It was a fun way to reflect and check in with ourselves and each other. We probably saw more authentic responses to the questions because of the creativity to get there. Makes you appreciate that in our team we have a bunch of high performers who are really hard on themselves.

Dear Penelope and Romny, Thank you so much for a great workshop, this was the perfect answer for a virtual team-build with team members in multiple locations. Even though we were not physically together you created a “together space” which allowed the team to connect on a deeper level and to understand each other in a more personal way. I look forward to working with you again. Hilary

Really enjoyed to enter this creative safe space with the team and get to know other people in a way which is not possible in our day to day environment

"The combination between art and yoga is fantastic! The freedom to express, to speak about everything, emotions...".

Thank you very much for your Saturday course. For me it was a really interesting experience. Astonishing for me that I felt supported by the group and confident to express feelings in such a short time

I have to say I feel truly blessed to have come to your wonderful retreat, thank you so much for making it happen and being aware of every single detail that counts. I cannot tell you how much this retreat has helped me I really feel the change. I feel the reset that has happened and it is all due to your amazing work.

The best thing this retreat did for us was to teach us how to look, be open and question. When those doors have been open the world has a new filter and a much more meaningful lens. Often times the information was right there if only we look to seek it.

This was a very special six days, the retreat surpassed all my expectations. I came with an open mind and left with an open heart. Here is what I particularly enjoyed. The way in which Penelope held the group over the six days (I know that’s not easy!!) Her energy and humour and the way she worked with every member of our group in a way that was absolutely right for them. The pacing of the exercises and the way in which the intensity built up during the week. The way in which the yoga under the olive tree every morning was integrated into the work we were doing on any particular day. The variety of art materials, which terrified me on day 1 having never done “art” before and then excited me on every subsequent day! The sound bath. Eating at local tavernas. The beautiful accommodation and estate.

Penelope put so much strategic and careful thought/care into planning this retreat. Despite my personal physical challenges, the daily schedule – anchored by Tara’s yoga/meditation sessions, George’s lovingly prepared meals, and ending with a late night meal (esp with a walk to/from the village) – seemed to create the perfect environment/schedule for connection between the group as well as trust in the wisdom of the process. The exercises and the order and timing of same gave us a safe way to do the personal work each of us aspired to do. It was presented in such a way that we could comfortably begin to open up and peel away each of the layers within and continue to move deeper and deeper throughout the week to a point of significant and often surprising personal insights/revelations. Of course the brilliant and sensitive way in which we were encouraged, gently nudged and ultimately protected was the absolute vital link to doing our work. Without it, none of the magic would have happened.

What a joy to visit the Bleverde estate for an art therapy retreat with such a beautiful group of people. Our host and therapist, Penelope created such a safe place for us to play, have fun and reflect on so much as individuals and as a group. In sharing our art as well as our life experiences we were able to explore deep old wounds we all carried and helped our inner demons to fly a little freer. Tara guided us each morning and I saw how yoga may help my own recovery from some chronic health problems. visiting the local ceramist was a privilege. The food prepared by Eleni was packed with lot of nutrition and love. The loukoumades were quite the hit! I needed more time at the retreat. More time to paint, reflect, share and digest all that materialised.

Overall amazing and complete experience - venue, food, accommodation (i.e the essentials) were all flawless. The activities had a good balance of fun, light, deep, rich with excellent prompts. The group exchanges were fruitful. The outside activities left a memorable taste of local culture. The visit to the artist's house was one of a kind. There is really nothing I can say to improve further this experience. It was awesome! If I had really to say something, it could be interesting to explore some light movements in between the sessions. I will finish with a simple THANK YOU!

This retreat has been everything I had imagined and so much more. My heart skipped a beat on arrival as I truly realised that the villa, surroundings and views were everything that my soul had been craving for, for such a long time - an escape, a sanctuary, somewhere I could breathe my troubles away. That first day in the studio I had that excitement of the first day of school, wanting to be that eager student, getting things right, giving the right impression, wanting so much to be liked immediately. I felt this experience was going to be so much deeper. I could feel myself curling inside (tighter) because I knew this would have to get emotional if I was going to make any progress - it was necessary to work. I realised how much I had been holding onto. Through the encouragement of Penelope and her asking all the right questions, I found the impact profound and also I could feel the energy in my heart and not from my mind which often feels great overwhelm. Through a supportive, strong, warm, group of women who genuinely want the best for one another I gained so much clarity and comfort. I can not fault a thing. I love it all and the experience will stay with me forever! Thank you so much!

