Qigong Retreat in Crete, Greece

Sougia, Kreta, Greece
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Summary

LUCY RATZEL QIGONG
Seminar trips beyond the ordinary

THE RETREAT:
Qigong by the sea and in nature
Qigong seminar leader LUCY RATZEL and landscape photographer COSTAS ZISSIS will make this seminar a truly special experience for you.
Lucy Ratzel has studied with various masters and is certified according to the criteria of the DDQT e.V. – the umbrella organization for Qigong/Tai Chi.
She has been practicing Qigong for 25 years and has been teaching Qigong and Chan Mi Gong full-time for 15 years in seminars and in-depth retreats. She is the founder of the QiFLOW – Qigong Online Studio.

Lucy and Costas are deeply connected to nature and have made it their philosophy to practice Qigong amidst nature. This naturally enhances the exercises, as Qigong originated from the observation of nature.

Lucy
"Here in the beautiful nature of southern Crete, we are in direct connection with the sources of power!
In the morning, we practice Qigong right by the sea, and after breakfast, in the shade of pine trees or ancient olive trees.
The afternoon is free for swimming in the sea, hiking, or relaxing in one of the cafés along the beach promenade.
On three afternoons, we’ll explore the natural hot springs and an ancient site, where we’ll practice our exercises or gather for a guided meditation called “Small Energy Cycle” from Silent Qigong.

There are also two free days for excursions and simply letting life take its course.

THE SEMINAR LOCATION
In Sougia, you can truly let your soul unwind!

The place simply offers everything you need to be happy!
A long, wide beach (including a nude section), various hiking trails along the south coast
or through gorges, and taverns right by the sea serving the best Cretan cuisine!

Since the 1970s, Sougia has been known among insiders for its particularly beautiful way of life and friendly people.

SEMINAR CONTENT:
SHI BA SHI
The “18 Harmonious Movements of Taiji-Qigong” were developed in 1979 by Qigong master and master healer Prof. Lin Hou Sheng to improve the practitioner’s overall health and well-being. The health-promoting properties of this exercise series are manifold: It is said to strengthen the heart and kidneys, stimulate the lungs and open the chest, improve blood pressure, alleviate depression, anxiety, and headaches, and strengthen the knees and legs. These are simple, flowing movements that calm the mind and engage the entire body.

GUIDED MEDITATION
The “Small Heavenly Circuit” or “Small Energy Circuit” is a guided meditation in which we activate and strengthen the body’s primary and secondary energy centers. Through focused attention, we guide Qi along the spine and open the extraordinary meridians Du Mai and Ren Mai.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
We also explore the deeper meaning of Qigong and how we can integrate it into our lives.
- 3 Dantians (Tan Tiens)
- Phases of transformation
- Meridians
- Yin & Yang

EXERCISES
Qigong/Tai Chi “Shi Ba Shi – 18 Form”
Small Energy Circuit
Tapping exercises
Acupressure
Facial massage
Daoist perspective
Fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories
Hiking, Consciousness, soul, senses & spirit, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qigong, Meditation, Nature Vacation, Body & Mind, Yoga Retreats, Detox Retreats, Active Retreats
Date
2026-05-30 - 2026-06-09
Language(s)
German
Level
Expert, Advanced, Beginner
Place
Sougia, Kreta, Greece
Accommodation
not included
Catering
No meals
Services
  • 7 one-day Qigong seminars on the beach and at places of spiritual power

  • short walks to the Qigong practice areas

  • Sightseeing on two days of the seminar

  • short trips on seminar days, including short boat trips

  • Seminar leaders will be available to offer advice and answer questions on-site for 10 days

  • 1-month free membership to Online Studio

  • Certificate of participation for the Qigong seminar (upon request)

  • Assistance with leisure activities (outings)

  • free Wi-Fi

  • Transfer from/to Chania

  • Day trips can be booked on your days off

  • 10 nights' accommodation at the guesthouse

Accommodation

The package price is for a single apartment in the guesthouse.
Couples or best friends sharing a room can take advantage of the 2-person package price of €2,899.

The guesthouses are located right by the sea on the beach promenade of the small town of Sougia on the south coast of Crete or within the small former fishing village.
Those who prefer a more upscale option can also book a studio at the hotel with or without breakfast (for an additional fee).

Catering

Meals are not included.

We’ve selected the best and most charming restaurants and taverns for you to enjoy on those balmy evenings!
On seminar days, we’ll eat together as a group at a long table.

Crete is known for its exceptional cuisine. Of course, you can also enjoy fresh seafood right by the sea.
We prioritize high quality and a pleasant atmosphere.

sequence

SCHEDULE

Sat: Arrival
7:00 PM Group dinner

Sun:
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Qigong
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Guided meditation
7:00 PM Group dinner

Mon:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Qigong
7:00 PM Group dinner

Tue:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
followed by a day off

Wed:
8:00 – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
10:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Qigong
7:00 PM: Group dinner

Thu:
8:00 – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Qigong
7:00 PM: Group dinner

Fri:
Day off

Sat:
8:00 – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Qigong & Guided Meditation
7:00 PM Group dinner

Sun:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Qigong
7:00 PM Group dinner

Mon:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Morning Qigong
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Qigong & Closing Circle
7:00 PM: Group dinner

Tue:
Departure

The schedule is subject to change depending on the weather.

Arrival

The transfer is arranged from Chania Airport. Heraklion is available for an additional fee.

CHANIA
Is a charming little port town. The airport is the closest to our seminar location.
We therefore recommend choosing Chania Airport.

Transfer from/to Chania Airport
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes (one way)

HERAKLION (for an additional fee)
This airport involves a longer travel time to Sougia.
Especially for the return flight, please note that the drive takes 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Transfer from/to Heraklion Airport
Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes (one way)

OR WOULD YOU PREFER TO RENT A CAR?
In that case, the transfer costs will be credited to you, and you’ll have more flexibility
for your own activities on your days off. However, there are also lovely excursions by boat or ferry available locally.

- -, 73004 Sougia, Kreta, Kriti, Greece

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 75% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 29 days before arrival, you will receive a 70% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 19 days before arrival, you will receive a 25% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 14 days before arrival, you will receive a 20% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 1 days before arrival, you will receive a 10% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

The customer may cancel the trip at any time prior to departure.
The tour operator has established the following cancellation fees based on the date the cancellation notice is received and the departure date:

Up to 30 days before departure: 25% of the tour price
29 to 19 days before the start of the trip: 30% of the trip price
19 to 15 days before the start of the trip: 65% of the trip price
14 days or less before the start of the trip: 80% of the trip price
30 hours or less before the start of the trip and in case of no-show: 100%

Dates

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$1,974 / 11 Days

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