The Secret Garden Retreat
May 7th – May 11th 2026
Perfumery, Papermaking, Calligraphy
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 Gaia 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
Meet the Hosts
-
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.
-
Is a small-batch papermaker based in Ibiza, Spain. 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 a traditional craft alive.
-
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.
-
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.
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).
ROOMS & PRICING
Choose the room that feels most like yours—whether travelling solo or sharing with someone dear. Prices are per person and include transportation on the island, meals and activities during the retreat. Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
![]()
The Sea Urchin Suite
(Private room, ensuite bathroom) BOOKED
Solo: €3.885
Shared with partner or friend: €3.400 per person -
![]()
The Coral Cottage
Master Bedroom (private room, shared common areas) BOOKED
Solo: €3.750
Shared with partner or friend: €3.100 per person -
![]()
The Coral Cottage
Bunk bed (private room, shared common areas) BOOKED
Solo: €2.950
Shared with a friend or another participant: €2.575 per person*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.
-
![]()
The Red Mullet Suite
(Private room, ensuite bathroom) BOOKED
Solo: €3.885
Shared with partner or friend: €3.400 per person -
![]()
Oyster Rooms
Room One (Independent room with shared bathroom) BOOKED
Solo: €3.365
Shared with partner or friend: €2.835 per person -
![]()
Oyster Rooms
Room Twe (independent room with shared bathroom) BOOKED
Solo: €3.365
Shared with partner or friend: €2.835 per person
Practical Information, Payment, and Cancellation Policy
For more information, visit our full Q&A page here.
-
From Athens or Mykonos
Andros can be accessed by ferry from Rafina (mainland Athens) or Mykonos.
Please take a look here to arrange a transfer between Athens/Mykonos Airport and the port – we recommend booking a private car in advance to avoid waiting in the long taxi queues!
-
There are usually around four different ferries per day.
Typical off-season ferries from Rafina to Andros run at 7:30 AM, 7:50 AM, and 4:00 PM, though the schedule may vary.
You can consult updated timetables and book your tickets online here.
Ferry tickets may not be available far in advance, so to be safe, plan your flights to allow 3-4 hours between standard arrival and ferry departure.
Arriving 20 minutes before ferry departure is usually sufficient.
-
You won’t need to rent a car for your trip; we'll handle transportation unless you decide to extend your stay beyond the retreat.
You also have the option of using taxis.
-
Our policy is non-refundable due to the nature of this retreat. If you must cancel, we can accept a replacement.
*The retreat will be cancelled if we do not reach the minimum number of participants. If so, we will give you at least two months' notice before the scheduled start date, and we will refund your retreat deposit in full. Refunds will be made via international bank wire transfer only, and we can’t refund any travel arrangements you've made.
-
To reserve your place, email us with your preferred room. Once availability is confirmed, we’ll send you a payment link for the €500 deposit. The remaining balance is due by bank transfer six months before the retreat.
As a reminder, your booking is non refundable
-
Absoloutely.
We believe that this is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people.
-
The house can accommodate up to 12 guests; however, we typically host between 7-9.
-
Each day usually includes one or two classes connected to the retreat, lasting about two hours, along with a small encounter with island life—a walk, a village visit, a swim, or a picnic. There are always a few hours left to rest, wander or simply be, before gathering around the table for seasonal meals.
Nothing is obligatory: you may skip a class for extra rest or, if inspiration takes over, linger a little longer with your hosts.
-
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.
You can decide whether to rent a car or use taxis to get around, with complete independence.
JOIN US A DAY EARLIER
We recommend arriving a day early—both to allow for possible ferry delays and to ease gently into the retreat. Settle in, rest after your journey and enjoy a slow morning before we begin.
Prices start from €250 per person, depending on the room, and include breakfast. Check-in is from 3 pm, and check-out is by 11 am. Earlier arrivals and later departures may be arranged for an additional fee—please enquire :)
