or 2 double beds + 2 bathrooms + private pool

Double Villa – Shared Occupancy | €1,899

1-bedroom villa w/ 2 single beds(shared by 2 people) + private pool (ideal for a couple or friends)

Private Villa - Solo Occupancy | €2,499

1-bedroom private villa + private pool

Not included:
  • Flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Extra treatments or massages
  • Airport transfers
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that life can be unpredictable, so please review our policy carefully before booking:
  • Deposits are non-refundable.
  • More than 90 days before the retreat: 100% refund of the balance (deposit excluded).
  • Within 60 days: 50% refund of the balance (deposit excluded).
  • Within 30 days: No refunds available.
  • No refunds or credits will be given for late arrivals, early departures, or missed sessions.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance to protect your investment. If, for any reason, we must cancel the retreat, you may:
  • Transfer your full retreat payment (less deposit) to another retreat, or
  • Request a refund of your payment (deposit remains transferable).
Please note, organisers are not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation, including flights or other related costs.

FAQ

FAQ

  • This retreat is open to all levels — from complete beginners exploring handstands for the first time to experienced practitioners and coaches wanting to refine technique and alignment.
    You’ll be supported in a small group setting, with progressions adapted to your individual level.

  • Not at all! You’ll learn the foundations — strength, mobility, and body awareness — that build toward a confident handstand practice.
    Beginners and advanced movers will work in separate groups, each with tailored coaching.

  • Our retreat takes place on the southern coast of Crete, Greece, surrounded by the island’s stunning nature and Mediterranean views at the Altera Cave Villas - South Crete Rethymno

  • The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport (HER).
    From there, we’ll help coordinate transport to the retreat venue (approximately a 1.5-hour drive).
    We have organised a shuttle service that takes you to SOMATIKA from the airport with the other guests. If you prefer to rent a car and drive by yourself, please let us know ahead of time.

    • 5 nights / 6 days accommodation in a private or shared villa

    • 2 daily training sessions (mobility, handstand, somatics, theory)

    • Daily meditation & community sessions

    • Chef-prepared Mediterranean meals by our Culinary Retreat Partner, Crete Chefs (breakfast, brunch, dinner)

    • Group excursions and local experiences

    30 days of free access to the Mindful Somatics™ App before the retreat to prepare your body

  • Yes! All meals are included — healthy, nourishing Mediterranean dishes made with fresh local ingredients by private Crete chefs.
    We can accommodate dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) with prior notice.



  • Comfortable training clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a cozy sweater & sweatpants for cooler mornings and evenings — and, of course, an open mind. Yoga mats and props will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.


  • Absolutely! Many participants come solo. You’ll be warmly welcomed into our community — and we can pair you with a roommate if you choose a shared accommodation option.

  • Expect a balance of training, learning, rest, and exploration. Mornings include meditation and movement, afternoons focus on skill work, and evenings are for connection, beach time, and recovery. You can check out our Sample Itinerary for full details.

  • Pricing varies based on room type. Please find our pricing structure above on this page. A deposit secures your space, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to the retreat date. Once your application is approved, we’ll send payment details and travel info.

  • Cancellations made within 60+ days before the retreat are eligible for a partial refund or credit toward a future retreat. Full details will be outlined in your registration agreement.

  • Yes! All retreat participants receive 30 days of free access code to the app before the retreat to start preparing so you can get the most out of this experience.

best online handstand yoga teacher

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YOUR COACH at SOMATIKA

CHALA MOVES

Founder of Mindful Somatics™

Movement Coach Chala blends 14 years of experience in competitive team gymnastics coaching, CrossFit™, strength conditioning, and yoga with a mindful, health-focused approach to training.

Her signature method, Mindful Somatics™, combines goal-oriented athletic training with somatic awareness techniques. This unique approach helps both athletes and beginners build whole-body strength, prevent injury, and reconnect with their bodies as conscious partners in movement.

Chala’s passion was born from her own story — as a former competitive gymnast who walked away from the sport’s destructive culture, she created a new path rooted in body awareness, play, and longevity.

She now coaches clients around the world, has trained CrossFit™ Games athletes, taught workshops across Europe and the U.S., and inspired hundreds of thousands through her online community.

Qualifications

  • Founder of Mindful Somatics™

  • 14 years of experience in Mobility, Handstand & Gymnastics Coaching

  • Leader of International Handstand workshops all over the world

  • Personal Handstand Coach for CrossFit™ Games Athletes

  • USAG Gymnastics Coach

  • CrossFit™ Level 1 Coach

  • CPD Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

  • 200hr Yoga Teacher

Six days of strength, connection, and play?

Join Us in Crete

Your new community awaits you.