Dear Jilly, I am just getting in contact to say a heartfelt thank you for a great yoga retreat week in Kissamos Crete With Kay Parker staying at Molos Beach Hotel.
It was just what my husband & I needed & hand on heart ‘everything’ from the taxi service, family run friendly hotel, room, food, staff, location was perfect.
It was a joy to have Kay taking us through our morning & evening yoga practice & we had her all to ourselves - an added bonus from our point of view!
We connected with Kay instantly & enjoyed & shared our time together with just the right balance. Kay ever attentive, fun & holding space for us. Her delivery of yoga was insightful & intuitive sensing just how to deliver a session depending on our mood, needs & emotions. It felt like the beginnings of a lovely friendship.
I also can’t recommend Harris the local massage therapist enough - the combination of his holistic approach & a magic touch was deeply healing!
So all in all THANK YOU we came home REJUVENATED & JOYOUS! I’m sure we will be back & as a yoga teacher myself based in Canterbury Kent I am recommending ‘FreeSpirit’ to all my students & spreading the word for anyone wishing to explore the pleasure of an authentic yoga get-away in the sun!
Wishing you all at ‘FreeSpirit’ the very best
Best wishes
Malin & Julian (May 2023)
Dear Jilly and Debbie Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for the lovely holiday at Mavros Malos in Crete.It's a wonderful venue and I would love to go back there next year - are you planning to continue running holidays there again in 2023?
Mike as a great host, nothing is too much trouble for him or his team who were superb. Having the beach on your doorstep was just amazing and looking out at it during yoga was so calming, even in the high winds and choppy sea - so mesmerizing. I thoroughly enjoyed the food, I thought having the daily breakfasst options of a Cretan salad, yoghurt and honey, bread and jam, cereal or boiled eggs, fresh fruit and fresh orange juice, coffee or hot water for tea was rather lovely and was really as much as I needed at that time.
The rooms, although simple, had everything we needed in them and they were cleaned daily (except Sunday) by the lovely Laura. I was thankful to be in a downstairs room that offered shade for most of the day (room 5) as the it was very hot, think perhaps late May/early June might be better for me next year if you do decide to run holidays there again!
Once again, many thanks indeed and look forward to hearing from you about 2023.
With best wishes Deborah (June 2022)
Hi Jilly Just to let you know we've ALL had an absolutely fantastic yoga retreat. Bonding was incredible, powerful, amongst so many extraordinary women!
The level of yoga practice, thanks to Karen's inventive, inspirational, caring teaching and the ensuing high level of fun, was insanely brilliant. We were all so lucky and look forward to a 2023 re-run hopefully
Also Mavros Molos (Kissamos) didn't disappoint, I'm still here! Mike was / is tirelessly attentive, everything runs like clockwork, despite the pretty ongoing needs / requests of such a high level group of women! I think we ate them out of house and home every breakfast - but nothing was too much trouble. And the evenings were simply wonderful here. Why go anywhere else ? Exceptional food, cooked with love and served with great pride. No one left the premises I think for dinner elsewhere. That says it all!
The secret to Mike’s / Mavros’s success is that he is always available, high profile, working equally hard as his staff, which I think is a rare feature.Always happy to provide a 5 star service and he expects this too of his band of loyal staff (some from last year, we remembered each other, huge hugs upon arrival!) Everything was exceptionally relaxed - everyone felt the same I think, everyone benefited, and I'm the lucky one still in Crete for an extra week !
Warmest wishes Helen (May 2022)
Hello Ladies, I just want to say thank you so much and that I had a lovely time in Kissamos last month.
So good I would like to rebook for next year please.
Many thanks Maureen (October 2021)
Hi Jilly, Just wanted to let you know what an amazing time my partner and I had.
Mike and Maria and the whole family were as delightful as ever and my partner who had never been before completely fell in love with both them and the place.
We wished we could have stayed longer - being there for a week was a great breathing space in the stress and anxiety of the last few months - it felt like everything was normal there and we realised how much fear we are surrounded by back home.
In many ways I have to say it was my best trip there (this is my third summer on the row).
The beaches and restaurants are quieter than usual which is a lovely treat and everywhere there was a feeling of friendliness and welcome which is manna for the soul.
