If you’re a passionate songwriter craving for an escape and ready to take your songs to the next level, then join us for a retreat in the heart of the Greek Cycladic islands where you will have the time and space to explore your creativity and make yourself and your songs your priority.
Resting your body on the volcanic formations at the back of Vlychada's iconic black beach, you hear the aeolian tones of the warm summer breeze as it brushes the strings of your guitar.
You look up at the spectacular Milky Way in awe, shifting your attention just for a moment from your notebook.
You take a deep breath, tasting the salt in the air around you. A wave crashes onto the pebbles, before making its way back to the Aegean Sea and you can feel your heart and mind come alive as you absorb the sounds around you!
It's been a magical day walking through the white-washed town of Fira, perched on the cliffs above the underwater caldera.
Looking out at the dramatic scenery over the town's walls and witnessing the incredible transformation that has occurred on this island throughout history, new creative ideas start flowing in!
Scrolling through these events of the day in your mind, you suddenly feel your heart flooding with gratitude and inspiration and you have an overwhelming urge for creative outlet!
So you turn back to your notebook and you start to write that song that's been waiting for you here all along.
Why your inner creative needs this...
-
Make yourself and your art a priority!
Through having the time and space to relax away from the stresses and distractions of everyday life, you will feel inspired and free to fully explore your creativity.
-
Unload your mind and make space for the Muse to visit!
Recharge by becoming one with the beautiful surroundings and nourishing your body, mind and soul with nutritious home-made food, swimming in the ocean and morning mindfulness.
-
Creative breakthroughs!
Attend immersive songwriting activities, embrace the creative process and realise you are completely capable of getting your songs to sound the way you intend them to.
-
Say goodbye to writer's block!
Through attending interactive classes and workshops led by professional and supportive mentos, you will be guided through the process and receive the tools that will help you reignite your creativity.
-
Expand your network and community!
Connect with like-minded creatives who inspire and drive you to progress. Fusion fresh perspectives and ideas through co-writing sessions that will breathe new life into your songs and unlock an abundance of new artistic possibilities.
Why Santorini?
Santorini has a remarkable history of destruction and rejuvenation.
The island's breathtaking views are the result of a catastrophic volcanic eruption which took place in 1600 BC. This however, gifted the island with the unique and unparalleled beauty it is know for today, making it a source of endless inspiration for many artists and one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
It serves as a reminder of how something beautiful can be birthed by something destructive and offer complete transformation. Kind of like a song!
The art of songwriting requires the songwriter to go deep within themselves to write from a place of honesty, vulnerability and truth. This journey of self-exploration can spark personal transformation as we unravel and navigate our thoughts and emotions.
The Venue...
Our retreat is held in Santorini's breath-taking 19th-century industrial tomato factory, turned cultural centre in 2014. This is unique and exclusive location in the lesser known-area of this awe-inspiring island. A true cultural landmark with a history of great importance to the island and dedicated to supporting the arts.
With Vlychada's spectacular volcanic beach only a 30 second walk from your room, you will write your songs with the Aegean by your side.
Heritage of the local Nomikos family, you will be welcomed as an honoured guest, in alignment with the rich Greek tradition of hospitality.
As this is a family home, it is usually only open to family members and special guests. By signing up to our retreat, you will have the once-in a lifetime opportunity to stay on-site this boutique resort where you can explore the intricacies of songwriting while feeling at home.
The accommodation...
Your room is your sanctuary! It is important to have an inspiring space were you can wind down, gather your thoughts and reflect on the learnings of the day.
Our 5 quaint guest "caves" are shared between two houses which are completed with their own kitchens, bathrooms and beautiful, bright sitting areas.
The rooms are loyal to the island's traditional decor and architecture with plenty of sunlight coming in.
The rooms:
-
1 shared room (2 twin beds, en suite)
-
2 private double rooms (share a bathroom)
-
2 private double rooms (en-suite)
ONLY 5 SPACES LEFT!
The cuisine...
You will get to nourish your body with all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. During your time on our retreat, you will have the opportunity to taste loads of mouth-watering dishes inspired by Greek cuisine.
Rich in nutrients and freshness, your body and mind will feel refreshed and ready to dive straight into the creative activities of the day!
All food on our retreats is 100% plant-based to help your detox and feel more energised. Eating plant-based allows your body to go through its own transformative experience and provide your mind and soul with clarity so you can focus on your craft.
