13 - 18 : September 2025

“Vee-os" (the Greek word for "life")
by Vicky Crease

Immerse yourself in VĪOS, a creative culinary, wellness and lifestyle experience in Greece, celebrating the good Aegean life, curated by Vicky Crease

Athens

Serifos

Milos

VĪOS honors the art of Blue Zone principles- considered living with strong community bonds and a relaxed pace of life- where each ingredient is chosen with intention, each location tells a story, and every experience is a tribute to longevity, and the beauty of generosity and abundance.

Join Vicky on a luminous 6 day journey in her ancestral Greece, on a curated epicurean, wellness and Aegean lifestyle retreat, where ancient wisdom and traditions are weaved together with modern artistry and design, celebrating the luxury of carefully crafted local experience, purpose, connection, community and the heritage of authentic Mediterranean island life

Welcome to our celebration of the good life, the place for kindred souls to gather.

Creatively collaborating to inspire, and be inspired.

Learn more

For Vicky, luxury is not excess, but essence—wild-foraged healing herbs from sun-scorched hills, ripe figs bursting with sweetness, pressed grapes from fragrant vineyards, fresh fish from jovial sea-farers, and salt harvested from the Aegean breeze, each ingredient a tribute to purity, provenance and purpose.

This is a celebration of island living at its most authentic—where the alchemy of the land and sea is honored, the wisdom of the ancients is preserved, and luxury is found not in extravagance, but in the profound effortless simplicity of a shared moment with like-minded people, under the Grecian sun.

+28 years experience

Holders of 28 International Awards

2025

‘Caterer of the Year' Luxe Restaurant Awards
South Africa's Culinary Elite

2023

'ICA Caterer of the Year', International Caterers Association (USA)

2023

‘Caterer of the Year' Luxe Restaurant Awards
South Africa's Culinary Elite

2021

'Best At Home Celebration', International Caterers Association (USA)

2016

SA Style Awards, ‘Most Stylish Business Personality, Vicky Crease(SA)

Itinerary

Athens

13 + 14 September

Athens, Greece’s capital, is a historic and cultural hub, home to the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, museums and many antiquities. We will be staying in a stylish boutique hotel , Ergon Bakehouse, in what was once a heritage bakery, in the heart of Athens.

Our journey kicks off with a lavish sunset welcome dinner at The Dolli overlooking the Acropolis, followed the next morning, by a fully curated local food market tour, private phytotherapy, Acropolis + Museum visit, meandering the various markets, antique shops, stylish leather sandal stalls, popping into Vrettos-the oldest Ouzeri distillery in Athens, and traditional taverna with live music and Greek dancing in the evening.

All inclusive experience

Athens Food Tour on foot

Youth Elixir experience

Luxury Rooftop Dining

Acropolis + Acropolis Museum visit

Local Produce Market, Excursions + Experiences

Restorative Phytotherapy + Fragrance Lab Experience

Taverna evening in historic Athenian location

Greek dancing with traditional bouzouki sounds

Curated gifting for our guests

Our trusted photographer capturing all our experiences

Serifos

15 + 16 September

We travel on a scenic 2.5-hour VIP class Speed Ferry from Athens to Serifos, a mesmerizing Greek island in the Cyclades, known for its rugged landscapes, crystal-clear beaches, traditional whitewashed architecture and delicious food. Unlike its more tourist-heavy neighbors, Serifos offers a peaceful retreat with charming villages, hiking trails, and the luxury of authenticity and connection.

We have chosen to curate our stay in two stylish boutique villas HOMA and COCO-MAT, comprising authentic and convivial Mediterranean living, each with high-end separate bedrooms and bathrooms, a seasonal herb garden with homegrown produce and wild herbs, and huge patios with pool and sea-facing vistas, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

We will engage in daily wellness activities, ceramic class, hands-on Masterclass cooking and entertaining experience with Vicky, a hilltop winery and Monastery visit, and explore the majestic Chora village perched on the runs of a 14^th century venetian castle featuring the most famous, and buzzy, piazza square in the Cyclades.

All inclusive experience

Island Wellness Activities

Culinary + Entertaining Masterclass by Vicky Crease

Ceramic Class on a private sea-view patio

Thalassotherapy (Aegean sea therapy)

Wine Tasting at a clifftop vineyard

Greek Orthodox Monastery visit

Beach, Private Piazza, and Rooftop dining

Cooking Class by culinary host, Vanessa Carreira-Coutroulis

Kitchen + Outdoor events

Aegean sea salt harvesting

Curated gifting for our guests

Our trusted photographer capturing all our experiences

Milos

17 + 18 September

We have chosen Milos as the ideal finalé destination for our lifestyle retreat due to its alluring turquoise waters, energetic volcanic formations, dramatic landscapes, natural beauty, therapeutic environment, organic producers, and delicious food. You can elect to stay on after the retreat ends here, or visit neighboring Mykonos or Santorini for a more high-energy experience.We have chosen award-winning hotel, Milos Cove, a luxury eco-resort with an emphasis on wellness and relaxation boasting its own private beach, for our time here.

