Take time to imagine your perfect Christmas...

As every jolly Christmas tune reminds us, the festive season is supposed to be a time for laughter, joy and general joviality. But sometimes – perhaps whilst slaving away in a hot kitchen cooking for ten of your nearest and dearest or envisioning a Christmas on your own – it may not feel like that at all. Here, Skyros co-founder, psychotherapist and author, Dina Glouberman, offers her tips for getting the most out of this, often stressful, time of year.



Remember, it is a myth that everyone else is having a wonderful Christmas but you.
Christmas is a potentially tough time for many people, including possibly you. You can still do your own personal best to enjoy it. And if there are rows, horrible silences, or any other kind of awful behaviour in your family or wherever you are, see them compassionately as symptoms of the stress of Christmas rather than as proof that you or your family are a pathetic mess!

Do not sit around on your own, unless it is the thing you most want to do in the world.
If you are not going to be with family, get in touch way in advance with anyone you like enough to be with, and make sure you line up a sociable Christmas, whatever form that might take, and whether that will be at home or abroad.

Abandon all perfectionism – Christmas is not your responsibility; it is everyone’s.
The perfect Christmas has nothing to do with doing everything perfectly! Why not make the shopping, preparation and cooking a shared communal activity? Community is what makes Skyros a happy experience. No one need drive themselves crazy with anxiety, worry, and stress.

Give your time, rather than a gift.
It is a well researched finding that giving brings more joy than receiving. So why not find a charity, like Crisis, or a place of worship, or other local organisation that helps people at Christmas and volunteer? Or perhaps, rather than sending that voucher in the post, make an arrangement to visit a friend or family member who would really love to see you.

Figure out what you yourself want from Christmas, and how to get there.
A simple Imagework technique is to imagine yourself into two possible futures – a future you feel good in, and one you feel bad in – and in each case, look back to see how you got there. So try this: Close your eyes and imagine these two future scenarios:

a. It’s the end of the Christmas season and I feel awful. Where am I, what am I wearing, and what is the awful feeling? ( Really imagine yourself there and feel in your body what the feeling is, not what it’s about) What is the main thing I feel bad about? Looking back at Christmas, what did I do to get myself to this awful place (Here, really imagine that it is the end of Christmas, and you are remembering what you did.)

b. It’s the end of the Christmas season and I feel great. Where am I, what am I wearing, what is the good feeling (again in your body)? What do I feel best about? And looking back at Christmas, what did I do differently from the first picture to get to this good feeling? (Here, be as specific as possible).

c. Which do you want? This is not a silly question; negative futures often seem easier, more familiar, and safer. So if you decide you want the first, at least you can get to the end feeling you’ve been successful at being miserable. Whichever you choose, hopefully the positive one, consider whether you are willing to do whatever you have to do to get there. Also be aware that you are not all powerful and if it doesn’t happen, something else will, and you’ll be fine.

d. Now put the picture of you in the future in a bubble, and with a big breath blow it off into the domain of potential waiting to be actualized. Or even better, imagine a bigger bubble full of everyone’s bubbles with their hopes for Christmas, and blow the whole thing into being! Then take that future feeling, and put it in your heart now. Don’t wait! Have it now.

To have the best possible Christmas you can have, you must prepare yourself, and the situation, so that it works for you. So with or without these simple tips, we truly hope that you enjoy your Christmas and that, come January, you'll be able to say those immortal words: “I did it my way.”

With our best wishes,
Dina Glouberman & The Skyros Team

Alongside facilitators, Ilene Sawka and Michael Eales, Dina will be hosting the Skyros-in-Cambodia holiday from 29 December 2011 to 8 January 2012. Stay at the picturesque Sokha Beach resort on one of Cambodia's best beach destinations, Sihanoukville, and take part in some fun, lively and interesting courses including Qi Gong, Life Skills and Creativity. See http://www.skyros.com/cambodia.htm

The Skyros Spirit: Never more apt than in these uncertain times

Yannis Andricopoulos, Ph D, is the co-founder of Skyros and author of several books including his trilogy In Bed with Madness, The Greek Inheritance and The Future of the Past (Imprint Academic 2008).

Here, Yannis discusses the uncertain financial times across the globe, and the impact these can have on community, personal fulfillment and more...

"The Germans still remember their 1923 financial crisis, the time that it took 200 million Deutsche Marks to buy a loaf of bread and life savings would barely buy a postage stamp. The rest of the world, or at least its oldest generation, hasn’t forgotten the 1929 world economic crisis when, as my father used to recall, angry crowds often stormed bakeries in Greece to grab the bread to feed the family.