It really is the perfect home from home. I look forward to staying with my Cretan family again ASAP.
Helen M - August 2020
Dear Jilly and Debbie, You were both so helpful with the pre-trip booking and logistical arrangements - thank you.. Kay was a very good instructor - she had taken the time and care to prepare for each class and that was evident in her delivery - great yoga classes! She was friendly with us all (and at times firm when instructing - but with good humour!) and made alterations to poses for participants' different levels of ability. The venue for the yoga classes was lovely - overlooking the sea. Maria was a kind host and her meals were fresh and filling.. We all found the schedule/ rhythm perfect - morning and evening yoga class with time in between to spend either at the beach or in town. It was also appreciated that we had one evening off and one morning off for yoga classes as this allowed us to go on a day trip to Chania. It was a wonderful week and we all formed a close bond as a group - I hope that these will be lifelong friendships.
I have already highly recommended Free Spirit Travel to my friends and family and do hope that I can come on another retreat in the near future. A very big thank you from me!
Rehana - September 2019 (edited down from a longer email)
Hi, Just back from Kissamos feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed. The essence of a superb yoga retreat, with a fantastic location right on the beach with yoga deck above.
Maria looked after us so well and worked tirelessly to produce delicious vegetarian food.
Kay’s classes were well planned, themed and gave several options, so that you could practice at your own level. Kay pushed those that wanted to and gave confidence to those who were unsure. She is an excellent teacher and I would highly recommend her. It was great to share the week with a group of like minded girls, who were fun, kinῤ and supportive. Be great to meet up at another of Kays Free Spirit Retreats
Sincere thanks to Kay and Free Spirit Travel for a wonderful holiday in the Cretian sunshine ☀️
Christine September 2019
Just up and contemplating life and the Wondeful week we've just had.
I have to say I think it was profound. I think the Universe orchestrated everyone of us to be there, each one of us brought something special to the group, and I think each one of us has gained something special from the group.
I LOVED every yoga session Kay did. The work gone into creating all those hours of yoga must have been immense, and the content and level felt perfect for me. The location with the beach as our back garden!! and the yoga terrace looking out to sea, and the amazing food!! made it magical too.
May we have created special bonds that continues to bring joy to our lives in beautiful ways. So much love to you All, as 'normal' life resumes, with your sparkle of magic within, from Kissamos Love Anne xx"
Anne - Kay Parker Sept 2019
Just back from a wonderful week at Mavros Malos with Kay Parker whose daily yoga was a exactly what I had hoped for. Mornings were Hatha, evenings Yin. The week was a perfect balance of stretch, breath, restorative and the teaching and facilitation was excellent. All with a perfect Cretin ocean backdrop, plenty of sunshine, lovely vegetarian food , wonderful hosts and a group that were just fab. Wish I could tap into Kay’s yoga in the UK. I will definitely be booking with Free Spirit Travel again xx thankyou namaste
Rachel - Kay Parker Sept 2019
Hello, I just wanted to leave a review for a fabulous holiday which my mother and I have just spent in Crete with Karen Calder. This is our second holiday with her, as we were in Ischia last year - also a wonderful trip.
Karen is an excellent yoga teacher, who has a lovely kind and caring manner when teaching. My mother (80) and I (both Iyengar beginners) were gently encouraged into restorative and semi challenging poses by Karen, in relaxed and yet highly professional classes each day. We have returned home with improved posture, a sense of achievement and with a calmer frame of mind. I would recommend Karen to anyone wanting to learn more and enjoy the process! She also has a great sense of humour!
Many thanks
Philippa - Karen Calder July 2019
Hi Paula, just to say how much I enjoyed the Crete retreat last week.
The setting was idyllic and I have felt my confidence grow immensely since coming.. I was worried about getting up every day (!) but the fab yoga class and warm welcome from everyone every morning made it more than worth it! Spending the summer solstice sunrise watching the sun rise from the sea was an amazing experience. Thankyou for your gentle encouragement to just do it!!
The retreat was everything that it should be- challenging (yoga wise), relaxing (yin), and full of laughter, support and a fantastic group of people who really lifted me up.
Thankyou xxx
Jenna - Paula Inch June 2019
Hi Paula. having only done a weekly yoga flow at my local gym I was a little nervous at attending this retreat . It was a truly uplifting experience! The sea front location and hospitality of the hotel staff was incredible .