The Greek way...
Our amazing in-house private chef pours all his love and care into every dish he prepares! You will be treated to mouth-watering traditional flavours, emphasising on fresh and wholesome ingredients, grown and nurtured under the Greek sun. And of course the famous...Santorini tomato!
Your meals...
Breakfast
Every morning, you will wake up to a generous selection of breakfast options, stored in the guest apartments for you to enjoy in your own time. There is nothing better than sipping on an iced coffee under the sun!
Lunch
After the morning class and workshop you will get to pick from various Greek "mezedes", all laid out in a colourful and eye-capturing buffet for a light and healthy lunch.
Dinner
Dinner time is when we will all come together to close day full of inspiration and creations with a beautifully prepared meal under the starlit skies of Santorini accompanied by local sourced wine and the sound of the ocean.
The experience...
Imagine spending five days surrounded by your soul-family of fellow songwriters in a gorgeous, soul-soothing environment and slowly unlocking your full creative potential with every new song that you write!
Every morning we will begin the day with yoga on the beach, connecting our bodies with our minds and embracing the present moment before breakfast.
The day will continue with specially designed classes and workshops that have YOUR art in their centre, focusing on what you have to say and how you want to say it.
You will be guided through the creative process by Satch,
a professional songwriter and incredible mentor, who will share his expertise with you and help you elevate your songwriting skills so you can get your songs sounding the way you want them to.
We have a very special visit planned for you to our sister centre, Symposion, where as a group we will join an interactive mythical music jam, soothing our ears with ancients sounds. And as if that isn't amazing enough, you will also get to make your very own pan flute from local cane!
This is DEFINITELY one of the trip's highlights! Can you imagine how beautiful it would be to decorate your songs with the sound of an instrument you have made yourself?
Rest assured, you will have PLENTY of downtime to unwind and relax daily in between activities!
On our second day together, we will embark on a silent walk along Vlychada's beach. This will be YOUR time to gather your thoughts and surrender to the experience.
Later in the week, we will visit the picturesque town of Fira where you can explore the streets, enjoy the spectacular sunset and views and do some shopping! Trust us, you will never want to leave!
Feeling excited? Well...we also have some fun things planned which we won't reveal just yet! The fun is in the mystery!
Now, we've promised you the hospitality us Greeks are known for, so get ready to immerse yourself in the experience!
And of course... we will leave you with the ultimate Greek send-off at the end of the retreat!
What you will walk away with...
-
Feeling inspired and motivated to continue in your path as a songwriter after leaving the retreat.
-
Recharged and ready to tackle any challenges that get in the way of your creativity.
-
Feeling confident and proud in your abilities, creations and yourself as a songwriter and person.
-
A bucket load of professional knowledge, tools and feedback from your mentors and fellow songwriters.
-
New songs and song ideas!
-
New lifetime friendships and a whole new circle of songwriting buddies you can write with.
-
An authentic cultural experience on one of the world's most magical islands!
What's included
-
Five nights in the boutique rooms of D.Nomikos cultural centre, surrounded by beautiful nature and creative minds.
-
Fresh and nutritious meals prepared daily by our talented chef.
-
Daily songwriting classes, workshops and activities (we're keeping some a secret for now!)
-
Professional guidance from our experienced and super supportive songwriting coach!
-
One-on-one creative coaching sessions with your mentor outside of class hours.
-
Morning mindfulness with the group on Vlychada beach.
-
Inspirational trips and treks to the island's most prestigious locations to witness the breath-taking volcanic views and sunset.
-
Immersive mythical music and instrument making workshops at Symposion cultural centre in the gorgeous town of Megalochori.
-
Pick up & drop off from Santorini's airport.
-
Free access to the factory's industrial museum and art galleries.
-
Pre-trip preparation call with the team and guests
-
A warm retreat opening ceremony upon arrival to the centre.
What's not included
-
Travel to and from Santorini (flight/boat fares).
-
Travel fares from and to the factory in your free time.
-
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance
-
Excursions and activities outside the itinerary.
-
Personal expenses such as souvenir shopping, phone calls etc.
-
Any food and beverages not prepared on-site.
Erini Nomikou
Singer-songwriter, recording artist & multi-instrumentalist.
