Holiday Facilitators: Alison Habens
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Alison Habens is the author of Dreamhouse, a 1990s cult novel based on Alice in Wonderland, which had its ‘coming of age’, a 21st birthday, with Lewis Carroll’s 150th anniversary in 2015. But Alison has written pretty much every day since it was first published, with two further novels, Lifestory and Family Outing in print, and lots of short stories, articles, poems and plays to see on www.alisonhabens.com.
Her new novels are a quirky retelling of the St Veronica myth, The True Picture; and a postmodern rom-com, Pencilwood. (Visit www.thetruepicture.co.uk and www.pencilwood.com to find out where she got the ideas from…) Alison is course leader for Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth, and has a PhD on the subject of ‘divine inspiration’ in literature. She runs a research project called ‘Ink:Well’ – Life-writing for Wellbeing. She lives in an old church on the Isle of Wight, with husband and three children/young adults, and commutes to work by hovercraft.
What people say about Alison and her courses:
Enjoyed the writing course immensely with Alison - inspired to get home and write!
I have been on many courses over the years but never on one where everything totally exceeded my expectations. The group were absolutely fantastic, the location wonderful and the tutor experienced, empathic, with fun and serious application, sprinkled with amazing insight and superb observations.
Alison has the most brilliant style. I would wholeheartedly recommend.
Inspirational, lots of help with techniques and ideas to spark and improve writing.
I really enjoyed the writing course and got a lot from it. The course was very well structured and led us logically through development of our writing in a short time.
Alison Habens is a great, empathic, knowledgable teacher.
The course was fantastic and exactly what I needed. Alison is wonderful and inspiring.
Made me feel at ease and excited about my writing. Gave brilliant advice and direction to go forward in my work which was my main aim this weekend.
Alison is warm, encouraging, supportive and a very good teacher.
So good! Alison paced it brilliantly, was insightful, very helpful, inspirational!
This creative writing course has made me see positively that I can continue with my writing and has provided me with tools to make my writing a success!
Alison structured the course in the best way. Interesting tutoring and plenty of space to write. Great direction.
Superb tutor who really knows her stuff and is very inspiring.
Where does Alison Habens facilitate?
Sun 7 Jul - Sat 20 Jul 2024 (13 nights)
At a glance
Atsitsa Bay is a holistic holiday centre set in a stunning, natural location, right on the bay and surrounded by pine forest. With a wide range of courses and activities and an outstanding team of facilitators, it's the perfect place to be inspired and try something new. Malcolm Stern is directing this fortnight in Atsitsa.
Find out more about the courses and activities during this fortnight below in What's On.
About
Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented approximately 70% are between 35-65. A huge majority - over 80 percent - report that the Skyros holiday experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third of guests come back again and again - even after they have said that Skyros was the 'holiday of a lifetime'.
Accommodation
Most people choose to live simply and comfortably in twin-shared rustic huts in the gardens. Or stay in Atsitsa's main house, subject to availability. See more about accommodation in Atsitsa here >>
Inspiring Courses
Courses and activities are introduced to you at the beginning of each week. Choose your favourites from a wide range including yoga, writing, art, kayaking, windsurfing, personal development, singing, comedy and more.
Food & Drink
All meals are included and served as a buffet. Special diets are always catered for. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased at Atsitsa's bar.
Guide Itinerary
07.15: Morning drop-in classes
08.30: Breakfast
09.00: Demos (news of the day)
10.30: Oekos (home groups)
11.15: Mid-morning courses
13.30: Lunch
15.00: Siesta/beach time
17.00: Afternoon courses
19.00: Sunset classes
20.00: Dinner & evening activities
Average Temperature
July and August are the hottest months in Skyros with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celcius. Light showers are possible but rare.
Location
Summary
What's included?
- More than three courses per day over four to five days each week
- An unrivalled and vibrant community atmosphere
- Fun evening activities and events
- Three delicious Mediterranean meals each day
- Twin shared rustic accommodation in Atsitsa's gardens
What's On
Travel
To travel to Skyros Island you must go to Athens. We have organised transfers from Athens (detailed below) to take the stress out of your journey.
Domestic Travel (Athens – Skyros, return)
Flights to Skyros island are limited so we recommend booking as soon as possible with Aegean Airlines. For this session we recommend –
- OUT: Departing Athens on the 7th July at 2.35pm, arriving to Skyros at 3.15pm
- RETURN: Departing Skyros on 21st July at 3.35pm, arriving to Athens at 4.20pm
If the flight to Skyros sells out for these dates we will organise an overland transfer.
International Travel (to/from Athens)
- OUT: Arrive to Athens Airport on or before 12.35pm on the 7th July in time to catch the connecting flight to Skyros. Many choose to arrive the day before (on the 6th July) for a more relaxed journey.
For those arriving in Athens on the 6th July we have an organised transfer including an overnight stay in Central Athens. If many arrive into Athens at a similar time we will arrange a courtesy coach (minimum numbers required) departing Athens Airport to the hotel where you can relax and meet others joining the session. The following day the bus will return to Athens Airport in time for the flight to Skyros. To join this transfer, select Single/Twin Share at the Dorian, Transfer to Athens Airport & Transfer to Atsitsa when booking.
For those arriving in Athens on the 7th July you will only require a transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa. To secure this please select Transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa only when booking.
- RETURN: We have an organised transfer from Atsitsa to Skyros Airport in time for the flight to Athens. To join this organised transfer, select Transfer to Skyros Airport when booking.
We recommend allowing at least two hours in Athens Airport by booking an international return flight after 6.20pm on 21st July.
