The retreat takes place on the stunning Island of Andros, Greece. Read on to hear about this year’s retreat.

A Creative Retreat on a Greek Island

I am fresh from my annual workshop at Mèlisses, Andros. With warmth in my bones, I am ready to face the shorter days ahead. A two-hour ferry ride from Athens to Andros and short drive will transport you to a Mediterranean dream. Nestled at the edge of the Aegean, among the goats & wild flora, lies the most stunning location I’ve ever visited. Mèlisses is set against a backdrop of a rugged coastline, meandering paths and distant islands that dot the blue horizon. The only sounds are those of nature – crickets, bees and roosters.

Autumn In Andros

As I usually travel in May, I was curious how the landscape & Island would differ this late in the year. With the tourist season over, except for a few stragglers, the island had returned to its inhabitants. Among the quiet beaches and white villages, I was transported back in time, to a slower pace & way. The weather, a far cry from Dublin, was a balm for a short-lived summer.

Mèlisses, Andros

The property is located on the Island’s western coast, about 15 minutes drive from the port. A slow drive down a wash-board road takes you to a cliff-edge view high above Melisses. From here, the mountains stretch down to the turquoise-blue waters of the Aegean. The property, crafted from local stone, nestles perfectly among the landscape. The interiors meld seamlessly with the outdoors, stone floors, outdoor kitchens, private pools and whitewashed walls. Every touch is considered and reflects Allegra’s beautiful eye for detail & elegant sense of style. A staircase carved from rock leads to a handful of deckchairs and the sea, a secluded spot to snorkel & soak up the sun.

From Melisses, the sunrise & sunsets are so incredible, you have no choice but soak in the peace, the stillness and rugged beauty. The view is breathtaking, constantly pulling you in, stopping you in your tracks. A sea of blue that blends to sky.

The Retreat

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Melisses, the location’s beauty could not help but inspire creativity. Mornings began with bountiful breakfasts and, my favourite, the creamiest Greek yoghurt & homemade granola from the talented Sappho.

Our days were filled with Blakely’s painting classes, Island explorations, natural dyeing, sun-soaked downtime, sea swims, and communal feasts. Guests settled into the environment and took their sketches from rough ideas to finished pieces. Art classes were dispersed with explorations in natural dyeing and plant colour.

Natural Dyeing At Mèlisses

Using dyes from the property, we gathered materials like fig leaves, pomegranates, and rosemary to use in our dye pots. Guests explored palette expansion, allowing participants to see the diverse tones achievable from a single dye bath. To round off the experience, we transformed leftover dye pots into botanical inks. Guests filled notebooks with swatches and samples, each reflecting the earthy hues of Mèlisses.

Andros Adventures

We visited Paleopolis, where you can snorkel over the sunken columns and ruins of the island’s ancient capital. The narrow streets & elegant buildings of Chora, the island’s modern-day capital, are always a joy to ramble through. We had lunch at a beachside taverna & dined on Greek salad with chunks of feta. Followed by tzatziki, grilled sardines, moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, and boiled amaranth greens.

Sappho’s Magic

Each day concluded with apertivo, against a curtain of breathtaking sunsets. Followed by long, communal, candlelight dinners that nourished our bodies. Sappho, the incredibly talented and beautiful human, sustained us throughout the retreat. Every dish was a feast for the senses, from the sea bream steamed in fig leaves – to a lemon and fig cake that could only be described as the cake of my dreams. This cake has occupied space in my brain ever since – I regret not asking for the recipe.

Join The Next Retreat At Mèlisses Andros

If you’re looking for a creative retreat or something different, consider joining us on next years retreat. Whether you’d like to explore natural colour, painting, or simply recharge and be inspired, this retreat has something for everyone.

If you’d like to hear when the workshops open for registration, join the waitlist here.

You can learn more about Mélisses retreats & accomodations here.

If you would like to immerse yourself in the process of natural dyeing and learn how to transform plants in to a rainbow of colour, take a look at The Foundational Course.

If you have any questions about the retreat, let me know in the comment section below.

Previous Mèlisses Articles:

Creative Retreat in Greece