Paula is a beautiful smiley relaxed welcoming personality .Paula's classes were suited to all abilities & I was immediately made to feel comfortable & relaxed & I found I could keep up with the classes with such excellent verbal instruction .
The stretching was particularly amazing & I shall keep that up in daily life .
The women I met were inspirational strong kind caring & so supportive .I felt a real bonding develop throughout the week . I feel I have found some new friends for life & a love of yoga practise I didn't have before .
Thank you Paula
Molly Lawrence - Paula Inch June 2019
Hi Paula Just a few lines to say how fab the yoga was!
I won't lie, I found 2 hours a bit much on the first couple of mornings, but once I adjusted and finally had a good night's sleep, it was great, I'm off to Core Strength yoga and yin tonight. Can't wait to get back into it
What an amazing bunch of 'girls'. We had so much fun in a beautiful venue. I'll never forget it and would definitely do it all again!
Hoping to see you again before too long. Thanks so much Paula!! Namaste
Lots of love
Jenny - Paula Inch June 2019
Just returned from a wonderful yoga holiday in Crete. Paula Inch is a great teacher, always helping us to get the best out of yoga. She will find alternative moves if we are unable to do something. She is kind, caring and fun.
As a group we all got on well together, and gained some new friends. Kíssamos is a beautiful location, right on the beach. Our hosts, Maria and Mike were really welcoming. I didn't want to come home!
Since returning, I am feeling so much more relaxed. Thank you Paula. Kind Regards
Laura - Paula Inch June 2019
Dear Jilly, Daljit mentioned feedback is helpful so I just wanted to email to say I had a truly wonderful time on Daljit’s week in Crete. Mike, Maria and family made me feel so welcome even though I had not seen them since 2015. Their hospitality was as caring as ever.
Daljit’s teaching was excellent, well planned, clearly explained, attentive, warm and friendly, and very productive. I came away, having really relaxed, with a totally different posture which was a great result for someone who sometimes suffers with her back. Her yoga sessions were so pleasurable. She brought us all together as a group, some of whom had not met before. Her week more than equalled the other lovely yoga holidays I have had with Free Spirit in the past. Sadly I cannot do her longer haul trips next year, but very much look forward to her hopefully returning to Crete in 2020. Thank you.
Wendy - Daljit Kaur September 2018
This was my first yoga holiday and I enjoyed it. I loved the yoga, the slow gentle approach really works for me and by the end of the week my joints were definitely moving further and more smoothly. The venue is beautiful and the accommodation ideal for this type of holiday. I particularly appreciated Maria's cooking and generosity. A good time.
Jessica - Daljit Kaur September 2018
Hi Debbie, just a quick email to thank you for the great organisation of our yoga holiday in Kissamos. The teacher, Jill Hurley, was fab. The hotel owners were lovely and super helpful. The accommodation and the yoga space was ideal and all the arrangements were very efficient and timely. So thanks very much and I will certainly be recommending FreeSpirit to my friends.
Best wishes Angie - September 2017 Jill Hurley
Dear Jilly
Just a note to say I had the most wonderful time in the most beautiful place with the loveliest facilitator. I want to reserve for next year.
Best wishes
Amanda - September 2017 Diane Davis
Hi there, just wanted to say a big THANKYOU for all your arrangements for our holiday with Daljit and friends, new and known.
It was great and very professional as usual. All went smoothly from start to finish so thanks again and here's to the next time.
Best wishes
Lin, Joan and Irene - September 2017 with Daljit Kaur
Hi Jilly, thanks for all your efforts and information. I've had a wonderful and relaxing time here, it's so beautiful. Thank you.
Kind regards Andrew - July 2017 Kathy Parsons
Hi Jilly, just wanted to let you know how fantastic the retreat at Kissamos with Jude was.The location is a true paradise, you really couldn't be any closer to the sea! The yoga studio was amazing, the background noise of the waves enhanced the experience.
Kissamos is a great location with enough incredible tavernas & restaurants a short walk away. Chania is a lovely treat too on the day off. The hosts Maria & Michael were so lovely & the food was amazing too.
