Aegina Retreats
The Water Workshop
Whispering Waters - Fluid Creativity
with Yanis Zagorianakos
The water workshop: Whispering Waters – Fluid Creativity is an immersive workshop dedicated to reconnecting with creativity as a living, natural process through painting.
What to expect
This workshop is not about technique, artistic skill or producing finished artworks. It is not about learning something new. It is about remembering.
Remembering how creativity moves when it is not forced.
Remembering how to listen rather than control.
Remembering how to enter a state of flow that already exists.
Creativity here is not approached as personal achievement but rather as a current, something we step into, tune into and allow to pass through us.
What This Workshop Is About
At the core of Whispering Waters lies a simple question: What happens when we stop trying to create and instead become receptive?
Through a balance of theory, embodied practice and expressive painting, this workshop explores:
what creativity truly is; how the creative flow arises; the different states and stages we move through; what blocks flow and what restores it; and finally how to remain available to creativity over time.
Rather than chasing inspiration, we focus on the inner and outer conditions that allow creativity to emerge naturally.
Water as Teacher
The entire method is inspired by water.
Water is approached as a material as well as a metaphor, as an intelligent element. Water has a lot to teach us: adaptability without loss of essence, movement without force, persistence without aggression, memory, rhythm and responsiveness. Through theory, reflection, direct experience and simple exercises, we learn from water’s behaviour and apply its principles to the creative process and to life. We also learn how to connect to it and allow it to guide the way. Water, from something we observe at a distance, becomes something we listen to, work with and gradually embody.
Expressive Painting as Practice
Painting is used as a tool for exploration, not as a goal in itself. We do not put the emphasis on style, technique, talent or finished results. Instead, painting becomes a way to observe how we approach the unknown, notice resistance and control, experience surrender and responsiveness, understand timing, attention and flow.
The value lies entirely within the process.
This workshop is open to everyone. No prior painting experience is needed.
About Yanis
Yanis’s fascination with water began during his university years, when he first became interested in its hidden properties. Since then, water has remained central to both his personal exploration and creative practice. He has spent years reading, researching and reflecting about it, drawing from scientific studies as well as ancient texts, in an effort to understand the subtle intelligence of water and its role in connecting all living things. In his artistic work, water has become both subject and collaborator, guiding rhythm, movement, stillness and chance.
This retreat is the culmination of that long exploration: an immersive experience that brings together art, awareness and the wisdom of flow. It invites participants to reconnect with their own creative current through movement, presence and attention.
Yanis Zagorianakos (YZagor) is a self-taught, full-time craftsman and painter with a BSc in Industrial Chemistry and Design from City University London. Born in Athens, he grew up between Athens, Johannesburg and London. After 15 years working as a project scientist and designer, he left scientific research and began travelling extensively in India, where he was introduced to arts and crafts. Over the following decades, he studied a wide range of crafts and painting practices while working full-time as an artist and craftsman.
He now lives and works between the Greek islands of Aegina and Amorgos. His practice spans over such varied materials: wood, metal, fabric, watercolours, acrylics, oxidations, collage, mixed media... always guided by curiosity, experimentation and the act of chance.
For Yanis, the process is as important, if not more, as the outcome. Creativity is something to be entered, not controlled. He says about himself that he has failed many times, for different reasons both in work and in life. This is what he considers his main source of education.
See his work at www.yzagor.co.uk
The Daily Rhythm
The retreat follows a steady, spacious rhythm that allows to go in depth without pressure.
Saturday
Arrival, settling in, introductions
Sunday to Friday
10:00 – 14:00
Creativity theory & expressive painting practice
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch break
15:00 – 17:00
Creative painting practice or rest
This rhythm continues daily until Friday, with one exception:
Wednesday – Road Trip Day
A full day around the island
Exploring nature, inland sites and landscapes shaped by water
Time for rest, observation, and integration
Friday or Saturday
Departure day
What is included
Accommodation Retreats only
7 nights residential stay
Unique and convenient accommodation options
Immersive creative environment
Daily Breakfast
Meals Retreats & Workshop
Lunch at the studio
Facilities Retreats & Workshop
Fully equipped painting studio
All materials and supplies included
Day Trip Retreats & Workshop
Wednesday we take a break and we explore the island of Aegina. We visit chosen locations and we spend the day in nature followed by lunch.
Guidance Retreats & Workshop
Expert Instruction in both disciplines
Theoretical framework
Personalized support
What you get when booking
Retreat
When booking a retreat you get:
Accommodation,
Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea, coffee,
Day road trip,
Workshop including materials, teaching and use of the studio,
Transportation from & to Aegina port upon arrival and departure.
Workshop
When booking a workshop you get:
6 days of creative practice
Daily lunch, snacks, tea, coffee,
Day road trip,
Workshop including materials
teaching and use of the studio.
Accommodation, breakfast and transportation are not included.
Online
The online journey forms a complete cycle that unfolds over 5 consecutive Saturdays, each session lasting around 3 hours. We begin on the first Saturday of the month (January, February, March 2026) and meet every Saturday at 12:00 pm (Greek time). You book the full series.
Participation Options, Cost, Dates
You can participate by booking:
Workshop Only – €750
Includes: 6 days of creative practice, daily lunch as well as tea, coffee and snacks, 1 Day road trip, materials, Studio Place.
Full Retreat – €1,800
Includes: 7night stay + 6 days of creative practice, daily breakfast at the house, lunch as well as tea, coffee and snacks, 1 Day road trip, materials, Studio Place, Pick up & drop off from & to Aegina port
Booking
To reserve your place for the workshop or the retreat, a €300 deposit is required, which is fully refundable until 60 days before the starting date. Once we receive your participation request, we will contact you to confirm whether you prefer the Workshop or Retreat option, and to confirm your chosen dates.
