‘Hang on! What's comedy got to do with being on a retreat?’
Embarking on a retreat is a journey toward self-discovery and growth. Integrating comedy into this experience adds a unique dimension. In ancient Greece, the concept of areté—the pursuit of excellence -was deeply valued. Comedy was not merely entertainment; it served as a medium for self-reflection and societal critique, encouraging individuals to recognize and improve their flaws.
Engaging in comedic arts fosters creativity, sharpens wit, and enhances communication skills. It challenges individuals to observe the world from diverse perspectives, find humour in everyday situations, and convey ideas compellingly. These skills contribute to personal excellence by promoting adaptability, empathy, and intellectual agility.
Participating in comedy workshops during a retreat offers more than just laughter:
Self-Expression: Crafting and sharing humor encourages authentic self-expression, allowing individuals to articulate thoughts and emotions in creative ways.
Resilience: Finding humor in life's challenges fosters resilience, enabling a balanced perspective and adaptability.
Connection: Shared laughter builds bonds among participants, creating a supportive community that enhances the retreat experience.
By embracing the art of comedy, retreat participants actively engage in the pursuit of areté, striving for personal excellence through enhanced communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
At Skyros, we offer a unique opportunity to explore this intersection through our "Adventures in Comedy Writing" course, led by Logan Murray.
This workshop is designed to help you discover your comedic voice, develop writing skills, and build confidence—all within the nurturing environment of our retreat.
Join us to experience how comedy can enrich your retreat journey, guiding you toward excellence in self-expression and personal growth.
For more details about Logan Murray's course and our
🎨 Why does creativity matter? ✨
Creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding your unique way of expressing yourself. At Skyros, our workshops help you uncover hidden talents, embrace your individuality, and connect with your inner self.
From art and writing to music and dance, our participants have discovered new passions, created meaningful works, and found deeper self-expression in a supportive and inspiring environment. 🌟
Find out more about our up and coming courses
✨ Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, Skyros offers a space to explore, grow, and express your creativity in a way that feels uniquely you.
🖌️ What does creativity mean to you? Share your thoughts below!
#SkyrosHolidays #CreativityUnleashed #ArtForTheSoul #MindBodySoul #WellbeingThroughArt
📹 Course Highlight: Writing Masterclasses
Calling all aspiring authors and seasoned wordsmiths! The famous Writers’ Lab at the Skyros Centre is back for 2025, offering an incredible opportunity to hone your craft in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Discover Your Comic Voice with Logan Murray
31st May - 7th June 2025
Ever wondered what makes comedy tick? This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore the craft of comedy, whether for professional use or simply to boost confidence and creativity in everyday life.
Whether you're a seasoned writer or a curious beginner, this course is your chance to think outside the box, enhance your communication skills, and, most importantly, laugh loads along the way.
"Comedy is a life skill," says Logan, a working comic, award-winning director, and BBC script consultant. Having taught some of the biggest names in comedy, he’s ready to share his expertise with you.
Writing Crime with Claire McGowan
Sat 21 - Sat 28 Jun 2025
Ready to craft a gripping crime novel? Join bestselling author Claire McGowan for a one-week course designed to sharpen your skills and ignite your storytelling. Learn how to develop a compelling premise, build suspense and pace, create unforgettable characters, and navigate the current market for crime fiction.
With over 25 books sold and more than a million copies in print, Claire’s expertise is unparalleled. As a sought-after tutor and former director of the UK's first crime writing MA, she brings energy, knowledge, and a passion for helping writers succeed.
Located in the heart of Skyros Village, this retreat offers an authentic Greek experience. Stay in a charming traditional Greek home, enjoy the vibrant local nightlife, and indulge in delicious Greek cuisine. With cobblestone streets to explore and the beach just a short walk away, your days will be as enriching outside the workshops as they are within.
📅 Limited spaces available—don’t miss your chance to combine person
2025 Programme is out now!
🎉 Exciting news for Boxing Day! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our 2025 Skyros Programme! 🌿
Whether it’s yoga by the Aegean, creative writing in the heart of Skyros Town, or wild swimming in Atsitsa Bay, we’ve crafted a season full of opportunities to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover yourself. There are a few new experiences to try and a few exciting favourites back again!
