June 9, 2008

Europe | Greece | Crete

Wild Thing

By Nicole Cotroneo

Get your caveman on in Crete.

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Step away from the treadmill. We repeat: Step away from the treadmill. Instead, might we suggest a sprint up sage-scented hills in Greece? Welcome to the Wildfitness way, the outfitter who for the past seven years has aimed to “transform ‘zoo humans’ into ‘wild humans’” by bringing guests “back to nature” at a coastal Kenya resort. Now, Wildfitness makes its debut in the Mediterranean, with its first retreat in Crete.

The weeklong program begins tomorrow in Milia, an historic hamlet in the western foothills of the White Mountains (home to Europe’s longest gorge). Up to 16 guests take over Milia’s 13 stone houses — abandoned in the 17th century and now restored — each with its private balcony or garden overlooking chestnut-treed countryside. This secluded “ecological farm” is solar-powered and in the evenings gives way to candlelight. Meanwhile, the menu is founded on “hunter-gatherer” principles, which means you’ll have to forgo processed grains and most dairy. But don’t worry — you won’t be gnawing on roots throughout your holiday. You’ll be treated to pumpkin soup, wild greens and local prawns instead.

Naturally, there’s daily exercise: an ever-changing line-up mixing fight and flight (think boxing on terraced mountain peaks and barefoot-running along the coast). If your limbs are still in working order, you can also take an afternoon swim to a nearby island or trek through a dramatic gorge. But there’s downtime too, including picnics, sunset walks, even a little traditional Cretan dancing. Oh, and one more thing: Wildfitness won’t send you back to your “urban zoo” before a well-deserved relaxation-massage.