Will the current recession lead to a similar crisis that particularly the younger generation will likewise never forget? Hopefully not, though the law of self-destruction seems to have the same force as the law of self-preservation. Whatever the outcome, the current situation has, however, highlighted virtues that, for at least a generation, the West had stored in the basement of our existence as of little or no use.

Myself, though a member of the golden age generation, have never forgotten the old certainties – they are part of my identity as formed in my early years with the help of my parents, the family friends, our neighbours, our community. One of them, that in the last twenty or so years has made me feel as if I were the last representative of a culture of which there were no longer any witnesses, dictated that we should never waste anything.

Don’t waste your food as you never know when the next meal will be available, don’t leave any lights on in places they are not needed and don’t leave the water tap on while brushing your teeth. Repair everything repairable rather than throw it away. When holes appeared in my socks, my mother would always mend them with the help of a wooden egg inserted in the sock. Throwing them away would have been viewed as nothing else than madness. Recycling was in vogue long before the new word enriched our vocabulary, when we had only little more than our dreams.

Another certainty made sure that we care for our community. There was always someone in need like our neighbours, those Greek refugees from Odessa who had fled the 1917 Russian revolution and had not recovered from their ordeal even in the ’60s. Extended to politics, the same idealism had led me to join the ranks of the country’s left wing movement. And then we had to take care of our development. Do your best not just to survive but to excel albeit not as a highly-paid professional but as a decent person and a pillar of your community.

When Skyros, the holistic holiday, was born, which was in the same year Margaret Thatcher won power in the UK, this old-fashioned world of mine hadn’t disappeared altogether. In fact, the more Prime Minister Thatcher tried to destroy the sense of community through the cult of the individual the stronger the sense of community grew. People who came to Skyros in those years were likewise ready to demonstrate, not as a gesture belonging to ancient times but as an act of conviction, that there is such a thing as society!

But the years passed and the values changed. Growth, the God we all seemed to worship despite the fact that this God has, as we see now, failed both us and the two billion people who still live on less than $2 a day, had blinded us. The cult of wealth, consumerism, looks and celebrities had won the day.

Yet Skyros, the image of an idea, has remained consistently attached to the old-fashioned virtues that kept telling people: ‘Don’t stick to a job that gives you nothing but money to buy things you don’t need in order to impress people you don’t care about’. It could also have said: ‘Don’t borrow money’ for the same reasons!

Skyros has in this spirit consistently advocated an approach different from that which our materialistic, consumerist, technocratic culture promotes. Its philosophy is based on doing rather than having, creating rather than consuming and belonging rather than retreating into the garden of your private world. It’s all about perpetual becoming rather than being.

Hence people joining a Skyros holiday feel able to engage creatively with their community and relate honestly to all those they had never met before. They can and do explore new possibilities, pursue new ideas and unearth talents they did not even suspect they possessed as athletes, writers, musicians, painters, performers, thinkers or even dry stonemasons. They feel free to try the seemingly impossible – having never sang before, sing, for example, in front of one hundred people or having never swam before, learn how to swim.

‘More’ in this context is not a Lamborghini but the fulfillment of our potentials as human beings and the freedom to be what we choose to be irrespective of the choices forced upon us by our creations – the market, machines, technology, systems, ideologies, fashion or fundamentalist beliefs. Not doing so is like having let a river slip through our fingers without drinking a single drop.

In any case, we can’t have more of the same. Time, bent on his own business, doesn’t care to preserve our hopes. Financial capitalism is collapsing, uncertainties have taken the place of the previous blind faith in the future, and the earth’s resources are finite. Hence the need to invest in change, and this means not only the radical overhaul of our dysfunctional system. It also means living a life in line with the Skyros ideal, ie pursuing happiness outside the parameters of the system and seeking personal fulfillment beyond material concerns. It all involves a new sense of meaning and purpose in our lives within our community and as active members of it.

Why am I not surprised that the Skyros paradigm is back in fashion so to speak? Its vision has something eternal, but, perhaps, to re-discover the core values that sustain our existence and reconnect with the spirit that is the soul of every spring we needed to find ourselves on the brink of disaster. Whatever, Skyros and its vision is now again in the forefront of the new movement for a life that makes sense. It is by definition one of its natural leaders and, indeed, a school of leaders."

For more information about Skyros, including how it all began, visit www.Skyros.com

The Magic of Skyros by Kevan Manwaring

I returned to the gorgeous Aegean isle of Skyros on the first of the month for my second year of running a creative writing workshop – this time focussing on what I call ‘Life: Fiction’, a hybrid of life-writing and fiction-writing (where one ends and the other begins is often hard to say). I rode to Heathrow and parked up my ‘bike – before catching the BA flight to Athens. We were picked up by the distinctive purple Skyros coach, and guided to our hotel by Julian – the long-running member of staff, a skilled guide and consummate professional. Our brief stopover in the capital city was a chance to check out an attraction or two, as well as connect with fellow participants (& tutors). Before the respective parties went to either Skyros Centre (Writers’ Lab/Life Choices) or Atsitsa (various courses & activities) it was nice opportunity to forge a collective identity. We were all embarking on the adventure together.

