How much is it?

 

FEES

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2026 course tuition can be found on the Registration Page.

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Meals Pricing

Class-day lunches for required for every student at an additional €15/lunch.

5 class days per course - so one course is €75, two is €150, three is €225 and four is €300.

Class lunch money is to be paid to David/CNTI in euros cash upon your arrival.

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All other meals are on your own. See the below for more food info.​

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Lodging will be factored in separately.

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Additional food, and lodging, are extra:

Rooms at Akrimios are very limited. See Lodging section below for more info.

Email David for lodging recommendations. Pricing varies.
 

Breakfast: Available at Akrimios for €15. Students arrange and pay for breakfasts directly with Akrimios.

Non-class day lunches, and all dinners are also extra, depends on where (and what!) you eat.

Payable in euros cash to Akrimios, or wherever directly (cash/card)

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Apartments at Akrimios, Aptera Hotel other hotels, and most airbnbs have kitchenettes for use. There are some grocery shops nearby.

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More info on lodging and food below.

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Please note to expect additional costs for car rides, taxis, tips, local excursions, and that sort of stuff.

We will collect cash tips for the local Akrimios staff before you leave.

 

Where is it?

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Akrimios / Orizon Center for Life & Creation is a beautiful, peaceful location near the town of Aptera on the island of Crete in Greece, 20 min from the nice city of Chania. It is reached by a 30-minute drive on the main highway from Chania International Airport (CHQ), and two-hours drive from Heraklion. Orizon, the healing center, and Akrimios, the restaurant/hotel, are at the same location: Akrimios, Aptera 73003, Chania, Crete map

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When is it?

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JUNE-JULY 2026

June 23-24 - Arrival*

June 25-29: TAO: TaoTouch Extraordinary Chi Kung
June 30-July 1: Two Day Break

July 2-6: FUN: Fundamentals of TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang

July 7-8: Two Day Break
July 9-13: GLO: Global Body TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang

July 14-15: Two Day Break

July 16-20: ACE: Advanced TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang

July 21: Departure

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*Arrival/departure listed is for the whole retreat. You are welcome to join for just a portion thereof.

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* If traveling from a very different time zone, we highly suggest a one or two day transition period for jet lag and new climate before your first day of class.

 

What time is it?

8:15am: Breakfast (optional)

9:00am: Chi Kung/Buddha Palms warmup

10:00am-1:00pm: Morning class session
1:00-4:00pm: Lunch and siesta

4:00-4:30: Sleeping/Dreaming Chi Kung

4:30-7:00pm: Afternoon class session

7:00pm onward: Free time

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Daily schedule subject to change.

 

How do I get there?

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Fly in to and out from the Chania airport (CHQ).

We recommend this great taxi company: Taxi24Chania - They are friendly and dependable. Reserve on their website and they communicate via whatsapp. It is around €35-40 each way.

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How many people will be in the class?

 

Should be around 15-25 students each class.

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What can I expect from my experience?

The Crete Retreat is not simply a training retreat. It is equally, if not moreso, a personal experience where the conditions and practices set the environment for an inner healing journey. The retreat begins with 5 days of TaoTouch Extraordinary Chi Kung, an introduction to classical Taoist health philosophy and functional practices drawn from martial arts. From here, we then dive into the hands-on Chi Nei Tsang training, with internal Chi Kung woven in throughout the month as well, including Biology of Consciousness, Fusion and Dreaming Chi Kung.

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COURSE INFO

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Are there prerequistes?

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We encourage all participants to start with the first class, TaoTouch Extraordinary Chi Kung on June 25th. If you have not taken classes with Gilles before, this is mandatory before taking Fundamentals or any hands-on class. If need be you can take the online courses TaoTouch Chi Kung and Biology of Consciousness. But we highly encourage you to come for Week 1 as it is the best!

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You must take FUN before GLO, and GLO before ACE.

