VISIT THE SKYROS CENTRE B&B FOR A WINTER ESCAPE Wednesday 17th November, 2011
Loved Skyros this summer? Are you already missing the whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets and cries of 'Kalimera!' in the morning? If so, we're very excited to announce that you no longer need to wait until next summer to visit Skyros island. Now you can visit us all year round!
The Skyros Centre has opened its doors as a fully flexible B&B.
The Centre is the ideal venue to get some personal space and recharge your batteries. It provides an idyllic base from which to chill-out, get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and seek out creative inspiration. Over the years, unspoilt Skyros has attracted a variety of poets, artists, writers and other imaginative souls. Perhaps you'd like to spend a few days finishing that novel you started, or returning to that painting you meant to finish months ago? Whether contemplating, meditating or even just beach-combing, the Centre is a great space for a winter or spring getaway. Although temperatures can become chilly over the winter months, the island is still awash with activity and offers plenty to do. In fact, the winter is a great time to experience Skyros without the tourists!
We can arrange great rates on car or bicycle rental, giving you the opportunity to explore the island's most famous sites. From the historic Byzantine Castle, Monastery of Agios Georgios and Faltaits Folklore Museum to the Skyrian Pony Centre, there is plenty on offer. Or alternatively, just enjoy a wonderful vacation in the lap of nature surrounded by pristine beaches and coves, abundant wildlife and traditional Greek lifestyle. If you'd like to visit the island during the renowned Apokries carnival period, when Skyros explodes with music, dancing and celebrations, we'd advise to book soon. This is a very popular time with Greeks and tourists alike!
The twin and single rooms in the Skyros Centre are centrally-heated, comfortable and homely, all boasting private balconies. Additional facilities include a library with high speed WiFi internet, a comfortable saloni area with TV and DVD collection, our large meeting rooms perfect for yoga and meditation, and of course our numerous terraces with spectacular views out across the Aegean. Plus we’ve various styles of massage therapy to invigorate or relax, available on site.
Prices start from £25 per person per night for shared occupancy of a twin or double room including breakfast. Or £35 per night for single occupancy of a double room with breakfast. Special rates for longer stays are available on request. For more information, email winter_escape@skyros.com or call us on 01983 86 55 66.
WHERE TO GO IN NOVEMBER
Monday 17th October, 2011 Where better to learn to salsa than the home of the dance? Skyros runs our bi-annual trip to Havana with the next holiday coming up this November (20th - 30th). Classes are led by Damarys Suarez who's not just a brilliant teacher she's also an expert, with a masters degree in Afro-Cuban dance from Havana University. During lessons you are partnered with experienced local dancers who mentor you through the week, and in the evenings you'll have a chance to practise your moves at the city's salsa clubs. Got two left feet? The same trip also offers a creative writing option, led by playwright, director and actor Steven Berkoff.
The £1,095 package, departing 20 November, includes 10 nights' B&B at the Havana Libre hotel, morning yoga, talks on Cuban history, breakfast, two evening meals and a half day city tour.
• Virgin Atlantic (0844 2092770, virgin-atlantic.com) flies Gatwick-Havana from £613 including tax.
As featured in The Guardian online, Isabel Choat
WRITER'S LAB AUTHOR MONIQUE ROFFEY PUBLISHES NEW MEMOIR Wednesday 5th July, 2011
Acclaimed author, and Writer's Lab facilitator, Monique Roffey is proud to announced the release of her third book 'With the Kisses of his Mouth'. A memoir, the book describes a love affair, a dramatic break up and what happened next – a sexual odyssey. Monique goes on to explain "If Sun Dog, my first novel, written ten years ago, is a coming of age novel, then this is some kind of ‘coming into middle age’ sequel. I’m proud of this book." Some of the fantastic reviews include:
It is astoundingly brave. It is funny. It speeds along. It has magic at its heart - that indefinable sliver of human warmth that all the best, most searching memoirs seem to have" The Guardian
 "An intelligent, dark, thorny, but redemptive book about sex. Men, read at your peril." Robert Rowland Smith, author of Breakfast with Socrates
 "At last a book about female sexuality that isn't coy or vainglorious. With the Kisses of his Mouth is a fresh look at love, lust and longing in the 21st Century. And it's funny too." Daisy Goodwin, author of The Last Duchess
Why not join Monique at the Skyros Centre in Greece this summer? A regular to Skyros, Monique will be running her course 'Life Writing' at the Writer's Lab from 21st - 31st August. To reserve your place, call 01983 86 55 66 or book online. Don't miss out, Monique's courses book up quickly!
GREECE IS STILL VERY BEAUTIFUL!
Tuesday 28th June, 2011
Whatever news hits your television screen, Greece and her people are as open and welcoming as ever and the beauty that is Greece is still there for you to cherish. Ancient countryside, picturesque villages, delightful beaches, delicious food and an easy-going holiday lifestyle will ensure you have the time of your life. If you’re considering, do go and don’t think about anything else.
This is the advice of those who have just been on holiday in Skyros.