A group of 19 of us went out, looking for somewhere to dine – deciding to venture to the so-called ‘Anarchists Quarter’ to sample the local scene. The atmosphere seemed pleasant – with young black-clad Athenians hanging out, sporting long hair and lots of make-up (back home they’d be called ‘Emos’ or ‘Goths’). The food finally came – a barrage of starters, in true meze style. The cold bottle of Mythos went down a treat after a long journey, yet it wasn’t over yet. The following day, after a morning (which I used to visit the National Archaeological Museum) we set off – well, we would have done if not for the Student Protest which caused our street to the blocked off and the hotel barricaded up. We were stuck until they had passed, delaying the departure of the coach – but making for an interesting spectacle. The student protesters were fare more civilised than their British equivalents – stamping and singing in good spirits. It felt ‘good-natured’ if earnest – they have true cause for complaint. The economic crash has hit Greece hard – there were a lot of beggars of the streets and lots of politcal graffiti everywhere, but I didn’t feel unsafe. However, there was a sense it was a powder-keg – and combined with the heat, noise and endless traffic – it was a distinct relief to leave the ugly metropolis. If nothing else, a night in Athens makes you appreciate the time on the island even more.

As soon as we reached the Aegean coast, things looked up. The ‘wine-dark’ sea (actually a dazzling turquoise) was a sight for sore eyes; and soothing to the other senses also – to stand on deck of the ferry as it crossed over to Evia – and then onto the Linaria from the other side. Due to the delay caused by the protest we nearly missed the last ferry – getting there with five minutes to spare. As we approached Skyros we were treated to a spectacular sunset. At the same time the maiden moon rose opposite. And it felt like we had slip through the Symplegades of reality and entered a realm of enchantment. This effect was somewhat challenged by the ’2001: A Space Odyssey’ music blasting out as we entered the port of Linaria. By now, after twenty four hours of travelling I was feeling rather spaced out and very glad to finally arrive at the Skyros Centre for a late dinner. With refiel we were shown to our quarters. Despite a dripping tap, I slept well, dog-tired.

Courses started the very next day – straight after the breakfast community meeting. For the next eight days (with one day off halfway through) I ran a three hour writing workshop every morning from 10.30am. My group of participants was small (6) but the international cross-section and striking personalities more than made up for it (an Australian; a South-African; a Belgian; an American-Asian; & a couple of Brits). The group seemed to bond well and produced some good work. Every afternoon, after a delicious lunch conjured up by Vasso, (the near-legendary local cook) I enjoyed a siesta down on the lovely beach at Magazia – swimming in the warm clear seas and cooling off with a beer and a book. Bliss.

One day, while I was running my writing workshop on the terrace a British couple turned up who had met at Skyros twenty five years ago – got married and were celebrating their anniversary on the island. They were invited to join us for lunch – and a cake magically manifested from Vasso’s kitchen.

Great massages were on offer from Martha – our resident native masseuse – and Andrea offered a ‘personal styling’ drop-in in the evenings. It’s half-board at Skyros, so most evenings the participants took themselves off to the town or the beach to dine – and most evenings they seemed to end up on the terrace of the apartment block where I was staying, enjoying a ‘nightcap’ or three – usually courtesy of Peter’s generosity (he kept regaling us with bottles of wine and whisky in an ongoing ‘tasting’ session).

The Dionysian revelry was not sustainable – and folk started to flounder after a few late nights. I had learnt to pace myself quickly – and enjoying a few quiet ones in allowed me to be clear-headed most mornings – essential for my class! If the late night drinking was avoided, the life-style at Skyros was in fact very healthy – great food, plenty of exercise, rest, sun and early morning yoga – so my body soon started to ‘glow’.

The excellent catering was occasionally supplemented by superb additions by the multi-talented Andrew – who co-runs the Skyros Centre with Julian. One morning he treated us to home-made bagels. And one evening a delicious curry for the staff (yum!).

