Here’s the deal:

We are gathering an intimate group of women to go on a destination retreat to Crete to discover the TRUTH about YOUR LIFE and WHAT'S NEXT….the magic, the mess, and more.

» We will CLEAR OUT any old lingering beliefs that are keeping you stuck. (Let's smash that inner glass ceiling once and for all, shall we?)

» We will DREAM QUEST and PLEASURE DIG to get inspired for the next chapter.

» We'll BE FRANK about disappointments, sexuality, pleasure, impostor syndrome, feeling selfish, and connect with our true desires to create an inspired action plan.

Oh – and there’s excursions to ancient sacred places, shopping, cocktails, and mocktails, too!

PLUS:

Starting in April, we'll gather for an optional monthly online Coaching Salon where we can get to know each other better and start setting the stage for some deep transformational conversations.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

No matter how many books you buy or workshops you go to…it seems like your old patterns are right there waiting for you.

No matter how many zeros are on the left side of the decimal point…you still feel scarcity.

No matter how many times people tell you you’re gorgeous…you just can’t quite believe them.

You would never in a million years go back to your teens or twenties – there was enough confusion and heartbreak there the first time – but you wouldn’t mind getting back some of your:

• Confidence
• Sex Appeal
• Life Force
• Enthusiasm
• Late Night Talks about Everything
• FUN!

The feeling that YOU are SPECIAL and that you are destined for an extraordinary life is not the exclusive province of the young. And it’s never, ever too late to create the life of your dreams and make the contribution you long to make.

We have some amazing methods to help you uncover the voice of your inner knowing and inner wisdom, connect with your high-vibe self and unleash the voice of your wildest desires. PLUS we have the know-how and experience to create the feel-good action plan to bring your dreams to life.

Previous Barefoot clients have:

- bought their dream home

- joyfully changed careers

- got total clarity on next steps

- made lifelong friends

- committed to (and stuck with!) a plan for improved health, vitality and stamina

- cleared old, self-sabotaging patterns

- created miracles!

The Greek Islands have lured visitors for thousands of years.

Crete is the largest of these islands and it has it all: delicious Greek cuisine, local wineries, rich history, stunning beaches, friendly locals, and enchanting villages.

Elounda is located along the northeast seaboard of Crete. Famous as a luxury beach destination, it offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Crete.

During our week together, we will adventure out into Crete by land and by sea to explore all it has to offer.

Our excursions include:

• A privately guided visit to the most famous archeological site on Crete, the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos and the archeological museum. The Palace is the monumental symbol of Minoan civilization, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size. (Remember the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur? This is it! Get ready to be amazed!)
• Venturing out on a traditional Cretan "kaiki" boat to visit the historic Spinalonga Island. Uninhabited, Spinalonga lies at the natural harbor of Elounda in the prefecture of Lassithi in Crete. It carries a long history and holds a special place in the Greeks' hearts. After we marvel at the ruins and history, we're off to a virgin beach for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. Ahhhhhh...
• A visit to the neighboring village of Aghios Nikolaos for a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we'll enjoy an olive oil tasting and tour at a nearby farm, a visit to a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and end in the Village of Kritsa where you can shop for gorgeous local, handmade wares. 

With over two decades of coaching, mentoring and facilitation experience, Sam and Amy will knock your tankini off with their expertise. These women are the perfect blend of spiritual (not too woo), direct (with kindness) and mama bear love. You’ll receive special “love seat” time to receive 1:1 coaching, as well as proven exercises to take your life to the next level.

Collectively, Amy and Sam have facilitated over 85 multi-day retreats, events and workshops in such varied environments as Google, Harvard University, HOW Design Conference, US Naval Medical Center, Wisdom 2.0 as well as a zillion of their own private events in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Hawaii, Switzerland, and Mexico. 

In addition to the daily workshop time during our trip (featuring our time-tested worksheets, revealing exercises and exclusive processes), Sam and Amy are also offering a BONUS of an online Monthly Coaching Salon (value: $3000) where we can start looking at the deeper questions that will lead us to a better life.

50 is the new 30? Does that mean 62 is the new 48? Is 80 the new 17? 

