Skyros Holidays: treasuring the moment, cherishing a community

Skyros is about living fully in the moment – and making the most of it. It is about the joy of living. It is the pleasure of going for the spectacular that transcends every preceding fear and the delight experienced by the appreciation of things for what they are - ‘a river for its riverness’, as Plato said. With Skyros you can leave your daily toils behind and appreciate all life can offer with people who can become your best friends. All under the delightful Greek sun, next to the sea and amidst lush colourful gardens, with delicious Mediterranean food and an abundance of laughter.  www.skyros.com

Skyros is the leading alternative holiday and offers holidays with a difference – perfect for solo travellers, lively individuals, all ages and genders. It is the place where participants can let go of any inhibitions, forget social barriers and get back in touch with their organic self.

It is based on a series of interlocking communication structures, including community meetings, ‘oekos’ or home groups, a variety of creative courses, co-listening in pairs and the communication with one’s real self. These simple and safe communication structures open up the possibility of 'real talk' and 'real listening' in which the participants are at once fully present to each other and to themselves.


These structures have successfully created soul community session after session for 36 years. This consistency is remarkable given both our constantly changing culture and the evolving expectations.

The courses available open up a world of opportunities for participants to try something new and learn a fresh skill.

For the creatives Skyros offers: drawing & painting, digital photography, creative writing, Mosaics. For the musical Skyros offers: Rock Choir, Singing with soul, Music & Singing, harmonies. For the sporty Skyros offers: windsurfing, abseiling, trapeze, dance, QiGong, tai chi. For the holistic Skyros offers: yoga, meditation, reflexology, massage and many more activities that would take too long to list! You can see our Atsitsa Bay programme here.

Our first three weeks have been a huge success and we have had some fabulous reviews:

’I have found acceptance, creativity and beauty in nature’, L.D, North Carolina


‘A magical spot with interesting people and stimulative company and courses’, J.B, Reading



‘Both Mindfulness and Yoga were brilliant!’, M.O, Northampton



‘Outstanding food, nourishing in every way. Delicious, varied, yummy, amazing’, H.T, Gloucestershire

Skyros is the destination that truly offers something different, which is why so many participants return year after year. Let go of inhibitions, lose sense of seriousness, build great friendships and find the true self. 

Skyros is contactable by email at holidays@skyros.com or call 01983 86 55 66 to find out more. 

Good people waiting for you in beautiful Atsitsa!

The 2015 Greek holiday season started yesterday, Sunday, in Atsitsa on Skyros island in Greece. The season promises to offer once again the same 'magical', 'life-changing' experience and Atsitsa will be the place 'where dreams come true'. Our amazing and hard-working staff team makes all the difference and ensures Atsitsa remains the thriving and beautiful holiday destination it has always been. Here the members of this year's admin team, keen to ensure you have your best holiday yet, take the opportunity to introduce themselves. You would love them!

With our very best wishes,


The Skyros Team
The Grange, Isle of Wight

The 2015 Atsitsa admin team . . .

Caroline Stuart-Taylor - Centre Manager: Having been to Atsitsa as a participant three times, I really love the place. It's so beautiful and the atmosphere that's created is very special. I love the ethos of the community here, and the courses are fantastic. Having worked all my life in ski travel, I am looking forward to using my experience in the running of Atsitsa and welcoming new people as well as friends from past courses.

Mark Shaw - Site Manager: I've been coming regularly to the island since 2001 and have worked in many different roles in Atsitsa from a work scholar to site manager. I have a military background and work as a climbing instructor for some of the biggest companies in the world. I love being here on the island appreciating both the natural environment and locals. 



Kelly Stock - Office Administrator: I have been a participant in Atsitsa several times now and it always feels like home when I return. The beauty and healing nature of the place never fails to surprise and I like the person I am when I am here. I hope now to help to make other people's holidays and experiences as special as mine have been. Read Kelly's thoughtful poem about Atsitsa here.

Jerri Conrad - Bar & Transfers Administrator: As a participant on the Skyros holiday in Marrakech I was  tasked to write a letter from my future self to my present self. Part of this letter described a beautiful future:

'You're now in the Mediterranean. Life is simpler and slower. You're living comfortably and authentically. You're spending your time with, and learning from, a vast range of interesting people. You are able to use your skill set in a creative way. You're bringing joy to others and, most importantly, to yourself.'



So when asked why I chose to join the Atsitsa community, I can honestly say that it's because it's the exact place I'm meant to be - my future self told me so!

Katherine Bates - Housekeeper: Hello! My name is Kate and my professional background was originally in the fashion industry covering everything from textile design and embroidery through to fine tailoring and dressmaking. Alongside this I have had a long career in the hospitality industry. I have come to Atsitsa to try something new and completely different from my usual routines. 

If you would like more information about any of our holidays we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

phone: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66

email: office@skyros.com

Online chat: www.skyros.com 

Lessons from Atsitsa. By Kelly Stock



Go to class but do not expect to learn what is in the brochure. Do not come with expectations of what you want - you will be given what you need.



Learn martial arts - how to tread carefully, to stand rooted and to find your balance in the world. To block, to know when to push, when to deflect and when to run away. To stand tall with your head held high.



In yoga, find how much you can stretch yourself and accept some pain is good.



Sing. Find your voice and discover what it is to be heard.



Leave behind your to-do lists. Take your time. Slow down. Create legacies that count. Footprints fade. Fingerprints last a lifetime.



Find out who you really are and not what others expect or want you to be.



De-clutter your life both of people and possessions. If you came here for six months what would you bring? What would you need? What or who would you miss most?



Look after your mind. Nothing works without it. You will not know the value of your sanity until you lose it.



Wear a bikini - you are not as fat as you think you are.



Connect with others. Take a chance on strangers.
 

Be brave. Fall in love a little with someone who is not your type. Rejection is not the end of the world but missed opportunities may be your saddest regrets.


Swim even if you are afraid of sharks.



Accept that life and nature can be cruel. Wasps sting and sea urchins stab. Pain passes, you survive, or you learn to cope with it better one day at a time. You are stronger than you imagine.


 
Find the beauty of nature too. The way the sea holds you in its embrace when you surrender to its strength. It's healing salt to mend old wounds.



Search for the stars in the darkness, both here and at home.



Try not to worry. It is the things you never imagine that hit you sideways.



Take time to grieve. Mourn the hopes, the dreams, the love that was not meant to last a life time.



Think carefully about what you cling to. It is always much easier to grab hold of the new when you let go of the old.



Be careful what you take home in your suitcase. Leave the long black coat you took off here. You do not need it any more. Leave the layers you have stripped off; the shame, guilt, anger and loss. The island will absolve you of it.



Learn the art of forgiveness. The trick is to let go of the hope that it should have been different.



Be wise with your expectations. To dream is to invite disappointment into your life. To hope for more leaves you vulnerable to disenchantment with what you already have.



Perfection is an illusion but there is no crime in aspiring to be the best you can be.



Time is precious. So live your life for those you have lost, but most of all live it for you.