Half-way through the session we visited the sister site at Atsitsa – a chance to swim off Dead Goat Beach, enjoy a drink at Mariana’s while watching the sunset, and catch up with our fellow travellers. The bold (or foolish) could try a bit of Greek dancing, although the ‘free-style’ to resident musician Tom’s drumming posse was more to my taste. Alas, taxis whisked us back to Skyros at eleven like a fleet of pumpkin coaches, yet the visit had provided a welcome ‘change of scene’. Both groups seem to decide that their place was best! In truth, both have their attractions – but a plus for Skyros is the experience of living ‘amongst the locals’ in traditional Greek dwellings, and so could be said to be a more authentic experience, culturally. You get to know the predominantly ancient locals, sitting on their porches, as you pass them everyday, calling out ‘Kalimera’ or ‘Yaisas!’

The day after was our official day off – making the most of the free morning I visited the local archaeological museum (its modest collection of local finds not quite matching the main one in Athens!) then went for a solo mountain walk after lunch with the Atsitsan guests. It was great to strike out alone – and enjoy some peace and space, after a few intense ‘people-rich’ days. I like good company – and my own! I need both to stay pleasant. The only company I had was a herd of wild goats – the sound of their bells is a familiar sound in the high country of Greece – and evokes an Arcadian idyll unchanged for centuries. One half expects Pan himself to step out from behind an olive tree, or to catch a nymph bathing in a sun-dappled pool (on the South Island, there is the Spring of the Nymphs below the Temple to Pan on a mountain top – amongst the tangled shade of a massive tree growing by the Spring goats gather, unwittingly conspiring in the mythic resonance of the place).

The magic of Skyros is palpable – in the vibrant colours; the air like warm honey; the golden evening light; in the vast star fields; the nocturnal chirrup of insects; the chiming of church bells in the distance; the heady scents of the night; the crowing of cockerels; the steady rhythms of work and prayer, siesta and socialising. At night the little cobbled streets of the town comes alive – young and old alike are safe until late. There appears to be no delinquency. Like the way the white ‘box’ houses hem each other into into a maze of passageways, so to does Greek society ‘hold’ everyone in place in a very community-focused way. It is a jigsaw puzzle of connections and consequences – a system that is both emotionally and physically ‘earthquake proof’ (when an earthquake hit the island – the monastery and castle were badly damaged, but the ‘sugar cube’ domestic buildings withstood it well).

One morning I got up before dawn to watch the sun rise from Brooke Square – where a statue to the Dymock poet is dedicated (and to ‘classical poetry’). Last time I was here I visited his grave on the South Island (the actual ‘corner of a foreign field that is forever England’) and worked on a screenplay which is now starting to attract some exciting interest – I thanked the spirit of Brooke for any assistance he’s been giving!

I managed to do some light editing of a poetry manuscript – and a lot of reading – but after my class I was often too mentally tired to much other than blob out on the beach. Twenty four hours of teaching in 8 days is quite a lot (in effect, a 10 or 12 week course condensed into just over a week). But time and time again I was surprised and impressed by what participants shared. There was some good work created – and that is always the proof of the pudding. The final feedback was favourable too, and I ‘clocked off’ with some satisfaction. My work was accomplished. School was out.

On the last night I hosted the centre’s ‘soiree’ – a chance for participants to share a party piece (song, poem, story, joke…) The ‘Skyros Singers’, coached by Kate Daniels, performed a choral world music song. Everyone seemed to pitch in something – either officially or unofficially! There was a great atmosphere and a lot of talent. My own offerings (a Greek myth and a smattering of poems) seemed to go down well. I closed with a Celtic blessing. Then Abba came on at full blast and everyone started to dance in a very silly manner – it was a hoot! There was a lovely sense of connection with everyone – tutors and participants all. Friendships had been forged; latent talents nurtured; new skills learnt; minds and hearts opened; and lifestyles changed or enhanced.

The next morning we left at a civilised hour for the ferry (unlike the usual ‘stupid o’clock’). Again, this provided a nice chance to catch up with Atsitsans and ‘compare notes’. Everybody seemed to be glowing – the body language, expressions and tell-tale ‘twinkle’ said it all.

The magic of Skyros had worked once again.

Skyros – if it doesn’t change your life, it will definitely float your boat

By Tom Morley

I’ve stayed at several Holistic Holiday centres, from Australia to Bali to India and the UK. Those retreats had elements of what I was looking for, but only Atsitsa, on the Greek island of Skyros, has them all and all at once.

Respect for modern rituals, yoga, bodywork, dance, massage, music and grounded therapeutic work, all held in place by young vibey staff and well-seasoned teachers. Not to mention the tastiest food and drink: yes, they do have a starlit bar.

The young ‘work-scholars’ who keep the cogs in sync don’t seem to know the word “Whatever”, or if they do they never use it. An intelligent enthusiasm seems to power them and together they set a great scene for weary travellers on arrival. Their authentic warmth is overwhelmingly attractive.

The accommodation is quirky, comfortable and respectful of the culture it’s drawing from. The ‘rooms’ simply say “Welcome, you’re safe here. Get ready for something new.”