Before: I didn’t know quite what to expect with the art therapy but the thought of 6 days in the sun in Crete accompanying my sister, providing her with some moral support, seemed a good enough reason to go along – she being the one into art therapy. Added to that we both brought musical instruments so we could play together. Also having dabbled with art over the years, but never producing much, I thought this would be an opportunity to produce something worthwhile … and I took along some books just in case. During: All the promises of the brochure were met – the beautiful Bleverde estate; the comfortable, airy rooms; the wonderful, delicious food; the interesting and absorbing art activities; and no need to be good at art either! But there was much more that wasn’t in the brochure. Very quickly I met and made friends with the rest of the group, and because of the openness of the exchanges in the art therapy, an empathy quickly formed between everyone in the group. How could this happen with people I had not known two days before? The direction of the two therapists was exceptional. The skill Penelope and Romny showed in drawing people out in an amazingly supportive environment, whilst at times dealing with some difficult emotions, could not be faulted. Yet they also managed to be challenging, getting you to think deeply about what you had painted and what you had said and what it meant. What was so fascinating and entertaining was the understanding which emerged so clear and meaningful both to the ‘artist’ and the observers. Literally the penny dropped with people on what it meant as they were describing what they had painted. I just didn’t expect things you unconsciously did to be so related to your character and outlook. I never would have expected it. And yet if this sounds like it was a bit heavy and serious – not at all! Most of the time we seemed to be laughing. It was an amazing experience and I looked forward to each day. Finally because of the relationship Penelope has with her various suppliers and partners when we went outside the estate on visits to the home of the distinguished potter and artist, the taverna, the medieval chapel, it felt we were visiting as friends rather than visiting as tourists. So it didn’t turn out like I expected at all. We did get to play the instruments – not only with my sister but also a delightful evening of singing and playing with the rest of the group. I didn’t get to read the books and didn’t get to do much ‘real’ painting, but instead I was totally absorbed and drawn into the activities – the painting, talking and even the yoga which I did for the first time. After: So what difference has it made ? I returned to England more focused and clearer about my own future. I have some brilliant memories from the holiday – watching migratory swallows swooping to drink from the swimming pool, walking back from the village after an evening meal under all the stars in the milky way; a firm feeling of friendship with the other attendees; a brilliant meal at Penelope’s secret taverna where the food the host promised would be on the menu was completely different from what his wife had actually cooked! Finally I amazed myself by completing 12 paintings on a family holiday 3 months later. I would definitely go again.

Looking back on my stay at Bleverde – I remember exquisite days, offering the rare opportunity to disconnect from daily routines, and merely focus on my creative power. Bleverde artful retreat provided facilities that made it easy to express oneself freely. The other group members and our counsellors were extremely supportive and contributed to -on my part- that I felt safe and valued. The yoga lessons every morning initiated interesting processes, which I could profit from in my art making. The property – Bleverde – is located in an area which offers tranquility and beauty. To top it all – the food was amazing, healthy and very tasty!

I just wanted to say a VERY BIG Thank you for the fantastic time we had at the retreat in Crete in May. It is impossible to put in words how much I enjoyed it and how very much I felt and still feel part of a family. It was a very enlightening and enjoyable experience I will never forget. Thank you and Thank you again from the bottom of my heart which is where I hold you both!

You created a safe space and allowed us to go at our own pace emotionally - which was really great. The directives and the pace of the program was inspiring and invigorating, a fantastic achievement with such a diverse group and in such a short time. A big Thank you!

This retreat was a wonderful discovery of a whole new world. Endless possibilities seem to sprout or pour from a deep source. I haven't (maybe) ever felt so deeply connected with shape and colour as a mirror to my own self. I hope to carry this experience to my daily life taking the time to emerge again to the space you guided us in. You are a great guide so respectful and full of love. Thank you so much!

It was a great journey to look and reflect about myself. All of the artwork touched me and made me think deeply. Helped me in so many ways to face my worries and give answers. I loved the meals, the accommodation, the people, the kindness. It was my first time in Greece and with the artwork and unforgettable memory. I really thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this retreat. Actually I had no confidence in darwing but now I feel empowered to draw my memories and my feelings. So much Thank you!

It has been a beautiful retreat and an amazing journey in the space of 3 days. I rediscovered myself! Thank you for guiding us through this process in such a kind and warm hearted way. Great location! Great food! Great yoga!

I came to this retreat coming out from a very painful accident in my life. I did not know at all what to expect and had no connection with art whatsoever. Penelope’s charismatic personality convinced me to take part to this retreat. This unique experience through art was a revelation to me in many ways. Firstly art has now come into my life and that is for good. Second this creative process so well orchestrated by Penelope and Romny in an ideal natural scenery revealed another me. A creative me that can face my emotions, accept my imperfections and vulnerabilities without judgement and finally achieve the unachievable … let go!