What does all that mean, exactly?

We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity for women.

And while that’s exciting, it also means that WE DON’T HAVE A MAP for what our life journey could look like from here on out.

We don’t have any model of what the next 10, 20, 50 years or more of our lives are supposed to look like.

Guess what? You get to create whatever the hell you want! But even that freedom can feel overwhelming and confusing.

Amy and Sam are experts at helping smart people get:

- Clarity about what they really want - no "shoulds" allowed

- Insights into what's been holding them back for so long - and the spiritual remedy needed

- Creative Rocket Fuel to change what needs changing - immediately

You’ve paid your dues in full, my dear, and it's time to cash in to create the most epic chapter of your life yet.

Dream and vision with us and a potent circle of women. Commune with your Inner Wisdom and create a plan that's right for YOU.

Who is Barefoot Perfect for?

Barefoot Perfect is for you if…

• You want the ideal mix of lounging, adventure, laughter, and HELLS YES transformation
• You are longing for real talk with authentic, like-minded women
• You want a place where you can tell the truth and let your hair down
• You love to enjoy fresh, delicious food (no dishes to wash)
• You long to have unstructured time to connect to your Inner Wisdom
• You want to have deep conversations while lounging by the sea (away from your everyday life is where you can really dream!)
• You want to hang out with Amy & Sam, two expert teachers who feel like good girlfriends and will tell you the truth – no matter what
• You would love a spa treatment at one of the best spas in Crete (mmmmm…..)
• Your idea of fun is actually seeing the beauty of a country like Greece with the perfect combo of togetherness, sunbathing on the beach, solo time, visioning and dreaming what’s next (HELLO!)
• You can’t wait to be able to tell people, “What’s up with me? Oh, well….I am going to Crete in October…” *hair toss*hair toss*

Barefoot Perfect is NOT for you if:

• You want to sit in silent meditation and drink kale juice and do yoga 18 times per day. Kidding – of course there will be time for you to get your yoga on, take that run, kayak, paddle board, swim, do your thing - but we’re more about walking barefoot on the beach and having drinks with pineapple in them…(we don't care much for deprivation and austerity)
• You want to stay in another cold, anonymous, hotel conference room all day working hard and never enjoying the destination you’re at and coming home with a pile of notes you'll never look at again (no thank you, we like action and fun!)
• You want guru-like leaders that you worship and who want you to live tweet the event for their followers (yeah….we’re not really into that)

You’ll leave with:

• A feeling of deep rest & soul-level renewal
• A new, deeper self-compassion for your disappointments, embarrassments, and even your “failures”
• A true celebration of what an accomplished, wise, sexy, badass woman you are
• A vision for the next chapter of your life and a custom-made action plan to get you there
• Relationships with women that will become lifelong friends and champions
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Mediterranean Feasts Galore

• Come prepared to enjoy delicious, fresh, incredible food and wine.
• Cozy up to the bar to get your favorite cocktail or mocktail.
• You’ll be taken care of and waited on by an impeccable team at this 5-Star Resort.
• And, of course, we will take ALL your dietary needs into account, so that you're well fed with food that makes you feel amazing!

You'll stay in your own, private Mediterranean Sea view suite with your very own plunge pool.

No need to bring earplugs to drown out the snoring of your beloved or roommate. This room is just for you! Think casual, luxury, white-sheet therapy with this view.

.

Why Crete?

• First, doesn’t it just sound cool to say “I’m heading off to Greece for a week?” (hair toss, hair toss)
• It’s the ultimate paradise and blend of ancient culture and modern luxury.
• It’s the ideal location for a combination of ocean time, beaches, deep inner work and communing with history.

Why Porto Elounda?

• Elounda is located along the northeast seaboard of Crete. Famous as a luxury beach destination, it offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Crete.
• Our 5-Star hotel offers a large stretch of sandy, protected beach, saltwater pools throughout the grounds, and multiple indoor and outdoor dining facilities. 
• Porto Elounda also boasts the oldest and largest Six Senses Spa in Europe, called the "World's Best Spa" according to the Sunday Times' "Travel" magazine. 
• But, wait! Guests at Porto Elounda also have access to luxury dining at the resort's two nearby sister properties, both an easy walk or quick shuttle ride away, giving you access to three hotels in one.

