What do you get when three friends, each with unique, creative backgrounds united by their love for a Greek island come together to create something together? The answer is magical retreats on the Greek island of Andros, different from any tour operator experience or a packaged holiday experience you’ll find online.
Despina, a Greek American living in Los Angeles, has been friends with two Athenian women, Natalia and Melia– each with their own illustrious backgrounds and all three with a passion for the Cycladic island of Andros. Together the three of them hatched up an idea several years ago to bring people to Andros and share with them the same experiences that they’ve had that made them fall in love with the place.
The three women leading the retreats– all entrepreneurs, with a knack for travel, food, nature, reinvention, innovation and interior design. Longtime friends and neighbors, they have combined their complementary skills and will share their love of laughter and good times to establish these retreats and make them a mainstay on the island for years to come.
In 2023 two exciting retreats are being planned, targeting the discerning traveler that is looking for a unique, personal experience that you can’t get from a tourist guide book.
APRIL 20-23, 2023 – LEMONS AND LAUGHTER OCTOBER 20-25, 2023 – OLIVES AND JOY Curated, immersive experiences that will open your mind and heart to the seasonal magic of Greek island life.
Beautiful living in well-appointed homes, delicious local cuisine, and seasonal activities at the heart of life in Andros– olive and lemon harvests, chef demonstrations, guided cultural tours, miles of hiking trails, and breathtaking beaches – we want to share with you our insider’s view of this vibrant community, enriching your stay and nourishing your soul.Guests will stay in chic island homes in the fertile valley of Livadia— a village that can’t get more authentic, while participating in curated activities related to the Harvest. Lemons in Spring. Olives for Fall.
What to expect on these retreats:
Chic homes, Greek Cooking Class, Museum Visits, Island Hikes, Breathtaking Beaches, Local Personalities…
Their goal is to showcase the many wonders and facets of Andros and make this island a key destination for the sophisticated and discerning traveler. Guests will encounter the many natural wonders and secret workings of this colorful and wealthy island with its long shipping history and tradition and the personalities who have made Andros their home.
The accommodations include:
Villa Perivoli, a 200-year-old-manor house which was renovated from the foundation up with great diligence so as to keep all the traditional and unique architectural features; the thick stone walls, the arches, the high ceilings, and old fireplaces, while transforming it into a comfortable and stylish luxury villa with a modern flair and top of the line amenities.
Touchstone House is an 18th century farmhouse, owned by late Greek actor Irene Papas. A recent change in ownership brought with it a new vision and the creative collaboration of architect Elina Loukou and Melia Tataki. Its stylish, conceptual and elegant approach to interiors redefines the concept of traditional Greek chic and won first Commendation at the Greek Architecture Awards 2022 for its unique design.
Both properties are large, with beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchens and numerous seating areas, swimming pools, patios and alcoves. Guests can roam the enormous gardens and enjoy the many flowers, fruit and olive trees.
The retreats are capped at 10 people with reservations available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, please visit the website.