Even beginners are welcome to stay for all classes- the whole retreat- but they must start at the beginning with the first week's class: TAO.

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Can I satisfy the non-touch course prerequisites at home?

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Yes you can take the online classes and do the reading and practices at home.

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Prereq for Fundamentals: TaoTouch Chi Kung and Biology of Consciousness

Prereq for Global Body: Fusion Meditation

You can watch and review these recent online classes. Upon registration of these courses you will get the link to the recordings pages which also have downloadable detailed class notes and other resources.

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Gilles books, especially Five Elements, Six Conditions and therein, especially the illustrated parts in the middle.

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There is also a Fundamentals course packet, books and other materials to review before class.

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Prep Study Info and Materials HERE.

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What subject matter should I expect?

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Gilles teaches according to his current inspirations and the students present. Honestly it is hard to say what exactly will be taught. There will definitely be morning Nei Kung (internal chi) meditations including Biology of Consciousness and Fusion, Tai Sabaki (Peace on Earth) partner exercises, sleeping chi kung, dream translation, and of course hands-on TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang. This may include expanding the ribs, directing breath, navel points, opening the wind gates, connecting with liver, large intestine, diaphragm attachments at the lumbar spine, golden fish, floating the head... See the individual course pages for more info. TAO FUN GLO ACE

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What's the dealio with Practitioner Certification?

Please visit the Certification page for requirements. Downloadable materials include the Case Study Form and Treatments Received Form. Let us know any questions about certification.

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Can I start practicing TaoTouch CNT before I am certified?

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Yes! We encourage students to bring home what you have learned even after just one Fundamentals class, and start practicing on friends, family and even clients (informing them first that you are at the student level). In fact, that is how to get certified- you need to complete case studies. So yes, practice away and send in questions via email and whatsapp.

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CLASSROOM INFO

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Can I take notes/record class with my phone/tablet?

Please take notes with good ol' pen and paper. No typing, clicking, tapping, etc during class. The TA's will be recording audio (meditations, discussions), and also video of Gilles' demos for your reference. We will post all that to Google Drive after classes are complete. You may do your own voice recording.
 

Can I receive full TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang Treatments during the retreat?

The TAs will be available for full TaoTouch CNT sessions during lunch breaks and evenings throughout the retreat. We will put up sign up sheets and you can schedule there. These count as "treatments received" for certification. Each practitioner will charge their rate- please pay them directly.

 

Sorry, Gilles does not give treatments at trainings. You'll have to see him in San Rafael, California.

However you can get to feel Gilles' touch in class (see below).

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How do I volunteer to be on the table when Gilles is giving an in-class demonstration?

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Pretty much everyone wants to hop on the table for Gilles' practice demonstrations. He will say "any volunteers?" and it's first come first served. That said, if you have already been a volunteer, please hold off for awhile to let others, some of whom are not as bold and quick, to get a turn. Thank you for your mindfulness and cooperation in this regard.

 

Will I be feeling emotional?

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Yes, and for good reason! Healing is about emotional processing and digestion. Keep in mind that more than half the time you'll be receiving TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang and doing internal work, and along with travel, interpersonal dynamics and such, you will likely have personal stuff come up. This is why a retreat setting is so great. Please take it easy and be kind to yourselves and each other.

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Will it be weird at the start of new classes, with/for new students joining?

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Do expect a short adjustment period at the beginning of each new class. The group will have already formed a vibe. So please be mindful and give yourselves and newcomers some space and understanding about this kind of group dynamic. Don't worry, after one day or so of TaoTouch CNT class you will likely feel integrated and part of our lil family there.

Is there a WhatsApp for the group?

Yes, how did you know? You must be psychic! We will be starting a Whatsapp group for this years' students and teachers so we can stay connected during the retreat - if people have questions, sharing, etc - as well as long after after class has ended. Feel free to post CNT-related questions there.

 

How do I stay in touch with co-hearts after the retreat?

