Stin Avli

In the courtyard

“The most rejuvenating seven days in a special Mediterranean paradise”

Kastellorizo

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

 

Retreats

Painting

Join us for a transformative art retreat where you will have the unique opportunity to witness the creative process unfold in real-time! Immerse yourself in the world of painting as you are guided through each step, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final brushstroke.

You will explore the entire journey of creating a piece of art, starting with idea generation and brainstorming techniques. Learn how to select the right materials that suit your vision and style, and discover tips for mixing colors and creating textures.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this retreat is designed to nurture your creativity and boost your skills. Leave with not only a finished piece but also newfound knowledge and inspiration to continue your artistic journey. Come and unleash your creativity in this hands-on, interactive experience!

Writing

Start your poetry and journal writing journey on the beautiful Greek island of Kastellorizo. Set amongst the host’s courtyard, you will be fully immersed in the culture of the island.

Read prose from past Greek poets for inspiration to assist your writing journey.

Absorb the beauty of the island cruising around her perimeter to awaken your literary senses.

Be enveloped in centuries of history.

Experience the Kastellorizan Courtyard, where your writing will evolve into the heart and soul of your body of works.

Experience the unforgettable!

Cooking

Set against the stunning backdrop of this idyllic island, you will dive into hands-on cooking sessions, where you will create beloved Greek traditional dishes.

Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey in our relaxed and inviting Greek cooking classes!

Discover the rich flavours and traditions of Greek cuisine, as you learn to prepare authentic dishes using recipes passed down through generations. Our classes are designed to be casual and fun, perfect for all skill levels.

The food you prepare will be traditional authentic dishes that you would expect to eat in the kitchen of a Greek family home or at Yiayia's (Greek for grandmother) house. You will prepare all the meals together and enjoy your feast!

About Us

Tranda Devereux, Host of Cooking Retreat + Stin Avli

Tranda’s love and passion for all things Kastellorizo and cooking make her the perfect host to guide you through an unforgettable culinary journey. Her deep family connections to this beautiful island are at the heart of everything she shares, weaving together delicious recipes, rich stories, and cherished traditions that highlight the unique Kastellorizian lifestyle.

With over a decade of experience running her own successful Greek restaurant, Santorini, in Perth, Tranda not only co-owned and managed the business, but also led the kitchen, perfecting her craft and sharing her love for authentic Greek cuisine. 

Cher van Schouwen, Artist + Host of Painting Retreat

Cher van Schouwen is an internationally acclaimed artist, a much loved art teacher and respected creative visionary. In her accomplished career, Cher has sold over a thousand paintings with her work gracing private and public collections throughout South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and Australia. Cher’s adult art classes offer a “journey of self discovery” and are eagerly sought after. 

Georgina A Luke, Writer + Host of Writing Retreat

Georgina’s passion for learning was instilled as a child by her proud Australian-Greek father who valued the power of the ‘mighty’ word. Her love of prose inspired her poetry and  historical fiction writing, which is a central theme in her life. Her passion to travel and experience the world coupled with her life long love of jewellery, are elements she weaves throughout her story telling. Georgina comes from a long line of Kastellorizan ancestry and can trace her lineage to Tall Ships and Patisserie owners, who once inhabited the island.

“Pure relaxation and joy. Inspired by local customs and traditions, I discovered my inner creativity surrounded by the island’s breathtaking natural beauty”  

The Island

Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo is one of Greece’s hidden gems, located in the far south-east of the Dodecanesa.

The island has a rich history, breath-taking landscape and a tranquility like no other.

Many have anchored ship here and as a result, you may see/hear it referred to as:

  • MEGISTI is the original name of Kastellorizo which was changed in 1921 during Italian occupation

  • KASTELLORIZO is sometimes spelt Castellorizo

  • MEIS is the Turkish name for Megisti

  • KAZZI… a common and endearing nickname.

We won’t reveal too much, we’ll let you discover why the Avli is in Kastellorizo and nowhere else.

Reach the island

There are a number of ways to reach the island here a few suggestions…

Aegean Airlines

  • Flies from Athens or Rhodes, arriving in Kastellorizo at 11:45am

  • Departs from Kastellorizo at 12:05pm, returning to Rhodes or Athens

  • Flights to/from Athens include a layover in Rhodes

  • Available daily excluding Thursdays.

Blue Star Ferries

  • Journeys from Athens Piraeus (overnight) or from Rhodes (four hours)

  • Departs from Kastellorizo at 11:00am returning via the same route

  • This ship does dock at other islands before reaching Kastellorizo. Therefore, exploring more of the Dodecanesa either side of your retreat is possible with correct planning. Note: this remains the sole responsibility of the individual.

Turkey

  • Meis Express from/to Kas, Turkey to/from Kastellorizo, Greece

  • An opportunity to see the beauty Turkey has to offer

  • Please consult a travel professional.

^ Please see respective company websites for 2025 travel timetables

^ Any information provided is to be used as a guideline only. We recommend you seek independent travel advice

Staying

The island offers a large variety of accommodation from approximately 80 - 260 euros per night. Some recommendations include…

We suggest securing accommodation as quickly as possible as bookings are typically made in advance for the season

Exploring

  • Swim at the Plakes (via sea taxi)

  • Walk up the 405 steps to the Monastery of St. George

  • Visit the Mandraki

  • Relax at St. George Island (via sea taxi)

  • Learn the history of the island at the old museum

  • Embark on a number of scenic walks

  • Browse the unique gift shops on the island

  • Dine at one of the family run tavernas.

Getting in touch

  • Visit Friends of Kastellorizo for more information about transport to the island https://kastellorizo.com/transport-schedules/

  • The medical emergency number in Europe is 112 and although the island does have a small doctor’s surgery and pharmacy for non-emergencies, it will be your responsibility to arrange suitable travel and health insurance, any necessary medication you may require, and familiarise yourself with this number

  • Visa for Turkey is required and must be purchased before you arrive in Greece and you can purchase on line at https://www.evisa.gov.tr

  • Contact Tranda if you have any questions stinavlitd@gmail.com or 0412 098 094