The highlight will be an indulgent boat ride around Milos, exploring secluded beaches, snorkeling, enjoying a Mediterranean seafood feast, and visiting a local village to experience Greek island life to the full.

All inclusive experience

Morning breathwork + wellness activities

Private boat excursion to secluded beaches and locations

Therapeutic Mediterranean cold water sea immersion in private beach

Seafood feast with styling tips

Visit to local farm with fresh, organic harvest

Cooking class with traditional Milos produce

Cocktail + mocktail making session, with mixologist

Sunset gratitude session

Curated gifting for our guests

Our trusted photographer capturing all our experiences

Join the Waitlist

VĪOS IS AUTHENTIC, CURATED GREECE- WHERE UNTAMED NATURE MEETS REFINED SIMPLICITY – A LOVE LETTER TO LONGEVITY AND LIFE

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FAQ

About VĪOS

What is VĪOS?

VĪOS, pronounced VEE-OS, means LIFE in Greek.
VĪOS is a culinary, lifestyle and wellness experience encouraging longevity and celebrating life, curated by Vicky Crease. An immersive experience that awakens your senses and fuels your creativity, giving you the time and space to dream, soak in inspiration from your surroundings, and engage with like-minded individuals.

WHAT MAKES VĪOS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER RETREATS?

Local Knowledge, and Local Immersion, deeply connecting guests to local culture, flavors, trusted collaborators and traditions.

‍Exclusive Settings: the retreat is hosted in Athens and two stunning Greek islands, each chosen for their unique energy and location

‍Personalization: VĪOS focuses on offering highly personalized services, from bespoke wellness programs, and ceramic workshops, to curated cooking lessons and lifestyle experiences.

‍Holistic Approach: It isn’t just about fitness or relaxation; VĪOS offers a complete Blue Zone-inspired experience that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit through Ancient Greek practices, healthy, fresh gourmet cuisine, tailored wellness programs by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, and Greek lifestyle experiences.

Sustainability: includes sourcing ingredients from local farmers and fishermen and ensuring minimal environmental impact through eco-friendly practices.

‍We’re bringing the Style: VĪOS hosts and guests are stylish and creative, bringing fashion, art and fun energy to the mix!

Do I need to be fit to attend?

Our tour in Greece will be an active and immersive experience, so a good level of fitness is required. Expect plenty of walking, exploring, climbing Greek Island stairs and adventure!

Accommodation & Facilities

Where is the retreat located?

VĪOS is debuting in Greece: its Capital Athens, and the Aegean islands of Milos and Serifos in the Cyclades.

What type of accommodation is available?

We will be staying in upmarket, stylish and authentic Mediterranean accommodation.
All accommodation has been especially chosen for you with local knowledge and experience, with the highest standards in mind.
In Athens we will be located in the city centre near the Metropolis Cathedral, at the stylish bakery-inspired boutique hotel, Ergon Bakehouse
In Serifos your accommodation will be in high-end, shared private villas near the pristine beach of Bayià- fostering an authentic community experience- with glistening pools, herb gardens and staggering views, with separate bedrooms and bathrooms.In Milos we are located in suites at the stylish luxury eco-resort, Milos Cove, with a mesmerizing private beach and the Obsidian Spa to enjoy.

Do you offer private or shared rooms?

We have both options available

Are there any special amenities (spa, pools, private chefs, etc.)?

Yes, some locations have a spa, pools. While there are special amenities available, we have chosen to carefully curate experiences that are off the beaten track for you to enjoy.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, wi-fi is available at all hotels.

How do I book a retreat?

Please click on the form ‘Join the Waitlist’ to make a non-refundable deposit payment at the time of booking to secure your spot. Please follow our STRIPE link for payment.

What’s included in the price?

We include all VĪOS curated lifestyle experiences, accommodation, food, beverages, ground and sea transport, access to museums and antiquities, food market tours, health + longevity activities. We recommend bringing some extra cash for shopping or other experiences you may choose to indulge in.

What is not included in the price?

Airfares, airport transfers, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses.

will i get hands-on cooking experience?

Yes, we have planned cooking experiences with local farmers, bakers and fishermen. VĪOS has designed a culinary and styling masterclass with Vicky, Greek food and beverage experiences with creative local epicureans, and a special alfresco cooking class with celebrated stylish hostess, Vanessa Carreira-Coutroulis @vanessa_carreira

Culinary Experience

What kind of cuisine will be featured?

We will focus on mostly healthy, Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, with an international flair suitable for all palates.

Will I get hands-on cooking experience?

We have designed a masterclass with Vicky, as well as an experience with creative and experienced cook Demi (Vicky’s mom) in their own island home, and another with a celebrated host to be revealed. We have planned classes, and culinary experiences with local farmers, bakers and fishermen.