The aforementioned whatsapp group. So no need to race around frantically trying to get everyone's contact info

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Can I bring an uncovered turmeric smoothie into the classroom?

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No! What are you crazy?! Please bring only water bottles and tea cups with lids into the classroom space (no other drinks/food). You may have other refreshments in the terrace area and break room.

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LODGING

 

Rooms at Akrimios are quite limited. We will assess who is eligible for which room/apt as more people register.

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In general rooms/apartments at Akrimios and in the area range from €50-€95/night.

 

Email David at administration@chineitsang.com to get recommmendations for other local lodging options. Pricing varies.

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Can I stay in the classroom space or camp?

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Yes you can. Limit two persons per course. The cost is €25/night. You'll have access to amenities in the "break room", including a bathroom and a very small kitchen with fridge. You can sleep in the classroom space, Ingrid's office break room, or you can set your tent up in the yard beside the center.

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What should I bring, lodging-wise?

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Earplugs (road noise and cicadas can be loud in the rooms), eye mask, flashlight, extra towel for beach, notebook and pen for dream journaling.

 

FOOD

 

Is food included in the price?

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No, yes and no. Huh?

Breakfast can be available if requested with Ingrid in advance, for €15, and paid directly to them.

Lunch (€15) for all class-days will be included in the registration fee for all students. It's great to enjoy lunch together! There are 5 class-days per course (20 total for the full retreat). We will be sprucing up our lunch offerings in 2026!

Lunches on non-class-days are on your own.

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What's up with dinner then?

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Dinner, everybody is on their own, but it's no big thang: Akrimios (the name of the hotel that the Orizon Center sits in) is a proper restaurant at night. Occasionally, there might be a wedding, baptism or christening at Akrimios, which you will be welcomed at and have an unforgettable dinner there!

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Or go to Aptera, the nearby village a 10 minute walk up the hill, which has a few wonderful tavernas, especially Cretan Corner. There are also fantastic restaurants all over within a 15 minute drive, especially in the cute beach town of Kalyves, and great ones in Chania.

 

Also, if staying at Akrimios and most airbnbs in the area, you'll have your own kitchen, so you can always cook for yourself. There are small grocery stores nearby. There is tiny kitchen for use for those camping too.

 

What's on the menu at Akrimios?

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Akrimos has a full service restaurant with organic, local food, much which is grown on their Kokotsakis family farm! They offer pasture-raised sheep, milk and cheese, and a variety of organic vegetables served in traditional Crete dishes. Check out their restaurant and local Cretan cuisine here.

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What's on the menu at restaurants in general in Crete?

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Almost all purveyors of restaurants and cafes in Crete have their own family farm. Therefore much of the food is local, pasture-raised and organic. While you can find familiar Greek dishes, Crete has a lot of its own unique dishes, both vegetarian and meat. It is quite a treat. Plus, they often give you free dessert! :)

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Can I cook for myself?

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Yes! If you are staying at Akrimios, there are simple kitchen facilities in each suite. There are small grocery stores in nearby Aptera and Kalyves.

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How is the drinking water?

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Another special thing about Crete is the abundance of fresh spring water coming out of the ground, pre-filtered by Earth. It is safe to drink, and is amazing. For those staying at Akrimios and for class, we go to one of the springs to fill up all our water jugs every couple days. And certainly a few times we will refill with the magical mountain spring water of Spili which flows through serpentine stone.

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At Akrimios, the faucet water won't make you sick, but it can be a bit "brackish" due to mixing with sea water. So bottled water is recommended if you don't have the fresh spring water.

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Will there be snacks offered on the classroom terrace or break room?

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We will not be providing this. However we encourage students to bring and offer snacks to share!

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WHO DO I PAY?

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Euros cash is required or preferred by some restaurants and shops, as well as asked for by our retreat hosts for lodging at Akrimios and class lunches. You can get euros from ATMs on Crete. Though withdrawals may be limited to a certain amount per transaction or per day, plus ATM fees on both ends. So if you can get euros beforehand and bring it with you, that could be quite helpful.