Jude is an incredible, knowledgeable & kind teacher. She is a very grounded person who brought together an incredible group. We had lots of fun & shared a very special week indeed. Thank you & whomever is responsible for having that one space available that week!
Kind regards, Gina July 2017 with Jude Medhurst
Dear Jilly and Debbie, we had a brilliant time in Crete. The venue is truly fantastic and Maria and Mike were really good hosts. I would like to say that Karen is a superb teacher. My two sisters, Jill and Barbara have not done any yoga at all and benefited from the week immensely, thoroughly enjoying it. Jill so much so that she is signing up with me for Ischia...speaks for itself!
Once again many thanks,
Kind Regards, Judy. July 2017 with Karen Calder
Dear Debbie, I just wanted to let you know that I had an amazing time in Crete with Shakti and the rest of the group. Despite being a beginner, I was made to feel part of everything, and Shakti made a big effort to ensure that I could always participate, despite my health issues. I would highly recommend this holiday to other yoga newcomers! I am very glad that I found your website and will certainly plan future holidays with you
Kind regards Lara 2016
This was my first yoga retreat and I really think I hit lucky!
Mavros Molos is a superb location, the hotel is right on the beach with the yoga studio above the sun terrace overlooking the sea. The food was excellent and plentiful and staff (Maria in particular) were great.
We had a fantastic yoga teacher in Mohan - as a beginner I found him very easy to follow and his practice was incredibly focused. Although the program said there would be a free day, he held classes twice every single day & there was also the option for yogic sleep in the evenings and a silent meditation walk into the mountains one morning to see the sun rise. Thoroughly enjoyed the week and would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
Anne Davison October 2016 with Mohan
I am just back from Kissamos in Crete where I attended the Free Spirit yoga holiday with Diane Davis for one week. It really was an amazing week and I have come back feeling like a new person!
The accommodation was delightful. Mike, Maria and the family-run team were wonderful and made us feel at home straight away. My room was clean and spacious with an en-suite and I walked out practically onto the beach every morning. We had our meals overlooking the ocean and Maria really is a fantastic cook!
The yoga studio was high up, overlooking the sea, making it a very peaceful spot for our sessions. We had a morning session which really encouraged me to work on my moves and posture and allowed me to learn more (including the headstand). Diane is a fantastic tutor. She is kind, patient and thorough and I would highly recommend her as a tutor for any one, whatever level you are at. She also made the trip fun - the group got along well and she organised day time tours for us and a couple of nights out at local restaurants.
All in all, this was such a great trip and I am looking to book to go to Turkey with Diane next June.
If you are reading this and trying to decide on booking a yoga holiday then my advice is to just do it! I have come back feeling very relaxed and happy.
Claire Ridley September 2016 with Diane Davis
I have just come back from Kissamos having spent a fantastic week with Daljit doing yoga. Would you please book me a place for next year in a single room. Thank you, Lynda - September 2016 with Daljit Kaur
Dear Free Spirit, originally I contacted yourselves with a view to attending a Free Spirit Yoga Holiday with my local UK teacher. However due to the cost of the flight I re scheduled my holiday to Crete with the amazing Janna Czipin. I would like to also thank Free Spirit for the support re I booked this holiday and a flight as a person who has not travelled alone.I arrived at the venue alone felt completely safe in the venue with Maria and Mikes support also met my amazing fellow yoga friends. Janna was not just a yoga teacher she was an inspiration for women to travel alone to venture to destinations women would not feel possible especially in mature years
Carolyn July 2016 with Jana
Dear Jilly
Yoga with Daljit was a wonderful relaxing time, with lots of humour and fun. I didn’t feel like I was working, there was no striving or strain, and yet I felt both exercised and rejuvenated. I really liked the way we built on gentle movements, session by session. Kissamos is beautiful and unspoilt, friendly and hospitable. What a great holiday.
Thanks
Catrin - September 2015 with Daljit
Dear Jilly,
I've recently returned from a lovely week (6-13 October) at Mavros Malos on the island of Crete. I thoroughly enjoyed the yoga and the location.
Jude's teaching was excellent and the sessions well planned and engaging.
