Holiday Facilitators: Mark Gunston
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Mark has been teaching watersports for over 35 years and is a qualified RYA Windsurfing Trainer. He managed a watersports centre in Cornwall for 6 years and during the late 1980s worked at a Windsurfing Club on the Sea of Galilee. He has taught at a variety of centres in England, Greece, Sardinia and San Francisco and is one of the UK’s most experienced Windsurfing teachers.
In 1998 he established and managed a Fitness Centre in New Delhi. Mark qualified as an internationally licensed Ski Instructor in 2001 and has worked in Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Vermont as a Ski Instructor, Ski Guide and Resort Manager. He is also a certified Life Coach. Mark has been teaching in Atsitsa since 1996 and, realising a lifetime's ambition, completed a degree in Film Production and Screenwriting at the University of Chichester in 2017.
Mark relocated to Scotland in 2020 and now owns and manages a kayak and paddle-board centre during the summer in Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute.
What people say about Mark and his courses:
Kayaking was fun but challenging
Kayaking with Mark is a joy and so confidence building
Mark – safe, clear, confidence building
Mark’s kayaking was lovely.
Excellent as always, feel safe and well organised. Learned lots.
Where does Mark Gunston facilitate?
Sun 11 Aug - Sun 18 Aug 2024 (7 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. Tiana Harper is directing this week in Atsitsa.
Find out more about the courses and activities during this week 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 11th August at 2.35pm, arriving to Skyros at 3.15pm
- RETURN: Departing Skyros on 18th August 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 11th August in time to catch the connecting flight to Skyros. Many choose to arrive the day before (on the 10th August) for a more relaxed journey.
For those arriving in Athens on the 10th August we have an organised transfer including an overnight stay in Central Athens. There will be a courtesy coach 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 11th August 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 18th August.
