A 7-day escape to the island of Crete, Greece
May 3rd - May 9th, 2026
Ravdoucha, Crete, Greece
At EAT PLAY WRITE, we create nourishing, connective, fun-filled escapes for writers to refill their creative wells and get words on the page.
You get yourself there. We’ll take care of the rest!
Expect a week filled with…
Friendly hosts who make you feel at home
Dedicated writing time in a dreamy coastal setting
Chef-prepared, locally sourced meals (yes, they’re as good as they sound)
Plenty of curated, optional excursions around the island
A built-in community of fellow writers to connect with
Free time to soak up the villa—walk to the beach, dip in the pool, and nourish your creative spirit
The perfect mix of productivity, adventure, and a little European magic
Hey there, we’re Eileen and Julia!
Two TV writers, friends, and moms…
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Eileen Álvarez is a multi-hyphenate Latina, globe-trotter, and proud #BoyMom.
After graduating from UCLA and earning her M.F.A. from the Actors Studio in New York, Eileen made her directorial debut with Finding Mabel, an award-winning documentary about Argentina's 30,000 Disappeared. Her second film, Grit—a dark comedy about infertility—racked up several festival awards and landed on Elizabeth Banks' Whohaha.
In 2020, Eileen’s comedy pilot Güera snagged first place at the Page International Screenwriting Awards. That same year, she joined the writers' room for the adult animated series Close Enough on HBO Max.
By 2021, Eileen was part of the inaugural class of the NALIP + Netflix Short Narrative Incubator, where she wrote and directed the horror-comedy Mama Retreat. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) and scored a licensing deal with Netflix.
Eileen has been tapped to write scripts for Nickelodeon and Sony and has developed TV series with The Tannenbaum Company, Wilmer Valderrama’s WVE, and Will Smith’s Westbrook.
Eileen is thrilled to be hosting Eat Play Write escapes with Julia, and can’t wait for the next adventure!
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Julia Meltzer is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, writing teacher, and postpartum doula/lactation educator. She started her career in entertainment as a development assistant for Modern Family star Ty Burrell’s production company before selling her original multicam pilot YOURS, MINE & PAUL’S to 20th Century Fox Television in a competitive situation; it later sold to ABC with Burrell producing and Sarah Hyland attached to star. Her next pilot, MARRIED WITH FRIENDS (also a multicam), sold to CBS; she then went on to adapt the Israeli TV series THE STYLIST into a feature film for Amazon Local Originals. She also developed an original single cam pilot, MORE KIDS THAN PARENTS, with Fanfare Productions, and wrote on the scripted audio series THE GOOD LIFE (Broadway Video and Audible). Her female driven R-rated comedy feature THE TWIST is in development with Feigco, and she has TV projects in development with Miramax, Shoot to Midnight (Leslye Headland), and Loudmouth (Idina Menzel).
After struggling with her own writing practice after the birth of her son, Julia became passionate about parental wellness and empowering primary parents to share their creative voices with wide audiences, and created the groundbreaking New Parent Pilot Class, an incubator for parents of young children to create outstanding TV writing samples where their parenthood was seen as an asset, not a liability.
Julia has performed improv comedy at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade since 2015 and is now in the rotating cast of the theater’s flagship show ASSSSCAT. Julia has taught improv workshops for screenwriters through the Humanitas Foundation and USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Middle Eastern Media Initiative.
Julia deeply believes that the process of writing should be enjoyable, and what’s more enjoyable than a luxury villa in Greece??
We created EAT PLAY WRITE because we believe great writing isn’t exclusively about putting words on a page, it’s also about…
Having inspiring lived experience
EAT PLAY WRITE is the perfect opportunity to get out of your bubble: experience a different culture, savor gourmet catered food, explore local delights on planned-for-you excursions, and make memories.
Cultivating a joyful writing practice
EAT PLAY WRITE gives writers time and space to immerse themselves in their writing project in a beautiful location away from home, with meals taken care of and fun excursions to shake things up.
Finding nourishing community
EAT PLAY WRITE creates an opportunity to forge deep relationships with fellow writers. Intimate by design, we will spend the week connecting over delicious meals, shared experiences and our paths as creatives..
And in May, we’re heading to Crete! You in?
Bliss House
Ravdoucha, Crete, Greece
Nestled between mountains and sea in the small fishing village of Ravdoucha, on Crete’s western coast, Bliss House is a luxurious cliffside villa surrounded by raw nature.
Perched above the water, where sunsets light the sky and the sea shifts through every shade of blue, it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with your story.
Days at Bliss House…
With the exception of our off-site excursions, we’ll be immersing ourselves in our craft in the serene cocoon of Bliss House. Days will consist of…
Morning movement
Start each morning with a refreshing (optional) movement session on the ocean-view deck including Yoga, Pilates, Somatics, nature walks and more.
Designated writing hours
Daily blocks of independent writing time to tap into your vision and get it onto the page.
Fireside chats
Grab your blanket and a glass of wine for lightly structured post-dinner group hangs (don’t worry, no trust falls :-)
Bespoke culinary workshop
Led by chef Alma, we’ll prepare traditional Greek culinary delights together, using fresh local ingredients.
