RETREAT ABROAD
Gather for one week in Chios, Greece for a creative retreat and invitation to write your stories into existence. Designed The Writing Ritual way—free, expressive, and communal—this is an experience to step out of your routine and into a sacred space of creation. Days will be informed by the cultural spirit and natural beauty of the island—soft weather, quiet beaches, and everything in bloom. Come create between the wind and the waves.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Six days to tune into your personal writing ritual, engage with your craft, and share your stories with a dynamic group. While we will write together every day, creatives of all mediums are encouraged to join and use the space to make art that makes them feel alive. There will also be opportunities for community-lead workshops for participants to teach and share their gifts with the group.
SACRED MORNINGS: Meditation, yoga, morning pages
NATURE & CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS: Mindful hikes, swimming in the Aegean sea, visits to local museums & more
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS: Daily workshops to discover your voice, explore form & the craft, and write out your deepest thoughts
OPEN HOURS: Free time for solitude, contemplation, connection & island adventures
EVENING RITUALS: Communal dinners onsite and in town, star-gazing, magic
THE LOCATION
Our home, Eona, in the Chios dialect, means right here. It symbolizes a sanctuary where the essence of the present moment is cherished and celebrated, and offers an authentic Greek experience. Eona is a historic mansion built in 1926 in Nenita, Chios and has recently been restored to revive its timeless charm and rich history. The elegant mansion offers spacious accommodations, an art studio, private terrace, secluded garden, and citrus trees. Chios island itself is a hidden gem, full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Its varied landscapes—from arid olive groves in the north to lush pine forests in the middle and mastic trees and palm groves in the south—reflect the island’s remarkable diversity.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Rainer, Adrianna Aoun, and Dion Serras
WHAT’S INCLUDED
SIX NIGHTS at the tranquil haven of Eona in private or shared accommodation.
DAILY YOGA with a local instructor onsite to begin the day in full presence.
DAILY WORKSHOPS led by Simone.
DAILY BREAKFAST, SNACKS & DINNER informed by the season and fresh, local ingredients.
TWO MEALS out in the charming tavernas of Nenita.
TRANSPORTATION to and from the airport or port to our retreat center.
OFFSITE EXCURSIONS to local monastery, beaches, museums, and town.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to Chios — To reach Chios, you can either take a plane or a ferry. Several direct flights to Chios are available, with a flight time of approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Athens. The island’s national airport, Chios Airport “Omiros” operates direct flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Mytilene, Samos, and Rhodes.
Accommodation outside of retreat dates.
Any meals outside of organized meals onsite and in-town.
Travel insurance (recommended).
Alcohol outside of our dinners in town.
ACCOMMODATION, PRICING & TRANSPORT
Private Room: $2360 USD (€2041)
Double Shared Room: $1960 USD (€1694). Two double beds. If you have someone you’d like to share a room with, please note that in the application form.
Space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment plans are available upon request—please email simonespilka@gmail.com if you’d like to secure your spot with a $500 deposit that will be applied to your retreat total. You can make your payments via wire transfer, Venmo, or Paypal. Naturally, no one books a retreat with the intention of canceling or postponing, but unexpected things do happen so please consider booking travel insurance. The Writing Ritual does not offer refunds for any reason; however, if you are able to find a replacement for your reservation, we can transfer your booking to their name.