📅 Key dates for 2025:
Skyros Centre: 31st May - 5th July
Atsitsa Bay: 5th July - 20th September
From creativity workshops to wellbeing retreats, this is your chance to live with balance, intention, and connection—inspired by the ancient Greek concept of Areté. 🌞
✨ Explore the programme and save your space early—next year is waiting!
👉 Find out more at skyros.com/calendar
#SkyrosHolidays #2025Retreats #LiveWithAreté #CreativityAndConnection #BoxingDayInspiration
This Christmas, Take Time to Nurture Yourself 🎄
In the festive season it is easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out. Don't forget to take time for yourself and seize the opportunity to slow down, take a breath, and truly nurture yourself. Whether you spend the day surrounded by loved ones or enjoying moments of quiet, let it be a time for peace, joy, and personal celebration.
✨ Rediscover Simple Joys: Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, experiment with a new recipe, or immerse yourself in a creative project that sparks happiness.
✨ Create Space for Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the year, what matters most, and the small things you’re grateful for.
✨ Make It Yours: Start new traditions that bring you comfort—decorate your space, enjoy feel-good films, or take a mindful walk in nature.
💬 Looking for Connection? Join the uplifting community in our Friends of Skyros Facebook group, where inspiration and warmth are always shared.
🌟 Most importantly, be kind to yourself. The holidays can stir up many emotions, so give yourself the grace to feel, rest, and restore.
This Christmas, may you find the comfort and joy that comes from simply being present with yourself and embracing all that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.
#NurtureYourself #SelfCare #Wellbeing #SkyrosHolidays #SkyrosCommunity
🌙 Winter Solstice reflections 🌙
As the longest night of the year gives way to growing light, the Winter Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and embrace renewal. 🌿 At Skyros Holidays, we honour this moment as a time for introspection and intention setting - an opportunity to align with the natural cycles of growth and transformation.
🖊 Skyros journal prompt:
Take a moment to reflect on the past year. What have you learned, accomplished, or overcome? What intentions would you like to set for the year ahead? Write freely, and let your thoughts flow.
💡 Consider these questions to guide your reflection:
✨ What are you most proud of from this past year?
✨ What do you want to let go of as the year ends?
✨ What qualities or experiences do you want to welcome into your life in the coming year?
Share your thoughts or journal reflections with us in the comments or tag us in your posts—we’d love to hear what this moment of renewal means to you! 🌟
#WinterSolstice #Reflection #Skyrosholidays #IntentionSetting #SkyrosGratitudeChallenge
🎨 Spark your creativity with Skyros! 🎨
At Skyros, our creativity workshops are all about self-expression, connection, and having fun. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just exploring your creative side, these sessions are designed to inspire and empower you.
✨ Today’s Creative Challenge ✨
Heart Giving!
We’re inviting YOU to join the fun! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to spark your creativity:
1, Gather your tools: Pen and paper, paints, or even your phone for photography—anything works!
2, Set the scene: Find a quiet spot or step outside for inspiration.
3, Think about the person you are going to gift your present to, let your feelings about this person fill your body (hopefully good), remember all the experiences you have shared.
4. Start small: Write a short poem, sketch a quick scene, or capture a moment that inspires you for them. It could be funny, heartfelt or serious. The important thing is it's inspired by them and these are the best and most treasured gifts.
4 Focus on the process: Don’t worry about perfection—just let your creativity flow!
🌟 Once you’ve created something, share it with us in the comments or tag us in your post. Let’s celebrate creativity together!
💡 Need some inspiration? At Skyros, our workshops cover everything from writing and painting to music and dance—there’s something for everyone. Want to learn more? Sign up to our newsletter at skyros.com.
