{"product_id":"desired-essays-andros","title":"Desired Essays: September Andros Writing Retreat","description":"\u003cp\u003eLed by\u003cstrong\u003e Anastasia Pappa \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEditor and Publisher 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\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDates: 24–27 September, 2026 \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis September, \u003cem\u003eDesired Essays\u003c\/em\u003e leaves our screens and lands on Andros. A Cycladic Greek island, known for its rich maritime history, lush greenery fed by natural springs, and its neoclassical Chora. We will write together against the raw, material reality of the Cyclades, framed by sunset sea views and open, starry skies.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Intention\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSeptember is the perfect window to experience Andros without its usual winds, marking the final swimming weeks of the season. For four days, the secluded Petres will become our home and creative studio – a place to write together, facing sunset sea views and under the stars.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOur writing focus remains on the city – how we observe, navigate, and record urban landscapes. Surrounded by a quiet green valley of olive and platanus trees, with endless views of the Aegean and under a sky full of stars, we will slow down to sharpen our writing. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA little extra: \u003c\/strong\u003eChance 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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Location \u0026amp; Mood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePetres – meaning stones in Greek – is an estate designed, cared for, and hosted by the Stamatelatos sisters, who previously shared their collective story on Hamburg’s waterfront in Desired Landscapes Issue 07.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eConceived by Tatiany and her father, both architects, the estate celebrates the raw, material reality of the Cyclades. Built entirely from the rocks and stones excavated from the ground it stands on, the architecture honors local natural resources while maintaining a profound respect for the surrounding landscape and the Cycladic architectural traditions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe estate features three independent villas split across three levels of the private valley, ideal for offering solitary corners for deep, quiet writing, alternating with shared, open areas for intimate group conversations under the Aegean sky. This retreat is an invitation to step directly into nature, leave the noise behind, and focus on sharpening your writing voice.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\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\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Living Space: \u003c\/strong\u003eFour days and three nights at Petres, with full access to the estate's private grounds and creative corners.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\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\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\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\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurated Field Trips:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e– An intimate introduction to the Greek islands, through a rare collection of print tourist guides from the 40s to the 60s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– A visit to the village of Menites to experience the island’s water springs, followed by an outdoor writing session.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– A private tour of a Museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– An excursion to the Chora of Andros, known for its neoclassical architecture, followed by a photo safari and an outdoor writing session.\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\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Not Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlights and travel to and from Andros.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTravel insurance (required and strongly recommended).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransportation to and from Andros island (ferry tickets).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransfers between Andros port and Petres upon arrival\/departure. (The estate is a 20min taxi ride).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGetting to Andros\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAndros is a straightforward, one-hour ferry ride from the port of Rafina (Athens). Rafina is accessible via KTEL (1 hour from Nomismatokopio metro station), Airport Bus (30–40 min), or taxi. Book your 14:20 ferry ticket.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArrival \u0026amp; Departure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck-in: Please plan to arrive on the island by mid-afternoon. We will begin gathering around 4:00 pm, with our first session at 7:00 pm, allowing time for an afternoon swim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck-out: By 12:00 PM.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrior to arrival, you will receive a detailed itinerary along with my signature \u003cem\u003ePocket Map\u003c\/em\u003e of Athens to help you navigate your transit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGetting Around\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou do not need to rent a car. Our schedule is beautifully full, and all group transportation for our excursions is fully taken care of.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVillas \u0026amp; Pricing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe estate is composed of three distinct villas – Avra, Petra, and Riza – each featuring two private, independent rooms, and a private pool that opens onto a shared, expansive sea-view balcony.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWhile each villa carries its own distinct layout, they all feature a communal living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and dedicated desk surfaces for writing. Whether you are traveling solo or wishing to share a space with a partner or friend, please review the configurations below. Rooms are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePrices are per person and include the complete workshop curriculum, accommodation, all meals, museum entries, and field excursions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Master Suites (En-Suite Bathroom)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAvailable in all three villas (Avra, Petra, and Riza). A spacious, light-filled private bedroom featuring its own dedicated en-suite bathroom and direct access to the villa's shared panoramic veranda.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSolo Occupancy:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e €880\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eShared (with a partner or friend):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e €655 per person\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Veranda Rooms (Separate Private Bathroom)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAvailable in all three villas (Avra, Petra, and Riza). An independent, quiet private bedroom with its own designated separate bathroom located just across the hall within the villa. Offers direct access to the outdoor living spaces.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSolo Occupancy:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e €789\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e• \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eShared (with a partner or friend):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e €609 per person\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026gt; These are Early Bird prices, valid till Friday 26th \u0026lt;\u0026lt;\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooking \u0026amp; Cancellation Policy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePayment:\u003c\/strong\u003e To secure your spot, a first installment or full payment is required upon registration via Shopify or bank wire transfer.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\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\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtending Your Stay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\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 Petres.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIf you would like to combine this trip with Athens or Tinos, I curated a \u003cem\u003eDesired\u003c\/em\u003e list of accommodations to enjoy your stay.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eQuestions and requests at hello[@]desired-landscapes.com\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Desired Landscapes","offers":[{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Master Suite Solo","offer_id":57875976847692,"sku":null,"price":422.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Master Suite Shared","offer_id":57875976880460,"sku":null,"price":422.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Veranda Room Solo","offer_id":57875987497292,"sku":null,"price":422.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Reserve your Seat \/ Veranda Room Shared","offer_id":57875987530060,"sku":null,"price":422.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7823\/1616\/files\/IG_Writing_Club-2026-14.jpg?v=1782146691","url":"https:\/\/desired-landscapes.com\/products\/desired-essays-andros","provider":"Desired Landscapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}