Why Amy and Sam?

We are bestselling authors, coaches, speakers and no bs mentors with over 35 years of combined coaching, leading, facilitation experience. We are especially passionate about working with powerful women and highly creative people in transition. 

PLUS:

• We have 25 years of friendship (my goodness, how time flies!)
• From “just dreaming” of writing books to becoming traditionally published bestselling authors
• From broke “starving artists” to multi-six figure business owners
• We've walked with each other through the heartaches of life: breakups, divorces, miscarriages, illness and other disasters
• And we've walked with each other during the joys of life: marriages, babies, TV appearances, book deals, awards, rockstar events (that $128k weekend!), multi-six figure online program launches, speaking in front of thousands and so much more

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bring my kids?

A: Nope. This is kid-free experience. (Yep. You’re welcome.) (I mean we love kiddos…Amy’s a mama to two and Sam’s an auntie to two, but it’s time for adults-only conversations that don't get cut off every three minutes, right?)

Q: Can I bring my spouse/partner/friend?

A: If your spouse/partner/friend identifies as a woman, and you don’t mind sharing your luxurious king-sized bed with them, then yes. Contact us for their registration fee (which is a small discount). If you don’t want to share a bed, just have your pal register separately.

Q: I want to extend my trip and see more of Greece and/or Europe...can you help me?

A: YES! Our concierge travel goddess, Tamara Golden, is a top travel agent and she can help you extend your trip before or after the retreat. Amy might hit up Paris, Sam might venture to Italy...why not? There is so much to see and explore! Once you enroll, you can reach out to Tamara to get her expert wisdom and guidance.

Q: I'm vegan/gluten-free/paleo/omnivorous/addicted to dark chocolate...can you accommodate my food needs?

A: Yes. We will do everything we can to make sure you have plenty of delicious food, three meals a day. We have some pretty serious food restrictions ourselves, so we totally get it. (Remember, too, though, that you'll be abroad, so you may need to practice being a little bit flexible.)

Q: I'm self-conscious about my body and I don't feel comfortable in a swimsuit...

A: Honey, your body is so beautiful! And we notice that no matter how uncomfortable we might feel in our day-to-day world, once we're floating in the clear blue sea, we start to remember the sanctified beauty of our physical selves. It is our express purpose to have you feeling great no matter what you are wearing. Please do your delightful self a favor and get yourself a new swimsuit that fits, grab your flipflops and prepare to fall in love with your body all over again. She’s your one and only body this time around, might as well love her up!

Q: What if I want to use this as a writing/creative project retreat?

A: Sure. You’ll have unscheduled time each day to do whatever you like. Imagine putting the final touches on your novel or creative project while lounging in Greece. That said, please do plan on being present at all of our workshop sessions.

Q: I identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, and/or am a trans woman...is this retreat for me?

A: If you identify as a woman, are non-binary or gender non-conforming and feel good about being in circle at a women's retreat, we welcome you with open arms!

Q: How are you handling Covid/flu/RSV...all the things?

A: Let us start by saying that your safety is of utmost importance.

We will be following and adhering to all mandated health protocols, policies and guidelines in place at the time of this Retreat to ensure all participants’ maximum safety. We are staying abreast of the news, and are communicating with retreat participants. In the unlikely event that things take a turn for the worse we would look at moving the retreat dates.

We also strongly, strongly suggest getting trip insurance on the off chance that you can't make it. Tamara, our retreat concierge goddess, will assist you and send you options so your investment is protected.

Please note: mandated health protocols may require you prior to traveling, at the start of traveling, or at any time during traveling: (a) disclose your current health status; (b) disclose your past health, illness or vaccination status; (c) wear personal protective equipment; (c) observe social and/or physical distancing; and/or (d) require you to undergo health screenings, including but not limited to temperature checks and/or tests to determine if you may be suffering from COVID-19 or similar viral or bacterial ailments that would cause a health risk to others.

What Does My Registration Cover?

Simply get yourself to the Heraklion Airport in Crete.

