{"product_id":"desired-essays-aegina","title":"Desired Essays: October Aegina Writing Retreat","description":"\u003cp\u003eLed by\u003cstrong\u003e Anastasia Pappa \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003efounder of Desired Landscapes\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesired Essays invites emerging, practicing, or published writers \u003c\/strong\u003einto the editorial spirit of Desired Landscapes – a space for personal, experimental, sharp, and concise writing. You’ll learn how to craft text with the same attention to form, angle, and tone that defined the magazine.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDates: 15–18 October, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis October, Desired Essays leaves our screens and lands on Aegina – a small Greek island, an ode to simplicity, light, and art. Write with us, surrounded by lush greenery, deep blue waters, and the modernist legacy of Greece’s iconic Generation of the '30s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImagine quiet mornings of writing surrounded by lush greenery and sunset sea views, balanced with group outdoor writing sessions, 1:1 editing with me, and field trips to unique architectural landscapes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Intention\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOctober in Greece is quiet, warm, and marks the final swimming weeks of the year. For four days, we will make the historic Nikolaou Residence our home and creative studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur writing focus remains on the city – how we observe, navigate, and record urban landscapes. Surrounded by lush greenery, deep blue waters, and the modernist legacy of Greece’s iconic Generation of the '30s, we will slow down to sharpen our writing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhether you are a regular participant of Desired Essays or joining us for the first time, you will leave with new pieces of writing, fresh perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how to transform personal observations into compelling stories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a retreat about writing more intentionally: learning how to notice, how to reflect, and how to turn experiences into essays that stay with the reader.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA little extra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chance to get published: If your text will be selected to be part of the Desired Essays publication, more rounds of feedback will follow to perfect it for print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Location \u0026amp; Mood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNikolaou Residence is the former home and studio of painter Nikos Nikolaou and his wife Angela. In the 1960s, this estate became a legendary sanctuary for intellectuals and artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will write from the very stone benches where the Aegina ‘gang’ – including Nikolaou, Moralis, Kapralos, and the Nobel laureate Elytis – gathered every afternoon to watch the sunset. This retreat is an invitation to step into their world, engaging with the same light and geometry that shaped Greek modernism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate has been meticulously restored into six exquisite guesthouses. Every room still preserves the original artworks, furniture, and personal objects of the artist, maintaining an atmosphere of quiet, lived-in creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Workshop \u0026amp; Mentorship:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intensive daily group writing sessions, structured assignments, and dedicated daily 1:1 editorial consultations with Anastasia to review, critique, and sharpen your texts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Living Space:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four days and three nights at the historic Nikolaou Residence, with full access to the estate's private grounds and creative corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Gatherings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Daily breakfast buffet at the residence and group dinners at local taverns, highlighting seasonal island flavors. Fresh fruits and snacks will be available in your rooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Writing Kit:\u003c\/strong\u003e A curated collection of writing tools, assignment briefs, and a custom Desired Landscapes notebook to sustain your creative momentum long after the retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurated Field Trips:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e– An intimate introduction to the island’s creative geography led by a local artist and author.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– A private tour of the Nikolaou Museum, culminating in a sunset writing session on the historic stone benches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– An exclusive excursion to the nearby Rodaki House, one of the world’s most significant examples of vernacular architecture and human scale, followed by a writing session in its garden.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– An immersive culinary walk to discover the landscape and history behind Aegina’s world-famous pistachios.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOn-Island Transportation:\u003c\/strong\u003e All organized group transfers for our excursions during the retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Not Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlights and travel to and from Aegina.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (required and strongly recommended).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransportation to and from Aegina island (ferry tickets).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransfers between Aegina port and Nikolaou Residence upon arrival\/departure. (The estate is an easy, scenic 20-minute walk from the port, or a short taxi ride).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGetting to Aegina\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAegina is a straightforward, one-hour ferry ride from the port of Piraeus (Athens). Piraeus is easily accessible via the blue or green metro lines directly from Athens city center (a 30-minute ride from Syntagma Square) or Athens Airport.\u003cbr\u003eYou may book your ferry ticket in advance, but keep in mind that tickets for October do not sell out easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArrival \u0026amp; Departure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck-in: Please plan to arrive on the island by mid-afternoon. We will begin gathering around 3:00 pm, with our first session at 4:00 pm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you arrive earlier, I highly recommend taking advantage of the season's last warm swims before we begin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck-out: By 12:00 PM.