The Cocoon | Retreat in Greece
The Cocoon retreat location at Istron Bay in Crete

FAQ

Everything you may want to know before entering The Cocoon.

Frequently asked questions

Choose a topic or search all questions. Everything you need to know before your journey begins.

Intimacy, Consent & Safety

We want every participant to be able to enter any shared public space within and outside the hotel at any time without encountering sexual situations that may feel overwhelming, triggering or excluding.

Read the full Intimacy Guidelines →

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01Why do you have Intimacy Guidelines?

We want everyone to feel welcomed and included, and to move freely through shared public spaces without encountering sexual situations that may feel overwhelming, triggering or excluding.

Our shared agreements make room for intimacy to unfold consciously and with care, while respecting personal boundaries. Participation in intimate activities is always a choice, never an expectation.

Please read the full Intimacy Guidelines before the retreat.

02Do I have to take part in sexual or intimate activities?

No. There is no expectation to engage sexually, be naked or take part in touch-based practices. You choose what you participate in, and your boundaries must be respected.

Attending a marked workshop or open format means choosing to be present in that environment. It does not mean consenting to any activity. Each activity requires clear consent, which can be withdrawn at any time.

03Where is sexual activity allowed?

Sexuality may be expressed in private rooms and designated Love Rooms. Sexual activity may also be part of specifically marked workshops and open formats.

Sexual activity is not allowed at the pool, at the hotel beach or in the hotel’s public areas, including the bar, restaurant and hallways. These shared spaces should remain welcoming and accessible to everyone.

04What counts as sexual activity?

In our Intimacy Guidelines, sexual activity includes:

  • Penetration
  • Oral sex
  • Intentional stimulation of the genitals
  • Practices such as spanking, bondage and power play

Nudity itself is not considered as sexual activity.

05Can sexual activities take place in workshops and open formats?

Yes, some workshops and open formats may include explicit sexual content or practices. These formats will be clearly marked in the program.

By entering such a space, you acknowledge and consent to being present in an environment where sexually explicit activities may take place. Your participation in any activity is always optional and requires clear consent.

06What are Love Rooms?

Love Rooms are designated private spaces where sexuality can be expressed outside workshops and open formats. They can be useful if you share a room with someone you are not sexual with, meet someone at the retreat or want an intimate encounter outside your own hotel room.

They are used self-responsibly, with your own care for safety and cleanliness. The same principles of consent, awareness and respect apply here as throughout The Cocoon.

The Cocoon has no responsibility for the safety and happenings within the Love Rooms. Please read the Love Room guidelines for the full agreements.

07How do I reserve a Love Room?

Add your nickname to the sign-up sheet on the door. You can reserve a room for a spontaneous or planned encounter; maximum use is 2 hours.

If you no longer intend to use your reserved time, please remove your name so the room becomes available to others.

08How do I leave a Love Room clean and ready for others?

Please take responsibility for cleanliness and leave the room as you found it. Bed linen must be changed by the people using the room. Blankets are not provided.

Safer-sex supplies will be provided. The people using the room remain responsible for their own care, safety and respectful behavior.

09What is your policy on touch and intimacy?

Every interaction is based on clear consent. A clear “yes” or “no” must always be respected. Silence or passivity is not consent, and consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Stay aware of your own boundaries, needs and possibilities as well as those of others. Taking part in one activity does not mean agreeing to another.

10Do I have to attend a Consent Workshop?

Yes. Participation in one of the three Consent Workshops on the first day is mandatory for every participant. Please consult the program for the scheduled options.

Attendance gives us a shared foundation for consent and awareness. It does not oblige you to take part in any intimate activity.

11Is nudity involved?

Nudity is welcome at the pool, at the beach and within designated workshops and open formats. Nudity itself is not considered as sexual activity.

You do not have to be naked or take part in any intimate activity. Please read the description of each format so you can consciously choose the spaces you enter.

12What should I do if I experience or witness a boundary violation?

Please contact the Cocoon Team if you experience or witness uncomfortable, intrusive or boundary-crossing behavior or a consent violation.

13Can participants be excluded from the retreat?

To protect the safety and integrity of the retreat, The Cocoon reserves the right to exclude participants in cases of:

  • Repeated violations of our agreements or the Intimacy Guidelines
  • Physical violence or non-consensual sexual activity
  • Repeated intrusive, boundary-crossing or non-consensual behavior
14Can I invite visitors or interact sexually with hotel staff?