All the food is confidently prepared with love. With the funkiest of tunes blasting out from the kitchen you just know that supper is going to taste good tonight. And so does every other meal, day after day after day.

The heart of the holiday, the courses, are unsurpassed. With each teacher bringing at least 20 years experience to Atsitsa you literally have centuries of wisdom here. It’s all delivered with the appropriate humour and sensitivity that only dark-side travellers can bring.

You’ve probably guessed we’re not talking happy-clappy holiday bar here. The Atsitsa centre is a temple of truth with a cutting edge soundtrack.

Slumdog Millionaire meets Blade Runner on the set of Mama Mia. And this is the editor’s cut. It’s an ambitious formula, perfected over decades.

So, whatever plane you’re coming on, fasten your seatbelt. This is tangible enlightenment, community worth it’s name, luxuriously buoyant swimming, therapy with a purpose and creativity with results.

Atsitsa. A sensually explicit catalogue of sessions that, even if it doesn’t change your life, will definitely float your boat.

Tom Morley, September 2011

www.blacktiewhitelie.com – tom@blacktiewhitelie.com – +44 (0)7753 802 952

For more information on holidays available with Skyros visit our website, pop us over an email or drop us a line by
phone! www.skyros.com – office@skyros.com – +44 (0)1983 86 55 66

If you've visited Atsitsa Bay or The Skyros Centre this summer and would like to let others know about your experience, we'd love for you to add a review to our Trip Advisor pages. Thank you in advance!
Atsitsa on Trip Advisor
The Skyros Centre on Trip Advisor

Forget about Glastonbury... Come to Skyros!

This August and September, you'll find a new variety of sounds floating across the Aegean as holidaymakers joining Skyros Holidays get musically attuned to the best the music world can offer! Guests on our renowned holidays on Skyros island will be able to take part in a number of different musical workshops run by experts from a whole spectrum of creative backgrounds. Chart topping singer Sarah Warwick, who has three number one hits under her belt, drummer and singer Tom Morley of pop group Scritti Politti fame, contemporary jazz singer Kate Daniels and expert in creative digital music making Colin Williams, will be just some of the facilitators there to share their talents. For more information see www.Skyros.com.

From perfecting their pitch to creating a musical masterpiece, guests will be able to let the melody run through them during their time with Skyros. And for those who believe they are tone deaf, or perhaps have two left feet, all the more reason to come along! The safe and supportive community found on a Skyros holiday provides the ideal atmosphere to try out those things you've never dared before.

Skyros island lies off the east coast of Greece and offers a perfect environment for all things creative. Whether visiting Atsitsa Bay or the Skyros Centre, participants can divide their time between relaxation and creative inspiration, with courses in music, art, writing, comedy and much more. One of our top performers/facilitators is Arthur Smith, renowned comedian, writer and broadcaster, who is currently appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. After performing all over the world and writing every form of comedy from stand up to one-liners to full-length plays and screenplays, Arthur will return to Skyros for his second year teaching at the Writer's Lab. He will be joined by a whole host of famous authors such as Monique Roffey and Louisa Young.

So what are you waiting for? All the world's a stage, and we challenge you to find one better than Skyros island...

For more information on what a holiday with Skyros offers, see www.skyros.com, email office@skyros.com, or call 01983 86 55 66.

Steps to successful living by Kate Daniels

Skyros facilitator Kate Daniels, a consultant systemic therapist and jazz singer, talks with fellow Skyros facilitator Alison Goldie about her course that is running at the Skyros Centre this September....

Alison: We have just done some music together at the Skyros in London cabaret and I gather you are running a life coaching course at Skyros this summer?

KD: Yes 'SC 14' which will be running at the Skyros Centre, 1 - 11 September. I do have a musical career but I have also been a Systemic therapist for almost 30 years. I enjoy both worlds! I have worked with organisations, couples and individuals and currently I am director of training for family therapy at The Tavistock Centre. The life coaching courses I run at Skyros draw from all these aspects of my work.

Alison: What are you covering on your course this year?

KD: The key aims are to help people get their lives and relationships on a course they define, and to develop their skills and resources with this in mind. Too often these days, people find themselves on a treadmill often trying to satisfy so many different competing agendas that they lose a sense of themselves as authors of their own destiny.

Alison: What makes your course different?

KD: My course is based on developing people’s strengths rather than focussing on their deficits. It is an antidote to self-help manuals. We live in a culture that reads like a school report: ‘could do better’ – Self-help manuals buy into this. They seem to encourage the view that one should always be striving. They imply that if you religiously follow all the rules and regimes they set out, make enough lists and get up early enough you WILL be happy and fulfilled. Of course they can be helpful but the risk is you can end up exhausted, anxious and feeling like a failure with nothing to show but bookshelves full of self help manuals.

