TABLE TALK: XXXX RETREAT
Tea tasting and pairing, dessert making, art de la table
May xxth – May xxth 2025
NOTES:
Maybe the overall concept is too similar to the other retreat? island awakening etc??
Let’s make sure that the focus is more towards seasonal fruits, and desserts, paired with tea, but featuring seasonal fruits like strawberries, lemons and organic veggies, plus honey of course.
Just as the island starts to awake from its slumber – the locals sprawl 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 take in the beauty and wealth of wild goods that grow across Andros. Spontaneous herbs and wildflowers grow abundantly in the surroundings when the whole of Andros is perfumed by wild thyme and lemon blossoms. No better time to sip on some freshly brewed herbal tea, paired with the most scrumptious seasonal desserts and food prepared by our host, Yossy Arefi.
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. Yossy will guide you through some of her staple dessert recipes in the kitchen with hands-on classes and demos, using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients that Andros has to offer.
It's 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 kitchen cooking.
I’m lacking an ending,also mentioning about the art de la table class that I will host.
YOUR HOSTS:
Yossy Arefi is a Brooklyn-based NY Times dessert columnist, award-winning blogger and cookbook author. Her books, Sweeter off the Vine, Snacking Bakes and Snacking Cakes combine her love for baking and photography. Originally from Seattle, she moved to New York in 2007, where she worked in restaurant kitchens, honing her baking skills for a few years before hanging up her apron and picking up her camera full-time in 2012 after her blog Apt. 2B Baking became world-renowned.
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. All this, reflecting the old-world Mediterranean charm and lifestyle (avoid lifestyle) PLEASE REVIEW THIS KAT XX
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)
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: €
Shared with partner or friend: € 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: €
Shared with partner or friend: € 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: €
Shared with partner or friend: € 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: €
Shared with a friend or another participant: € 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: €
Shared with partner or friend: € per personRoom Two:
Solo: €
Shared with partner or friend: € 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.
