art retreats under
the sun of Crete
Every retreat leaves its own imprint.
Here are a few reflections from those who have shared the Dear island journey with us.
"I have been on retreats all over the world in Australia, Mexico, Vietnam and now Crete - this retreat was the best I have ever experienced because of the hostess and her care for her guests but also the venue is perfect, the food sublime and the place like a dream. If you can only go on one retreat in your lifetime go here…it is a dream come true. Take me back." C.
" I was lucky enough to spend a week at Dear Island Retreat for a watercolour workshop with Toronto artist Carolyn Gavin. Elina and her family were our hosts in their charming, beautifully restored home. The accommodation, food and atmosphere were perfect for an art retreat - so welcoming that our group of 8 instantly felt completely at home. The surrounding village and countryside are very inspiring for making art - none of us wanted to leave. Elina takes care of every detail. Being an artist herself, she knows what visiting artists need. Would love to return some day. Did I mention the food! Amazing and authentic." Leslie
"The watercolor retreat at Dear Island was truly a life changing week for me. Seven days away from my daily life to focus on deepening my painting practice, building friendships, and taking in a new culture was such a gift. The historic building, breathtaking views, and proximity to the sea were the foundation, for sure. But the experience the Dear Island team created in addition is what made it unforgettable: sumptuous local meals and snacks, thoughtful excursions, and a Mediterranean pace to each day. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. " Abby
"The retreat was perfect - like a huge warm hug - the warmth of your greeting from the earliest emails and the way everything was generous and warm. From the first moment the gorgeous welcoming treats and the friendly bus driver with his funny comments about the island and the hospitals … we were all laughing and just happy to be there - there was never a moment that did not have joy! I loved my little room and the gorgeous bathroom - I love your mum and her cooking, the restaurant we walked to each evening, the gardens, the street, the secret beach, eating lunch by the pool, painting outside and painting with you too. And the botanical gardens and the wonderful walk/hike to the isolated beach and the shepherd! I loved it all. The view from the terrace - seeing the sheep on the hill - everything was so special. Every day I think about Crete and it makes me happy - I chat to the other girls too and have made really lovely life long friends. Crete and you changed me in the best way - I learned to relax more, worry less and to remember the joy in sharing a meal and a conversation; to paint with joy and to just enjoy the process - to be as Carolyn teaches us “loose” to trust the paint. But above all to trust the journey.
If you have the chance to go to a retreat with Elina just go - I cannot wait to go back - even if Carolyn is not there I will return I want to bring my husband to experience the simple joy of seeing the wildflowers, walking to the beach, feeding a cat at dinner, drinking raki with the hostess in the restaurant and laughing so much and best of all the warmth of Elina and her Mum." Cressida
“I joined 3 day masterclass of Myrsini Alexandridi in May 2026. I was going for the masterclass but got much more thanks to full retreat around it organized by Elina. Her hospitality was warm, friendly, caring and relaxing. The program organized by Elina was well thought through and absolutely enjoyable. And food… oh, every single meal was so delicious! I appreciated a lot both the Masterclass by Myrsini and the retreat by Elina." Rima
I joined the Dear Island Retreat for Myrsini Alexandridi because of Myrsini’s tile-painting technique — breaking a composition down into individual hand-painted units spoke directly to my own work as an artist. However, it was the community that became the most memorable part of it. We were a real mix — fellow amateur artists from across Europe, the USA, and Mexico — and by the end I found myself telling people it was the most peaceful and relaxing time I’d had on vacation in years. I even said it out loud one evening: “I’ve found my new happy place.” IThe setting was perfect — a stone villa above Kaliviani overlooking the sea, and evenings spent dining community-style at one of Crete’s best restaurants, just a short walk away. I came home determined to find a way to work some of Myrsini’s techniques into my own painting. If you’re thinking about a future retreat: come for the craft, but don’t be surprised if the people and the place end up being just as much the reason you remember it. Warren Lancaster, Amateur Artist, Connecticut, USA