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

New Holidays, New Discounts, New Skyros, New You

The new Skyros Holidays programme for 2014 is here. Choose, fly and discover.

Visit the opera in Venice. Explore Morocco. Go trekking in Nepal. Learn to salsa in Havana. Discover the hidden treasures of Cambodia. And write, play, sing, dance and learn new skills on Skyros island, Greece. A Skyros holiday will add oomph in your life.

 See www.skyros.com.

Visit our website for our selection of Skyros discounts, including the Early Bird offer and the Friends of Skyros (FoS) for returning guests. You could save yourself up to £175 per holiday!



For more info on our destinations view our online brochure, or scroll down for a sneak peak at our brand new programme for 2014 / 2015.

Exploration & Meditation in Cambodia
Mon 27 January – Wed 5 February 2014
 
Encounter the real Cambodia on this small-group tour. Explore the country’s hidden treasures and dramatic landscapes from Phnom Penh through to Siem Reap, home to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Capture your journey through photography and art. Connect with the landscape and also your own self through a mindful living course. Price from £1145.


A Journal Making & Cultural Exploration in Morocco
Sat 15 – Sat 22 March 2014 & Sat 15 – Sat 22 November 2014
Explore the vibrant souks of Marrakech and then relax and enjoy the spring and winter sunshine in the charming seaside town of Essaouria, described as ‘one of the friendliest and most laid-back resorts anywhere’. Max out your holiday experience with yoga, meditation and a Moroccan cooking class, and learn how to keep an artistic diary of your days with journal making & book-binding activities. Price from £695.


Celebrate Easter in Skyros island, Greece
Mon 14 – Mon 21 April 2014

Easter (Pascha) is, for the Greek people, the most sacrosant event of the year involving the entire community. This 2014 it coincides with the Roman Easter, and Skyros are offering the opportunity to experience this meaningful event on a fulfilling and cultural holiday. In addition to options for personal development, try your hand at Greek dancing, learn more about Skyros' traditions, customs & rituals, and explore the island's natural environment. Price from £595.


Wellbeing Holidays in Atsitsa Bay, Greece
Holidays available throughout June, July, August & September
Atsitsa Bay on Skyros island's pine-forested coast in Greece, offers the independent spirited traveller an unforgettable holiday. Open a door to the Skyros 'you-can-do-anything' world with a wealth of opportunity for abseiling, windsurfing, trapeze, yoga, music, singing, art, comedy improvisation, dance and much more. Atsitsa's vibrant community remains unparalleled, making it the perfect pick for solo travellers. Price from £645.


Life Coaching Holidays at The Skyros Centre, Greece
Holidays available throughout June, July, August & September
 
Want to uncover your passions, reach new insights or move towards positive change in your life? The Life Choices programme held in the charming Skyros Village, offers inspiration, encouragement and support to all who would like to make those first, second, third or later steps towards a happier, more fulfilled state of being, whether personal or professional. Price from £625.


Writing Holidays at The Skyros Centre, Greece
Holidays available throughout June, July, August & September
 
The Writers’ Lab is the place for any writer or dabbler wanting to learn directly from established writers and to share the joys and struggles of the creative process. Whether you're a novice with a secret passion for writing or a writer who already has a book under their belt, The Writer's Lab, described by The Guardian as 'number one of the world's best writing holidays', offers enlightening writing experience. Price from £625.

Art Holidays at The Skyros Centre, Greece
Holidays available throughout June, July, August & September
 
The Art Studio at The Skyros Centre provides a truly inspirational setting in which to put pencil to paper, paint to palette or lens to landscape under the expert guidance of the Studio's visiting artists. Drawing, painting, sketching, photography & more. Join any course with no experience or plenty. Price from £625.

Culture, Singing & Opera Holiday in Venice, Italy
Sat 25 October – Wed 29 October 2014
 
From morning strolls by the canal to sipping espresso in Piazza San Marco to acquiring a taste for Italian opera, this stylish holiday will ensure you bring back unforgettable memories from this seductive city of culture. This holiday includes 4 nights twin shared accommodation, breakfast, two evening meals, admission to galleries, an evening at the opera, singing classes, culture talks & wine tasting. Price from £595.

Salsa Dancing, Yoga & Culture Holiday in Cuba
Mon 19 January - Thu 29 January 2015

 
When the music plays it's time to dance! Learn to salsa in Cuba's mesmerizing capital, Havana, on this Skyros-with-a- Latin-vibe holiday. It's the perfect place to learn salsa – you'll enjoy the stunning vibrancy of Cuban music and dance with the charismatic Habaneros. Morning yoga, visits to historical sites and talks on Cuban culture and history are also included ... When the music stops, you'll be twirling with delight. Price from £1095.



Experience the Goat Festival in Greece
Sat 17 - Sat 24 February 2015
 
For a cultural experience with a strong community vibe join The Skyrian Goat Festival in Greece, possibly one of the most unique Greek celebrations involving the entire local community. In addition to spontaneous and often outrageous festivities, you'll visit woodcarvers and local museums, learn Greek, enjoy talks on customs, myths and rituals, and get a taste for this fascinating celebration that is devoid of commerciality. Price from £595.


An Exciting Trekking Adventure in Nepal
Sat 21 February - Sat 7 March 2015

Join Skyros' first ever adventure to the top of the world! Under the guidance of your tour leader, Pete Webb, you'll experience this country of spectacular and diverse scenery. Explore Kathmandu and trek through the stunning Langtang Valley. Meet the local people who understand the value of a warm welcome. Traditional Skyros community structures will ensure you feel instantly at home in a foreign landscape filled with adventure. Price from £1295.


Weekend Courses on the Isle of Wight 
February to June 2014, & September 2014 to January 2015

 
Situated in Shanklin's Old Village on the Isle of Wight, Skyros offshoot The Grange offers a fantastic programme of weekend courses. We have award-winning authors to sharpen your writing skills, local landscape artists, leading life coaches and exceptional singers and yoga teachers. It's the ideal place to start a new hobby, learn a new skill and make new friends. Price from £90.

Contact us . . .
If you would like more information we would love to talk you through the details and answer any questions:



Phone: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66
Email: office@skyros.com 
Website: www.skyros.com

Photo left to right: Christine, Michelle, Laura & Gemma