Our Story & Philosophy
At Stin Avli, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that true well-being comes from harmony with nature, tradition, and oneself. We embrace a holistic approach to wellness, blending the timeless beauty of Greek culture with a deep respect for the island’s natural surroundings. Our retreats are designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit, offering a space where you can reconnect, recharge, and find peace in the simplicity of life. Through personalised experiences and a focus on authenticity, we aim to create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your retreat ends…
Meet the team
Founder of Stin Avli & Cooking Retreat Host
Tranda Devereux is of Greek heritage, born in Australia, with strong family ties to the island of Kastellorizo. Her mother, Evangelia (born on the island in 1935), and her father, George, both instilled in Tranda a deep love for Kastellorizo and its traditions. Evangelia, a gifted Greek cook, passed down the authentic family recipes and culinary techniques that are at the heart of every experience at Stin Avli.
Tranda brings a decade of professional expertise to her hosting, having co-owned, managed, and led the kitchen at her successful Greek restaurant, Santorini, in Perth. It was here she perfected her craft and shared her love for authentic Greek cuisine.
The vision for Stin Avli began when Tranda and a friend hosted the first Painting and Cooking Retreat in 2024. This success sparked a realisation that there were many talented individuals eager to share their skills. This led her to bring together a network of creative people to craft intimate and unforgettable retreats and workshops on the breathtaking island of Kastellorizo.
Thus, Stin Avli was born.
The name Stin Avli, meaning "in the courtyard" in Greek, was inspired by Tranda’s family, who envisioned it as a reflection of the long hours spent creating a special, tranquil space in their little island home.
Tranda's deep family connection and passion for all things Kastellorizo and cooking make her the perfect host to guide you through an unforgettable culinary journey. The retreats and workshops at Stin Avli are carefully curated to offer guests a truly immersive experience, weaving together delicious recipes, rich family stories, and cherished traditions to highlight the slow beauty, culture, and cuisine of this unique island life.
Tranda Devereux
Creative Retreats
Let your imagination fly as our talented Creative hosts open your mind to a new world of self-expression and help you realise your own creative vision.
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Painting Host
Leanne Pearson is an award-winning artist originally from Zimbabwe, now based in Perth. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she now focuses on delivering immersive painting workshops across Australia and internationally.
Author of 'Plein Air Painting with Confidence' and recipient of 18 major awards, including a $50,000 portrait prize and three consecutive Plein Air Down Under Open Awards, Leanne is known for her bold use of colour, expressive brushwork and passion for light.
Leanne shares her vibrant, impressionistic style through workshops, online courses, and the Mastrius international art community, bringing energy, warmth and inspiration to every group she teaches.
On the Stin Avli Painting & Culinary retreat, explore the beauty of plein-air painting with Leanne - inspired exclusively by excursions that showcase all Kastellorizo island has to offer.
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Writer + Host of Writing Retreat
Georgina is an expert business educator and writer with decades of experience. Her passion for learning was instilled as a child by her proud Australian-Greek father, who valued the power of the ‘mighty’ word. Her love of prose inspires her poetry and historical fiction writing, which is a central theme in her life.
Her passion to travel and experience the world, coupled with her lifelong love of jewellery, are elements she weaves throughout her storytelling. Georgina comes from a long line of Kastellorizian ancestry and can trace her lineage to Tall Ships and Patisserie owners, who once inhabited the island.
On the Stin Avli Writing & Cooking Retreat, explore the island’s colourful past with Georgina and delve into journal writing techniques, discussing the poetic prose of Cavafy, Ritsos and Seferis to create your own island-inspired body of works.
Wellness Retreats
Nourish your soul. Stretch your spirit. Tap into tranquillity and stability as our wellness hosts guide you through a full body experience, breath by breath.
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Pilates Host
Sarah Ashe, owner of Featherstone Physio Pilates, brings 30+ years of experience as a Physio combined with Pilates, therapeutic yoga, breath therapy, functional strength, stretch therapy, fascial ease, neuroplasticity and lifestyle medicine. She presents at conferences, leads retreats and mentors students to share and inform just how powerful movement is for holistic health, vitality and happiness.
Sarah has long been enamoured with the human body, the power of the mind and breath when combined with quality movement. Sarah believes small, subtle changes can have a positive impact in a BIG way.
Everything she does focuses on promoting active participation in all aspects of life. With Sarah, it's about more than just physical movement—it's about empowering you to move better, feel stronger, and live with confidence. The Stin Avli Pilates Retreat is a truly transformative week of movement set against the tranquil beauty of Kastellorizo.
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Yoga Host
Andrea is the owner and instructor at Melt Down Yoga, where she leads small group classes that offer a nurturing, joyful environment. Her slow flow style weaves in relatable, real-life themes, creating a gentle, moving meditation that balances energy, calms the nervous system and boosts both physical and mental resilience.
Andrea's classes are designed to foster safety, love and a deep sense of connectivity, leaving her students feeling at peace with themselves and more resilient in navigating life's challenges. She leads from the heart, offering a welcoming space for reconnection through yoga and meditation. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, the Stin Avli Yoga Retreat promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and restored, all while soaking in the beauty of Greece.
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Culinary Host on the Pilates Retreat
Carolina Doriti was born and raised in Athens into a family with a long-standing culinary tradition. Her deep-rooted passion for gastronomy led her to the UK, where she spent many years studying at the University of Sussex and Goldsmiths, University of London. In 2005, Carolina followed her heart into the kitchen, transitioning from a career in arts curating to becoming a professional chef, food writer, and researcher.
As the Athens Bureau Chief for the award-winning Culinary Backstreets and the Culinary Producer for the acclaimed PBS series My Greek Table, Carolina is a leading voice in Greek gastronomy. She is the author of the celebrated cookbook 'Salt of the Earth' and her most recent work, 'The Greek Islands Cookbook', which explores the deep connection between food, place, and memory.
For Carolina, cooking is a form of art and meditation - a way to nourish the soul while honouring the "wise simplicity" of Mediterranean traditions. During our Pilates retreat, Carolina joins us to bridge the gap between wellness and the plate. She will guide you through hands-on classes and demonstrations, sharing the history of Greek flavours and teaching you how to prepare authentic, seasonal dishes that perfectly complement your week of movement and restoration.
