Online Shop with a Charitable Heart is now open . . .

. . . with over 50% discount on Skyros related goodies! 

SKYROS, the leading holistic holiday, have had some truly wonderful responses to their appeal to raise funds for the Skyros Island Support Fund. One response read: ‘Skyros island is my spiritual home and charity begins at home!’ And so, from the whole Skyros team: a HUGE thank you to everyone for their support! 

As you may know, Skyros Holidays are aiming to raise €20.000 to heat Skyros island’s three schools, the clinic and nursing home during the winter 2013/14 now that government funds have dried up for the purpose. Skyros island's difficulties are, of course, mostly hidden from view and holidays there this summer will continue unaffected by the country's economic difficulties. The islanders are as welcoming as ever. However, it is great to give back wherever possible.

A new and fun way to do it, is through the brand new online shop hosted on the Friends of Skyros social network. See www.friendsofskyros.com and spread the word!

The shop offers the unique opportunity to purchase discounted goodies courtesy of generous donations from the extremely talented Skyros facilitators, who are known for their expertise and warm personalities. This could be in the form of discounted one-to-one coaching sessions, creative writing mentoring, a yoga class, a piece of art or an author's books. All proceeds go directly to The Skyros Island Support Fund.

Click here to browse our online shop. Treat yourself whilst helping a charitable cause! 

Check out current special offers below . . .

One-to-one coaching with Dina Glouberman:
Take advantage of this special opportunity and enjoy a unique one-to-one coaching session with Skyros co-founder Dina Glouberman while on holiday in Atsitsa Bay, Skyros Island, this summer. Dina is author of the classics The Joy of Burnout and Life Choices, Life Changes and a pioneer in imagework. Only £50.00 (Save 50%)

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Full body aromatherapy massage in Atsitsa:
Treat yourself to a blissfully relaxing hour of head-to-toe massage with Virginia Evangelou on holiday in Atsitsa Bay, Greece this summer. This treatment incorporates essential oils and a variety of techniques in an expertly applied sequence of movements. Only £30.00 (Save 33%)

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'Find your man' coaching with Beverley Drumm:
Join Beverley Drumm for the Find Your Man coaching programme (via Skype or telephone) which takes you on a step-by-step process of inner enquiry, so as to cultivate the sense of wholeness and clarity necessary to a) feel complete and b) align with the relationship you seek. Only £55.00 (Save 27%) 

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Yoga and sound immersion session with Marina Sossi and Susie Self:
For the yoga and music lovers out there, this is a fantastic opportunity to try something new! Join Marina (yoga) and Susie (sound) in London to work on your physical flexibility and tailor a sound immersion to relax and enliven you in this two hour session. Plus, you can take a friend too at no extra charge. Only £90.00  

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Skyros series artwork by Michael Gahagan:
Treat yourself to one of artist Michael Gahagan's beautiful Skyros series! His signed 'Atsitsa Sunset' painting is being offered at a discounted rate to encourage donations to the Skyros Island Support Fund, of which all proceeds will go direct to the Fund. Only £60.00 (Save 50%)

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Bespoke coaching with Tiana Harper:
Are you working on a pitch, poem, monologue or anecdote? Would you like to improve your confidence and charisma while speaking publicly? Then join Tiana Harper (actor, musician and now a TV and film writer, director and producer), in Central London for a one hour coaching session, tailored to suit your personal needs. Only £20.00 (Save 33%)

SHOP NOW                                              

Creative writing mentoring with Crysse Morrison:
Calling all writers – don't miss this great opportunity. Skyros facilitator and published author Crysse Morrison is offering creative writing mentoring for up to 5,000 words of fiction (short story or novel). With email feedback the mentoring is flexible in timescale and purpose, and is extremely beneficial for aspiring authors! Only £40.00 (Save 20%)

SHOP NOW                                             

Life coaching with Michael Eales:
In search of a happier you, personally and/or professionally? Then try this generous offer of two 75- minute Life Coaching sessions to be held in either Petersfield or Central London. At a 50% discount it's a great taster for Michael's course 'The Path of Happiness' this summer at the Skyros Centre.  Only £100.00 (Save 50%)

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'The Joker': a novel by Shelley Weiner:
'The Joker', written and signed by author Shelley Weiner, is a great way to get the creative juices flowing before your Writers' Lab holiday. Simply curl up on the sofa and enjoy a good read. This is a brand new first edition hardback published by Constable, originally £14.99, now only £7.00 (Save 53%)

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Contact us

Skyros is the leading provider of course-based holidays and offers inspirational holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cambodia, Cuba and the UK. With a wide range of activities including yoga, windsurfing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more, there is plenty of choice for everyone! 

