An immersive botanical dyeing experience with Christiana Vardakou
Lagou Raxi Hotel, Lafkos – Pelion, Greece
Join me for a week-long immersive natural dyeing retreat in the stunning natural surroundings of Pelion, Greece. After the success of last year’s retreat - filled with colour, creativity, deep connection and a lot of laughs - I’m bringing this programme back for 2026. This special experience is designed for creatives, textile lovers, and nature enthusiasts who want to dive into the magic of natural dyeing and eco-printing. A slow, creative journey into the world of botanical dyes, designed for or both beginners and experienced dyers and makers who want to deepen their practice, reconnect with nature and learn a wide range of textile techniques. This retreat will provide hands-on guidance, expert knowledge, and the opportunity to create unique textile pieces using plants and botanical elements.
What to Expect
🌿 Daily Hands-On Workshops – Learn natural dyeing, eco-printing, shibori and bundle dyeing.
🌿 Excursion & Nature Walks – Collect plants and leaves from Pelion’s rich landscape.
🌿 Sustainable Materials – Work with organic cotton, linen, and silk from Greece.
🌿 Small Group Experience – Limited to 12 participants for personalized learning.
🌿 Relaxation & Comfort – Enjoy traditional Greek meals, poolside relaxation, and breathtaking views.
Retreat Highlights
Day 1: Welcome dinner & introduction to the course.
Day 2-3: Theory and practice of natural dyeing, scouring, mordanting, and creating a swatch book of 12 colours using six Greek Plants.
Day 4: Full-day excursion to explore Pelion, collect plants, and enjoy a seaside taverna lunch.
Day 5: Bundle dyeing and eco-printing workshops with fresh flowers & leaves.
Day 6: Shibori workshop, learning about Kanoko, Miura, Kumo, Arashi, Nui, Itajime and other shibori techniques, creating samples and final shibori pieces.
Day 7: Open studio for personal experimentation and creative play, plus one-on-one guidance from Christiana for future practice, group sharing session over drinks and nibbles & farewell dinner.
Accommodation & Location
The retreat takes place at Lagou Raxi Country Hotel, a traditional-style boutique hotel in the picturesque village of Lafkos, Pelion. Nestled between mountains and the sea, it offers the perfect setting for creative inspiration and relaxation. The hotel provides delicious home-cooked Greek meals, a swimming pool, and a dedicated workspace for our workshops.
Pricing & Booking
🌿 Single Room: 1894€
🌿 Twin Double Occupancy: 1666€
🌿 Triple Double Occupancy: 1795€
(Prices include tuition, accommodation, meals, materials, and excursions.)
📍 Book your spot through the Lagou Raxi website:
👉 Visit Lagou Raxi Website
✨ Join us for a week of creativity, connection, and the beauty of natural colors!