Accommodation
What type of rooms are available?
We offer same gender double rooms. If you sign up individually, you can choose a bed in a double room with one other person of the same gender or go for a single room. If you sign up as a couple, you can choose a double room. There are also different kind of villas (2 to 8 people) that can be booked either individually or as a group.
Why is there a price range at each room category?
There are different rooms in each category: Classic and Comfort. Comfort are a bit more expensive due to the fact that they are completely renovated.
Is the food included in the room price?
Yes! You’ll be served two abundant buffet style meals per day (brunch & dinner) — each of which has fresh, local, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan options.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes, you can! If you book more then a ticket or know someone at the retreat, you can let the hotel know.
Are rooms close to the event spaces?
Yes. Everything is within a short walk — no long distances, just a few steps from your room to the sea, the workshop rooms, and the restaurant.
Are there private single rooms?
Yes, the hotel offers private single rooms as well. You can find all details on the landing page or under ‘Location’ in the menu.
Are the rooms air-conditioned or heated?
Yes, all rooms have air-conditioning and heating.
Is bed linen and towels provided?
Yes, fresh linen and towels are included. No need to bring your own.
Is accessibility for attendees with disabilities supported at the event?
The venue has very limited accessibility. If you have specific needs, please reach out before booking so we can find the best solution together.
Can i join the retreat and choose NOT to sleep at the Istron Bay Hotel?
That is not possible, due to the fact, that the whole retreat is centered at Istron Bay and we do everything possible to create a cocooning atmosphere. Part of that is that all the participants are at the hotel.
Travel
What is the exact address of the Istron Bay Hotel?
Istron Bay Hotel, Istron, Agios Nikolaos 72100, Crete, Greece.
How do I get to the venue?
The nearest airport is Heraklion (HER). From there, it’s about a 75 minute drive to the hotel. You can come by taxi, rental car, or The Cocoon Shuttle (see below).
What does the venue look like?
The hotel is nestled between mountains and a turquoise bay. Think: private beach, gardens, open-air terraces, and workshop spaces with breathtaking views.
Is it possible to camp at the Venue?
No. All guests stay in rooms on-site — there’s no option for tents, vans, or external accommodation.
When should I arrive and depart?
Arrive in the afternoon of Day 1 (arrival day). Depart on the morning of Day 8. The program runs over seven full days. You will get all the details about your travel, the program, schedule and food after booking via mail from us. We are well organized 🙂
Do I need to rent a car?
Not necessarily. It depends on your wish of being flexible. If you intend to only travel from the airport to the Hotel and back, you can use our Cocoon Shuttle. If that doesn’t work, you can share a taxi with other participants. A rental car is usually very cheap and would be useful if you wish to stay mobile throughout the week.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, there’s free parking on-site.
Which airport should I fly to?
Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the closest and most convenient option.
Will there be organized transfers from the airport?
You can use the Telegram group to organize transfers from and to the airport. Additionally to that, we will provide you with safe & expecierenced companies for booking a taxi or renting a car.
Food & Nourishment
What kind of meals are provided?
You’ll be served two abundant buffet style meals per day (brunch & dinner) — each of which has fresh, local, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan options.
Can I bring my own food or cook?
There’s no kitchen access in the rooms. We kindly ask you to enjoy the food. Handy snacks are always welcome.
Do you cater to allergies or special diets?
Yes, common dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.) are taken into account. Please let us know your needs after ticket purchase.
Are meals served buffet-style or plated?
Meals are buffet-style — with plenty of options to suit your taste and rhythm.
Program & Participation
How is the program structured?
We offer a rich and well-paced mix of workshops, rituals, movement, and free time — designed to guide you through a deep, personal journey. You can find the specific schedule here.
Do I need prior experience?
No. All sessions are accessible for both first-timers and experienced participants.
What if I’m introverted or unsure about group work?
You’re welcome as you are. All invitations are gentle, and your boundaries will be respected. You’ll find both space for depth and room to breathe. You create your own retreat and you are always in power of your space, rhythm and pace.
Is the program in English?
Yes. All sessions, as well as the whole retreat itself is in English. A good understanding is helpful to follow along.
Will there be free time?
Absolutely. Afternoons and parts of the evening are spacious — for rest, connection, or a swim in the sea. Besides that, you are invited to take a break, whenever you need to.
Is participation in all activities mandatory?
