Lemons & Laughter | April 30 - May 5, 2025

OVERVIEW

Andros is at its magical best in Spring. The island’s waterfalls are revitalized by the melting snows of winter, wildflowers are in bloom, and the aroma of lemon trees is everywhere.  We take pride in our intimate connection with Andros, offering a unique glimpse into the island's authentic lifestyle and renowned Greek hospitality. Our adventure will lead you through stunning hills, invigorating swims in the sea and beneath a waterfall, and a visit to a local vineyard. We’ll share the island’s rich cultural heritage with a tour of a centuries-old monastery and a visit with the monks. In Chora, the historic town, you'll enjoy a private tour, shopping, and savor a refreshing homemade lemonade at a delightful local café.

SHAKE: We’ll harvest lemons from the trees, enjoy melodies in the fragrant grove, and fill our wicker baskets with the day’s bounty.

TASTE: We’ll harvest the most fragrant lemons, savor mouthwatering meals, and make lemon “spoon sweet” at the local patisserie.

CONNECT: Join our growing circle of friends and uncover the hidden beauty of Andros Island while embracing the spirited joys of community and connection. Together, we’ll explore enchanting landscapes, savor local delights, and forge lasting friendships in a setting brimming with warmth and wonder.

  • Christiana Vardakou

    Lemons & Laughter x Christiana Vardakou | Natural Dyeing and Slow Stitch Workshops

    With textile expert, Christiana Vardakou, participants can look forward to an inspiring 3 - day workshop and an exploration of their artistic skills. After earning her BA in Textile Design from Chelsea College of Arts in London, Christiana explored traditional textile techniques across South East Asia. She now runs an ethical, handmade textiles business in Athens, embracing "Slow Design" and sustainability. For the Natural Dyeing Workshop we’ll start by learning both the theory and practical techniques of extracting colors from plants, then embark on a hike to collect dye plants, deepening our connection to nature. Using these plants, we’ll dye organic yarns and fabrics such as cotton, silk, linen, and wool, creating a variety of lovely, natural colors. This experience highlights the joy and sustainability of working with natural materials. For the Slow Stitch Workshop, we’ll use the dyed materials to create a hand-stitched piece. This practice emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of slow, intentional stitching, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Working with the earthy tones and organic textures of the natural dyes, we’ll engage in a soothing creative process that fosters a deep connection with the present moment. This meditative art form reduces stress, enhances mindfulness, and cultivates a profound appreciation for handmade craftsmanship.

DETAILS

What’s Included

Six days and five nights at Touchstone House & Villa Perivoli—the two homes located in Livadia are within a 5-minute walk from each other.

  • Lemon Harvest

  • Natural dyeing and slow stitching workshop with Christiana Vardakou

  • All meals during the retreat:  dinners,  lunches, breakfasts, drinks, snacks, beverages

  • Complimentary alcoholic drinks will be served during dinners ( available for purchase at lunch)

  • Hiking

  • Daily Meditation or Movement

  • Visit to a Monastery 

  • Wine Tasting

  • Beach Trips

  • Meals in charming restaurants and villages

  • Travel to and from the port and to all of our group destinations

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare 

  • Travel expenses to and from the island of Andros (via ferry)

  • Extra excursions/spa treatments, massages (all can be organized)

Prices and Accommodations

  • This retreat will be capped at ten people. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on the number of people in your reservation, we will guide you in selecting the best rooms available in either of the two houses. If the retreat is smaller than anticipated, we reserve the right to lodge you in only one of the two homes for a warmer, friendlier, and more intimate atmosphere.

Villa Perivoli

Vila Perivoli The Rosemary Guesthouse

  • € 3,500  single occupancy - queen bed and private bathroom

  • € 2,500 PP for double occupancy (shared queen bed and shared bathroom)

Villa Perivoli The Bougainvillea Guesthouse

  • € 3,500  single occupancy - queen bed and private bathroom

  • € 2,500 PP for double occupancy (shared queen bed and shared bathroom)

Villa Perivoli — The Jasmine Guesthouse

  • € 3,500  single occupancy - queen bed and private bathroom

  • € 2,500 PP for double occupancy (two twin beds or shared king size bed and shared bathroom).

2-bedroom Accommodation (Main House) 2 separate bedrooms on the 2nd floor

Primary Bedroom – can fit up to 2 people

  • € 3,500 single occupancy primary bedroom - king-size bed and ensuite bathroom

  • € 2,500 PP for double occupancy - - king-size bed and shared ensuite bathroom

Second Bedroom – can fit up to 3 people - There are two twin beds (pushed together they convert into one king-size bed) and a loft with a queen-size bed.  Guests will share a bathroom.

  • € 3,500  single occupancy – king size bed and private bathroom

  • € 2,500  PP for double occupancy shared king size bed or 2 twin beds or loft bed

Learn more about Villa Perivoli

Touchstone House

Touchstone Suite 

  • € 2,900 single occupancy - full-size double bed – private bathroom

  • € 2,300 PP - double occupancy  - full-size double bed – shared bathroom.  One guest can sleep on the full-size double bed, and another guest can be on a sleeper couch that converts to two twin beds or one double bed

Livadia Suite 

  • € 2,900 PP single occupancy - full-size double bed – private bathroom

  • € 2,300 PP – double occupancy – full-size double bed with the possibility of accommodating one more guest on a sleeper couch –  guests will share a bathroom

Melou Studio 

  • € 2,500 single occupancy - one queen bed and a private bathroom

Learn more about Touchstone House

If you would like to reserve your spot and select your room, please reach out to us at oliveandloveretreats@gmail.com 

Getting to Andros:

Andros is an easy 2-hour ferry ride from the port of Rafina in Athens.  We will provide key information regarding ferry schedules.

Payment/Cancelations:

We require full payment upon registration, paid via bank transfer. We are not able to process refunds or cancellations.

Should you find someone to take your place, we will do our best to accommodate the replacement guest. 

Weather:

If we encounter bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will adjust our itinerary to the best of our ability.

*Travel Insurance is recommended for all guests.