Skyros
Skyros Island, Greece
Inspirational holistic, movement and creative holidays on a gorgeous Greek isle
These creative retreats and multi-activity holidays are a chance to escape, connect, learn, relax and heal on a gorgeous Greek island. Choose from a smorgasbord of inventive programmes at the coastal and rustic Atsitsa Bay, which welcomes children and teenagers during school holidays. Enjoy cerulean skies, clear seas, a supportive, vibrant environment and tasty, healthy meals.
our reviewer niki natarajan says:
‘My mornings became a light-hearted, thoroughly effective and profoundly entertaining tour of the creative writing process’
our reviewer annoushka sayS:
‘A lot of the time ages don’t really seem to matter, and you find yourself bonding with someone twice your age or half your age. Maybe even three times your age!’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Fun and freedom are at the heart of this transformative adventure, where the community-based structure lends itself to a natural camaraderie. Come solo to re-connect with a community, or with your partner, friend or family if you want more than a beach holiday. Marvellously, during the school summer holidays, you pay half price for children between five and 15 ’
Experiences
Skyros offers a range of holistic holidays between May and September led by experienced facilitators and designed to suit all levels of ability. You can take part in as much or as little as you like.
Multiple courses to choose from each week vary according to the facilitators available but can include singing and music, theatre and comedy, arts and crafts, movement and bodywork, abseiling, kayaking and windsurfing, life coaching, personal development and creative writing.
Various offerings help build connection and community. Each morning after breakfast there is also ‘demos' (‘people’s assembly’), where you can find out the day’s schedule, voice any concerns and express gratitude.
There are optional daily ‘oekos’ gatherings where you can share what’s on your mind confidentially in small groups.
Guests are also encouraged to help out if they want by sweeping, chopping vegetables or tidying.
Spaces
Courses at Atsitsa Bay take place on stone terraces overlooking the bay, in the shade of the bar, in several circles dotted around Atsitsa’s pretty gardens or in the library and music room inside the main stone house.
Meals are eaten at various tables in the outdoor dining area - you can choose a quiet table to eat alone if you so choose.
Many people opt for a rustic garden hut, simply furnished with a bed and mosquito net, clothes hangers, bedside table and chair. They don’t have great lighting, so pack a head torch if you like to read at night, as well as towels and mosquito spray.
The main house has nine whitewashed bedrooms of various sizes, some with their own basic shower rooms, others with shared. They have fans but can be very hot in the summer.
You can also choose to take a room at the basic local Assist hotel which has air conditioning and sea views - Skyros book this for you and give you a good rate.
Sustenance
Meals are offered full board, and served buffet style. Vegetables, meat and fish are all on offer. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for if they are requested in advance.
Breakfasts usually include fresh Greek yoghurt and honey, porridge, muesli, fruit salads and sometimes eggs and pastries.
Lunches might be tasty traditional stews, spinach with chickpeas, excellent taramasalata and hummus, stuffed aubergines and tuna with green beans, whilst for suppers you can expect vegetarian curries, pork chops, chicken, meatballs or a moussaka with potatoes.
Fresh watermelon and homemade cake are typical desserts. There is a simply stocked bar with some soft drinks and ice-creams, one brand of local wine and a few brands of beer.
Marianna’s, a local cafe, offers smoothies, good coffee, evening drinks and simple meals including pizza should you want a change of scene, or get a taxi into Skyros village where there are a plethora of eateries.