 

Most restaurants, cafes and shops take credit cards, so no worries.

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Course Tuition:

Payable to us, CNTI, online before the class retreat. David will confirm your total and balance due.

 

Lodging at Akrimios:

Payable to us. Please pay David in Euros cash upon arrival. He will let you know your total beforehand. We have to pay the retreat center in cash.

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Class-day Lunches:

Payable to us. Please pay David in Euros cash upon arrival. It is €15/meal. There are 5 class-day lunches per each course (20 total for the full retreat).

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Breakfasts/Dinners/Lunches on non-class days: Pay Akrimios/Ingrid directly for meals, in euros cash only.

When eating and staying elsewhere, pay those folks of course.

 

TRANSPORT
 

Airport rides: We recommend this great taxi company: Taxi24Chania. You can reserve a ride beforehand on their easy to use website. They are very responsive and dependable. The ride should be around €35-40.

Trips to town: We will have a small dedicated rental car for retreat purposes, which will be driven by CNTI staff. We will make sure everyone gets chances to hop a ride to Kalyves, which is the nearest big town with grocery stores, ATMs, restaurants, shops and nice sandy beaches. We ask for a couple euros per trip to town.

You can always get the retreat center's taxi friends or another taxi anytime. Again, please be prepared with cash for petrol, taxi drivers/tips.

You can rent a car on your own. Local rental cars are fairly well priced, somewhere around €30-40/day with insurance. We recommend our local friends Poledas Car Rentals. Tell Andreas we sent you :)

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LOCAL EXCURSIONS

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Are any local excursions being arranged?

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Yes indeed! Every year we go on a few explorations around Crete, on one of the two days we have off between courses. These are optional, but encouraged!

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The cost of excursions relies heavily on a few things, so it is impossible to provide a fixed amount.  Money is needed as payment for either a bus rental, petrol money if we're carpooling, return boat ride from Lissos, for meals at restaurants Ingrid brings us to, and to compensate our gracious host and excursion leader Ingrid for her time and guidance.  Plan to budget for optional spending on additional food and shopping as well.  Some of these excursions take us off the beaten track!  Total cost depends on group size as well.  All well worth it!

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The following are our traditional excursions, subject to change:

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1) Lissos/Temple of Asclepius

Usually during break between TAO and FUN classes, depending on optimal thyme harvesting.

This is a half hour or so bus or car ride. Then it is a 3 hour or so beautiful hike to the ruins of the Temple of Asclepius. Asclepius, a son of Apollo, is an ancient Greek god of medicine and healing, especially healing through dreams. It will also be prime thyme season and we'll do some light respectful thyme harvesting. A fresh natural spring runs at the site to replenish. Then we go to a nice beach where you can cool off in the sea. We take a 10 minute boat ride back to town of Lissos.

 

The hike can be rigorous and is steep in some places. There is the option to take the boat both ways to avoid the hike. Hang out on the beach, and when the rest of the group arrives from the hike, we will all go to the Temple of Aesclepius for a meditation. We will also swim and chill together. We either pack a lunch or buy provisions in town (Souja) before the hike.​

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2) South Side of Crete: Cave of Sophia, Kedrodasos Beach, Honey

During break between FUN and GLO

Drive to the south side of Crete, visit the large, sacred Cave of Agia Sophia, and enjoy the special Kedrodasos juniper tree beach. Includes a visit to a local honey seller with pollen, honey raki, and if the timing is right, to a woodworking shop.

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3) Lapa: Carob, Avocado, Caves, Tree, Local Cuisine

During break between GLO and ADV

In this fun outing we visit a carob shop with wonderful tasty things to buy, and perhaps a short presentation by the owners. Then we visit an avocado oil shop in the charming ancient town of Lapa, where we grab snacks and drinks. Next we go to the Caves of the 5 Virgins (aka Goddesses or Priestesses), get some fresh water from the spring, and spend time with an ancient tree struck by lightning and now growing as 2 trees. Explore, sing and sit in quiet (except for the cicadas!). Finally we end with a fabulous, casual, banquet-style meal at the traditional Cretan Taverna Garden of Arkoudaina. Yum!

