Join us on the Isle of Crete in Greece!
Reinvigorate your aerial practice with a Mediterranean adventure
Week 1 – May 7 – 14, 2025 – Silks & Vertical Theatre Method (waitlist only)
Week 2 – May 17 – 24, 2025 – Silks, Sling & Vertical Theatre Method
Public Registration is open.
Are you an intermediate or advanced aerialist looking for more than just a vacation? We get it. A “relaxing break” means challenging yourself, exploring new creative heights, and connecting with others who share your passion.
Ready to go all in? This immersive retreat brings you the perfect blend of high-octane training, breathtaking adventures and ample relaxation in the serene beauty of Crete.
Train with Paper Doll Militia’s Sarah Bebe Holmes and Rain Anya whose focus on technique and artistry will transform your aerial practice. Enjoy a fusion of traditional Cretan cuisine and contemporary fare, prepared by a local chef. Fill yourself up with hiking, shopping and swimming on our epic excursions.
With dedicated time to focus on your own skills and artistry, you’ll come home with a renewed passion for your aerial practice along with lifelong connections.
Wake up every morning to sip your morning coffee or tea overlooking the serene olive groves of Crete. Out in the distance you can see the Aegean Sea, taking a moment of respite and relaxation before starting your day.
Make your way down the cobblestone path, until you’ve arrived at the gorgeous outdoor aerial structure, ready for a day of inspiring aerial workshops. With Crete’s temperate climate and sunny days, it feels like a dream to train in such a peaceful environment.
In your free time, you have so many options! You can lounge poolside at one of the 5 villa private pools, go to the rig for open training time, or take a walk down to the shore and visit an adorable Cretan beach bar on the sand.
Get your fill of cultural immersion and truly experience being on the Isle of Crete. We’ll take you to stroll around the Chania Harbour visiting unique shops and European cafes. You’ll even get to visit ruins of an 11th century monastery.
Aerial Workshops
Morning classes will focus on sequencing, theory & technique. You’ll learn inventive and unique transitions while cleaning up pathways and diving deep into the theory behind “how and why” things work.
Ignite your inventive side in our afternoon classes with Paper Doll Militia’s love for creative expression. Vertical Theatre Method, aka VTM, is our unique approach to Theatrical Aerial Arts. These classes will help you to connect with your artistry and develop new ways of being in the air. This includes exercises around performative concepts, musicality, choreography building, creativity skills, and ensemble work.
Each week has a different apparatus focus for the skills and sequencing work. However, we will have some different apparatus options available (including lyra, sling, silks & rope) for the creative classes and during open training time.
At the end of the week, you’ll be taking home so much aerial candy…fun new skills, innovative sequences, and invaluable technique tips. Our instructors specialize in finding those tiny but mighty adjustments that will take your aerial practice to the next level. Not to mention how strong you’ll feel after a full week of aerialing every day. (except for the mid-week aerial rest day!) leaving you feeling more confident in your ability to move with efficiency, control, and flow.
Aerial Level
These retreats are geared toward intermediate or advanced aerialists. We know it can be daunting to join a retreat without knowing how you’ll match up with the other retreaters in terms of experience and skill level. Will it be too challenging? Not challenging enough?
This retreat was intentionally designed with a unified group structure, with 2 instructors present, so that we can accommodate the range of experience and ability within the group. Our instructors are highly skilled at adjusting lesson plans to offer options so that you feel that you are challenged while still receiving achievable and unique material.
Please note: Due to our unified group structure, we are unable to accept beginner aerialists to these retreats. If you’re a beginner looking for a chance to train with us, we highly recommend our Panama Aerial + Sail Retreat, or Aerial Escapades in Mexico Retreat, where our small group structure works perfectly to accommodate beginners.
Prerequisites
Minimum 2 years of consistent training on the featured apparatus is required. Students should have a strong understanding of the foundations, and a desire to understand sequencing and the nuances of skills in a deeper way. A solid and consistent invert from the air is required, bent leg / bent arm inverts are absolutely fine!
Due to the intensive nature of a daily aerial schedule, participants should have solid general endurance.