Online Programme – €250
Five live online sessions, 3 hours each.
To participate online and view available dates, please go here.
Dates available for 2026:
14–20 March 2026
4–10 April 2026
16–22 May 2026
20–26 June 2026
18–24 July 2026
22–28 August 2026
19–25 September 2026
17–23 October 2026
21–27 November 2026
5–11 December 2026
Accommodation Options
Shared and Solo option
The Grapevine House was built in the 19th century. It has two double bedrooms: he main bedroom with original painted ceiling, wooden floor and its own balcony; and the second bedroom, a converted cellar - you will have to duck to enter this little haven. The spacious living-dining room has an embedded wooden press, a hint to the island's agricultural way of life. Kitchen and bathroom are small but have all you need. The house’s eclectic furniture and objects tell their own story: lovingly restored items, paintings, books and many personal objects from a life of travels...
Explore the garden surrounding the house, find your favourite corner, enjoy the quiet.
The Grapevine house is a great choice for solo travellers willing to share or small groups of up to 4 friends.
Solo or Couples option
Right next to the Grapevine House is the newer Lemon House, a 75m2 spacious studio with a double bed, dinning and living room, a large bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony. It is perfect for those who wish to stay solo or as a couple without having to share.
The Lemon House is our own home, that we occasionally rent. We invite you to embrace the beauty of this cozy and peaceful space, where every corner holds a piece of us, our travels, our books and music, our colours, our spices. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the courtyard and the land around it, lose your sense of time, let go and relax.
The Lemon house is ideal for solo travellers or couples who need a little extra personal space.
Reviews
I love The Cool Projects! Yannis was a fantastic teacher. Although I don't have much experience painting, I found the course a useful lens for the creative process and really enjoyed time in the studio. Marina & Yannis were wonderful hosts, lunches were delicious and we were invited to feel at home. I spent a memorable week here and highly recommend The Cool Projects for anyone who wants to explore the creative process, painting or simply as an excuse for a slower pace of life for a while.
Brigitte Small, 2025
I attended a very special workshop created by Yanis, set in a beautiful and peaceful environment on the island of Aegina. Yanis was very patient and attentive to my needs for learning from his approach to the creative process involved in painting/drawing/creating. He was able to fit a lot in a short amount of time without there being any pressure. I felt very much at home, with a warm and friendly welcome from Yanis and his partner Marina, their dog and cats and delicious food! Everything had a touch of care and love, nourishing the soul and mind. A source of inspiration that stays with you.
Rani Khanna, 2025
What an experience! Yanis shared his wisdom and skills, and introduced me to the world of seeing without judgment, letting go, and going with the flow. Vedic Art opened a new perspective for me. I can highly recommend it to anyone who dares to surrender – you are in safe hands 😀. Many thanks as well to Marina for her hospitality and to India for the warm daily welcome. I would love to come back.
Beatrice Wiechmann, 2025
Participants often say that after the retreat their relationship to creativity has changed. They feel calmer and more receptive, see familiar things differently and carry a sense of flow back into daily life.
Whispering Waters is not about becoming an artist. It is about becoming available to creativity, to the process and to the quiet intelligence that moves through all things.
FAQ
Participation Options
Size: Maximum 8 people / Minimum 1 to run
Workshop Only – €750
6 days of creative practice in Aegina.
Full Retreat – €1,800
7-night stay in Aegina + 6 days of workshop.
Booking
To reserve your place for the workshop or the retreat, a €300 deposit is required, which is fully refundable until 60 days before the starting date.
After you send your participation request, we will contact you to confirm whether you prefer the Workshop or Retreat option and your chosen dates.
Online Programme – €250
Five live online sessions (3 hours each).
To participate online and view available dates, please go here.
2026 Dates
14–20 March 2026
4–10 April 2026
16–22 May 2026
20–26 June 2026
18–24 July 2026
22–28 August 2026
19–25 September 2026
17–23 October 2026
21–27 November 2026
5–11 December 2026
When booking a retreat, we offer the following accommodation options:
Private, solo or couple in the Grapevine House or the Lemon House.
Shared at the Grapevine House.
The Grapevine House is a two bedroom house with large living room, small kitchen and bathroom.
The Lemon House is a large studio with private bathroom and kitchen.
Both houses share the outdoors spaces.
Find out more about the houses here.
When booking a workshop alone, you will have to find your own accommodation. We are happy to share a list of friendly places.
When booking a retreat, you get daily breakfast at the house plus tea, coffee, snacks and lunch at the studio, ordered from a choice of two local traditional restaurants. We do eat out at least twice in the week. Dinners are not included.
When booking the workshop alone, you get the daily tea, coffee, snacks ans lunch.
Getting to Aegina is super easy! Ferries run daily, all day long from Piraeus to Aegina port and back.
You can find out more here.
Workshops are held at The Cool Projects studio daily from 10:00 to 14:00 Sunday to Friday. You have full access to the studio for practice and private work all day.
List of materials you will need to bring:
Notebook
A5 sketchbook
A3 watercolour paper
Pencils or pens of your choice
Water-based colours: at least blue, red, yellow, white, and black
Brushes of three different sizes
Clothes you don’t mind getting messy
Good to know:
The studio has a selection of shared materials available for everyone to use.
You can also purchase larger sheets of watercolour paper or canvas directly at the studio.
There’s a local art shop nearby where you can buy any extra supplies from.
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Creative Painting Workshops
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Welcome to Aegina Retreats where creativity meets playfulness and tranquility.
Contact Us
+30 2297029359
Location
5 Agias Paraskevis st.
Aegina 18010, Greece
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