Sexual interaction with hotel staff is not permitted.

Only registered Cocoon participants and Cocoon Team members are part of the retreat. External visitors — including friends, partners and family members — are not allowed to enter the hotel during the retreat.

15Are drugs allowed?

Illegal drugs are not permitted at The Cocoon. Legal substances such as alcohol are allowed, but we encourage mindful and responsible use that supports openness, awareness and presence.

If we feel that substance use significantly affects someone's presence, behaviour or ability to connect consciously with others, we reserve the right to intervene.

16What if I experience emotional overwhelm?

You can pause, step out of an activity and give yourself space. Please contact the Cocoon Team if you need support. Our care team, facilitators and space holders are there to support you.

If overwhelm is connected to intrusive behavior or a consent violation, please let the team know.

17Will there be support staff available during the retreat?

Yes. Our care team is present throughout the retreat. Please contact the Cocoon Team if you need support or if you experience or witness uncomfortable, intrusive or boundary-crossing behavior.

Love Rooms are used self-responsibly by the people entering them; they are not facilitated workshop spaces.

18How do you address STI/STD safety and responsibility?

If intimacy arises between participants, it is each person’s responsibility to communicate clearly and make conscious choices about boundaries, protection and wellbeing.

Safer-sex supplies will be provided in the Love Rooms. Please talk openly with the people you connect with; the availability of supplies does not replace your own care and responsibility.

Accommodation

Rooms, villas and everything connected to your stay.

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19What type of rooms are available?

We offer double rooms if you come together. 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. There are also different kinds of villas for 2 to 8 people that can be booked either individually or as a group.

20Why is there a price range in each room category?

There are different rooms in each category: Classic and Comfort. Comfort rooms are a bit more expensive because they are completely renovated.

21Is the food included in the room price?

Yes. Breakfast and dinner are included in your accommodation price, with fresh, local, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan options.

22Can I choose my roommate?

Yes, you can. If you book more than one ticket or already know someone at the retreat, you can let the hotel know.

23Are rooms close to the event spaces?

Yes. The rooms, beach, restaurant and workshop spaces are all on-site and within walking distance. The route depends on your room and the space you want to reach. If mobility or accessibility is a concern, please contact us before booking.

24Are there private single rooms?

Yes, the hotel offers private single rooms. You can find the accommodation options on the Location page; please confirm availability directly with the hotel.

25Are the rooms air-conditioned or heated?

Yes, all rooms have air-conditioning and heating.

26Are bed linen and towels provided?

Yes, bed linen and towels are included in your hotel accommodation. In the Love Rooms, the people using the room must change the bed linen themselves. Blankets are not provided there.

27Is 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.

28Can I join the retreat and choose not to sleep at the Istron Bay Hotel?

That is not possible because the whole retreat is centred at Istron Bay and we do everything possible to create a cocooning atmosphere. Part of that is having all participants stay at the hotel.

Travel

Arrival, departure and getting around Crete.

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29What is the exact address of the Istron Bay Hotel?

Istron Bay Hotel, Istron, Agios Nikolaos 72100, Crete, Greece.

30How 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 or rental car. Or by bus!

You can use our Telegram group to coordinate shared taxis, bus drives or shared rental cars.

31Is 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.

32When should I arrive and depart?

The retreat takes place from 2–9 May 2027. Plan to be there for the opening ceremony and to stay until the closing ceremony has finished.

We’ll send the arrival and departure details after booking. Please check them before finalising your travel plans.

33Is there parking available at the venue?

Yes, there’s free parking on-site.

34Which airport should I fly to?

Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the closest and most convenient option.

35Will there be organised transfers from the airport?

No, we don’t organize any transfers. You can use our Telegram group to coordinate shared taxis, bus drives or shared rental cars.

Food & Nourishment

Meals, dietary needs and nourishment throughout the week.

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36What kind of meals are provided?

You’ll be served two abundant buffet-style meals per day (breakfast and dinner) — each with fresh, local, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan options.

37Can I bring my own food or cook?

The hotel rooms do not offer kitchen access. If you are booking a villa and want to know about its facilities, please check directly with the hotel. Handy snacks are always welcome.

38Do you cater to allergies or special diets?

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. If you have allergies or other dietary requirements, please contact us before booking so we can check with the hotel what can be accommodated. Please also let the hotel know your needs when arranging your accommodation.

39Are meals served buffet-style or plated?

Meals are buffet-style — with plenty of options to suit your taste and rhythm.