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrior to arrival, you will receive a detailed itinerary along with my signature Pocket Map of Athens to help you navigate your transit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGetting Around\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eYou do not need to rent a car. Aegina is compact, our schedule is beautifully full, and all group transportation for our excursions is fully taken care of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRooms \u0026amp; Pricing \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWe have exactly six unique suites available. Each room carries its own architectural character and layout. Whether you are traveling solo or wishing to share a room with a partner or friend, please review the configurations below.\u003cbr\u003ePrices are per person and include the complete workshop curriculum, four days of luxury accommodation, two meals, museum entry fees, and private field excursions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFistiki (The Private Studio Suite)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe property’s ultimate secluded retreat, offering elevated, sweeping views over the pistachio groves and the Aegean sea. Features a private entrance, a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchenette.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSolo Occupancy:\u003c\/span\u003e €855\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eShared (with a partner or friend):\u003c\/span\u003e €644 per person\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLuisa \u0026amp; Rhodi (The Connected Garden Suites)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpacious, 42-square-meter suites unfolding across two beautifully curated, interconnected rooms (separated by an open architectural layout rather than a door). Each suite features a main bedroom with a queen-size bed, a separate light-filled sitting area with a convertible double sofa bed, a kitchenette, a desk, and a private terrace facing the garden oasis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDouble Occupancy (Fits 2):\u003c\/span\u003e €633 per person\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: Priority of bed selection (Queen vs. Double Sofa Bed) is given to the earliest booking.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLevanta \u0026amp; Elia (The Courtyard Studios)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElegant, 30-square-meter ground-floor hideaways characterized by a soft, calming color palette and bespoke details. Each studio offers a main sleeping area with a queen-size bed, a comfortable sitting area with a convertible sofa bed, a compact kitchenette, and a private courtyard patio perfect for morning reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDouble Occupancy (Fits 2)\u003c\/span\u003e: €555 per person\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: Priority of bed selection (Queen vs. Double Sofa Bed) is given to the earliest booking.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDaphne (The Grand Upper Suite)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe most expansive residence at over 50 square meters, located on the upper level of the main building with dramatic, panoramic sea views. Divided into two entirely distinct rooms by a central bathroom and kitchenette, it features a grand terrace with a shaded pergola. Ideal for small groups or friends traveling together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e• Triple Occupancy (Fits 3):\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eMaster Room (1 Queen Bed):\u003c\/span\u003e €590 for solo occupancy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSecondary Room (2 Single Beds):\u003c\/span\u003e €549 per person\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026gt; These are Early Bird prices, valid till Friday 26th \u0026lt;\u0026lt;\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooking \u0026amp; Cancellation Policy\u003cbr\u003ePayment:\u003c\/strong\u003e To secure your spot, a first installment or full payment is required upon registration via bank wire transfer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInvoices:\u003c\/strong\u003e To receive the official invoice \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003efor your expenses, please leave a note with your company's info. Otherwise, I will issue a receipt, and I won't be able to change that later on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations: \u003c\/strong\u003eDue to the intimate size and logistical nature of this retreat, all payments are strictly non-refundable. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, you may transfer your spot to another writer. I may be able to help with that. Meanwhile, I require all participants to hold valid travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Attendance:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the rare event that the retreat does not meet its minimum occupancy, the workshop will be canceled. You will be notified at least one month in advance, and your deposit\/payment will be refunded 100% via international bank wire. Please note I cannot refund any independently booked travel arrangements (flights\/trains).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtending Your Stay\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIf you would like to spend additional days on the island before or after the retreat, I would be happy to provide information about availability at Nikolaou Residence.\u003cbr\u003eIf you would like to combine this trip with Athens, I curated a Desired list of accommodations to enjoy your stay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestions and requests \u003c\/strong\u003eat hello[@]desired-landscapes.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Desired Landscapes","offers":[{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Fistiki Solo","offer_id":57863709032780,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Fistiki Shared","offer_id":57876058734924,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Luisa Master Room","offer_id":57876058767692,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Luisa Sofa Room","offer_id":57876058800460,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Rhodi Master Room","offer_id":57876058833228,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Rhodi Sofa Room","offer_id":57876058865996,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Levanta Shared Room Queen Bed","offer_id":57876058898764,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Levanta Shared Room Sofa","offer_id":57876058931532,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Elia Room Shared Room Queen Bed","offer_id":57876058964300,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Elia Room Shared Room Sofa","offer_id":57876058997068,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Daphne Master Room","offer_id":57876059029836,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Daphne Single bed","offer_id":57876059062604,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7823\/1616\/files\/IG_Writing_Club-2026-17.jpg?v=1782122581","url":"https:\/\/desired-landscapes.com\/products\/desired-essays-aegina","provider":"Desired Landscapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}