Faculty-Led University Programs, seminars, workshops or conferences
Votsala Hotel and our Villa Daphnis & Chloe, only a four-minute walk apart by the sea, are both run by our family with care and experience. For more than twenty-five years we have welcomed universities, schools, workshops, and conferences from the USA, Norway, and many other countries. Both places offer a unique setting for faculty-led study abroad programs: authentic, personal, and inspiring.
Stay at Hotel Votsala
Votsala, right by the water, has more rooms and a lively atmosphere. For more than 25 years, Votsala has been experienced in welcoming and hosting study abroad programs, making it a trusted place for universities and faculty groups. The garden leads directly to the sea, and among the olive trees there is an outdoor classroom equipped for lessons and meetings. Breakfasts are long and relaxed, with classical music in the background and conversations with our many international guests, who are always happy to greet students with a warm Kalimera. Our way of living here is simple and eco-friendly, with respect for nature and the sea, something we are happy to share with our groups.
Stay at the Villa Daphnis & Chloe
The Villa Daphnis & Chloe, smaller and more private, has eleven apartments and can be reserved exclusively for your group. It offers a meeting room for up to twenty students, outdoor spaces including a theatre, and the possibility of a quieter, more focused program. If more accommodation is needed, additional rooms are available at Votsala.
Who we are
We are a family living and working at Votsala Hotel and Villa Daphnis & Chloe, and we love welcoming our guests into our daily life. Beyond offering the right spaces for your program, we can also help with the practical side — from arranging buses and transport to suggesting museums and excursions. At the same time, if you wish, we are happy to share more personal activities with you: cooking, history walks, local crafts, and stories that bring Lesvos life and culture closer.
Iannis
Second generation of Hotel Votsala and an experienced architect, Iannis is always ready to prepare spaces according to your group’s needs — whether for lessons, lectures, or workshops. He is also a passionate history lover and enjoys sharing fascinating stories about the island and its past.
Christophe
Christophe is a historian with studies in political science, world history and a master in Naval history (at University of Portsmouth). He creates his own documentaries and also collaborates with schools abroad, leading programs in Greece and France with Atlas Workshops. He is happy to offer lectures during your stay, often accompanied by a film, and to guide his much-loved history walks across Lesvos.
Lina
The third generation of Votsala and owner of the Villa Daphnis & Chloe, Lina is your main contact from the very beginning. She helps design programs that fit your group’s needs and always brings fresh ideas to make your stay meaningful and enjoyable. She also offers morning yoga classes, a peaceful way to begin the day by the sea.
Daphne
Besides writing and translating books, Daphne loves to share her cooking with our guests. Her recipes appear in our morning buffet, lunches, and dinners. She organizes picnics at chapels and monasteries, and also hosts cooking classes where you can learn her secrets. She takes care of our guests not only with warm conversations, but also through her food, which is always prepared with love.
Why choose Lesvos
Lesvos is a hidden gem of the Aegean, a place to experience the real Greece far away from crowded tourist spots. Its green landscapes thrive thanks to natural fresh water, making the island beautiful to explore in every season. Lesvos has a long cultural tradition and has inspired figures such as Aristotle, who studied its natural world, and the poet Sappho, who was born here. For visiting groups, it offers both a calm environment and many opportunities to learn about history, culture, and daily Greek life.
Our Village – Thermi: We are located just 11 km from the main town, Mytilini. Our village, Thermi, is authentic and welcoming, but also rich in history. From the remains of its Bronze Age city to Byzantine monasteries and traditional houses, Thermi carries the story of Lesvos through the centuries. Today it is a quiet place, authentic and far from mass tourism where participants can walk around, enjoy the seaside tavernas, visit the mini markets and easily meet the locals.