Alison: So how is your course an antidote?

KD: I want to help people develop an appreciation of themselves rather than critical or tiring expectations. The research shows that the most successful and lasting change happens when people feel that they are in charge of the changes they make in their lives and also feel as though they are making the changes from a position of strength. In my course this is an important consideration. Using an Appreciative Enquiry approach participants are encouraged to develop a sense of their expertise about their lives and their capacity to make good choices. Equally they are encouraged to investigate and develop their own pace of change.

Alison: What do you mean by ‘pace of change’?

KD: Everyone has a different way of ‘doing’ change and it can help to explore it and decide how it works for you. Sometimes people feel so overwhelmed with their lives they despair of being able to change anything. Sometimes they keep trying to change things by applying and re-applying the same old solutions that haven’t worked. In my course we take the pressure off and play with different ideas and beliefs. For example change doesn’t have to be huge to be effective. I like the Systemic idea that small change at one part of a system resounds throughout and can have wide effect. Or the idea that change gathers momentum like a snowball

Alison: You say ‘play’ with different ideas...?

KD: Yes I don’t believe that change only happens accompanied by wailing and gnashing of teeth! We do enjoy ourselves on my course although indeed it can be challenging.

Alison: In what way ‘challenging’?

KD: Sometimes it is difficult for people to let go of old beliefs even though these might be beliefs that are disempowering and self critical. Beliefs that support and encourage a person to feel good about him or herself are often the ones that have the quietest voice. My aim is to give these more air time and turn them up.

Alison: What do you hope people will take home with them from your course?

KD: An emerging sense of confidence and optimism, some re-formulated beliefs about themselves and their world, skills and tools for developing and enriching their lives, and maybe as one past participant put it 'a host of admiring angels'!

For more information about Kate's course 'Successful Living', or for any other holidays with Skyros, call us on 01983 86 55 66 or email office@skyros.com.

10 Top Reasons to take a Skyros Holiday...

By Rochelle Snow (second pirate from the right!), a recent addition to the UK Skyros Team.



There is the occasional job out there that comes with a few added perks. Years back, I worked for a Mexican restaurant and managed to live off free burritos for an entire month. As you can imagine, it was a good month! However, when Skyros Holidays asked me to head out to Greece to experience the Skyros magic first hand, little did I know that this perk of the job would actually turn out to be my very own holiday of a lifetime....

So, as hard as it is to condense my time on Skyros into 10 top highlights, here I go!


1) Laugh as much as you did as a child. Remember that carefree laughter that can bring tears to your eyes? My muscles ached for a week after Skyros!


2) Meet some amazing people. It's a cliché, but from the younger work scholars to the participants that have been visiting Skyros since the 80's, amazing friendships are formed.


3) Relax on a completely new level. Swim in the crystal clear Aegean, fall asleep to goat bells and wake to the sound of the birds. Bliss!


4) Do all those crazy things you've always wanted, but never dared! Ten days in Skyros and I'm now a windsurfer-cum-guitar player... I can even do both at the same time. (Joking!)


5) Eat well, eat heartily and eat fresh! Spinach & ricotta pie... slow-roasted lamb shanks... Mediterranean mixed vegetables... fresh Greek salad... need I say more?


6) Renew your confidence. In life. In relationships. In yourself. 


7) Live your myth in an ancient land. Talk to Theseus, Achilles and Odysseus
and immerse yourself in a country bursting with beautiful architecture, history, culture and philosophy.


8) Remind yourself about what's important. Skyros helped remind me to love, laugh and live!


9) Get a suntan! It was a working HOLIDAY, after all....


10) Find out what all the fuss is about! It's such a joy to realise the attraction that brings people to Skyros year after year. I, for one, will definitely be heading back. And I'm glad to finally be in on the secret...




For more information on the holidays available with Skyros, or to reserve your place, call us on 01983 86 55 66.

A Book Signing - Skyros Style! By Jane Salvage

Ever been to a book launch? Like me, are you thinking London glitterati, flowing champagne, fancy canapés and signing a pile of books with a posh fountain pen? Now think again - of how a book launch at Skyros might be. The champagne has turned to retsina, the canapés are stuffed vine leaves and the glitterati are wearing bikinis and shorts.

This is the scenario I’m picturing for the launch of my new book, Skyros: island of dreams, at Atsitsa in July. Six instalments from it can already be downloaded at www.skyros.com, but my printed copy has only just rolled off the press. Call me old-fashioned, but websites and Kindles can never match the thrill of slipping a new unread book into your beach bag.