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Maybe during a lunch break or an evening:

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4) Local River

This would be a short lil trip sometime to a great spot just 4km from Akrimios, where a river meets the sea.

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5) Ancient Ruins of Aptera

The ruins just up the hill from Aptera town. Visit anytime! If we're lucky, Ingrid will take us to the ruins of an Artemis Temple for a guided meditation, with David playing the handpan, for a Monday sunset and moonrise.

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Is the word "excursions" hard to say? Yeah, thought maybe so, especially for our non-native English speakers. How about "Outings?" Ok, outings it is.

 

OTHER STUFF

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Are there Covid restrictions?

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On our end, participants do not need to show vaccination status or test results. That said, we do request that you be mindful and follow all the recommended procedures about personal hygiene: frequent hand washing, coughing/sneezing into the crook of the elbow, etc. In general we recommend boosting your immune system with good things like vitamin C, reishi mushroom tea, dark leafy greens, good sleep and practicing Buddha Palms!

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Please travel conscientiously in this regard.

 

If you feel ill please do not come to class- we will credit you accordingly.

 

The classroom is well ventilated. The space we create is an alkaline healing environment.

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As for travel into Greece, that depends on the national and local policies at the time. For the past couple years it appears that there are no restrictions for travelers coming into Greece. However it is your responsibility to stay updated: https://travel.gov.gr/

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What's the weather like?

 

In June-July it is hot, but not unbearably hot. Temperature ranges from lows around 20°C/65°F and highs 30°C/85°F. It usually stays warm at night. Chance of rain is unlikely.

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What are the lifestyle conditions of Crete?

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Please keep in mind that Crete can be quite rustic- some first world elements with some third world conditions as well. Akrimios/Orizon is not a "luxury resort" kind of place. However it does have all you need, and the beauty, culture and environment more than make up for it. Also note that, as with traveling anywhere internationally, there can be challenges with cultural and language differences. But that is part of the magic of travel, right? Your hosts, Ingrid Margarita, Petros and family are the most welcoming, sweet, and fun family :)

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Is drinking water provided?

 

There will be jugs for drinking for each person staying in the Akrimios apartments, and in the break room space, filled throughout the week. To reiterate from "Food" above: We take trips every couple days nearby locations that have natural spring water fountains. The water is so fresh and refreshing! We will ask for volunteers to assist with this task of refilling our water bottles. For times of no fresh spring water, or staying off-site, bottled water is recommended.

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Is there wifi and cell phone service there?

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Yes, don't freak out, you can stay connected. There is wifi and all cell phone connectivity possible. Though don't expect the best of either! There is pretty dependable wifi at Akrimios/Orizon, best in the restaurant area. Throughout Crete, many cafes, hotels and airbnbs have wifi available.

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You may want to get a temporary international cell plan. Check your cell phone provider for international plans.

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Please get the whatsapp app on your phone, as that is how many locals and our community communicate during (and after) the retreat.

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How can I lend a helping hand while there?

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Yes, thanks for asking! There are some chores necessary to help keep our space organized, tidy, clean and running smoothly. We will have a "dharma" work list and will ask participants to help out with these items. Don't worry, nothing is too challenging, energy-sapping or time consuming. Just a little bit here and there: sweeping the classroom space, keeping the break room clean, bringing cups back upstairs... little things like that as an opportunity to lend a helping hand. Thanks for your understanding! It is a team effort, and not a luxury vacation ;)

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Is there beach access from the retreat center/classroom space?

Yes, there is a trail from the retreat center down to a small, quiet, rocky beach, which is also a sacred site of antiquity. It is a beautiful walk, however the trail can be steep and slippery at times, and has some artifact rebar sticking up in the path from an old stairway. Please use caution! Walking the trail gets hot- perfect for a dip in the sea, and perhaps another dip in the pool when you come back up.