Are meals included, and can they be customized for dietary restrictions?

Whilst some experiences cannot be modified, dietary requirements will be communicated.

Will there be wine pairings or local food tastings?

Yes, we have planned food tastings in Athens, and a winery visit in Serifos overlooking with blue Aegean from a high cliff.

Longevity, Wellness + Activities

What kind of wellness activities are included?

We will offer wellness classes with breathwork in Serifos and Milos, a soothing ceramics class on the balcony of a celebrated studio overlooking the sea in Chora, Thalassotherapy ( sea therapy) in Milos, as well as a bespoke Phytotherapy experience in Athens (ancient herb and Greek tea session). Imagine hikes by the sea, foraging sessions, dancing in ancient cities, and exploring your creativity.

Do you offer meditation, or fitness sessions?

We offer breath-work classes, local therapy sessions, pilates, and fitness classes each morning on the islands.

Can I opt out of certain activities if I prefer?

Yes, you can opt out but fitness activities are recommended as a healthy start to the day. All activities are optional.

Is there sea access at any of the hotels:

Yes, there is a private beach in Milos- but you have to climb down, and back up, all 75 steps.

Travel + Logistics

Where does the tour start:

We will meet in Athens, Greece, where the tour starts, and suggest that you arrive the day before, to acclimatize.

Which airport should I arrive in:

You will be arriving at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, which is the main airport in Greece.

Where does the tour end:

The tour ends in Milos island, and you can elect to stay on, or depart via airplane or ferry back to Athens, or other Greek islands like Mykonos or Santorini also in the Cyclades archipelago, or International destinations.

Do you provide airport transfers?

Yes, we can arrange airport transfers to your hotel.

Do I need travel insurance?

It’s a mandatory condition to have travel insurance in order to participate in the tour.

Can you assist with my Visa?

We do not handle or pay for any visa applications, but can offer you necessary documentation with proof of address whilst in Greece, to assist you in the process.

What should I pack?

Comfortable flat sandals or shoes for walking on uneven terrain, swimsuits, hat, neutral coloured flowy fabrics, light airy dresses and shirts, plain pashminas, a jacket for later, and your happiest mood for the adventure that you’re about to unravel.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Please see the cancellation policy

Cancellation Policy for VĪOS Culinary and Lifestyle Retreat

A non-refundable deposit fee of € 1000 will be charged to secure your spot upon booking.‍

‍SHOULD YOU CANCEL:
‍
1. More than 120 days before the retreat:
‍Full refund, less non refundable deposit of € 1000, minus 10% admin fee, or transfer to another person or retreat within 12 months (if applicable).

2. 90 days before the retreat:
‍50% refund, less non refundable deposit of € 1 000

3. Less than 60 days before the retreat:
‍No refunds, but booking can be transferred to another guest for that specific retreat, or you can join a future retreat (if applicable)
‍
4 No Show / Early Departure:
‍No refunds for no-shows or early departures.
‍
5. Force Majeure (e.g., natural disasters, pandemic):
‍Reschedule if the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen events.

6. Minimum numbers:
To ensure the best experience for all, the retreat will proceed once the minimum number of participants is reached. If the required number is not met, we will work with all participants to offer alternative options and will provide timely updates.
‍We reserve the right to cancel or postpone a retreat if minimum numbers are not met

Health + Dietary Needs

Can you accommodate food allergies or special diets?

We will notify all vendors, but some markets, stores or experiences do not allow for allergies or preferences. Alternatives will be provided if possible.

Is the retreat suitable for people with mobility or health issues?

No, due to the location, the journey is not suitable for the elderly, babies, young children or people with mobility issues.

Other details

What is the typical daily schedule like?

Typically on the islands we will start the day with a wellness activity, breakfast and then some local creative activation, or food and beverage experience later. You are free to not participate in all scheduled activities, and may roam around on your own at any time, other than when we are travelling as a group, but kindly inform us so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone, or do I need to book as part of a group?

You can come alone and you will make friends with like-minded people along the way.

What is the age restriction:

The age restriction is 18+ on our journeys.

Who can join?

Anyone one loves travel, food, ancient culture, curated off-the-beaten track locations and experiences, authentic Greek life with an interest in longevity, health, and fun.

Who is this retreat for?

The journey is for beginners, food lovers, wellness and style seekers, and anyone who wants to live a good, happy life- the Aegean way.

Is there free time to explore on my own?

Yes, there is some free time to explore alone, but we have created the itinerary in such a way that there are optional activities throughout the day.

What is the group size for each retreat?

We aim for 12 guests on our journeys.

Is this a guided tour:

Whilst we are not tour guides, we have a wealth of local knowledge from spending so much time in Greece over the years, and collab with locals to curate your experience. We love to share insider tips and tricks, especially for you. In Athens, however, we will partner with registered tour guides to guide your experience of the Acropolis, ancient monuments and places of interest.