The PMami's House of Simple Pleasures retreat lives in the middle ground between a pleasure-packed itinerary and proper downtime. Its designed to show you what a genuinely relaxing holiday actually feels like, one built on real rest and pleasure, with no rushing or pressure to squeeze everything in. A sabbatical for the soul! And lots of eating!
You’ll join me (annual Med holiday taker and professional beach hunter) with a small group of pleasure seekers and for one week, put your life down and hand it over. You’ll go straight to the places I’ve loved, returned to and shared over years of travelling through Italy and Greece, as I take you on the shortcut route to the nicest things about life! Everything is included so you don’t have to think, plan or decide anything. Your only real pressure test will be which beach chair has your name on it and whether you’d like extra mint in your lemonade.The reason this experience exists is simple: most people never fully switch off on holiday because they are still managing and navigating. This is a completely decision-free experience where simple pleasures sit at the highest order and depth over volume is our focus. Its about remembering how restorative a great Mediterranean holiday can actually feel when you allow yourself to be guided, excited and unhurried - and I am excited to finally translate my biggest love into a real time experience, for anybody who wants to join!
This trip is for anyone who wants a high-quality, connected holiday without the stress of planning. Its especially suited to anyone who hasn’t travelled solo before, or who wants the ease and reassurance of knowing that every place we go has been experienced and loved by me.We travel as a small group, hosted by me alongside two PMami team members who support with food, transport and logistics throughout the week. Group energy matters to us so we keep things intimate and considered with an emphasis on ease, warmth and a light, positive mood. This week reflects the way I naturally move through these places: calm, curious, well fed and unhurried.This is a PMami guided tour of six nights and seven days.
The first retreat will be in Crete, Greece.
I’ll take you on a personalised adventure to my favourite beaches, restaurants, villages, markets and local spots with the foundations of each day being beaches, food, art and relaxing. Think early swims, breakfast by the pool, long lunches, boat days, slow afternoons, a PMami book library, seaside dinners, plenty of cooking and eating together, roadside bakery stops + stone fruit galore.
Its a considered, curated experience that balances space and time to yourself in combination with low maintenance and fun group activities. You'll be able to enjoy the luxury villa, the surroundings and your time away properly.
In 2025, I spent nearly six weeks exploring a large portion of Crete. During that time it quickly became one of my favourite places in Greece. The quality of the food, beaches and the pace of life, plus some very great and proud people, all stood out in a way that felt immediately special.
I have marked and saved endless places to swim, eat, shop, stay and see and amongst a high quality list of favourites, there have been some special places I have found and now want to share on a guided tour.
We’ll be based in the north of the island, staying in a carefully chosen location that allows easy access to many of my top beaches, tavernas, vineyards and everyday places you’ve seen throughout my 2025 sabbatical. This specific location will show us an incredible part of the island whilst still offering a calm, private base to return to. Its remote enough to feel peaceful, yet close enough to explore freely and settle into the slow rhythm that makes Crete such a special place to be.
29 June – 5 July, 2026
How the week unfolds
The week is designed to move gently with each day centred around different beaches, meals, places and a natural rhythm of shared time and space to yourself.
Across the week, we’ll weave in:
- a ceramics class
- a winery visit
- an olive oil tasting or cooking class
- a seaside dinner
- day trip to Chania town for shopping, markets
- a boat day to my #1 beach in Crete (see pic to the left)
As well as plenty of everyday pleasures including local taverna visits, market mornings, long dinners at the villa, swims, gallery visits, rest and time to simply be there.
A typical day might look like
An early swim, breakfast by the pool, a beach visit followed by a taverna late lunch, a ceramics class mid afternoon, time back at the villa to rest, aperitivo over sunset and a Pasta Mama dinner together with 3,765 cicadas as the soundtrack.
A more detailed day-by-day outline will be shared once our group is confirmed.
What’s Included
Fully hosted, guided PMami experience throughout the week
Six nights luxury accommodation in a private Cretan stone villa
On-site PMami team support, including two staff members assisting with food, transport, logistics and guest care
Guided access to my favourite beaches and swim spots
All transport throughout the retreat including transfers to villa
Beach chairs & beach hire
All meals including daily breakfast, long lunches, dinners, snacks and shared table meals
Beverages with meals and during group activities, including water, soft drinks, tea and coffee and select alcoholic drinks enjoyed in a relaxed, considered way
Winery visit and tasting
Olive oil tasting
Local art experience, ceramics
Market visits and local food sourcing trips
PMami Starter Pack and curated welcome bundle
PMami Book Library
The Villa & Rooms
We’ll be staying in a beautiful Cretan stone villa set within a quiet natural landscape, built in traditional local architecture and finished with natural materials throughout. The villa is spacious, light-filled and deeply connected to its surroundings with stone, timber and soft textures that feel grounded.