If you are unsure of your level you can always send us a video or a link to you on social media for us to check out. We will be happy to review and let you know if we think you are at a good level to join this retreat.
We Value Safety
We appreciate the trust you’ve put in us to create this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we know that the foundations of an amazing retreat is your health and safety. We do all the legwork so that you can completely relax and de-stress. Here are some of the ways we strive to create a safe container for this retreat:
- An aerial rig designed by an architect and structural engineer to ensure it’s safety for aerial arts
- Crash mats are used for all the aerial classes
- Diligent inspection and maintenance practices for all aerial equipment and hardware
- Instructors about 20 years of teaching experience, all over the world
- Vetted and trusted excursions and food on the island
- All staff is First Aid & CPR certified with stocked first aid kits in the villas, aerial rigs, and on the hike
- Insulated roof top + sun shades in the rig area to protect from UV rays and keep the temperature pleasant.
There’s something magical about traveling out of your comfort zone and into great beauty. An experience like this opens you to possibilities that you never could have imagined.
Meals
Each villa is stocked with yummy and healthy goodies for a do it yourself breakfast. Get up when you want and help yourself to a variety of tea, coffee, juice, cereal, yogurt, eggs, breads and nut butters, for a variety of dietary needs.
All of our food is locally sourced from the Island of Crete and prepared by a local chef. He considers all dietary needs and allergies and provides a well balanced diet to rejuvenate, cleanse and keep your body nourished.
Nightlife and culture
We’ll take you out for dinner out on the town 2 nights out of the week. We’ve hand selected top-notch restaurants in Chania, beachfront and in the heart of the old harbor, which makes for some unforgettable Cretan dining experiences.
What are the highlights?
The Monastery Hike
As we trek down through the winding stone paths we’ll pass through ancient ruins and untouched landscape….and probably spot some Cretan goats along the way. The ruins are from an 11th century monastery (the oldest on the island!) with archways, altars, and caves. Nothing beats the moment when we arrive at the secluded cove of crystal clear water and the refreshing feeling of dipping into the Aegean Sea.
Cretan Food
Cretan cuisine is renowned both in Greece and internationally for its unique ingredients and flavors. It’s the variety of local produce that distinguishes the dishes: mountain herbs and greens, bulbs, unique cheeses, fresh fish, the famous Cretan olive oil. For those who like to sample local spirits, you’ll most certainly be offered a shot of raki at restaurants and even shops. Raki is a grape brandy the locals love to share!
Our epic photoshoot!
Experiences are there to savor, and nothing can compare to being truly present in the moment. But it sure is nice to have some stunning photos to bring home to show all your muggle friends. This is why we dedicate an entire morning to a photoshoot on a freestanding rig that overlooks the olive groves. Added bonus – the photoshoot is SUPER fun!
Friends for Life
Make friends for life with other aerial adventurers. Our retreats are all about creating conscious community. We value collaboration, not competition. We encourage you to show up with an open mind and an open heart and see what magic we can co-create with one another.
Schedule
Sample schedule:
Those who know us, know we love to pack it in. All of our workshops are optional, so we leave it up to you to find the perfect balance of training hard and relaxing or exploring the island.
Want more information on our FULL itinerary, including outings, excursions, and additional activities? Request a sample itinerary here.
Pricing & Accommodation
Prices:
We have several pricing options to help fit your budget. There are limited spaces for each of these options. They are first come, first serve. Get the Early Bird Discount if you sign up by February 3rd, 2025.
| Room | Early Bird Price | Full Price |
| Shared Room Double Occupancy | $2,300 USD | $2,500 USD |
| *Family suite – Single bed | $2,300 USD | $2,500 USD |
| *Family suite – King bed | $2,400 USD | $2,600 USD |
| Private King Room with Shared Bathroom | $2,600 USD | $2,800 USD |
| Penthouse – Private King Room with Shared Bathroom | $2,900 USD | $3,100 USD |
| Private King Room with Private Bathroom | $2,900 USD | $3,100 USD |
Prices are listed in US dollars. To pay in a different currency, the amount will be determined by the equivalent value of your currency on the date of payment.
