historical perfume Workshop
a retreat to discover the scented past
an alchemy of time
Step into the world of rare and ancient aromas at Komito, a sensory scent discovery awaits. Learn to craft bespoke scents that seduced kings, empowered women – from Tutankhamun to the Sun King, Louis XIV. Discover what emperors, mystics and royal mistresses truly smelled like – and recreate their legendary scents for yourself.
Work with rich, mostly natural essences and harvest the islands grown herbs, flowers and botanicals – many of Syros wines and olive oil will be part of the formulas infused with the riches of the Cycladic soil. Each guest will leave with an olfactorium of their own scents inspired by timeless and historic long forgotten formulas.
more than a workshop
a renaissance of the senses
Through illustrated talks and storytelling, we will explore perfume from ancient Egypt, the medieval ages, the Renaissance to the 18th century. Inhale our way into perfumed worlds of the court with Agnès Sorel, the spiritual botanicals of Hildegard of Bingen, and trace rosewater distillation to Avicenna.
Beyond the stories, this is a hands-on immersion where you will:
- Craft bespoke scents inspired by historic formula
- Grasp the tenets of classical perfumery making; the practical use of pipettes, scent strips and how to make a pyramid formula of head, heart and soul notes.
- Join guided scent walks collecting mountain herbs.
- Work with rare materials – ambergris, rose otto, tuberose, jasmin, civet and musk.
- Create rosewater, tinctures, traditional accords and a beeswax pomade
- Blend and decant signature scents to take home as your own olfactorium
daily sessions
Historical Perfumery Masterclass to awaken your senses
Morning
presentations | scent walk
Mornings sessions are devoted to making the scents and constructing the formulas and accords. Evaluating the scents and tweaking them so they are as close to the original recipe.
Afternoon
one-to-one tutoring | excursions | yoga
Afternoons are a perfect time to explore the luscious, sprawling Komito estate and Syros Island. Have a walk into the hills to explore the wild herbs and enjoy stunning views over the Aegean, before late afternoon sessions resume.
Evening Soirée
cocktails | scents | talks
Evenings at Komito are centered on fun and togetherness, conversations and cocktails around the fire.
tutor
Celia Lyttelton, author of The Scent Trail, An Olfactory Odyssey; scent and art critic.
She formulated a historical perfume range for the Korean company, Rupicello.
Celia Lyttelton
artist | journalist | tutor
Celia Lyttleton is an artist, journalist, a historical perfumer, sensory researcher, and independent scholar whose work explores the intimate relationship between scent, memory, and material culture. She has written numerous articles for magazines such as Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times and Harpers & Queen. Her career as a writer has enabled her to travel all over the world – and her experiences resulted in the idea behind
Celia’s work explores the intimate relationship between scent, memory, and material culture. She specialises in reconstructing fragrances from the medieval and Renaissance periods, bringing to life the aromatic worlds of courts, kitchens, and apothecaries.
Celia has lectured on olfactory history in collaboration with heritage sites and museums across the UK, including programs inspired by collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
our week
History of Scent
Enter the scented world of the royal court with figures such as Agnès Sorel, discover the spiritual use of botanicals with Hildegard of Bingen, and trace the origins of rosewater through Avicenna.
Scent Walks
Walk in the wild hills around Komito, where the wind shapes the sage, thyme and lavender clusters. Then relax under the Jasmin scented terraces.
Bespoke Scent
Create your own scents to take home; rosewater, tinctures using grappa; traditional perfume accords; and a beeswax pommade using time‑honoured techniques.
Pricing
Prices start at €1680 per person sharing a room and €2600 for a single room. (Five-day retreat, six nights)
What’s included in your payment:
- All transfers to/from Komito between Syros airport/port
- Board and lodging at Villa Komito
- ‘Five Great Greek Dishes’ cooking class with Nella
- All scheduled excursions
- Afternoon activities in the villa and around the island (hiking, pétanque, backgammon, padel)
What’s not included in your payment:
- Flights and ferries to Syros
- Meals and transport costs for excursions to other islands
- Tips for our attentive Komito staff
- Yoga with local expert Anna (€20 per person)
Programme
perfume
WORKSHOP
DAILY SCHEDULE
A day in the life at Komito Perfume Workshop
available shortly
historical
perfume
WORKSHOP
15-22
November
2026
November
2026
Syros
getting there
BY AIR
Syros has a national airport, with Sky Express offering flights to the island from Athens International Airport.
BY FERRY
From Athens International Airport, make your way to the Port of Piraeus by bus X96, metro Line M3, taxi (€80) or pre-book a private transfer (€60).
Daily Ferries: Piraeus to Syros: 07:30 | 17:30 | Syros to Piraeus:Â 16:00.
Ferries also connect Syros to Mykonos.
Daily Ferries: Mykonos to Syros: 14.00 | Syros to Mykonos: 11.45
Private Helicopter Transfer from Mykonos to Syros | flyhoper.com
The schedules for all ferries are available nearer the time, check individual websites or ferryhopper.com.
Join Us
historical perfume workshop
Complete the form below to request your place in this unique scent experience.
Please feel free to bring any of your own oils and samples of your favourite perfumes.
celialyttelton@hotmail.com | SMS or WhatsApp: +44 7875 581220
waiting for you