 

Bring a pair of closed-toed shoes for this walk and other hikes.  Thorns on this trail have been known to pierce through a flip-flop.

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Can I swim in the pool at Akrimios?

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Yes indeed! The pool is open until 6:00pm (18:00) when Akrimios opens as a restaurant for the public.

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What is that loud chirping sound?

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Cicadas. There are pretty loud cicadas on Crete. They mind their own business and are not bothersome other than their loud noisemaking, but just so you are aware. They are easy to get used to and tune out. We have a wireless mic/speaker for Gilles in class. Bring earplugs if you'd like for napping/sleeping.

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What clothes should I pack?

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- Layers
- Comfort: We will be sitting, doing not-so-physical chi kung, trading abdominal work, etc. So just be comfy and cozy.

- CNT Classes: We will be working directly on the abdominal area, so wear clothing that can reveal your belly. ie no dresses, unitards, leotards, onesies, jumpsuits, wetsuits, snowsuits or Winnie the Pooh footie jammies.

- Shoes are not allowed in the indoor spaces, so make sure to bring slip-on shoes or sandals easy to remove at the entrances.

- Closed toed shoes for the walk down to the sea, up to town and the ruins, excursions, etc. The 10-minute trail from Akrimios down to the little beach is scenic but steep and slippery.

- Bring swimsuits for the pool and sea!

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Are there laundry facilities there?

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For those staying at Akrimios for a longer time, there are laundry facilities there at the retreat center. At least washing machines. From them: "There are 2 washing machines in Orizon Center. For sure the customers can use them after speaking with our cleaning lady! They can give their laundry to her... The charge for that is €5." When the washer is done, please empty the washing machine and hang your clothes to dry right away. There are clotheslines and clothespins in the grassy area next to the laundry room.

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Who's in charge?

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Ingrid: Owner/manager of the Akrimos/Orizon Center. She is also a co-student and certified instructor.

 

David Sloves: Organizer/administrator handling registration, payments, communications and miscellaneous.

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Tiffiny Fyans: Organizer and Assistant Teacher with tons of experience and an extraordinary approach to healing.

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Marley Rose: Helper with on-site logistics. Feel free to approach Marley for any of your needs while there.

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Gilles Marin: Your Master Instructor Extraordinaire!

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Kentaro and Shizuka: Teacher Assistants and general retreat helpers.

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TA's including Tiffiny, David, Shizuka and Kentaro will be leading the morning chi kung warmups by the pool.

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What should I not forget to pack?

Device chargers
Plug adapters for Europe
Closed toed shoes for hikes
Slip on/off footwear for around the retreat center
Swimsuits

Extra towel and/or cloth for the beach

Sun hat (or buy one there!)
Headlamp/flashlight. Or we all have one on our phones nowadays huh duh

Reusable personal water bottle

Bug stuff (bugs are not too bad there, but depends on the year)

Ear plugs

Class notebook and personal journal: While you are allowed to audio record lecture/Q&A/meditation practices on your devices, please no audible typing, tapping or clicking for note taking.

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Will this be recorded? 

 

Yes, we will be video recording Gilles' demonstrations in class, and audio recording guided meditations and some Q&A sessions. This material will be available to students of this retreat for your reference after the courses via google drive.

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Please note: Some photos and non-personal video/audio will be shared with our larger community via newsletter, email and social media.

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OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

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Tread lightly: Please keep the property and all furnishings in good order.

 

Housekeeping: There is no daily housekeeping service. While linens and bath towels are included in the unit, daily maid service is not included.

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Euros Cash: Again, just to chisel it in, rooms and food at Akrimios are payable IN EUROS CASH ONLY - as with some other expenses mentioned above. Most restaurants and shops take credit cards nowadays.

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Efcharistó!