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Frequently asked questions

PHILOSOPHY & APPROACH


The Joy Philosophy is our practical roadmap for creating a life you don't want to escape from.

It has four phases: Reset, Restore, Rediscover and Relive. ​ ​

  • Reset helps you simplify the everyday and build practical foundations that create more time, clarity and space.
  • Restore focuses on rebuilding energy, confidence and your capacity to experience more joy in everyday life.
  • Rediscover helps you explore what genuinely matters to you, what makes you sparkle, and what you want your life to look like.
  • Relive is where you stop working on life and go live it, through unforgettable experiences, adventures and ridiculously good memories.

Because life's too short to spend it just getting through the day!

To us, joy isn't about the occasional great holiday or night out. It's about building a life that feels good to live, even on an ordinary Tuesday.

Joy shouldn't be something you have to escape your everyday life to find.

No.

Reset → Restore → Rediscover → Relive is the journey we recommend, but it isn't a set of prerequisites.

You can join the retreat or experience that feels right for where you are now.

If you would like help to determine what phase is right for you, try our What does my life need right now? quiz or give us a call
No.

Our retreats are personal development and experiential retreats. They are not therapy, counselling, psychiatric care, medical treatment or a substitute for professional healthcare.

If you are unsure whether a retreat is appropriate for your circumstances, please speak to an appropriate healthcare professional before booking.
Not at all.

Whilst we fully respect everyone's spirituality and belief systems, that is not the objective of our approach. 

Our approach is human-centred transformation through practical systems and new perspectives, rather than spiritual or religious methodology. Guests from all belief systems are warmly welcome.
Good. So are we!

No mystical promises, complicated systems or pretending positive thinking fixes everything.

We believe in practical tools, honest conversations and small changes that actually work in real life.

And if our approach isn't your cup of tea? That's absolutely fine. We'd rather help you find the right fit than sell you the wrong one.

ABOUT THE RETREATS & ADVENTURES


Absolutely! You don't need to bring anyone, know anyone or be a social butterfly.

Our small groups are designed to make everyone feel welcome, whether you arrive solo or with someone you know.

We're deliberately tiny! Our retreats typically welcome up to four guests, with a maximum of six when a group books together and our room-sharing arrangements allow it.

No crowds. No getting lost in the background. Just a genuinely personal experience.

Of course! You can book together and share a room, or request separate rooms subject to availability.

AAAAND, what's better? Sharing a room comes with a 20% discounted price! We'll explain the available options before you confirm your booking.

Our retreats last seven nights, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the experience and explore beautiful Greece.

It's a full week away from the usual routine, with workshops, adventures, good food and plenty of time to simply enjoy yourself.

Not a even a little bit!

You don't need to know anything about personal development, be particularly fit or have your life figured out.

Just bring yourself, an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Any activity-specific requirements will be explained before booking.

For adults who want more from life!

Maybe you're overwhelmed, running on empty, ready for a change or simply desperate for a proper adventure.

We're not a spa resort or a spiritual retreat. We're about real people, practical tools, genuine connections and experiences that make life a whole lot more joyful.

Each retreat page explains what that particular experience is designed for, and who.

That depends on what life is throwing at you!

  • Reset: Feeling overwhelmed? Reclaim your time, energy and control.

  • Restore: Lost your sparkle? Rebuild your confidence and everyday joy.

  • Rediscover: Wondering what's next? Explore your passions, purpose and possibilities.

  • Relive: Ready for adventure? Forget the self-development and go make some memories!

Still unsure? Try our What Does My Life Need Right Now? quiz or get in touch. We're happy to help!

That depends on the retreat.

Our Reset, Restore and Rediscover retreats combine workshops, conversations, practical activities, downtime and shared experiences.

Relive is different. No personal-development programme. No fixing your life. Just adventures designed to make it considerably more fun.

You'll find the full details and indicative itinerary on each retreat or adventure page.

If you are unsure how you feel about this, feel free to chat with us over WhatsApp / Viber / Video call / Voice Call before you book. We are deeply dedicated to making sure you are fully at ease
No.

Our retreats are personal development and experiential retreats. They are not therapy, counselling, psychiatric care, medical treatment or a substitute for professional healthcare.

If you are unsure whether a retreat is appropriate for your circumstances, please speak to an appropriate healthcare professional before booking.
No.

You're encouraged to participate, but you remain in control of what you share and what you are comfortable taking part in.

Some activities may require information for practical or safety reasons, but we'll always explain why we're asking.
Absolutely.

Our retreats are experiences, not endurance events.

Whether you want to nap in a hammock in the sun, chill by the pool, read under a tree, or swim in the sea, we've got you. And the best part is you do not have to justify yourself to anybody.
There is a planned structure, but we're deliberately flexible.

Activities may change because of weather, availability, safety considerations or simply because something else makes more sense for the group on the day.

And if something wonderful happens that throws us off schedule? Brilliant! 

Our small-group retreats take place at our private mountain home near Patras, Greece.

Think peaceful surroundings, colourful spaces, beautiful nature and easy access to beaches, local culture and some pretty spectacular adventures.

See Our Home


We'll give you clear travel and arrival information before your retreat, including the available options for getting to an agreed meeting point.