‘I knew there's been a bit of unrest and some strikes, but this didn‘t put me off visiting. The transfer to Athens and onwards was fine – no problems whatsoever. Being here in Skyros is lovely, peaceful and tranquil. Come and visit!’ Angie Gaspar
‘The transfer from Athens was normal and uneventful. The island is peacefully cut off from the big cities. The atmosphere here in Atsitsa is lovely and creative and warm and supportive, and the setting is beautiful.’ Kim Gowland
'Athens was fine, full of tourists and locals going about their daily business. The protests were actually peaceful but the media aren't going to show that. They're showing a snippet of bad stuff and probably re-runs. Good News is not good for the media!.’ Roisin Gilroy
‘Don't let a few paparazzi pictures put you off the holiday of a lifetime! My transfer was very safe and smooth. Everyone in Skyros is going about their daily life as normal. Here in Atsitsa we are amongst nature in peaceful and natural surroundings’. Anna Williams
Whatever happens in the big Greek cities, life in Skyros island as in all the other tourist areas of the country remains calm, peaceful and relaxed. Go and enjoy the island’s sky blue sea, its serene summer nights, its lively night life, the unique cuisine of the Greeks, the adventures of a holiday in the sun. You will feel more at home than at home.
To book, call us on 01983 86 55 66. 2011 SEASON CELEBRATES 48% RETURNING PARTICIPANTS!
Wednesday 15th June, 2011
Skyros have always been extremely proud of the bond our participants have with us. It’s there year after year, when we talk to people that have visited Skyros before, and choose to return again. This time, however, these returnees, or 'past participants' as they are known by the Skyros team, have reached a new high. We are delighted to announce that so far, 48% of bookings for the 2011/2012 season originate in them!
This figure is so amazing that the professionals in the field of tourism just dismiss it altogether as pure fiction. No-one, we are told times and again, achieves this extremely high rate of return. No-one. Yet, we do.
Well, we must then be doing something fabulous, something nobody else can even approximate! What’s this? You tell us. Visit our Friends of Skyros network, or our Atsitsa and Skyros Centre TripAdvisor pages, and tell us what the Skyros magic means to you.
In any case, whatever the reason, we are extremely glad to welcome you all back! And to show our appreciation, we continue our offer for all past participants of a £75 Friends of Skyros discount on all our holidays.
SKYROS AT THE MAP, LONDON
Monday 6th June, 2011
In the spirit of the alternative holidays on the island of Skyros in Greece, The Map Cafe in Kentish Town presents Sunday afternoon ‘Pocket Cabaret’ sessions featuring a mezze of music, poetry, stories, monologues and sketches.
For the tiny price of £5 you can relax in the beautiful boho environment of The Map, experiencing the show, or taking part in it with your own artistic offering (fear not, Simon Cowell and his cronies will not be judging...).
The Map sells delicious wholesome food, is licensed, and is a perfect spot for a Sunday afternoon, with outside tables and a roof terrace as well as the cafe space and cabaret room.
For those who’ve been to Skyros, the elements are the same: great hospitality, like-minded company, a forum for experimental creativity and warm hosting, courtesy of Kate Daniels and Alison Goldie, two of Skyros’s most experienced facilitators. If you’ve not been there yet, Skyros at The Map will give you a flavour of this special holiday – where sharing is key, new talents are discovered, great friendships are made and life feels full of exciting possibilities.
Time: 2-5pm
Dates: 17 July, 7 August, 18 September 2011 (for starters)
Address: The Map Cafe, 46 Grafton Road, London NW5 3DU Website:www.mapmusic.net/cafe Transport: Tube – Kentish Town
Tickets and further information: contact Kate onkatezdaniels@talktalk.netor 07791310014
If you wish to perform, contact Alison atalisongoldie@aol.comwith details of your act
ATHENS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THE SUMMER! Monday 16th May, 2011
June 1st sees the start of the annual Athens & Epidaurus Festivals in Greece. These are the most famous events in the country, and include a multitude of musical, theatrical and other cultural events. Running through until the end of September, why not tie in your Skyros Holiday with a few nights in this ancient city?
The Skyros team will be happy to arrange extra nights accommodation in the 4* Titania Hotel in Central Athens when you book your holiday. Call us now on 01983 86 55 66 for more information.
Take advantage of our Early Bird offer and receive a £75 discount if you book and pay in full before 12th August. This is in addition to any Friend of Skyros discount you may receive. Book onlineor call us on 01983 865566.
2011/12 NEW SEASON OF HOLIDAYS Check our exciting new programme of holidays in Greece, Cuba, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. We're also introducing new holidays in both Cambodia and Vietnam, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
ATSITSA BAY, GREECE What's a holiday in Atsitsa like? Find out in this great new video on YouTube courtesy of the very talented David Babsky who was out in Atsitsa teaching photography this summer.
FACEBOOK This is the place to find out what's happening right now. See the latest photos and videos here, post your own photos and keep in touch with friends, old and new. Your online Skyros community.
THE SKYROS BLOG Read the Skyros Blog. Participants and facilitators write about their own experiences.
TOP TIPS Cate Mackenzie: Open your heart and plant your dream seeds. Make lots of wishes, she says, and be prepared for them to come true! Read more >>
SKYROS STORIES Marianne Richards: Marianne explains how her life changed as a result of her Skyros holidays. Read more >>
FRIEND OF SKYROS Don't forget that if you've been on a Skyros holiday before, you're now entitled to your Friend of Skyros discount of £75. If you attend a weekend course at The Grange in the Isle of Wight, you're entitled to 20% off the weekend course fees.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Find out more about any particular course by selecting the course name. Try it out here for our Atsitsa Bayholiday programme for example.
WHAT'S ON WHEN
Check our calendar to see what's on month-by-month.
DO YOU TWEET?
Follow us at SkyrosHolidays. Always time for a quick chat! What are you doing?
Atsitsa Bay
Life Choices
