CHANIA CREATIVE RETREAT

SEPT 28th - OCT 4th 2025

Retreat with us to the storied island of Crete, where layers of history, culture, and natural beauty offer endless inspiration. Co-hosted by @ful.filled and DGL Collective, this intimate creative experience begins in the heart of Chania’s Old Town and unfolds across seven days of meaningful connection, slow living, and sensory immersion. From seaside strolls and shared meals to creative sessions and mountain village adventures, this retreat is designed to nourish your spirit and reawaken your creative flow.

At DGL Collective, we believe in the power of meaningful experiences to spark creativity and connection. We’ve crafted this  seven-day journey which will inspire you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore the richness of Greece through a curated blend of place, culture, and creativity.

Open to creatives of all kinds- photographers, filmmakers, designers, makers, writers and curious souls- this retreat is an immersive experience designed to nourish your creative spirit through beauty, intention, and presence. Whether you're looking to begin again, deepen your practice, or simply restore your inspiration, this experience offers the space and rhythm to meet you where you are.

We’ll begin in the heart of Chania’s Old Town, surrounded by layered history, Venetian charm, and vibrant street life. Each day offers opportunities to explore the cultural and culinary landscape of the city—from morning coffees at iconic cafés to golden hour walks along the harbor, from museum visits to memorable meals at local tavernas.

Midway through our journey, we’ll retreat to a peaceful private villa near Kissamos Bay, where simplicity, stillness, and the rhythms of nature support deeper creative flow. Here, we’ll slow down with hands-on experiences like traditional Cretan cooking, a visit to a local olive oil farm, and time to rest and create poolside or under olive trees. A day trip to Elafonisi Beach, with its turquoise waters and pink sands, offers a breathtaking moment of pause and inspiration.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll be guided through thoughtful creative sessions, meaningful conversations, and immersive cultural experiences that allow you to connect with both your surroundings and your own creative essence.

This retreat is more than a getaway- it’s a return to what fills you. We can’t wait to share this with you.

A Taste of CRETE…

Through immersive experiences with local farmers, artisans and cooks, this retreat offers:

  • Guided walking tour through Chania’s Old Town & Venetian Harbor

  • Hands-on traditional Cretan cooking experience in a mountain village

  • Local olive oil farm visit & tasting

  • Day trip to Elafonisi, one of the world’s most stunning beaches

  • Visits to Chania’s iconic food markets & hidden gems

  • Group meals at handpicked tavernas and seaside favorites

  • Time to create, photograph, or simply be inspired by your surroundings

  • Poolside relaxation at our private Kissamos villa

  • Evening conversations, creative sessions, and connection

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare to Greece • Travel expenses to and from the island of Crete (via ferry or plane) • Wine & spirits consumed at restaurants

MEET YOUR HOST

Despina’s Vision: An Experience Rooted in Beauty and Connection

Despina crafts an immersive experience that blends aesthetic beauty with Mediterranean charm— a sanctuary for like-minded individuals seeking to slow down, connect with nature, and find visual inspiration.

With expertise spanning both the creative and culinary fields, she transforms each trip into more than just a hospitality experience- it becomes a retreat for those longing for deeper connection.

Each year, through DGL COLLECTIVE, Despina and her friends curate intimate gatherings that celebrate the wonders of Greece. Every event offers a fresh perspective, allowing guests to engage with the country’s rich culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. Through her thoughtful vision and curated experiences, Despina creates an environment where guests can truly embrace Greece in meaningful and unforgettable ways.

A TRIP TO REMEMBER…

Join us for a journey where every moment is designed to inspire, connect,

and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime