TABLE TALK: THE FORAGER’S EDITION
Floralscaping, foraging, the art of the table
May 14th - 17th 2024
Just as the island starts to awake from its slumber – the locals sprawl open their shutters, the sun begins to warm the earth, and the sea creatures start to flourish in the bright blue waters – we love to take in the beauty and wealth of wild goods that grow across Andros. This Cycladic landscape is considered to be one of the greenest islands of Greece because of its abundant natural springs and small rivers, which weave their way through the verdant landscape. Spontaneous herbs and wildflowers grow abundantly in the surroundings, especially during springtime, when all blossoms are in bloom, and the whole of Andros is perfumed by wild thyme and lemon blossoms.
Join us this spring for a herbal masterclass and edible floralscaping introduction guided by the trio from Rhoeco and Athens-based floral studio Kopria. We will get insights about Greek herbology and the art of tea pairing. It's a sensory journey that explores the relationship between the flavours and aromas of teas and culinary creations. In addition to being a wonderfully warming beverage, the aromatic characteristics of tea and herbs and their variety of flavours can open up a whole new world when carefully matching them alongside kitchen cooking. There is great value and importance in learning about different types of edible places and how to identify them correctly – here, we will be taking on a hike throughout Andros’ beautiful flora and fauna to pick fresh blooms and herbs for creating striking table bouquets and a standout centrepiece.
Here’s some more practical information about the retreat:
WHERE:
Mèlisses, Andros, Greece.
WHEN:
May 14th - 17th 2024
Check-in: From 11 AM (we will be serving all participants brunch and plan on having a few afternoon activities)
Check-out: By 11 AM (if you would like, you can extend your stay after the retreat – see below in the pricing section for more information)
YOUR HOSTS:
Rhoeco - is a fine organic goods brand founded by the Thessaloniki-based trio of young professionals, ecology enthusiasts and herb lovers who research, experiment, analyse and finally find decent and experienced producers to become their suppliers. Committed to only the best organic Greek herbs and high sustainability efforts, all of their teas come loose in eco packaging.
Kopria – is a flower and creative studio based in Athens, Greece. They champion plants and florals in every shape and form, going beyond the average beauty we often associate them with. Designing striking and beautiful installations, Kopria really looks at each element from root to stem and how to form their designs, colours and combinations into the most interesting and inspiring curations. More than just putting vases together, they pride themselves on their art direction and curated projects – working with some of the most interesting artists, brands and creatives for their events.
Allegra Pomilio - Mèlisses’ founder and art director. Her knowledge of hospitality and gastronomy, combined with her photography and visual art skills, strikes the perfect balance on Andros. Born and raised in Abruzzo, Italy, Allegra opened Mèlisses at 24, creating a space for like-minded souls to slow down, embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle, and seek visual inspiration. Featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Condé Nast Traveller and more, her second home became more than a simple hospitality venue but rather a cherished and sought-after creative retreat for travellers, creatives, epicures and many more worldwide. Every year, with her team, she hosts curated gatherings focused on discovering the island's wonders, each time with a different perspective and with fresh eyes
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Four days and three nights accommodation at Mèlisses;
All meals during the workshop, including all dinners, lunches, breakfasts, aperitivos/snacks, drinks and refreshments
A cooking class hosted at Mèlisses showing you how to incorporate spontaneous herbs and flowers into your menus;
Herbal and tea pairing masterclass hosted by Rhoeco trio;
A how-to in designing, crafting and creating a standout centrepiece and bouquets using edible herbs and blooms with Kopria
A beautiful hike, foraging session and identifying wildflowers in a secret location on the island; Getting to know local herbs native to Greece and the island;
Step-by-step workshop in setting the table (for a dinner party, themed event, special celebration, for example) – from how to choose linens, flatware, glassware and more – with Allegra Pomilio
Mèlisses full use of all its facilities;
All transfers on the island to and from the house.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare and/or transportation to and from the island. Travel insurance (highly recommended).
