Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 

Andros’ Dew Retreat at Mèlisses, allows guests to take a break from everyday life to enjoy some peace and tranquility, blossoming flowers and delicious local food in the beautiful surroundings of the Aegean Sea. 

Unwind, relax, create and engage your artistic senses on the Greek island of Andros this Spring with nourishing meals, local wines, morning swims, and lots of gorgeous flowers – that will leave you feeling energised and full of inspiration. 

Andros is considered to be one of the greenest islands in 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 flowers are in bloom and the whole of Andros is perfumed by wild thyme and lemon blossoms- making it the perfect spot for Andros’ Dew Retreat, which focuses on floral design and styling, as well as cooking. 

Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 

Guided by flower guru Taylor Patterson, guests will learn all the basics of flower arranging and design, creating beautiful compositions for mixed arrangements. The small group will go foraging together, hunting for beautiful blossoms and foliage to be used in the arrangements, whilst trained chef Letitia Clark and founded and art director of Mèlisses, Allegra Pomilio will prepare a floral-inspired menu, incorporating fresh herbs and flowers into the creative dishes. 

New York-based photographer Nicole Franzen will also be joining, documenting the whole experience and adding her special touch and sharp eye for beautiful detail. 

Every day guests have a new chance to explore Andros’ most beautiful and unspoilt spots, gather around the table for beautiful flower-arranging classes and share bountiful meals together. 

Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 

What’s included

-6 days & 5 nights accommodation at Mèlisses;

-All meals during the workshop (5 dinners, 4 lunches, 5 breakfasts; aperitivos/snacks, drinks & refreshments);

-Cooking classes hosted by Allegra & Letitia, showing you how to incorporate spontaneous herbs and flowers into your menus;

-Flower arranging & styling classes hosted by Taylor Patterson.

-Getting to know and documenting locals and the island;

-Meals in a local taverna;

-All activities and excursions, including visits to the villages of Andros;

-Mèlisses full use of all its facilities;

-All transfers on the island to and from the house.

Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 

Accommodation

Mèlisses aims to honor and embrace the local flora and fauna. The house is located on the exclusive and majestic bay of Paleopoli where, underwater, you can still see ruins of the old city. The bay is opposite the extraordinary island of Ghiaros, which is considered legendary and protected for its marine wildlife.

The property is completely isolated, allowing for a peaceful getaway, with private access to the sea and a thriving vegetable garden. The property was designed and built by a talented team of designers and architects using local plants and rough stones to seamlessly blend built and wild environments. Mèlisses is surrounded by crystal waters and beautiful countryside, where wild figs and grapes grow uninhibited and it’s not uncommon to spot a donkey grazing on wild grass.

Inside Mèlisses, elegant interior design is crafted with a mixture of Hellenic antique furniture and a hint of Italian extravagance. Our outdoor seating area is designed to seduce all guests with its breathtaking sea view. Enjoy a swim in the crystal waters of the sea or in one of our natural seawater pools while relaxing under the pergola shade.

Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 
Insights Greece - Creative Floral and Foodie Retreat in Andros 

WHERE:

Mèlisses, Andros, Cyclades

WHEN:

April 30th – May 5th, 2022

Mèlisses Andros Dew Retreat 

All images Courtesy of Mèlisses © (Copyright) 

Experience Andros Like Never Before

Andros’ boutique guest house, Mèlisses has teamed up with local producers to create a series of gastronomic experiences that will showcase the alluring Cycladic isle in a unique and beautiful way; as guests will be treated to the freshest ingredients the island has to offer- in the most stunning of settings. 

With the aim of bringing guests from different backgrounds together over a shared meal (to experience the true essence of Andros) dinners will take place at a range of remarkable spots around the charming and diverse island. This will include gatherings at a neoclassical home of a shipowner, a picturesque seaside dinner on a sandy beach, and a gathering at a secluded olive grove. 

  • Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before
  • Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before
    Images by @eventions_wedding
  • Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before

What’s even more special is that the location of each dinner will not be disclosed until one day before the event- so guests will be treated to surprise after surprise! 

The dinners will be in collaboration with leading local and international chefs, who will highlight local ingredients and support its producers. In addition, 50% of proceeds will be donated to charitable organisations including Philanthropic Association of Apoikia and Andrion Club.

“We believe in supporting the island of Andros, as well as its local producers and communities,” says the Mèlisses team.  

When asked what guests can expect, Allegra Pomilio, the outstanding host at Mèlisses, who warmly welcomes her guests and invites them to feel at home, told IN+SIGHTS GREECE, “We haven’t finalised the menu yet, but one thing I can reveal about the first event is that honey will be one of the key elements of our dishes.”

  • Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before
  • Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before

And without giving too much away, Allegra revealed that she and her talented team have been working on a few new dishes including a “Tart with Honey, Cardamom Pastry Cream and Fresh Fruits”; and a “Homemade Ravioli, filled with Honey Roasted Squash- served with Pistachio and Beurre Noisette Sauce”. 

“The Hive” Dinner Saturday, 18th of September, 2021

The first pop-up event from the series will be a communal epicurean experience featuring a five-course dinner curated by the talented Mèlisses’ team. The meal will feature seasonal ingredients native to Andros, paired thoughtfully with Greek wines and spirits. 

“Our first supper will be at the house of Mèlisses, our hive, where guests and friends alike gather.” 

Insights Greece - Experience Andros Like Never Before

Mèlisses

This beautiful B&B is a place where you can fully experience the character and charm of Andros island. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, Mèlisses is like a home away from home, as Allegra and her family beautifully transformed her family’s Greek residence into an enchanting place for visitors to stay.

The property features two double bedrooms with direct access to the large infinity pool, two suites, and a cottage with a private pool. All rooms overlook the Aegean Sea, while breakfast is served at the open kitchen in the main house, in front of the infinity saltwater pool- making it a memorable experience for guests. 

For more details on The Hive Pop Up Dinners head to melissesandros

Main image by @eventions_wedding ©