#SkyrosHolidays #ArtForTheSoul #MindBodySoul #CreateAndConnect
🌿 Discover Areté at Skyros: balance, growth & connection 🌿
At Skyros, our retreats are inspired by Areté—the ancient Greek concept of living a life of balance, excellence, and fulfilment. ✨
Areté (ah-reh-Ti) is about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit, and it’s woven into everything we do:
🎨 Personal growth & creativity – Explore art, writing, yoga, and more. Shape your retreat experience to suit your journey.
🌅 Wellbeing & connection – Embrace community and authentic self-expression in a supportive, inspiring environment.
✨ Harmony & excellence – Discover new interests, nurture talents, and find joy in meaningful pursuits.
Ready to live with more balance and intention? 🌞 Join us in 2025 and rediscover your potential with Skyros.
👉 Sign up for updates and be the first to know when booking opens!
#SkyrosHolidays #AretéLiving #MindBodySoul
🌟 How do you speak to yourself? 🌟
Most of us wouldn't dream of speaking harshly to a child or a loved one—but when it comes to ourselves, the tone often changes. Our inner voice can be critical, unforgiving, and far from the kindness we show others.
Research shows that the way we talk to ourselves has a profound impact on our wellbeing. Negative self-talk can increase stress and erode confidence, while a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue can boost resilience and happiness.
So, how can we make a change?
💡 Pause and notice. Become aware of your inner voice, especially during challenging moments.
💡 Reframe your words. Replace self-criticism with constructive, understanding thoughts.
💡 Practise self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend or loved one.
At Skyros, we encourage our guests to practise mindfulness and self-reflection as part of the journey to personal growth. Speaking kindly to yourself is an essential step in that process—a simple, meaningful way to nurture your own wellbeing.
✨ Today’s thought: What would happen if you spoke to yourself with encouragement instead of criticism?
Come to Skyros and fall in love with yourself again. 💛
skyros.com
Share your reflections below—we’d love to hear how you cultivate a positive inner voice.
#SelfTalk #BeKindToYourself #WellBeing #SkyrosHolidays #MindfulLiving
🌟 Timeless retreats 🌟
At Skyros, we’ve been crafting transformative retreats for over 45 years, helping guests reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Each programme has been carefully put together to blend creativity, community, and wellbeing even before "retreats" became a buzzword.
✨ Take a trip down memory lane with us as we share some of our classic brochure covers! They’re not just nostalgic—they’re a testament to how Skyros has continually evolved while staying true to our ethos of personal growth and connection.
Whether it’s yoga by the sea, painting under pine trees, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of Skyros Island, our retreats have inspired countless moments of clarity, joy, and transformation.
💡 Did you know? Many of our guests return year after year, finding something new in every visit, with at least one third of guests returning time and again - even after saying it has been ‘a holiday of a lifetime’.
What’s your favourite Skyros memory? Share it with us in the comments below!
#SkyrosHolidays #MindfulLiving #TimelessRetreats #PersonalGrowth #CommunityConnection
✨ Finding inner light ✨
As we approach the darker, shorter days of the season, it's the perfect time to turn inward and find our own inner light. 🌟 At Skyros, we believe that moments of stillness and reflection can help us connect with that quiet glow inside, guiding us toward peace, warmth, and clarity—even on the darkest days.
Whether through meditation, a walk in nature, or a few mindful moments each day, nurturing your inner light can bring comfort and resilience to see you through the winter months. Take this season as an invitation to slow down, reflect, and remember that inner warmth is always there for you to draw on.
💡 How do you keep your inner light shining this time of year? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your rituals and inspirations!
#FindingInnerLight #WinterWellness #MindfulLiving #SkyrosHolidays
🌱 Sunday Inspiration: Setting Your Focus for the Week 🌱
At Skyros, we’re all about small, meaningful practices that enrich our lives. Ready for the coming week, let’s start with a simple intention - something that brings you joy, peace, or creativity. It might be carving out a few minutes for mindfulness, a walk in nature, or reconnecting with a friend.
✨ What intention will you set this week? Share with us below, and let’s inspire each other to stay focused and mindful! 💚
#SundayInspiration #Skyrosholidays #MindfulLiving #SkyrosHolidays
◈ Tranquil Greek Holidays