ACCOMMODATION:
Mèlisses is a home away from home for the curious mind on the wild isle of Andros. Here, we aim to honour and embrace the local land. Located near the beautiful bay of Paleopoli where, underwater, you can still see ruins of the old city; it was once the main port of Andros. Your wake-up is with wide views of the extraordinary uninhabited island of Ghiaros, which is considered legendary and protected for its marine wildlife.
Isolated and remote, Mèlisses strongly embraces and celebrates the mindset and flair of the Mediterranean: slow living, taking in the seasons and bringing together a community of like-minded souls. This allows for a peaceful pace in each of our four accommodations. Inside, smart interior design is crafted with a mixture of Hellenic antique furniture and a hint of Italian extravagance, a careful blending of founder Allegra’s heritage in Abruzzo and her new home in Greece. Our outdoor spaces are designed for conviviality and breathtaking sea views, best experienced with one of our breakfast feasts – our favourite, local tsoureki bread french toast and figs from the tree. Not to forget our secret hidden swim spot, the perfect place to dive into bright blue waters and cool down on hot stones and the Aegean breeze.
This is Mèlisses.
HOW TO REACH US:
For this specific retreat, we encourage our participants to book the following ferry boat from Rafina port to Andros on the 14th of May.
Fast Ferries Andros boat 7.50 am Rafina / Andros (1h 55 duration). Reserve here.
Please consult our Mèlisses guidelines and FAQs here for all details and extra information. We will be sure to share further information about your stay prior to your arrival including our curated guide to Athens. Do also take note you will not need to rent a car for your trip, we will take care of the transportation for you.
PRICING & ROOMS:
We have six unique rooms available for our guests. Whether you are travelling solo or wish to share accommodation with friends or partners, please review the rooms ahead of time, as you will be required to select your desired room when reserving a spot in the retreat.
Prices below are per person and include accommodation, workshop, meals and activities. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Equally, if you would like to extend your stay beyond the retreat, you can add on a night after the 17th of May*
The Sea Urchin suite (private room, ensuite bathroom)
Solo: €2.600
Shared with partner or friend: €2.100 per person
You can extend your stay (for the night of the 17th) for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
The Red Mullet suite (private room, ensuite bathroom)
Solo: €2.600
Shared with partner or friend: €2.100 per person
You can extend your stay (for the night of the 17th) for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
Master Bedroom (private room, shared common areas)
Solo: €2.350
Shared with partner or friend: €1.950 per person
You can extend your stay (for the night of the 17th) for an additional €350 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
Bunk bed** (private room, shared common areas)
Solo: €1.900
Shared with friend or another participant: €1.600 per personYou can extend your stay (for the night of the 17th) for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
**Please note: Bunk Beds can be reserved individually (Top and Bottom). If you choose to book a single bunk bed, you will be responsible for paying the Solo price if no one else books the other bed. If you have any questions about this, please contact us at info@melissesandros.com
The Oyster rooms (two independent rooms with one shared bathroom)
Room One:
Solo: €2.150
Shared with partner or friend: €1.750 per personRoom Two:
Solo: €2.150
Shared with partner or friend: €1.750 per person
You can extend your stay (for the night of the 17th) for an additional €250 per night. The cost is to be considered per person. We also work as a regular B&B.
*If you would like to extend your trip beyond the retreat, we can help organise your few extra days with us. We can arrange transfers, visits to the Neoclassical capital of Chora, organic farms, beautiful beaches and some of our favourite taverns. We do need to specify that this is an extra fee as part of your extended stay and not part of the retreat. We only include breakfast as categorised by our B&B offering.
CANCELLATION POLICY AND PAYMENT:
To participate, full payment will be required upon registration, paid through a bank wire transfer.
Please know that there will be NO REFUNDS due to the nature of this retreat. If you must cancel, we can accept someone to take your place. You must have your travel insurance to participate. Please contact us for any additional information.
*The retreat will be cancelled if we do not reach the minimum number of participants. If this is the case, you will be given at least two months' notice before the scheduled start day of the workshop, and your retreat deposit will be refunded 100%. Refunds will be through international bank wire transfers only, and we won’t be able to refund any travel arrangements made.
The itinerary is a guide, and we reserve the right to make changes in case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances for which we may need to alter the order of our outings or replace them with something equally wonderful.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to attend this retreat.