* Family suite – this part of the accommodation is “open shared” between the two rooms. This means there isn’t a door between king bedroom and the room with shared beds
Tell me more about where we’re staying….
Margarita’s Villas are five villa houses, located on the ten acre grounds of the villa complex, surrounded by olive groves and views of the mountains and sea. These villas are luxurious…with AC in every room, and a pool for each house! There are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to lounge and enjoy the beautiful scenery…including dining areas, balconies, and terraces with plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and couches.
You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a mediterranean oasis with beautiful plant life that surrounds our cozy accommodations. This is an incredibly special place, designed and built by the architect owner, Giannis, who graciously hosts our group year after year. He built this place with the utmost care and attention to aesthetics and design. The villas are primarily solar powered (with backup when necessary) and the water comes from a well on the property!
The villas offer a range of accommodation options, from budget friendly shared occupancy rooms to luxury private rooms. Each villa has a fully functional kitchen so you can always fix yourself an afternoon snack or coffee on your own timeline.
The best part about the villas? Every year, we get to meet new villa cats (and sometimes dogs). These island animals are strays, but they are well cared for and some of them will come cuddle with you if you want them to.
Significant Other Policy
Couples / SO / Friends (not attending workshops) are welcome to join. The cost is $700 for the week, and includes all meals, accommodation (sharing with you) and excursions, as well as access to the pool and WiFi.
Please note: We have a limited amount of slots for significant others at the Villas. Retreater must book a private room to add a significant other. Private rooms fill up FAST, so make sure to book now if you know you want to bring someone along!
Return Retreaters!
If you have come to one of our retreats you are in the family. Take an additional $200 off your total price this year. If you are signing up for both weeks, lucky you, you get to use this discount for the second week.
Price Includes
All meals, classes, transportation to/from the airport all group outings, fees for excursions & drinks on cocktail night
Additional Costs
Massages, alcohol (other than on cocktail night), shopping / gifts, and extra activities (including transportation as required).
Insurance
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes medical insurance. Check with your health care provider to see if you are covered for international travel.
Reservation and Travel
International Travel
Crete is a very safe island and there is no visa required, you DO NEED to have at least six months left before your passport expires.
How to Reserve Your Spot
Registration is open!
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Week 1: Silks & Vertical Theatre Method
Arrival Day – May 7, 2025
Workshop Days – May 8 – 13, 2025
Departure Day – May 14, 2025
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Week 2: Silks, Sling & Vertical Theatre Method
Arrival Day – May 17, 2024
Workshop Days – May 18 – 23, 2025
Departure Day – May 24, 2025
Full payment or a deposit is required to confirm your place. We accept payment forms from all over the world. We will keep in close communication with you once you have registered to answer any more questions, provide you with a full packing list and let you know of any essentials you should know or bring.
Registering for BOTH retreat weeks
Take advantage of the 4 days off to really take in the beauty of the island. The 4 days (3 nights) between the retreats consist of departure day from week 1, 2 days off, then arrival day for week 2. You can choose to take these days to go off and adventure around Crete or beyond. Or you can book your room for the break days and stay to chill at the villas and have short day trips around Chania, of which there are many. Accommodation on break days are booked out on a first serve basis, so if you want to stay with us on break days please let us know as soon as possible. Prices vary depending on your room type. Food is not provided on the break days. Our return retreaters discount ($200 off) will apply to your tuition in the second week.
Cancellation Policy
Please take a moment to review the cancellation policies for this retreat.
Crete Here I Come!
You have a choice of two airports when coming to the beautiful island of Crete. Chania Airport – 30 minute drive from accommodation Heraklion Airport – 2.5 hour bus journey across Crete, we will pick you up at the bus depot which is 15 minutes from the accommodation. The bus costs €15.50 each way and leaves every 30 minutes.
Both airports are easy to travel into and out of if the connections work out easily enough to fly into Chania we suggest going there. However, some European cities fly direct to Heraklion, so the added bus journey may actually work out to be easier. If you have questions about what the best option is we are happy to answer questions.
