TABLE TALK: HIGH TEAS AND FORAGERS
Tea tasting, foraging, dessert making, art de la table
May 12th – May 15th 2025
As the island begins to awake from its slumber – the locals fling open their shutters, the sun begins to warm the earth, and the sea creatures start to flourish in the bright blue waters – we love to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Andros’ edible bounty. Spontaneous herbs and wildflowers grow abundantly in the surroundings, and the whole island is heady with the perfume of wild thyme and lemon blossom.
May is also the time of the first delicate fruit of strawberries, the early stone-fruit, and the first honey made from the island’s fragrant blossom. There could be no better time to sip on some freshly brewed herbal tea, paired expertly with the most scrumptious seasonal desserts and food prepared by our host, Natasha Pickowicz.
Expect herbal masterclasses and guided foraging sessions by the trio from Rhoeco. We will get insights about Greek herbology and the art of tea pairing with food. Natasha will guide you through her process of decorating desserts using natural dyes and edible herbs. We will be candying flowers and other foraged ingredients and baking with teas through blooming infusions, syrups, and much more. Expect seasonal, colourful produce from the island, warm cups of tea, hands-on classes, and lots of time spent discovering the wild side of Andros.
This retreat will provide a sensory journey that explores the relationship between the flavours and aromas of teas and culinary creations. In addition to being a wonderfully warming beverage, the aromatic characteristics of tea and herbs and their variety of flavours can open up a whole new world when carefully matching them alongside culinary offerings of all kinds, especially luscious desserts.
The crescendo of the retreat will be the final supper, where Allegra will also host her Art de la Table class and curate a stunning tablescape that will celebrate and showcase all of your newly acquired skills and stimulate every sense.
***No experience is required for this retreat. All of our workshops are suitable for all levels.
YOUR HOSTS:
Natasha Pickowicz is a New York City-based chef, four-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist, and the author of More Than Cake, which was on the New York Times best cookbooks of 2023 list, as well as a James Beard Foundation finalist. She’s currently running the pastry pop-up “Never Ending Taste”. Her recipes and writing have been published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Food & Wine, New York Magazine, Cherry Bombe, and many others.
Rhoeco - is a fine organic goods brand founded by the Thessaloniki-based trio of young professionals, ecology enthusiasts and herb lovers who research, experiment, analyse and finally find decent and experienced producers to become their suppliers. Committed to only the best organic Greek herbs and high sustainability efforts, all of their teas come loose in eco packaging.
Allegra Pomilio - Mèlisses’ founder and art director. Her knowledge of hospitality and gastronomy, combined with her photography and visual art skills, strikes the perfect balance on Andros. Born and raised in Abruzzo, Italy, Allegra opened Mèlisses at 24, creating a space for like-minded people to slow down, and seek visual inspiration. Featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Condé Nast Traveller, and more, her second home became more than a simple hospitality venue but rather a cherished and sought-after creative retreat for travellers, creatives, epicures, and many more worldwide. Every year, with her team, she hosts curated gatherings focused on discovering the island's wonders, each time with a different perspective and with fresh eyes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Accommodation and use of all Mèlisses facilities. A boutique home, which comprises a main house, two saltwater pools, four beautiful accommodations, a seasonal vegetable garden with homegrown ingredients and wild herbs, a mini animal farm for our goats and chickens, and private access to the sea. Mèlisses captures old-world Mediterranean charm and offers a way of life that is authentic, inspirational and convivial.
All meals during the retreat, including sea view aperitivos, candle-lit dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and much more
Daily hands-on practices and sessions with your hosts
All materials and tools, and a welcome gift
All outings and excursions to get to know and document the island and its most secluded corners;
Check-in and check-out transfer from Gavrio port to Mèlisses and back
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare and/or transportation to and from the island. Travel insurance (highly recommended).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Please consult our Mèlisses guidelines and FAQs HERE for all details and extra information
We will share further information about your stay before arrival, including our curated tour guide to Athens and other useful details
Please note that you will not need to rent a car for your trip; we will take care of the transportation for you unless you decide to extend your stay beyond the retreat
HOW TO REACH US:
A two-hour ferry ride from Athens (Rafina) or Mykonos harbours
Book your private transfer from Athens or Mykonos airports to the port HERE
Check-in: Book your 7.50 am ferry ticket Rafina - Andros HERE (we will serve brunch soon after you’ve settled in).
Please keep in mind that you may be unable to book your ferry tickets long in advance (especially during low season period).
Check out: By noon
PRICING & ROOMS:
We have six unique rooms available for our guests. Whether you are travelling solo or wish to share accommodation with friends or partners, please review the rooms ahead of time, as you will be required to select your desired room when reserving a spot in the retreat.
Prices below are per person and include accommodation, workshop, meals and activities. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You can extend your stay at Mèlisses beyond the retreat for an additional night or more.
The Sea Urchin suite (private room, ensuite bathroom)
Solo: € 3.350
Shared with partner or friend: €2.850 per person
You can extend your stay for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
The Red Mullet suite (private room, ensuite bathroom)
Solo: €3.350
Shared with partner or friend: €2.850 per person
You can extend your stay for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
Master Bedroom (private room, shared common areas)
Solo: €3.150
Shared with partner or friend: €2.600 per person
You can extend your stay for an additional €350 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
Bunk bed** (private room, shared common areas)
Solo: €2.500
Shared with a friend or another participant: €2.150 per personYou can extend your stay for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
**Please note: Bunk Beds can be reserved individually (Top and Bottom). If you choose to book a single bunk bed, you will be responsible for paying the Solo price if no one else books the other bed. If you have any questions about this, please contact us at info@melissesandros.com
The Oyster rooms (two independent rooms with one shared bathroom)
Room One:
Solo: €2.850
Shared with partner or friend: €2.380 per personRoom Two:
Solo: €2.850
Shared with partner or friend: €2.380 per person
You can extend your stay for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
*If you would like to extend your trip beyond the retreat, we can help organise your few extra days with us. We can arrange transfers, visits to the Neoclassical capital of Chora, organic farms, beautiful beaches and some of our favourite taverns. We do need to specify that this is an extra fee as part of your extended stay and not part of the retreat. We only include breakfast as categorised by our B&B offering.
CANCELLATION POLICY AND PAYMENT:
To participate, full payment will be required upon registration, paid through a bank wire transfer.
Please know that there will be NO REFUNDS due to the nature of this retreat. If you must cancel, we can accept someone to take your place. You must have your travel insurance to participate. Please contact us for any additional information.
*The retreat will be cancelled if we do not reach the minimum number of participants. If this is the case, you will be given at least two months' notice before the scheduled start day of the workshop, and your retreat deposit will be refunded 100%. Refunds will be through international bank wire transfers only, and we won’t be able to refund any travel arrangements made.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to attend this retreat.
All desserts’ photo credits to Graydon Herriott