Optional daily mini-excursions
Choose from a variety of local activities including local hikes, wine tasting, exploring the local town, local taverna visit, beach day, and more!.
Gourmet catered meals
Meals at Bliss House will be catered by Chef Alma of Alma’s Open Table.
Breakfast spread with fresh-baked bread, fresh-cut fruit, homemade granola, yogurt, chia pudding, avocado toast, shakshuka, scrambled tofu, Turkish eggs; coffee, tea, fresh-squeezed juice
Lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced fare. Sample menu: white fish crudo, green orzo with kale and ricotta, tomato carpaccio, lemon dessert
A farm-to-table style dinner featuring local produce and regional specialties. Sample menu: radish, lettuce, grapefruit salad beds; roasted coconut with tarragon vinaigrette; stuffed eggplant in curry dal; jasmine fragrant rice; yogurt sauce; rose water and coconut malabi
Meet your chef…
Alma
We are so delighted to be collaborating for a second time with Alma, of Alma’s Open Table.
For Alma, cooking is an ever-evolving exploration of different passions that come together on the table. With a deep connection to nature, hosting, gardening, human connection and food systems, her approach highlights seasonal, whole foods, sustainable and thought-out cooking methods.
From creating table experiences, food styling, retreat cooking, to workshops, she brings a radiant and nurturing energy to every meal she prepares and everything she does.
What past attendees are saying…
Bring a friend (or two), fly solo, or let us pair you up!
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Bedroom 1 – Garden Twin Room
(double or triple occupancy)
2 twin beds + single sofa bed · private en-suite hammam bath & shower · garden view
Double (shared): $2,200 per person
Triple (shared): $1,700 per person
A peaceful, ground-level twin room with its own hammam bath — bright, quiet, and ideal for shared travelers.
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Bedroom 2 – Sea View Twin Room
(double occupancy)
2 twin beds · private en-suite bathroom · shared terrace · sea view
Double (shared): $2,400 per person
A bright, breezy twin with stunning sea views and its own bathroom — a serene, comfortable shared option.
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Bedroom 3 – Sea View Twin Room
(double occupancy)
2 twin beds · private en-suite bathroom · shared terrace · sea view
Double (shared): $2,400 per person
A bright, breezy twin with stunning sea views and its own bathroom — a serene, comfortable shared option.
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Bedroom 4 – King Sea View Room
(single or double occupancy)
1 king bed · private en-suite bathroom · shared terrace · sea view
Single: $3,300 total
Double (shared): $2,400 per person
A tranquil king room with sea views and a private bath — perfect for a solo guest or a couple of friends seeking privacy and comfort.
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Bedroom 5 – King Terrace Suite
(single or double occupancy)
1 king bed · private en-suite bath with indoor & outdoor showers · private terrace · sea view
Single: $3,600 total
Double (shared): $2,600 per person
A spacious suite with sweeping ocean views from your private terrace. Great for two friends or a solo traveler craving privacy.
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Bedroom 6 – Studio Suite (Private Terrace + Kitchenette)
(single, double, or triple occupancy)
1 king bed · private en-suite bathroom with dual vanity & outdoor shower · sea view terrace · kitchenette
Single (private): $4,000 total
Double (shared): $2,700 per person
Triple (shared): $2,000 per person
The premier suite. A beautiful, airy space with a private terrace and kitchenette — perfect for a solo splurge, or two to three friends.
What’s included:
6-night accommodations at Bliss House, a luxurious cliffside villa nestled in the mountains of Crete, Greece
Airport shuttle (we’ve got a complimentary group shuttle for arrival/departure days. If your flight doesn’t line up or you prefer to opt out, no stress — you can always book your own transport.)
Delicious, chef-catered, locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Daily writing snacks
Bespoke culinary workshop led by Chef Alma
Movement classes
Welcome drinks
Daily aperitif hour
Lightly-programmed casual chats around the fire nightly
What’s not included:
Airfare
Offsite meals, activities, and excursions
Alcohol (other than welcome drinks and daily aperitif hour)
FAQs
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If you write or want to write, yes! This is a mixed-experience level retreat, designed to bring together anyone with something to say, from experienced professionals to fresh, curious voices. Screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, essayists, memoirists, poets, or someone experimenting — we’re happy to have you at EAT PLAY WRITE.
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Bliss House is located on the Greek island of Crete, in the small seaside village of Ravdoucha in the Chania region. The closest airports are:
Chania International Airport (CHQ): The most convenient option on Crete’s western side.
Heraklion International Airport (HER): A larger airport with more flight connections, located farther east.
Once arrived, you can take advantage of our once-daily complimentary airport shuttle, or book your own ride share/transport to the house if you prefer.
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Yes! Chef Alma will curate the menu to participants’ dietary needs.
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Depending on single vs. double occupancy rooms, the retreat can accommodate up to 12 participants (not including your hosts!).
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Yes! You can invite a friend to book their own room; or share a bedroom with a friend or partner (see double and triple occupancy options for steep discounts!)
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A variety of payment plans are available; let’s chat!
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Due to the logistics of our all-inclusive retreat, we’re unable to offer refunds once your spot is secured. We can, however, transfer the spot to another individual if there’s a wait list. Once your replacement pays in full, we’re happy to issue you a full 100% refund.