Your hosts!
Originally from Athens, Erini completed her musical studies in professional musicianship and vocals in the UK before moving to Los Angeles where she currently lives.
Songwriting and music in general are her biggest passions! With over a decade of experience performing and writing, her multicultural experiences are the basis for her musical creations. She deeply believes that experiencing and diving deep into various cultures is vital for artists to open their hearts and minds, allowing themselves and their art to grow.
Erini has established herself as a vocalist in the LA scene, touring all around Europe and America with the likes of The Mystic Braves, Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and more. Deeply connected to her origin, performing at the magnificent ancient Herodium theatre in Athens, is without a doubt one of the highlights of her creative life!
With her fun energy and free spirit, she aims to hold space for artist to come together and embrace the magic that comes with creating and sharing our music with each other and the world!
Fun facts: Adventure freak, surfing and skateboarding enthusiast and recently over-protective plant mama!
Io Kaloudi
Session bass player
& music event planner
Also from Athens, Io moved to Brighton UK to further her musical studies in professional musicianship and bass guitar at university.
Io deeply believes in the power that music holds bringing people together. She believes that amongst the melodies, notes and words of a song exists a deeper force, one that enables us to communicate truly and honestly when words fail to help us.
After graduating, she went on to tour the world as a session musician. She has worked alongside some renowned creatives such as Steve Hewitt (Placebo), David Jakes (Lonely The Brave), Georgia Train (Bitter Ruin) and many more.
In 2020 she co-founded an independent live music promotions company, with the aim of reviving the struggling music scene after the pandemic, and providing young artists with a space to showcase their music and reach a wider audience.
With her heart deeply rooted in Greek culture, she is committed to holding space for creative minds to thrive and experience the offerings of her homeland that will fuel their creativity.
Fun facts: Travel junkie, tennis and fitness for days and detail-obsessed ink artist
Meet "Satch" Satchell!
Professional Songwriter, artist, tutor & song-craft specialist
We are excited to be accompanied by our super talented friend and artist "Satch", who will be leading the songwriting classes and workshops and guiding you as you bring your songs to life!
Satch is an established songwriter from London with over a decade of experience under his belt. He regularly co-writes with a wide range of artists, producers and songwriters including grammy award-winning and nominated songwriters such as Rob Davis (Kylie Minogue, Mud), Randy Class (Selina Gomez, Shawn Mendes), and Ross Fortune (Burna Boy, Clean Bandit).
Satch is signed to Catalyst music publishing. Last year also saw the release of his debut album "Present in the post", which explores if sharing our stories in songwriting vulnerably and authentically can break down barriers of prejudice
Satch's work extends to award-winning course writing, and lectures at
MA level at multiple universities in the UK.
"When you hear a song where someone articulates your pain in a way that you couldn't do yourself, it's like they sonically reached out and held your hand for three and a half minutes. It makes you feel less alone, I just completely fell in love with trying to do that for other people."
Our message to you...
It's not just about writing songs. It's about diving deep into the depths of your soul, uncovering the emotions that only music can express.
Picture us all together on Santorini, sitting under the stars on a warm summer's night, guitars in hand, sharing our hopes, fears, and dreams through the universal language of music. It's in these moments of vulnerability and connection that true magic happens.
This retreat is more than just a chance to hone your craft... it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. And hey, we'll be there every step of the way, supporting and cheering you on like the musical family we are!
So, if you're feeling that tug in your heartstrings, then this retreat is calling your name. Join us for five days filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
We'll leave you with some beautiful mythical music to sooth and inspire you.
We can't wait to meet you!
Read what other songwriters wrote...
Nicola Allardyce
Had the best life-changing experience ever when I joined Eirini & Io on their songwriting retreat! Two very friendly and exceptionally talented songwriters and musicians. The retreat was hugely inspirational and forever brings back some great memories! For anyone thinking of signing up - go for it!
Tayah Ettienne
I absolutely loved this retreat with Eirini and Io. They were both so caring and kind and made sure we felt comfortable and safe the whole time. The location is stunning and so perfect for being inspired, I came away having written some beautiful songs.
Sam Marshall
As a songwriter, there's nothing better than writing in the presence of like-minded folks. The location was spectacular and truly inspiring. I learned a lot about myself as a person and songwriter and got exactly what I hoped for out of this retreat.