A Sense of Place
Plakias has escaped the overdevelopment that has transformed much of Crete’s northern coast. It remains, genuinely, a village — with the pace, the light, and the quiet that make profound restorative work possible. It’s one of the reasons I chose it.
Over the years, I’ve come to know the people who give this place its character: craftspeople, therapists, guides, makers. This page is a personal selection — chosen because each entry is something I would recommend to a close friend visiting for the first time.
Here you’ll find natural cosmetics made on the island, handmade jewellery, skilled massage therapists, traditional crafts, and guided tours led by people who know this landscape intimately. What unites them is quality, authenticity, and a relationship with place that mirrors what I value in my own work here.
Each entry earned its place simply by being genuinely good.
Cannabis Cosmetics
This small shop offers natural cosmetics crafted locally in Crete using cannabis oil and organic Cretan olive oil.
Their body lotions, serums, and face creams are made with nourishing plant extracts that support natural regeneration and leave the skin soft without feeling greasy. The products are rooted in traditional Cretan ingredients and made with genuine care for quality and wellbeing.
It’s a lovely place to explore if you enjoy discovering locally made skincare with a strong connection to the island.
Guided Adventures on Crete
Florian has been leading people through Crete’s wild landscapes since 2011, combining deep local knowledge with a real passion for the island. Originally from Berlin, he’s become known here as the “Cretan Indiana Jones” — a nickname that fits his mix of curiosity, skill, and good humour.
He offers small‑group adventures across coasts, mountains, caves, and gorges, always with a focus on safety, storytelling, and experiencing the island in a genuine way.
If you want to explore Crete beyond the usual paths, Florian is the person I trust.
WhatsApp Florian +49 1788 865 746
Florian
Acupuncture & Movement Practices
Marina is a highly skilled acupuncture specialist, extensively trained in China, and her work reflects that depth of experience. My clients who have seen her have been very happy with the results, often describing a clear sense of balance, calm, and relief after their sessions.
Sessions are usually around 50 minutes, and Marina comes directly to the guest’s accommodation—hotel, villa, or apartment—making the experience private, convenient, and quietly restorative.
In addition to acupuncture, Marina teaches Tai Chi, Chi Gong, and meditation. Her teaching is gentle and precise, guiding people toward steadier energy, clearer focus, and a more grounded sense of inner harmony.
She is someone I recommend with genuine confidence.
Marina
Agapi Massage
Agapi has built something rare here: a small team of therapists who all work with the same steady presence, warmth, and skill that define her practice. Over the years, many of my clients have visited, and the feedback has been remarkably consistent — people feel genuinely cared for, not just treated. One client, who owns a resort herself, was so impressed that she asked Agapi if she would consider joining her team.
Whether it’s olive oil massage, hot stones, or focused therapeutic work, the experience is grounded, attentive, and deeply restorative. This is where I send people when they need support that goes deeper than simple relaxation.
Booking:
Agapi Massage – Online Calendar
Get in touch
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United Kingdom
Contacts
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contact@retreatsincrete.com
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