If you would like more information about any of our holidays or the Skyros Island Support Fund we would be happy to answer any questions you may have:
Phone: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66 Email: office@skyros.com
Chat online at: www.skyros.com

The forthcoming season for Skyros, the leading holistic holiday, commences in just under a couple of months offering inspiring and stimulating course-based breaks on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros. To give you more of a feel for these unique and uplifting holidays, Yannis Andricopoulos, one of Skyros' co-founders, talks here about the big difference a Skyros holiday can make in your life.
Can it? Yes, it can!

A Skyros holiday can make a big difference in your life 

Skyros’ informal, friendly, relaxed and yet vibrant community brings people together in a way daily life back home rarely does. In it, you can drop the burden of the usual pretensions associated with perceived professional or social requirements and just be yourself. The result is an exhilarating sense of freedom and meaningful connections with people that go far beyond the usual superficialities. 

But Skyros is more than that as people bring forward not just their real selves, but also their very best selves. This reminds us all that being human goes far beyond our basic needs or the requirements of our job, bureaucracies or the all-consuming consumer culture. It brings up the noble part of, and reinforces belief in, ourselves and our future. 

In such a safe environment, you can confidently and fearlessly explore a wide range of fascinating activities through courses offered by some of the world’s best facilitators. You do not, by the way, need to be good at them – nobody expects you to. Still you can go for them as they all give you the opportunity to explore your creative side and go for some things things you always fancied but never tried. 

You can, for example, stretch further the body in a yoga class, try some windsurfing, abseil, dance to the rhythms of salsa, create your artistic masterpiece, start the novel you always wanted to write, lead a comedy-improvisation event, sing your favourite songs or take a look at what you really need in life. 

In doing so, you learn new skills and enjoy new pursuits. But more than that you discover that if you can do what you always thought of as impossible – learn to swim, for example, or sing – you can also do other things in life. If anything, Skyros tells you that nothing is impossible. 

In the process, you also reconnect with the playfulness, spontaneity and innocence of the child within, re-discover your youthful self and laugh as you have never done since childhood, Life is not a struggle, which is what it often becomes, but a gift, a joy to be relished. 

The benefits of such an ‘experience’ are incalculable: new often life-long friendships and relationships, renewed self-confidence and faith in the goodness of the human race, strengthened optimism, new interests and skills, a fresh outlook or even a whole new way forward. Given all this, poet Hugo Williams described Skyros as ‘the holiday you can take home with you’.

Can Skyros make a big difference in your life? Yes, it can. Try it and expect nothing less than the joy of creating a new and happy world for yourself!

Yannis Andricopoulos

Holidays on Skyros island, Greece, will run from 8 June - 21 September. Grab one quick! With courses ranging from writing, art, life coaching, music, dance, abseiling, windsurfing, yoga and much more, there's something for everyone. 

See www.skyros.com for more information, or call Gemma, Michelle or Laura on +44 (0)1983 86 55 66 or email office@skyros.com.

The Skyros Island Support Fund: Winter fuel for 3 schools, the clinic and the nursing home

Skyros Holidays, the leading holistic holiday, has just set up the Skyros Island Support Fund with the specific aim to raise €20.000 for heating the Greek island's schools, clinic and nursing home during the winter of 2013/14. This became necessary due to lack of funds as Greek government subsidies for the purpose have all but dried up. Find out more below . . .

Skyros Holidays has, for decades, enjoyed a somewhat symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship with its host island. The local community has always benefited from the company's policy to 'buy local' in the form of goods, services and in the provision of employment. 

In addition, Skyros Holidays has often contributed directly towards various projects that have benefited the island. They include the purchase of computers for Skyros' local school, new medical equipment for its Health Centre, the refurbishment of its school theatre, the protection of its magnificent pine forest or the care for the island's cats and dogs.

However, as the current situation in Greece creates new problems for the locals, Skyros Holidays will be taking this approach one step further. The organisation intends to raise sufficient funds by the end of the summer to buy fuel for the island's three schools, its clinic and its nursing home for this winter, which in Skyros can be as chilly as in Scotland.

Charity, it is often said, begins at home, but for Skyros Holidays and the thousands who have joined a Skyros holiday over the years, Skyros island, Greece, is so much more than a pleasant holiday destination.

An innovative way to raise money

Skyros Holidays has an open invitation for others to get involved in helping them achieve their aim. People are invited to use the skills they honed on their Skyros holiday and hold a cabaret, raffle their artwork or run a dance class. It doesn't have to be grandiose or fantastical, simple is plenty and direct donations are always welcome. Any amount will help the local Skyrian community this winter. It may not be possible to change the general picture but we can definitely make a bit of a difference in the lives of hundreds of people this winter, mostly children.

People who would like to contribute, whether through raising funds through group activities or making direct contributions can contact the Skyros Island Support Fund at Skyros, 9 Eastcliff Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6AA. 