So I’ll be at Atsitsa for the end of session AT8 (July 10) and the beginning of AT9, to talk about the book, tell a few stories and hopefully sign a mountain of copies for my new readers. This launch has been a long time coming.

I’ve been visiting Skyros for 20 years as a participant, journalist, course teacher and tourist. As I thought about what it meant for my personal journey, and how my visits had enriched my life, I realised that the amazing story of the Skyros organization had never been fully told, let alone the stories of the people who went there. So I thought I’d give it a go.

Skyros has of course starred in innumerable articles, TV shows and novels, but never before in a full-length book. Skyros: Island of Dreams is based on my independent research and personal experience, with fascinating interviews and contributions from participants, staff and teachers. I hope it will be enjoyed not only by previous and potential Skyros participants, but also by anyone interested in personal growth, creativity and the future of our planet.

I’ve explored the island’s extraordinary history, geography and culture so it’s a also a guidebook. And as an added incentive – if you are a Skyros facilitator or a past participant, you might find yourself in the book! It’s packed with photos as well as stories, some of them pretty revealing… especially page 145...

Skyros: island of dreams by Jane Salvage is published by the Skyros Foundation (2011) and costs £7.99

To order your copy, call 01983 86 55 66, or take a holiday out to Skyros island and pick up a copy in person!

Skyros: Far away from the madness we call life. By Sarah McIntosh

There is a place, far away from the madness you call your life, where you are given permission to play, to be creative, to be free. It is called Skyros and to me it will always mean release...

I live in the north east of Scotland, a place of immense beauty but a place that challenges me with cold and intense light. For someone who was born and brought up in the gentle climes of South Wales, I find it tough at times. So tough that last year I had to take a holiday, from my children, my husband, my house.

Skyros was a name I had known from my London days, years ago, but popped back into my head just when I needed it. I booked. People asked where I was going for my holiday. “Alone?” they said, but I knew I would not be alone. Skyros is not a place for alone.

I arrived with no expectations and was surprised with the choices I made. I did not do yoga, but completed my solitary yoga salutations before the eight oʼclock class each morning. I took a course in sailing. Sailing? Me? But it was girl power with sails thanks to Shaz. I did Sound Therapy with Suzie and was party to the most amazing transformations of emotion whilst experiencing something that had only ever happened to me before in a floatation tank. To be sung to operatically without the distance of stage to audience is a truly incredible thing. For the eight oʼclock class, I chose Morning Pages with Mandy. The simplest things have the most profound effect. Mandy gave us permission to write. Just like that. After quite a few years of procrastination I was off, because Mandy sat in front of me and told me to do it. Each morning writing four or five pages of thought and feeling. On day four I wrote the beginnings of a short story. Just a sketch, but enough to now work on. It gave me the confidence to start the Creative Writing Masters I am now halfway through. Just because someone who didnʼt know me as a wife or a mother sat there and said “Now write...”

Back at the ranch, of course I donʼt do yoga every morning, though I always feel better for doing it when I can. I donʼt write every day, though when I do,the flow is confident. What changed on Skyros is that I did things that I didnʼt know I could do, I met people I wouldnʼt normally meet and I had the space to think my thoughts, not those for the benefit of other people. It was because of that that I was happy to return to this tough life in the far north, to the people I love, knowing that there are now more people I love and appreciate.

All because of that week on a small Greek island.

Thank You. x

That's Skyros For You, by Catherine Thompson

The skin has just about finished peeling off the end of my nose (not the most fetching look) having just returned from running my coaching programme in Skyros Centre.

Skyros has been the back drop of significant transformation for me over the last decade. I first turned up at Atsitsa a successful business woman but manic single parent, looking for a bloke.

I had procrastinated prior to booking because whilst I spouted the language of spirituality, I was a corporate-type, tree hugging, channelling angels and other such acts of the mystic were well out my spectrum of experience and comfort zone. However the lure of the Island, Skyros' down to earth approach and the prospect of more evolved potential suitors got me booked.

As it was to transpire, I was guided to Skyros to meet a man but it was not for courtship purposes. In between predating, I attended Malcolm Sterns Courage to Change workshop, most unexpectedly, I found myself screaming like a banshee as he held me with his incredible gaze, representing every man that had ever hurt or betrayed me.

Shy, did not begin to describe how I felt after that experience (I was certainly very furtive around the breakfast buffet) but I felt like I had gobbed up the most enormous psychological fur ball.

Several years later, after a lot of soul searching and a new husband (woohoo,) I was thrilled to be invited back as a facilitator.

Skyros draws to it the most eclectic mix of people. This time would be Writers, Chief Executives, Singles, International Marketers and those of more a mature disposition were all represented. Amongst us was a rare gem called Maya.

