Lemon, love and olive oil:
The Retreat

A journey to reconnect with your soul
November 2025
Aegina, Greece

Reconnect with your roots and nourish your mind, body and soul in an immersive experience that blends culinary delights, physical well-being, and spiritual rejuvenation in an historic and serene setting on the magical island of Aegina Greece.

Join renowned chef and author Mina Stone in this exclusive retreat, inspired by Mina’s celebrated book “Lemon, Love & Olive Oil,” a New York Times Best Cookbook of the Year, that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and gastronomy, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the heart of Greek culture.

“If you take Greece apart, in the end you will be left with an olive tree, a vineyard and a boat…”

Odysseus Elytis
Nobel Prize in Literature

Meet your hosts

Anthe Louizos

Owner

Anthe Louizos, the heart and soul behind Pyrgos Ralli Estate, invites you to experience the timeless allure of Aegina. Born in Montreal and raised in Athens and Aegina, Anthe’s deep connection to the island and its heritage has inspired her to share this magical place with the world. With a rich background in international marketing, Anthe has seamlessly blended her passion for history and hospitality, ensuring every guest experiences the essence of Aegina’s charm. Her vision for Pyrgos Ralli Estate is to create a sanctuary where history, nature, and culture converge, offering a unique and unforgettable retreat for all who visit.

Mina Stone

Chef

New York-based Chef Mina Stone is the author of the cult-favorite “Cooking for Artists” and the acclaimed book “Lemon, Love & Olive Oil,” inspired by her traditional Greek heritage and her years cooking for some of New York’s most innovative artists. She brings her culinary expertise and passion for Greek cuisine to Aegina, the island she spent her summers in visiting her grandmother. With a focus on simple, fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, Mina’s cooking workshops promise a delightful journey through the flavors of Greece. Her approach to food is all about simplicity, flavor, and the joy of cooking with love. Mina’s sessions are designed to inspire and educate, allowing guests to create dishes that celebrate the richness of Greek culinary traditions.

What to Expect

A limited-space retreat, for relaxation and fun

Pick olives at the Estate and make your our own olive oil at the 100-year oil olive press of the island

Hands-on cooking lessons from renowned chef and author Mina Stone

Your own copy of “Lemon, Love and Olive Oil” signed by the author

Amazing farm-to-table meals, and savory outings to the island’s local tavernas

Visit to Aegina’s Ancient Olive Grove

Visits to the local ceramics and artisan shops

Learning how to make olive-oil based soap

Visits to the local artisan shops

Yoga on the beach, below the 2500 year-old ruins of the Temple of Apollo

A delicious tour of Aegina town, discovering the famous Aegina pistachio

Island tour, including visit to the ancient Temple of Aphaia, part of the sacred triangle of antiquity (along the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion)

Cost & Payment Policy

COST

Please contact us

A 30%, non-refundable, payment is required to secure your spot

What is included

5 nights accommodation at the Pyrgos Ralli Estate studios and other nearby studios, each with its own entrance, kitchenette, bathroom, a/c and WiFi.
Transports on the island
Healthy, organic breakfasts
Picking olives & production of your own olive oil
Two detailed cooking classes focusing on olive oil and mediterranean cooking techniques
Gourmet meals enjoyed at the Estate or in local restaurants (allergies & food preferences can be accommodated)
Visit at the Ancient Olive Grove
Discovery tours of the island
Exclusive visit to the studio of artist Nikos Nikolaou
Real farm-to-table experience
Yoga by the beach
A bottle of your own olive oil to take home, natural olive oil soap made by you, an apron, and a signed copy of Lemon, Love, and Olive Oil
Assistance in organizing your trip
All taxes

Lemon, Love and Olive Oil:
The Retreat

A journey to reconnect with your soul
November 16-21, 2024
Aegina, Greece

What is not included

Sustainable Gastronomy

We are committed to celebrating the rich flavors of Greece through seasonal cuisine and sustainable practices. Our farm-to-table, no-waste philosophy ensures that every dish is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship and culinary excellence.

About Aegina

One of the most historical and sacred places of Greece, with a history dating bacek to the 4th millenium BC.

About Pyrgos Ralli

A historical 19th century landmark of Aegina.

Staying Longer

It is not easy to leave Aegina! Ask us to arrange your itinerary should you wish to visit Athens or other islands befor or after the Retreat, or just to stay additional days.