 

With thanks & best wishes,

The Skyros Team
Isle of Wight
e: office@skyros.com

Skyros is the leading provider of learning holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the UK. With a wide range of courses including yoga, windsurfing, sailing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more, there are options for everyone. Ideal for solo travellers, with good food and great company, it’s a winning combination! www.skyros.com 

New for 2013: Skyros Art & Painting Holidays

Does trying your hand at photography, painting, printmaking or textiles tickle your fancy? Then join the brand new programme for the Skyros Centre, Greece – the Art Studio – an ideal opportunity to explore your creativity under the guidance of some very fine artists. Please note: moustaches and berets are not compulsory, although welcome!

As many of you will know, Skyros Holidays have run art courses very often in the past but always as part of a much broader programme of activities. These courses, if judged by the passion and commitment demonstrated by all people involved, have been hugely successful. This year, however, the art courses will sail under their very own flag!
                                                                                                                               
You will embark on an inspirational journey through picturesque Skyros village, its beaches, its ancient sites, the colourful countryside and also your own inner landscapes. And all this in the company of friendly people ready to share experiences, views and ideas aided by our highly qualified and professional artists who will offer support both within the group and individually.

Skyros co-founder Yannis Andricopolous says "Skyros island is very seductive from the artist's point of view: picturesque and easy going."

The renowned Writer's Lab and Life Choices programmes are held alongside the Art Studio at the Skyros Centre. This means that the two week holidays offer the opportunity to book one course per week from any of the three programmes that run alongside each other. Life coaching first week, painting the next perhaps?


Find out what's on this summer 2013 below. Join any of these courses with no experience or plenty and know that you will return home with the skills and encouragement necessary to pursue your creative vision with renewed vigour . . .

The Skyros Team
office@skyros.com, www.skyros.com.

Landscape Abstraction with Linda Norris
8 - 15 June (AS1)

Explore landscape-based abstraction while taking inspiration from the island and use a variety of media like wax, sand and plaster to free your technique and get to grips with texture. The emphasis is on relaxed enjoyment.

The price, £595.00, includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Drawing and Painting with Kel Portman
15 - 28 June (AS2)

Whatever your level of skill, from 'non-artist' and absolute beginner to expert, you'll find that helpful advice and feedback will enable you to discover new techniques and processes in drawing and painting.

The price, £995.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Photography with Kel Portman
29 June - 6 July (AS3)

This is a course for those who have never been taught the art of photography. It won’t confuse you with technical jargon, rather you will be encouraged to look at ideas and approaches to help you take better photographs.

The price, £625.00, includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Painting & Collage with Angela Findlay
6 - 19 July (AS4)

Get to know colours and express yourself freely using a variety of materials and techniques. Explore life through colour and creativity. Learn to look at life and the world around you through the eyes of an artist.

The price, £1095.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Textile Art with Annie Sherburne
20 - 27 July (AS5)

Using and understanding sustainable principles of creating textiles, design and make your own rug, draw, chose colour palettes, do creative samples using different yarns and techniques to create your own unique palette of textures and patterns.

The price, £645.00, includes seven nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Sketching & Painting with Michael Gahagan
27 July - 9 August (AS6)

This friendly and fun course takes the fear out of painting and drawing, and encourages to to enjoy art, have fun and develop. 

The price, £1245.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Drawing & Painting with Sarah Livingstone
10 - 23 August (AS7)

This course will help you to explore drawing as a form of creative play, to awaken your inner artists and to increase your appreciation of your surroundings. In addition it will equip you with the skills necessary to practise and progress independently.

The price, £1245.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Art & The Island with Richard Layzell
24 - 31 August (AS8)

Design and make sculptural assemblages, develop an experiential visual journal, draw, photography and video, explore the miniature and the monumental. Visit local cultural highlights, enjoy one to one mentoring and a concluding exhibition.

Just £695.00 includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

For more information visit http://www.skyros.com/art_studio.htm, call us at the Skyros office on +44 (0)1983 865566 or email us at office@skyros.com and our friendly staff will be happy to talk you through any questions. Ready to book? Use the online booking form or call Skyros on +44 (0)1983 865566.

Skyros is the leading provider of learning holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the UK. With a wide range of courses including yoga, windsurfing, sailing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much, there’s plenty of options. Ideal for solo travellers, with good food and great company, it’s a winning combination! www.skyros.com

Skyros Writers' Lab participant is a bestseller!

All of us at Skyros, the leading course-based holiday, would like to send huge congratulations to Peter Wakefield who has just released his own compilation of short stories, already listed on Amazon as a bestseller!