Where collection arrangements are available for your particular retreat, these will be clearly stated in your retreat information and confirmed before arrival.

Our home is in a mountainous location and has stairs, sloping and uneven outdoor areas and other features that may not be suitable for everyone.

Some retreat activities also involve walking or visiting external locations.

If you have accessibility or mobility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can give you accurate information about the property and activities and discuss what we can reasonably accommodate.

Nope. And we're rather proud of that!

You'll be staying in our colourful, comfortable mountain home, not a five-star resort.

Think genuine hospitality, great company, memorable experiences and hosts who actually give a damn.

We're here to help you get more out of life, not just escape it for a week.

No five-star pretence. Just five-star enthusiasm!

And we reckon our hosts are pretty bloody awesome. (That's us, by the way)

RETREAT & ADVENTURE FOOD, HEALTH & SAFETY


We will do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies wherever we can.

Because most meals are prepared in our home kitchen and some meals may be provided by restaurants or other third parties, we cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.

We'll ask you for any information we need to plan and provide your meals safely before your retreat.
Please tell us about anything we reasonably need to know to help keep you safe or determine whether we can accommodate your needs.

We only ask for information that is relevant to your stay and handle personal and health-related information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Our hosts are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical care or advice.
Your safety comes first.

We may change an activity, location, accommodation, itinerary or other arrangement where reasonably necessary because of weather, wildfire, safety concerns or circumstances outside our control.

If we have to cancel an entire retreat, your options will be governed by our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Terms & Conditions.

You're in good company! Not everyone arrives feeling confident, energetic or ready to make new friends.

Our groups are small, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there's room to take things at your own pace.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, Reset might be a great place to start.

We're not medical or mental health professionals, so if you're experiencing significant mental health challenges or medical burnout, please speak with a healthcare professional before booking.

And if you're nervous? Give us a call. We're happy to chat before you decide.

COSTS, BOOKINGS, & PAYMENTS


Our retreats follow a standard pricing structure based on the season, room choice and occupancy.

And the best bit? Our retreats are all-inclusive, so there's no endless list of extras to worry about. No nasty surprises! Although remember that flights, alcohol and personal expenses are excluded, sorry!


Your retreat is sold as one complete experience at one price.

Our seven-night, all-inclusive retreats in Greece are designed to make life easy. One price, one unforgettable experience!

Your retreat includes:

  • 7 nights' accommodation

  • All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks

  • Workshops and activities

  • Planned group experiences and day trips

  • Local transport and agreed airport transfers

  • Practical materials and tools where applicable

No surprise mandatory extras! You'll find the exact inclusions and exclusions on each retreat page before booking.

Your international or domestic travel to the agreed meeting point, travel insurance, alcohol, visas, and personal purchases are not included.

Easy! Click here, choose your retreat, select your dates and room, then submit your booking request. No payment is collected at this stage.


We'll review your request and send payment instructions.

  • More than 30 days before: €500 deposit due within 3 days.

  • 14 to 30 days before: Full retreat payment due within 3 days.

  • Less than 14 days before: Bookings are closed.

Your reservation is held for 3 days while you arrange payment. Your booking is confirmed once we've received payment and issued written WOOHOO! confirmation email.

That depends on how soon your adventure begins!

  • More than 30 days before: Pay your €500 deposit within 3 days of your booking request. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your retreat.

  • 14 to 30 days before: The full retreat amount is due within 3 days of your booking request.

  • Less than 14 days before: Bookings are closed.

Your exact payment amounts and deadlines will be confirmed during the booking process.

Plans change. We get it.
  • More than 30 days before your retreat: Refund of payments made, less the €500 non-refundable deposit.

  • Within 30 days: No refund.

  • No-show: No refund.

Your statutory rights and any applicable exceptions remain unaffected. Please read our full Terms and Conditions before booking.

If you have any questions or concerns, you don't need an excuse to call 😉
If we cancel your retreat, your rights and available options will be handled in accordance with Section 8. Changes or Cancellation by The Joy Bringers section of the Terms and Conditions.

We'll communicate with you as quickly and clearly as possible.
Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance appropriate for your circumstances and the activities you intend to participate in.

Your policy should ideally cover cancellation, medical expenses, travel disruption, force majeure, and personal belongings.

Yes! Payment plans are available through the booking process when there's enough time before your retreat.

You can choose a schedule of monthly instalments, with your final payment due no later than 30 days before your retreat.

If this option doesn't work for you, then just get in touch before booking and we'll explore other options together.

AFTER YOUR RETREAT

Every person's experience is different.

Our retreats are designed to give you practical tools, new perspectives, meaningful experiences and the opportunity to make changes that continue beyond your week with us.

We won't promise that seven days will magically transform your life. What happens afterwards will depend on you, your circumstances and what you choose to take forward.

Don't worry, we are here to help you get there as long as that's where you want to be.
You don't suddenly become dead to us when you leave.

Where available, you'll be able to stay connected through our alumni community and explore other retreats, experiences, tools and resources across The Joy Bringers ecosystem.

There's no obligation to buy or continue with anything.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?


Good. Ask us.

We would much rather answer something before you book than have you arrive unsure about what you've signed up for.