Maya is one of those delightful creatures of indeterminate age, with a twinkle in her eye that suggests a life fully and richly lived. Everyday this wonderful, irrepressible Lady would turn up clutching her beloved bottle of Retsina (before you have her down as a lush she is a modest tippler) and just lift us all with the sheer force of her positivity and childlike delight at all she sampled and surveyed.

One morning at Demos (our breakfast meeting) Amanda Smyth our course director and successful author, read this moving story of a man who sold up and travelled the world, unsuccessfully, in search of diamonds, only to die broken and abject. When on the very land he had left behind diamonds were discovered.

Just before a very emotional goodbye after a deeply rewarding week of kinship and endeavour the sun caught the sequins sewn on to Maya’s skirt and all around light sparkled on the floor like diamonds.

That’s Skyros for you..

For more information about Skyros Holidays visit www.skyros.com or call 01983 86 55 66

Atsitsa – The Power of Place and Space: A Path to Creativity

By Cathy Skora

Phone ringing, deadlines to meet, train schedules, projects due dates, goals to be met, reports to finish, meetings to run, problems to solve, money to be made, professional and personal relationships to be worked out ...Phew! It is a wonder that our brains can function with all of this buzz. I am reminded of a busy train switching station in Paris. How in the world can all of those trains stay on the correct tracks and get to the right places without fail? And how in the world can we navigate through our busy lives with the added layers of emotions, choices, and perceived barriers as we try to choose our right paths and stay on track?

I have found a very powerful navigating and clarifying process through the power of place and space at Atistsa. As I reflect on my 10 years plus of the regenerating nature of Atsitsa, I also see a cumulative affect that Atsitsa has had on my well being. The affect has been on a personal, physical, spiritual and a professional level.

The natural beauty of Atsitsa cannot be escaped by the body, mind, or spirit. The sea calls to the mind to expand and soften with gentle waves changing shape and form as they create a rhythmic and interesting orchestra of sounds that draw focus away from “static” we may have in our minds. This static is further cleared as we enjoy the scents of the pine forest and the seascape of rock formations making interesting shapes and reminding us of the potential of perspective as they appear to change shapes at different times of the day or as a reflection of how we are feeling.

The place we experience at any given time has the potential to influence and impact our perspective. Just when we might be feeling that our brain is simply too full to take on another problem, or that we have exhausted every possibility to solve a problem, a glance at the sea or a whiff of intoxicating pine forest may assist in giving us an opportunity to take a “brain breath”...letting go of what has been stopping us ...moving past a barrier, or at least giving us space to know that there is a possibility to overcome a barrier. Atistsa has given me the opportunity to expand my perspective of possibility and potential.

My background in studies of creativity at the International Center for Studies of Creativity in Buffalo NY has assisted in framing the benefits of place and space at Atsitsa. We all possess the natural process of creativity that runs the gamut from making works or art, inventing novel products, coming up with innovative solutions, and having the ability to look at any given situation from different perspectives without judgment of yourself or others. Additionally we can all rely on our own “gut” feelings, or that fuzzy area not easily defined that may lead you to an awakening in your personal or professional life.

All of the Skyros Holidays provide the perfect blend of space and place to allow us to explore, expand, and enhance our creative process. Creativity scholars have identified four P’s to assist in defining creativity. These are person, process, product, and press (environment). We can see a similarity between these elements of creativity and the structure of the Atsitsa experience.

The Skyros experience is ecological in nature based on the principle of ethos, guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, similar to the 4 P’s of creativity. Each person brings their own wealth to the table of community in working together to appreciate and experience nature, play, studies, and idea sharing and building for the good of the community. Through the Skyros holiday experience we all have an opportunity to experience subtle and powerful moments of insight through the power of space and place.

Through tapping into our creative nature we can experience the joy and pleasure of change and growth, experiment with paths not usually taken. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Atsitsa we can take a “brain breath”…and become open to potential. What I love about Atsitsa is that the environment provides a fertile palette for us to experiment however we need to at the moment, through play, tears, nature, laughter, love. There are so many rich paths to take through the power of place and space at Atsitsa.

Thank you Skyros Holidays for touching my heart and opening the doors to endless possibilities on many levels.

Quote from founder Dr Yannis Andricopoulos www.skyros.com/philosophy_travel.htm

“Likewise the spirit of innovation is ever-present. Though everything may appear settled, nothing is - the creation of Skyros is taking place daily. New ideas, whether spectacularly successful or dismally ill-conceived, flow in constantly and turn the place into the imagination's workshop.”

For more information on holidays in Atsitsa bay visit http://www.skyros.com/atsitsa_bay.htm or call 01983 86 55 66