Program & Participation

Your rhythm, the daily program and taking part in the retreat.

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40How is the program structured?

We start with an optional morning session, after breakfast we come together with an obligatory community sharing and continue the day with workshops of your choice and breaks in between. You can find the specific schedule here.

41Do I need prior experience?

You don’t need prior experience to join The Cocoon. Please read each workshop description for its focus, format and any specific participation requirements, and choose what feels right for you.

42What if I’m introverted or unsure about group work?

You’re welcome as you are. You choose your own rhythm and pace, and you can pause or step out of activities when you need space. There is no expectation to be naked or take part in sexual or touch-based practices.

Attending one Consent Workshop on the first day is mandatory, but taking part in intimate activities is always optional.

43Is the program in English?

Yes. The sessions and the retreat are in English. A good understanding is helpful to follow the program and communicate your boundaries and consent clearly.

44Will there be free time?

Yes. There is time between sessions for rest, connection or a swim in the sea. You can also choose your own rhythm, skip workshops and take breaks from optional activities.

45Is participation in all activities mandatory?

The whole group starts and ends the retreat together. Please be there for the opening ceremony and stay until the closing ceremony has finished.

Participation in one of the three Consent Workshops on the first day is mandatory. The daily sharing and announcements are also obligatory, where the organisers share important details for the day ahead.

Attendance at other workshops is optional and should fit your pace, wishes, needs and boundaries. Participation in any intimate activity is always optional and requires clear consent. Please check the program for session times.

46What does a typical day look like?

You can find the specific schedule here.

47Will there be other guests at the hotel?

The hotel is reserved exclusively for The Cocoon. There are no unrelated hotel guests. Only registered participants and Cocoon Team members are part of the retreat; the hotel staff continue to work at the venue.

48Can I join The Cocoon with a partner who doesn’t want to attend?

No. Only registered Cocoon participants and Cocoon Team members are part of the retreat. External visitors — including partners, friends and family members — are not allowed to enter the hotel during the retreat.

49Do you refer to specific methods or concepts when talking about “Authentic Relating”?

No, we don’t. We use these phrases to describe our retreat and intentions as specifically as possible. We do not refer to any previous or predetermined concepts or techniques.

Cancellation & Ticket Transfers

The essentials regarding your ticket.

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50What does your cancellation policy look like?

Retreat tickets are non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to another person up to 48 hours before the event starts by emailing inside@the-cocoon.com with the full details of the new attendee.

Please read our Terms & Conditions for the full ticket policy. Accommodation is booked separately with the hotel and is subject to its own booking and cancellation conditions.

Other Practicalities

People, packing, connection and everything else.

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51How many people will attend the retreat?

We welcome up to 150 participants from around the world. The final number depends on bookings.

52Is there Wi-Fi at the venue?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi — but it can be slow and sometimes unstable, unreliable or not working at all.

53What should I bring?

You’ll receive a detailed packing list before the event.

54Can I bring children or pets?

No. This retreat is for adults only.

55Is there a laundry service at the venue?

Please contact the hotel directly for current laundry availability, prices and turnaround times.

56Are pictures and cameras allowed?

No. The Cocoon is a camera-free retreat: No photos or videos are allowed.

57Do you take pictures or videos?

We do not have an event photographer, and participants are asked not to take photos or videos. We want to protect everyone’s privacy and keep the retreat camera-free.

58How can I stay connected and organise shared transfers?

We’ll invite you to a Telegram group a few weeks before the event — for coordination, information and connection.

59How can I apply to participate as a teacher?

You’re welcome to write to us if you’d like to contribute in the future.

60How can I apply to participate as a volunteer?

We offer a limited number of spots for volunteers. You can write to us here if you would like to contribute as a volunteer.

Are you curious to discover intimacy in all its beauty?

ENTER THE COCOON

Early Bird Ticket

Instead of 790€ Valid until 15th of November 2026
Instead of 790€! Valid until 31st of October 2026

Full access to the 7-day Retreat
from 2nd to 9th of May, 2027 in Crete - Greece

7 days of workshops, rituals, movement, and integration

Support from experienced facilitators and staff throughout

Access to all event spaces: floors, open-air spaces, private beach

Access to community group before and after the retreat

  • May 2nd–9th, 2027 · Crete, Greece
  • Full access to the 7-day Retreat
  • 7 days of workshops & rituals
  • Support from facilitators & staff
  • Access to all event spaces
  • Access to community group
BUY TICKET

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.

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