Testimonials
“I loved my first Olive & Love Retreats experience on the island of Andros. It was such a soul-nourishing, fun, and relaxed few days hosted by three best friends (of 40 years!) who have very strong ties and a deep connection to the island. The theme was “Lemons and Laughter,” and everything we did had this at its core. Despina, Natalia, and Melia shared their love and passion for Andros and all the very best local and hidden secrets of this wondrous nature island in such a genuine, fun, and passionate way. It was my 4th visit to the island, but everywhere we went and everything we did was new to me. They are the most wonderful hosts and I recommend this experience to anyone looking for a really connected, really fun, and authentic island experience."
Georgia Hopkins| It’s Beautiful Here |Athens, Greece
“During Earth Day weekend in April, I picked lemons and created a lemon menu and lunch for my lovely girl’s gang on Andros island. The Andros lemons are a gift nature has given us so generously and unconditionally. Thank you for an incredible experience.”
Dorotea Mercuri | Athens, Greece
“I had the pleasure to join the very first Olive and Love retreat and can’t wait for the next one! Learning first-hand about the olive oil process made us appreciate the complexity of something at the foundation of Greek life and cuisine. There were great people in the mix, and we connected with each other through nature. We left the beautiful island of Andros with full hearts and bottles of olive oil! A huge thank you to Despina, Melia, and Natalia for all their hard work and hospitality - and the best breakfast buffet! See you next year!”
Daphne M | London, England
“The Lemons & Laughter Retreat was a one-of-a-kind experience that will stay with me forever! Despina, Melia, and Natalia - our hosts - were very warm and welcoming and showed us the incredible beauty of Andros in the Spring. I loved the island, green and full of blooming lemon trees…there were beautiful hikes through villages, beaches, and the marvelous main town of Chora. Andros definitely stole my heart!
Our accommodations were a true gem, just in the middle of a lemon orchard full of fragrant trees and flowers. We had fresh, homemade lemonade every morning and made our own lemon spoon-sweet from the garden’s lemons! The lovely company of all the women there made this retreat even more remarkable. Being with them and sharing so many beautiful island moments was such a joy!
Despina, Melia, and Natalia, thank you so much for this experience!”
Ellie Boboli | Amorgos, Greece
“Olive & Love 22 was a truly immersive, hands-on adventure among colorful locals whose passion for their beautiful island was infectious. Harvesting the olives was a highlight, offering a sense of place few visitors can experience. Loved it!”
Shelley TK | Palo Alto, California
The Lemons & Laughter retreat in April 2023 was fabulous. I truly had the best time, with amazing company, on the most beautiful island in Greece. It was definitely one of the most authentic experiences I’ve had as an American visiting the country. This new venture, Olive and Love Retreats, is such a fabulous idea—it's so good for the soul — I’m excited to see this wonderful company grow. Thank you, Despina, Melia, and Natalia.
Alex Rice | My Kalokairi | Newport, RI