Lemons & Laughter: A Joyful Journey Through the Heart of Andros

Date: April 30 to May 5, 2025

OVERVIEW

Step into the rhythm of spring and rejuvenate both body and soul with a unique retreat on the enchanting Greek island of Andros. Over six days and five nights, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the island’s lush landscapes, cultural treasures, and culinary delights, creating memories that linger long after their journey ends.

This vibrant retreat offers a harmonious blend of activities designed to awaken the senses. Picture yourself hiking through lush valleys, plunging into refreshing waterfalls, and swimming in the crystal-clear sea. Stroll through charming villages, visit mystical monasteries, and explore the island’s history through guided museum tours.

Beyond the natural and cultural wonders, the retreat celebrates the authentic spirit of Andros. Guests will enjoy private dinners in traditional homes, experience the joy of Greek dancing, and find moments of calm with guided meditations. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to savor Andros’ farm-to-table gastronomy with private chefs and outdoor cooking classes. Foraging ancient trails and participating in a natural dyeing workshop further deepen the connection to the island’s heritage.

One of the highlights of the retreat is the celebration of Andros’ iconic lemons. Known for their exceptional aroma, these lemons are a symbol of the island’s abundance. Participants will spend a morning in a citrus grove, handpicking the fragrant fruit, and learning to craft traditional lemon spoon sweets, syrup concentrates, and other delicious Greek recipes.

Set against the backdrop of impeccable accommodations and the island’s breathtaking landscapes, this retreat is an invitation to connect, move, taste, and simply be. It’s a journey of renewal and discovery, offering an intimate glimpse into the treasures of Andros.

CO- HOST

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.

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

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.