Groves & Glee: Retreat to the Rythm of Island Living

Date: October 8 to 13, 2024

OVERVIEW

With its lush olive groves, breathtaking landscapes, and deep cultural heritage, Andros offers an ideal backdrop for a revitalizing experience. Dive into the island's local traditions and natural splendor, from the immersive activity of olive harvesting to wandering through charming villages. You’ll find numerous opportunities to hike scenic trails, taste local wines, unwind on serene beaches, and enjoy the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine.

SHAKE: The olive is generous, versatile, and an intrinsic part of Greek culture, mythology, and landscape. Olive oil is known for its link to longevity and well-being.  You’ll participate in the century-old ritual of shaking down the tree for its precious bounty and the fun of turning it into delicious olive oil at the local olive press.

TASTE: Discover the beneficial qualities of this humble yet glorious crop that defines Greek life and food. We’ll take you to different parts of the island, along hiking trails and beaches and villages, private homes and restaurants, where you’ll taste various home-grown wines, artisanal cheeses, and local sweets.

CONNECT: Engaging with the local personalities will add a rich layer to your journey, offering personal stories and insights that go beyond typical tourist experiences. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Andros and its people, along with some great stories of your own!

The Groves & Glee Retreat promises to be a wonderful fusion of creativity, learning, and exploration. We’ve brought together some incredible collaborators to join us on this journey. With these experts and the immersive experiences we've carefully planned, you're in for a truly enriching and soul-nourishing adventure.

CO- HOSTS

Workshops led by Eleni Florou, Leni Vee, and Maria Sigma will guide participants through the secrets of olive oil, the art of content creation, and the craft of sustainable weaving, fostering a deep connection with nature and creativity amidst the stunning backdrop of Andros.

Eleni Florou

Groves & Glee x Eleni Florou | The Secrets of Olive Oil

Eleni Florou brings a unique blend of expertise to her workshop, drawing on her background as a lawyer, travel content creator, and certified Olive Oil Sommelier. With her family’s longstanding tradition in extra virgin olive oil production from Lakonia, Peloponnese, she offers an informed perspective.  In the workshop, guests can expect an in-depth exploration of extra virgin olive oil, including: tasting and sensory assessment, culinary uses, health benefits and more.

Leni Vee

Groves & Glee x That Med Woman | Dreamy Content Creation

Learn from the hilarious and talented Leni Vee of “That Med Woman,” as you discover the secrets of social media, learning how to capture photo and video content amongst the breathtaking backdrop of Andros. Find out how to master lighting, scope out proper locations, and create fun taglines that encompass your voice and personal brand. Whether you’re a novice or pro, you’ll elevate your online presence and enhance your skill set.

Maria Sigma

Groves & Glee x Maria Sigma | Weaving from Waste

You’ll enjoy this workshop with Maria Sigma, learning the basics of frame weaving and how to turn household waste textiles into masterpieces. Emphasizing tradition and sustainability, this workshop honors our ancestors and cultural roots, offering an opportunity to utilize natural fibers and recycled textiles. Participants will receive a small wooden frame loom, tools, and materials to take home.

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.

• Olive Harvest and Pressing
• Weaving from Waste Workshop with Maria Sigma
• Dreamy Content Creation Experience with Leni Vee
• Olive Oil Tasting with Eleni Florou
• 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

Villa 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 (shared queen 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 [email protected].

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.