Olive&LoveRetreats

22/09/2024

Alison Franchi of will be joining us during our upcoming Olives & Joy Retreat October 17-22. We’ll learn how to make gorgeous tablescapes and olive wreaths. Here’s an arrangement Alison recently sent to her friend, our LA -based co-founder . You can only imagine what our guests will create with the olive branches and foraged flowers during our retreat. Imagine coming home with floral arranging skills—anything is possible after spending a week on a charming Greek island like Andros.

and joy

09/09/2024

This is Batsi, one of the most picturesque towns on Andros. Let us take you there for a stroll, dinner and a postcard-perfect sunset. Groves & Glee Fall Harvest Retreat- October 8-13, 2024. Our website has more details. 🔗 in bio. &Glee

28/08/2024

26/08/2024

Breathe in , Breathe out. What better way to start the day than deep-healing and deep-breathing under the shade of a century-old olive tree? Feel the spirit of the elements and the soul of these majestic and bountiful trees during these incredible earthing moments?

25/08/2024

During our next retreat, Groves & Glee, October 8-13, you’ll learn social media tricks of the trade from our hilarious and talented partner . Imagine uncovering the secrets behind taking the perfect photo or video with the breathtaking views of Andros in the background! Find out how to master lighting, scope out ideal locations, and create fun taglines that highlight your voice and personal brand. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll elevate your online presence and enhance your skill set. All that and plenty of other olive harvest activities on our charming Greek island. 🔗in bio for more info.

22/08/2024

Meet one of the co-hosts of our Groves & Glee Retreat, October 8-13, 2024. Maria is an acclaimed weaver who will lead a workshop focused on the basics of frame weaving and turning household waste textiles into beautiful masterpieces. You can take home your very own wooden frame loom and tools to continue the creative journey. This retreat is a soul-fulfilling adventure that’s not to be missed. Tap into your artistic side and weave new stories from old fabrics. For more info see 🔗 in bio.

10/08/2024

During our retreat,we’ll hike scenic trails, eat delicous Greek food, visit the winery and enjoy plenty of beach time. In our century-old lemon grove, we’ll handpick lemons to make everything from tangy lemonades to salad dressings. With textile expert we’ll take part in an inspiring 3 - day workshop and an exploration of our artistic skills. Ready to dive into this enriching experience, and return home with a renewed spirit and lasting friendships?

07/08/2024

Our Olives & Joy Fall Harvest Retreat is SOLD OUT so we are adding another Fall Retreat: GROVES & GLEE! This new 6 day program will take place October 8-13 and will include 2 days of weaving with , a social media workshop created by and a notable seminar from olive oil sommelier . Our partners will add to our brilliant insider experiences covering the island’s olives, beaches, food, wine tasting, hiking and more. Come shake the olive trees and make some olive oil with us. Go to our website (link in bio) for details and DM us for more info.

05/08/2024

Flashback to our incredible Wine and Dine experience with owner Eleni . We started with an educational tour of the grape varieties and enjoyed a scenic stroll through the vineyard. The day continued with a delectable meal, perfectly complemented by aromatic wines and local delicacies. Cheers to memories from the past and those to come!

31/07/2024

At our Olives & Joy Retreat in October, guests will be treated to a special workshop led by Alison Franchi of . She will guide us in creating a breathtaking tablescape with local florals. We will also craft unique wreaths from foraged olive branches, rosemary, and herbs, all while enjoying the serene Andros landscape.

28/07/2024

As night falls, Andros’ Chora becomes a tranquil haven. The quiet streets light up with a soft, magical glow and the moonlit waves dance along the shore. Experience this peaceful beauty with us, and get to know the island like an insider.

&Joy “

23/07/2024

For two of our co-founders, and , Andros is more than just a destination—it’s home. They’ve spent decades uncovering the beauty of this island and look forward to sharing this intimate knowledge with guests. Join us and experience life as a true local.

Photo by

&Joy ”

20/07/2024

Kitchen snapshots f last retreat. We made froutalia, a Greek omelette with sausage. It turned into an unforgettable culinary adventure with lots of laughter and great memories!

15/07/2024

Life on Andros is about savoring the simple moments—like your first sip of Greek coffee in the morning with a “koulouraki”, a traditional cookie ☕️ Enjoy the flavors while admiring the island’s serene beauty.