We'll take care of the rest!

The Barefoot Perfect: Crete retreat price is all-inclusive for your accommodations, excursions, transformative sessions, and most of your meals.

Your registration includes:

• Exclusive custom-designed workshops with Amy & Sam to clear your mind & create your future
• Round trip airport transfers from Heraklion to Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
• Your own Porto Sea View Superior Room with Private Terrace & Individual Seawater Swimming Pool
• Special Seaside Welcome Dinner; 7 sumptuous breakfast buffets; 3 two-course lunches; 3 three-course dinners with wine and local musicians and dancers
• Three exclusive excursions: Spinalonga Island & Virgin Beach Boat Trip; Minoan Palace of Knossos & Archeological Museum Tour; Olive Oil Tasting, Monastery and Village Crafts Visit
• Wine served with all group dinners; Dedicated wine tasting featuring 5 Greek wines and local Greek cheeses (optional)
• 60-minute spa treatment of your choice at the largest Six Senses Spa in Europe, plus an additional 2 hours' use of their Thalasso pool circuit
• Complimentary wi-fi and housekeeping gratuities

**PLUS you also get these AWESOME bonuses**

• We want our circle to connect and deepen long before we meet up in Crete. Let's gather momentum and magic! You'll receive a bonus MONTHLY Virtual Group Coaching Salon April-September with Amy and Sam and an amazing circle of women. Six group sessions total. (Value: $3000...yours free!)
• One Post-Retreat Group Coaching Integration Call with Amy & Sam (Value: $500...yours free!)

About Amy Ahlers

Amy Ahlers is an expert women’s leadership coach, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves (New World Library, 2011) and Reform Your Inner Mean Girl (Simon and Schuster/Beyond Words, 2015). Amy is on a mission to STOP women from self-bullying and being so darn hard on themselves so they can make their greatest possible contribution.

After being a top producing sales executive, she entered the world of coaching two decades ago and has touched the lives of over 150k people. She is the host of the celebrated Amy Ahlers Show podcast, she has been a featured keynote speaker on stages at places like Google and Oracle and has appeared on countless TV and radio shows.

Most mornings you’ll find Amy doing a dance party with her husband and two children with a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. She resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and rescue mutts, Batman and Auggie.

About Sam Bennett

Originally from Chicago, Samantha Bennett is a beloved writer, speaker, actor, teacher and creativity/productivity specialist. She is the author of the bestselling, “Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day” (New World Library) which Seth Godin called, “An instant classic, essential reading for anyone who wants to make a ruckus.” Her latest bestseller is, “Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers and Recovering Perfectionists” (New World Library).

Sam has also written the script for the hit musical, “In a Booth at Chasen’s,” and is working on her latest book, due out in late 2023.

She is an award-winning marketing expert, having spent 15 years as a Personal Branding Specialist for Sam Christensen Studios and been honored as an Ultimate Marketer Finalist at Infusioncon. She is also an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant and Reseller.

Application Process

STEP 1: If you're a YES or even a MAYBE, the next step is to simply submit your no-obligation application. The application is short, easy and fun. Just filling out the application itself will spark some valuable insights into fabulous you. (And there is a spot where you can tell us if you're "just dreaming" - so don't worry that you'll be pressured to attend if the actual event is out of reach.)

STEP 2: We personally review every application. 
We want to ensure that we take only “perfect fit” women on the Barefoot Perfect: Crete adventure. After all, we will be spending 7 days in paradise with you so, we want to make it a phenomenal, life-changing experience for us all. If we have questions, we may reach out to schedule a short, private interview to get to know you better.

STEP 3: If you're accepted, you'll receive an official letter of acceptance. 
And you can move forward immediately reserving your spot. We will also be available to answer any questions you have. (Remember, our retreats sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot with your deposit the moment you're accepted.)

If we don't feel like this retreat is the right fit for you, we will reach out with some suggestions for other best next steps.

ALSO - PLEASE NOTE: our amazing travel/event planner, Tamara Golden, is available to help you coordinate your flights and plan any additional travel if you want to extend your trip. Her expertise is just another valuable benefit to this program.