Peter joined the renowned Skyros Writers' Lab holiday on picturesque Skyros island, Greece last September. He joined the writing holiday after winning a short story writing competition with Writing Magazine, sponsored by Skyros holidays and judged by author Crysse Morrison.

Whilst on his Skyros holiday Peter explored his dream of publishing a collection of short stories together with his partner about their various and inspiring experiences of living as expats in France. This was the theme of his winning short story and we're so happy he has met with such success!

Peter says “We are really delighted to hear that it has now become a bestseller. I would like to thank Skyros Holidays for their sponsorship of the competition and allowing me to enjoy a fantastic writing holiday on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros.

We will always be indebted to the judges of Writing Magazine as their positive comments on the short story gave the impetus for the decision to embark on writing  ‘Bon Courage’.

We really enjoyed writing the book together, for with all its ups and downs, writes and re-writes, it allowed us to relive one of the happiest periods of our lives.”

Peter's book was produced in association with London-based PublishNation. If you haven't checked it out already, you can do so here: 'Bon Courage, Les Anglais'.

If you would also like to explore turning your dreams into reality, take a look at what's coming up next on the Skyros Writers' Lab calendar of courses. The programme includes courses such as 'The Art of Writing Fiction', 'Your Writer's Voice' and 'Starting Your Novel'.

Courses are open to novices with a secret passion for writing as much as to writers who already have a book under their belt.

See the Skyros programme for the summer in Greece here: http://www.skyros.com/wl_atsitsa_program.htm There are also opportunities for weekend courses in the UK here: http://www.skyros.com/isle_of_wight_program.htm

Skyros is the leading provider of course-based holidays and offers inspirational holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cambodia, Cuba and the UK. With a wide range of activities including yoga, windsurfing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more, there is plenty of choice for everyone! 

Their celebrated Writers' Lab teaching programme has attracted prize-winning authors including Steven Berkoff, Hilary Mantel, Rachel Billington, Margaret Drabble, Hanif Kureishi, D M Thomas, Sue Townsend, Marina Warner, Hugo Williams and many others who have given hundreds of people the benefit of their experience: http://www.skyros.com/writers_lab.htm

Vote for Skyros in the 2013 Kindred Spirit awards...

Dear Friends of Skyros,

Yippee! We have good news: Skyros has just been nominated as one of the final six in the running for the Top Retreat / Healing Centre in the Kindred Spirit awards 2013 – and so a big thank you to everyone who put us forward. 

We're so excited and we would love it if you could vote for us. It only takes a minute and can be done online here: http://www.kindredspirit.co.uk/ksawards. Plus, if you do, you'll be entered into the Kindred Spirit prize draw to win some fun goodies too.

Thank you for your support,

The Skyros Team 

e. office@skyros.com w. www.skyros.com

Skyros is the leading course-based holidays with centres in Greece, Thailand, Cambodia & Cuba. You'll find a wide range of courses including yoga, windsurfing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more. Skyros attracts mostly solo holiday-makers from all over the world. A huge majority – over 80 per cent – report the Skyros experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third come back again and again. Good food and great company - it’s a winning combination! www.skyros.com

Happy New Year from all at Skyros Holidays...

We would like to wish you all the very best for the year ahead. May 2013 be filled with all you love most! Here we're looking forward to the new holiday season and the many new insights, lasting friendships and exciting discoveries yet to come. It's a lovely prospect thanks to all that you bring individually and collectively to this rich community life that is Skyros. Thank you!


Here at Skyros offshoot, The Grange in the Isle of Wight, guests celebrating the New Year are relaxing after a plentiful New Year's Day lunch, courtesy of Taki's delicious cuisine. Taki is visiting from Skyros island in Greece before cooking for another summer in Atsitsa. Tonight's the final night for the three night New Year's break and there are whispers of a cabaret on the cards!



2013: Your Best Year Ever...

Right: Skyros facilitators, Jo Wood and Andrew Risner in all their glory at New Year's Eve masked ball at The Grange. Jo and Andrew's advice for the year ahead?



'Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best.' Henry Van Dyke. 'You do not need a great voice to be a great singer'. I hope these words encourage us all to use our voices and BE HEARD in 2013.' Jo Wood.


Many people tend to make resolutions at New Year regarding things they would like to stop doing such as smoking, drinking and eating. Why not plan this New Year to commit to start doing something that excites you and gets your juices flowing. Maybe it's dancing, singing, learning a new skill. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that you can look forward to starting, and even better, continuing.' Andrew Risner.

Contact us to find out more about Skyros in Greece, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the Isle of Wight . . . 

Phone: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66

Email: office@skyros.com



Online: Chat with us online at www.skyros.com



From left: Aldona, Agata, Takis, Christine, Laura, Michelle, Yannis, Bev & Jenni (Gemma's just out of shot!).