&Joy

14/07/2024

There’s nothing like the flavor of Greek tomatoes! Their vibrant color, sun-soaked sweetness, and burst of flavor in every bite make them a true delight. Now picture yourself, during one of our retreats, enjoying a salad of these juicy gems under the warm Greek sun...right next to the sea...

&Joy

09/07/2024

On Andros, the architectural beauty is always visible. Neoclassical buildings stand proudly alongside rustic homes and charming churches, while ancient stone arches showcase the enduring craftsmanship of its local artisans.

&Joy

07/02/2024

Carried away by lemons. Join our Lemons & Laughter Spring Retreat, April 23-28, 2024. And share in the fun!!!

30/01/2024

We are celebrating the with our lemon inspired picks !

Join our Lemons & Laughter Retreat , April 23 to 28, in the beautiful island of Andros in the Cyclades and immerse yourself in a spring rejuvenation with fun and laughter!

Credits to:
Bonnycarrera_Future_Sofas
Deniz Baby Art Studio
Helen Breznik Art

anticasartoria

Rosalia New York

25/12/2023

One of our favorite places to visit in Andros is Panachrandou Monastery. Quietly mystical, eagle-perched on the mountainside, it offers soaring views that make you fly over the valleys of Messaria, Livadia and Chora and letting your gaze drift out to the distant Aegean sea, past the lighthouse and onwards to the horizon. A morning there is usually meditative and quiet, reflective and introspective. The monks are welcoming and warm, humane and open-minded, qualities that have contributed greatly to the integration of the Monastery into the social fabric of island life. Islanders come and go, light a candle, bring cakes, sweets, ask for miracles, offer prayers, sit down for meals, bring their children and their in-laws for blessings.

History:

Built in 960 AD the story of Panachrandou Monastery is nothing less than miraculous. A holy icon of the Virgin Mary, attributed to Luke the Evangelist, appeared out of thin air, shining a holy light in the pitch black of night. Two hermit monks living in humble dwellings followed the light and found the icon inside a cave. It was in this divinely selected location and with funds allocated by Byzantine Emperor, Nikiforos Fokas, returning victorious from a battle in Crete, that the first building clusters that today form the impressive monastery were built.

🎞️: Thespína Patronas
Reconnect•Recharge•Renew 🌿

21/12/2023

The Great Lemon in Art. Get inspired too… join our Lemons & Laughter Retreat. Discover the gorgeous island of Andros, April 23-28, 2024, DM us the surnames of featured artists to unlock secret gift. (For participants only) 🍋🍋🍋 🇬🇷

16/12/2023

Think Fast… Act Faster…!!! First to use the magic code, Holiday23, activates the 300 Euro discount Greek Genie for a spot in one of our retreats. Feeling Springy? Book Lemons & Laughter, April 23 - 28, 2024 . Autumnally Moody? Then Olives & Joy, October 17-22, 2024 is for you! Offer lasts until January 15, 2024. DM us to book your spot.



 

23/11/2023

We’ve had great times since we launched our retreat company a year ago — a few retreats under our belt and planning more for 2024. Thank you for supporting our wonderful new venture. When we were all living together in NYC decades ago, the three of us made turkey and stuffing and plenty of pie. We are grateful for these great memories and look forward to making more with you on our beloved island of Andros. No matter where you are we wish you and your families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving 2023.

15/11/2023

Hi to all new friends following our journey. For those who have just found us, here’s the back story. We are 3 besties who love the island of Andros and have been coming here since our teens.

In 2022 we founded a retreat company, Olives & Love, to share the magic of this Cycladic Island with people like us who like to laugh, explore, dream, eat, hike and experience community and new things.

We love sharing our insider’s view of this island that we know so well and return to every year to keep discovering new facets and hidden sides. It’s endless what’s on offer, rugged beauty, amazing beaches, cultural wealth, far flung villages, staggering views, waterfalls, museums, and monasteries.

With creativity, passion, and a helluva lot of emails and zoom calls, as one of us lives in faraway LA, we love getting together, despite the distance, to curate our island experiences.

Discover our upcoming retreat, Lemons & Laughter, Island Spring, April 23-28, 2024.

To see what else we’ve got going for next year, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter—link in bio.

01/11/2023

Καλό μήνα! Happy November! Subscribe to our Newsletter for our latest updates.

https://www.oliveandloveretreats.com/