Lemons & Laughter | April 30 - May 5, 2025
Move to the rhythm of spring to reboot the body after winter.
Revitalize the senses with five days on a Greek Island.
Join us for a joyous, sun-kissed retreat exploring this gorgeous island. We’ll take you on beautiful hikes through lush valleys, with sea swims and cold plunges in waterfalls, strolls through villages, mystical monasteries and cultural mornings at the museums.
Meditation, Greek dancing, private dinners in typical Andriot homes will give you an intimate glimpse into island life. Our culinary focus promises a savory journey into local gastronomy with private chefs and outdoor cooking classes that will woo you with the Greek farm to table approach to nutrition. Foraging along ancient trails, followed by a natural dying workshop will deepen your connection to nature.
And then, of course, there are the lemons!
An intrinsic part of the island’s identity and wealth, the Andros lemons are famous for their aroma. A morning in the citrus grove picking this precious fruit is another highlight of the experience. We’ll learn how to make traditional lemon spoon sweets, lemon syrup concentrate as well as delicious, Greek specialties.
This six day and five night adventure getting to know the island, seeing, tasting, being, moving, connecting and awakening, while staying in impeccable homes will remain with you long after your departure.
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Christiana Vardakou
Lemons & Laughter x textile expert Christiana Vardakou
Natural Dyeing Workshop
Curate an inspiring 3 day workshop that participants can look forward to.
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 learn the theory and practical techniques of extracting colors from plants, before embarking on a foraging hike to collect the plants used for the process. An experience that will deepen our connection to nature and its bounty.
Along with other dried roots, leaves and flowers, we’ll dye fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen, creating a variety of earthy and natural colors, a process that highlights the joy and sustainability of working with natural materials.
For the Slow Stitch Workshop, we’ll use the previously dyed fabric to create unique hand-stitched pieces and in so doing learn the therapeutic benefits of slow, intentional stitching, that promotes relaxation and purposeful mindfulness. Working with the subtle natural tones and the organic textures of natural dyes is a soothing creative process that fosters intentional connection with the present moment, a meditation that enhances presence and reduces stress while cultivating a profound appreciation for handmade craftsmanship.
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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.