The Cocoon is a retreat experience, which means that the whole group starts and ends this retreat together. Having said that, it is important that you are there, when we start with the opening ceremony and that you stay until the end of the closing ceremony. Besides that, we strongly recommend the “Sharing & Arrival” session each day at 9am, since it’s the official start into the day, where we (the organizers) also share all the important details for the upcoming day. The workshop attendance is free and should be adapted to your pace, whish, needs and desires.
What does a typical day look like?
You can find the specific schedule here.
Will there be other guests at the Hotel?
No, there will be only participants of The Cocoon.
Can I join The Cocoon with a partner, that doesn't want to attend?
Unfortunately not. We want to make sure it’s a safe space for all the participants cocooning. For that reason any guests who are not participants can not be there while The Cocoon is happening.
Do you refer so specific methods or concepts, when talking about "Authentic Relating"?
No we don’t. We use these phrases as a way to describe our retreat and intensions as specifically as possible. We do not refer to any previous or pre-determined concepts or techniques.
Consent, SexuaIity & Safety
What is The Cocoon? (and what it's not)
It’s a retreat for people who want to explore intimacy, connection, body and heart — in many forms, including sexuaI expression.
Yes, there will be workshops and spaces where nudity and sexuaIity are welcome. We will also have rooms open for exploring sexuaIity, held with clarity and care. And: there will be workshops where it’s not about sexuaIity at all, but about movement, presence, vulnerability, creativity and healing.
If you come with hunger, neediness or the expectation of “getting something” (sexuaI, attention, quick satisfaction), you won’t feel at home here. If you come with curiosity, courage and respect — whether you’re drawn to sensual play, deep conversations, dance or silent presence — this space will meet you.
We don’t encourage performance, consumption or conquest. We encourage honesty, boundaries, tenderness, courage and the joy of discovering yourself with others.
There will be no sex or explicit sexuaI activity in public areas. Nudity is welcome only at the beach and pool. We want everyone to feel safe, seen and at ease in the spaces we move through together.
What is your policy on touch and intimacy?
Everything is based on clear, enthusiastic consent. You’ll be guided to tune in to your boundaries and respect others’.
Is nudity involved?
Occasionally, yes — but never mandatory. If nudity is part of a process, you’ll always be informed beforehand and given alternatives.
Are drugs allowed?
No. We hold a clear, substance-free container to support presence, sensitivity, and transformation.
What if I experience emotional overwhelm?
That’s okay. Our team is experienced and available. You’ll have access to a support system of facilitators and space holders.
Will there be support staff available during the retreat?
Yes. Our care team is present throughout the event to support you in whatever arises.
How do you address STI/STD safety and responsibility?
If intimacy arises between participants, it’s each person’s responsibility to engage consciously and communicate clearly. We encourage open conversations around boundaries, protection and wellbeing.
Cancellation & Ticket Transfers
How does your cancellation policy looks like?
Tickets are non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to another person up to 48 hours before the event starts, by emailing us at inside@the-cocoon.com with full details of the new attendee.
Other Practicalities
How many people will attend the retreat?
That’s hard to say, but approximately we will have not less than 100 and not more than 200 participants.
Is there Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi — but we recommend unplugging as much as possible to fully arrive.
What should I bring?
You’ll receive a detailed packing list before the event.
Can I bring children or pets?
No. This retreat is for adults only — to ensure depth, presence, and full immersion.
Is there laundry service at the venue?
Yes, laundry service is available every second day.
Are phones and cameras allowed during the retreat?
No — we ask you to be unplugged and present. Some moments are best kept off-screen.
How can I stay connected and organise shared transfers?
We’ll invite you to a Telegram group a few weeks before the event — for coordination, info and connection.
How can I apply to participate as an Teacher?
You’re welcome to write to us if you’d like to contribute in the future.
How can I apply to participate as an Volunteer?
We offer limited spots for volunteers. You can write us here, if you would like to contribute as a volunteer.
We will answer to your question within 48 hours and add it to the FAQ, if relevant.
Super Early Bird Ticket
Instead of 790€
Only until October 31st, 2025, 23:59 (CET)
Your ticket includes the full retreat experience. Accommodation and travel not included. You’ll receive all details about the accommodation booking process after your ticket purchase.
Super Early Bird Ticket
Instead of 790€
Offer limited until 31st of October 2025, 23:59 (CET)
from 3rd to 10th of May, 2026 in Crete - Greece
Your ticket includes the full retreat experience. Accommodation and travel not included. You’ll receive all details about the accommodation booking process after your ticket purchase.
