Skyros, Greece

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Tuesday 25 February 2014

Kickstart your future on a Greek island holiday ...

Do you want to uncover new passions, reach new insights or make a move toward positive change? Whether it's personal or professional development, the world renowned Life Choices programme, a unique combination of life coaching courses, held in the charming Skyros Village on Skyros island, Greece, has something to offer.



Thousands of people from all walks of life have joined the Life Choices holidays over the years. Once here, you're guided by facilitators chosen for their warmth and integrity as much as for their expertise. There's the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, public speaking, music, performance, positive psychology and much more as you choose from a varied selection of course-themes including 'successful relationships', 'creating confidence', 'mindful living' and 'follow your dreams' – there really is something for everyone.


 

As The Skyros Centre is also home to the Writers' Lab and Art Studio holidays, you'll find yourself in the centre of a vibrant community. The long, sandy beach is just a pleasant ten minute walk away, while the charming village location offers a taste of Greek life with a variety of tavernas, bars, restaurants and gift shops to explore. All this and morning yoga too ... Step back from everyday routines, immerse yourself in workshops and relax in the company of new friends. 


Prices start from £625 for a week-long holiday and include:



* life coaching course

* early morning yoga classes

* half board meals (usually breakfast and lunch)

* accommodation on a twin shared basis.

Single upgrades are available



The Life Choices programme at the Skyros Centre is a blend of courses aimed at supporting you with making positive changes in your life. Courses run during the summer from June through to September.

Find out more at the Skyros website: www.skyros.com or call us on Tel: +44 (0)1983 865 566 or if you're ready to book, go to our online booking form.

Good food, great company and inspiring life coaching courses on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros - it's a winning combination.

Skyros Writers' Lab participant, Paula Iley, snags a publisher ...

The Skyros Writers' Lab in Skyros island, Greece, offers an escape in which to enjoy the joys and struggles of the writing process in a beautiful location with first-class tutoring, delicious food and great company. We are always delighted when we hear news from our holidays participants, especially success stories. And this week we are pleased to introduce the achievements of soon-to-be-published author Paula Iley (pen name Paula Coston).

Paula at The Writers' Lab
Three years ago Paula Iley thought she knew what she was doing. She went to Skyros island for a two-week writing holiday with a novel in progress for the teenage market under her arm. But day after day of sunshine, sea, good company and stimulating workshops changed all that. They workshops were facilitated by Jane Bidder, who also writes as Sophie King and Janey Fraser, and whose latest novel, a crime thriller, Guilty, is coming out under her own name. Not only during the sessions but in between, Paula and Jane shared parts of Paula’s life story that Jane found fascinating. Jane advised her strongly to think again about where her real tale lay.

Encouraged by Jane’s interest and her firm belief that she had talent, Paula sketched out a synopsis and wrote the tentative first few pages of something else.

If you can get them to me before we leave and if I like them,’ Jane suggested, ‘I’ll discuss your ideas with my agent and get advice for you when we get back to the UK.
Jane Bidder with Paula (far right) in Skyros
Jane loved what Paula came up with; and although her agent was too busy to help Paula at the time, Paula persisted in following Jane’s steer.

Paula has a full-time job; but fast forward three years of evening and weekend writing, research, re-writing and more, and the novel is done. And after twenty-three attempts, she has found a publisher for the result. Called On the Far Side, There’s a Boy, Paula’s novel – to be published in late April-early May by John Hunt Publishing – is a tale of a woman who discovers she will possibly always remain childless, unless she rediscovers a boy she once wrote to long ago in the exotic landscape of Sri Lanka. She goes to find him, but, as it transpires, it’s not all about the boy….

The Book Cover
Already acclaimed by Jamila Gavin (Whitbread-award-winning author of Coram Boy, made into a show for London and Broadway) as ‘an absorbing tale… written in a wonderful new, contemporary voice’ and Katie Fforde, women’s novelist, as ‘a well-written and intriguing read’, the book can be described, Paula says, as ‘Philhomena meets Life of Pi meets 84 Charing Cross Road’.

We'd like to say a massive congratulations to Paula for her achievements. If you'd like to know more about them, Paula blogs under her pen name Paula Coston on the themes of the book at http://boywoman.wordpress.com. Or if you are interested in hearing more about her writing journey, do contact her at paulailey@hotmail.co.uk and she can send you her e-letter.

If you are a budding or closet author who would like advice, support and encouragement from an experienced author, then the Skyros Writers' Lab holidays could be ideal for you. Follow your dreams. Find out more, including dates and prices for this summer's writing holidays in Greece, at the Skyros website: http://www.skyros.com/writers_lab.htm.

You can also view the online Skyros brochure: http://view.intellimag.com/go/skyros2014/, or send us an email to office@skyros.com. We'd be delighted to talk you through the details.

Happy writing!

Ditch The Gloom - Escape To Moroccan Sunshine

Fed up with this chilly weather? The Skyros March Morocco holiday is a great opportunity for a burst of sunshine, but you'll want to book soon to be in with the best flight prices. In just a few hours, you'll be relaxing in the sun on a small group adventure that promises to be anything except dull.


This adventure starts on March 15th and includes a fabulous melee of yoga, meditation, talks, visits and a Moroccan cooking class. All this is combined with artistic journal making activities (paint, draw, write and capture your holiday memories creatively) to create one truly unforgettable experience that will inspire for long after the suntan has faded.

If you can't make it this March, catch up on a little winter sunshine during Skyros' second Morocco holiday in November - with a slight difference: In place of journal making, explore 'The Artist’s Ark' – an indulgence of expressive painting, movement, dance, meditation and writing.
 

The holiday price of just £695 includes:
 

* talks and visits
* art classes, morning meditation and yoga classes in Essaouira
* two evening meals
* 7 nights with breakfast in traditional Moroccan accommodation. For solo travellers we will match you in a twin room with another person (same gender).
* Single upgrades are available
 

In your free time sample the delicious tagines (a local casserole served in a clay dish), sip the nation's favourite - Moroccan Mint Tea - or relax with a hammam.
More information >>

How to book?
 

If you would like to join us in Morocco or any of our other destinations, we would be delighted to talk you through the details and answer any questions:

Call us on: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66

Email us at: office@skyros.com

Or book online at: www.skyros.com