Kind regards,
Nicola - October 2015 with Jude Medhurst
Hello, this is to say what a wonderful time we had at Kissamoss. Not having done this before we were not knowing quite what to expect however it was fantastic. The yoga was brilliant and the food awesome. I came back a few pounds lighter, feeling healthier and alive! We will defiantly try to book again this year, has to be experienced to be believed.
Thank you,
Jane & Larry - September 2015 with Daljit
Hi there both,
Have just arrived back from Kissamos in Crete with Gill Russel. We had a great time and your planning was brilliant as always.
Thanks again,
from Lin and Joan - two very grateful Yoginis - September 2015
Hi Jilly and Debbie
Just back from an amazing week with David Sye in Crete!
Many thanks!
Wendy - August 2015
I would like to thank you both soooooo much for organising such a fantastic yoga holiday last week in Crete. The venue was fantastic, Maria and Mike made us so at home at Mavros Molos. Sevda is such a good yoga teacher and lovely person; the whole group gelled well and I was sorry to leave. Look forward to coming on another retreat soon.
Karen - July 2015
Hello Debbie and Jilly
Just to say I thoroughly enjoyed my recent yoga holiday in Crete, it was all truly wonderful; from the venue, the people, the food, the setting and the brilliant yoga with Emma.
Please could you confirm the dates next May 2016 for the same holiday with Emma and prices, I am very interested in going again next year.
Many thanks
Vanda - May 2015
Big thank you to Free Spirit Travel, the lovely Mike, Maria and staff and last but not least the very inspiring teacher Emma. It was my first Yoga holiday and am looking to book again next year it was truly an amazing experience. I wasn't expecting one week out of my normal routine to make such a difference to my wellbeing. Location, accommodation, weather, food, people, sea view and the waves as our music during yoga practice - all just perfect.
Namaste
Jeannette - May 2015
Hi . I have just come back from a trip to Crete with you, in the company of the lovely and talented Emma! I can honestly say that it was a great success. The hotel and the teacher and the arrangements. Just first class. My first trip and a new Yogi. I am now hooked!
I would like to reserve a place for next year please
Hazel - May 2015
Kissamos May 19th -An excellent retreat. It was a pleasure meeting Emma and being in her class, I enjoyed her plan of the week and I felt the yoga sessions offered challenge in a safe environment, a lovely balance. The venue was perfect, and our hosts were so considerate, add to that Emma’s teaching and the lovely group and it gives a special memory to take away.
Linda - May 2015
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed teaching for you. The location, food and everything was amazing and Maria and Mike are lovely people- nothing was too much trouble for them. The group loved it and really gelled together- 10 of them have asked me to pencil them in for next year and two of them are planning on returning in September. It was truly special- we also loved Balos, what a stunning beach, we had such a laugh on the boat trip. Everyone was very sorry to leave - we really bonded with the owners. It was interesting to hear about the history of their business and how Free Spirit discovered them. Anyway, I'm looking forward to teaching again next May- I think the next one will be even busier once word gets around!
Emma Conally-Barklem - May 2015
Just had a fantastic week in Kisamos with Beverley Fox.
Great weather and great yoga with an inspiring teacher.
REALLY enjoyed it and am already looking forward to next year.
Thanks
Fiona Holleley - May 2015
I had a lovely yoga holiday in Kissamos Crete with Sasha Norton. The hotel Mavlos Mavros
was run by Maria and her son Michael - both were so friendly and helpful we all felt very
looked after. The food was wonderful too.
It was so lovely to be right on the beach and to have a view and hear the sounds of the sea
as we were practising our yoga.
Sasha's was again very professional and her sessions were thoughtfully well planned with a
Hatha and partner work session in the mornings and a lovely Ashtanga yoga class in the
evening which Sasha adapted very well to individual needs in our group of mixed yoga
experience. I really enjoyed the Ashtanga evening class as the sun was setting and look
forward to my next Sasha yoga holiday.
Janet
Hi Jilly
Having been back in the UK for a week now (unbelievably!), I wanted to take a moment to thank you all at Free Spirit for providing a fantastic yoga retreat last week.
The venue was lovely, the hosts were naturally friendly and made us feel as if we were family and the group was perfect. I seemed to spend the week laughing. In particular though, it was Divya who worked hard to give us a fabulous holiday / yoga retreat. She is an intuitive, professional and encouraging teacher and she has a great sense of humour who always helps! Divya very naturally created a close team of people from a group of individuals who had not met before our first yoga class in beautiful Kissamos.
