An immersive and inspirational experience stimulating all the senses, set against the blooming backdrop of Andros in Spring.
Spring is an extraordinary time of the year here in Greece. The landscape is lush and verdant, the sea begins to warm up, and a sense of excitement permeates the island as it slowly reawakens after the quiet hibernation of winter.
There is truly no better time than this to explore the island; imagine hikes by rivers dotted with clusters of wild watercress, scents of musk, pollen and the distant echoing of fresh springs flowing steps away from the ancient capital of Andros. This workshop combines three different skills which are all united by a common theme: the sensual and all-encompassing beauty of nature, and the sensory gifts it gives. Immersed in the wild and ancient landscape of Andros, there could be no better setting for constant inspiration.
Stine, the founder of Porcelain perfumes, will help you to design your own signature scent, gathering inspiration from Andros’ unique landscape and wild vegetation. Masterclass attendees will be guided through an evocative, olfactory journey of scent and memory.
Then Stephanie will guide us through the process of creating uniquely crafted paper from waste, giving it new life and meaning by incorporating fresh elements and natural dyes. The result will be drying in the Cycladic sun, soaking up in all the Aegean breeze.
Finally, Kate will take us on a calligraphy journey, teaching us both modern and more ancestral techniques combined with the delicate use of inks and gold foiling.
All of these creative workshops will be beautifully orchestrated in the most idyllic setting, culminating in a one-of-a-kind art de la table and table scaping class, combining all the arts into one unique sensorial last supper experience.
***No experience is required for this retreat. All of our workshops are suitable for all levels.
YOUR HOSTS:
Stine Hoff is a Danish natural perfumer who launched the Copenhagen-based natural perfume house PORCELAIN in 2020. The award-winning brand creates micro-batches of unique perfumes that are 100% natural, vegan, and gender-neutral. Stine Hoff has taught perfume masterclasses, workshops, and retreats internationally and is an ambassador of the slow beauty movement and its holistic approach.
Steph Bezzano is a small-batch papermaker based in Leicestershire, UK. She specialises in Western Style sheet formation with her pulp made 100% from post-consumer waste. Her sheets are bold in colour and meticulously handcrafted, combining artistry with eco-conscious practices. Each brand new sheet reflects her commitment to turning waste into something new, celebrating the beauty of craftsmanship and passion for keeping alive a traditional craft.
Kate Ridyard is a London-based calligrapher and teacher. With an initial degree in Graphic Design, Kate further honed her craft by studying Calligraphy & Bookbinding at The Roehampton Institute, where world-renowned calligraphers, artists and craftspeople trained her. Currently, she is the go-to calligrapher for Petersham Nurseries; her studies and background cover all aspects of calligraphy, from analysing historical scripts to mastering traditional techniques used by medieval scribes, such as quill cutting, illumination and gilding with gold leaf.
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: €3.700
Shared with partner or friend: €3.100 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: €3.700
Shared with partner or friend: €3.100 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: €3.400
Shared with partner or friend: €2.850 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: €2.750
Shared with a friend or another participant: €2.300 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: €3.150
Shared with partner or friend: €2.550 per personRoom Two:
Solo: €3.150
Shared with partner or friend: €2.550 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.