The property is spread across three private wings, offering both privacy and togetherness. There is a private pool and spa, multiple indoor living spaces, and a generous outdoor kitchen with barbecue, designed for long lunches, shared cooking, and evenings that stretch late. Shaded terraces and open-air dining areas are woven throughout the property.
Each room is architecturally considered and interior-designed, with luxury linen, beautiful finishes, and a calm, restorative feel. The villa has rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms with a mix of king, queen and double beds. Two rooms (one king and one queen) share a bathroom within a private wing of the main house, the price has been adjusted based on this.
3 spots remaining for Crete
Pricing
Rates vary by room type and are listed per person. King bed with ensuite | Single occupancy €6,200 | Double occupancy €5,200
Queen bed with ensuite | Single occupancy €6,000 | Double occupancy €5,200
Double bed with ensuite | Single occupancy €5,900 | Double occupancy €5,000
King bed with shared bathroom | Single occupancy €5,700 | Double occupancy: €4,700
Queen bed with shared bathroom | Single occupancy €5,600 | Double occupancy: €4,500
Fees include accommodation, all meals, local transport and curated cultural experiences, with no additional costs beyond personal purchases.A €1,000 deposit is required to secure your place on the retreat.
The remaining balance is then split into two instalments, with one payment due in February and the final payment due in June
How to Book
To express interest please fill in the form below!
We’ll be in touch with availability, room options and next steps. If you have further queiries please email pastaclub@plantmama.com.au
FAQs
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This retreat is for anyone wanting a high-quality, beautifully organised holiday without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for solo travellers, first-timers to Greece, people who love good food and anyone who wants a mix of connection and alone time. It suits those with busy lives who are craving rest, sunshine, simple pleasures and no decisions. If you’ve ever wanted to step into the slow, salty, easy holidays PMami shares - this is for you.
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We thoughtfully curate each group to ensure compatible energy and travel styles. Our aim is that you leave feeling rejuvenated, supported and filled up in all the right ways - and we know the group vibe & energy will have the biggest impact on this.
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Absolutely - many guests will be solo travellers. You’ll have a private room (unless booking a double occupancy room) and plenty of opportunities to connect with others, as well as lots of space for alone time.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required for the entire duration of your trip, including flights and transit days.
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Plenty of alone time with a good mix of group activities. This is a retreat, not a forced-fun itinerary. You’re welcome to opt out of any activity, take quiet time, read by the pool, wander the village or retreat to your room whenever you wish.
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This retreat isn’t designed for people who want a tightly packed schedule, late nights or constant stimulation. Its not about rushing, ticking boxes, or doing as much as possible. Its for people who value rest, good food, and being guided well and who are happy to let the week unfold at a slower, more intentional pace.
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Flights to and from Greece
Travel insurance
Personal purchases outside of group meals and scheduled activities
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A thoughtful mix of PM cooking, local tavernas, beach picnics, seasonal produce, garden harvests and shared homemade meals. Expect simple, delicious, real food with lots of variety.
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Yes - within reason. Please disclose any dietary needs before booking so we can confirm accommodations.
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Most things are included. You may prefer additional cash for: shopping & extra drinks
The retreat itself is designed to minimise extra spending so we cover everything so you can focus on making the least amount of decisions.
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Group transfers to and from the villa (arrival & departure) are included.
During the week, we’ll have cars available for planned activities, plus an additional car for early swims or small off-schedule runs.
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Yes - most activities are gentle and adaptable. There may be stairs, uneven terrain and beach entries so moderate mobility is recommended.
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A deposit is required to secure your place on the retreat. The remaining balance is then split into two instalments, with one payment due in February and the final payment due in June. Full payment details, including deposit amount and timelines, will be shared once you enquire.
Samos Retreat Update
Our Samos, Greece retreat details will be updated in the coming weeks.
The dates remain the same 2–8th September and we’re currently finalising the location.
If you’re interested in joining the Samos dates, please get in touch at pastaclub@plantmama.com.au & we’ll keep you updated.