Thank you and best wishes
Kathryn
Hi Debbie
I just wanted to drop you an email to let you know that we had a fantastic holiday in Kissimos with Bev. We loved the enthusiasm and experience that Bev brought to every class and the varied schedule. It was great to mix the yoga up with some lovely relaxation and breathing techniques, plus some variance in different yoga practices. We enjoyed the whole experience.
Best wishes,
Katy Fox
Dear Freespirit yoga,
I have just returned from the above yoga and would like you to know how much I enjoyed it. Beverly Fox our teacher was a lovely warm person and her yoga classes were perfectly pitched to the group. Beverly put a lot of effort and preparation into her classes which we all enjoyed. The taverna was welcoming and the food delicious. The yoga deck worked well. I would not hesitate to recommend both Beverly and the venue. The rooms were well equipped with a kettle, hair drier and a fridge!
Best wishes
Jacqueline Osborn.
Hi Debbie,
Just wanted to say a big 'THANKYOU' for arranging such a great week for us.
Everything about it was great, the taxis were there when we landed, the people were great at
Mavros Molos at Chania, Crete, food was out of this world and doing yoga so close to the sea
was fantastic. The group were fantastic and it goes without saying that Gill ticked all our
boxes.
I could go on and on but enough to say thankyou for a perfect week
Kind thoughts
Lin James (one of the lucky people to experience the week)
Hi Jilly (& Debbie) I Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say Thanks for yet another brilliant yoga holiday in Kissamos this July. What a great crowd of people, Celest is such an inspiring teacher and so great to have you there too Jilly!
Lots of us have linked up on Facebook with a few fun pics... Anyhow, I hope you’re still enjoying the great summer we’re having and that business is still doing amazingly, as well it should.
All the best
Jo
Hi Free Spirit
Just wanted to give you some feedback on my yoga break in Kissamos with Alessandra over the last week - quite simply, it was superb, in every way! The accommodation, food, teaching, people - everything really was amazing. Having never gone away on my own there was a sense of trepidation about this break - but it is one of the best holidays I have ever had!
Firstly the venue and our hosts, Michael and Maria - they made us feel like we were guests in their home, nothing was too much trouble, and their hospitality and Maria's cooking were wonderful. As was their accommodation - good sized rooms, a great yoga space and a perfect setting steps from the sea.
Aless is an inspiration, both as a teacher, and a person. Although our group was mixed ability - she really made each class personal and highly enjoyable for all, the best teacher I have yet experienced for both yoga and pilates. I can honestly say she has made me look at my aspirations regarding my yoga practice in a whole new way.
And finally, thank you for your help in finding my very reasonable flight and providing clear and timely info so that I was well prepared before I went.
This was my first ever yoga retreat but will hopefully be the first of many - the only decision I need to make is which one to book next!
Kind regards. Emma
Hi Jilly and Debbie
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I had last week in Crete with Mike at Kissamous and with Helen Say teaching. Mike and his family couldn't have been more welcoming, Mike's mum even sent me off with a bottle of her home made olive oil which is delicious. We were all sad to leave. The beach is beautiful and the sea lovely. We were all so relaxed and happy there none of us went on any excursions except a few local walks and a small trip to Biolea (the organic olive oil producer) The yoga was great as was the platform. The food was wonderful Mike's mum was great we all seemed to fall on the food every night as we knew how good it would be! We all talked about coming back next year. I got back on Tuesday and found myself listening out for the waves ummm traffic doesn't have quite the same ring!
Thank you to you and Mike and Helen for a wonderful trip, another wonderful free spirit holiday!
Thanks
Helen
Kissamos, also known as Kastelli, is a small town which mostly sells tractors to the local farming community. There is however a network of cobbled streets where you can find shops and cafes leading to an area which overlooks the sea where there are traditional Cretan fish restaurants.
Yoga will take place twice a day at 07.30 and at 18.00 on the yoga deck overlooking the beach with its sea views.
We are on the edge of Kastelli by the Mavros Molos Beach.
Meals - each day, after your morning yoga class, you will be served a delicious breakfast with home produced milk, eggs and cheese from the owners small-holding.