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Holiday Facilitators: Nick Barlay

skill, experience, warmth

Biography

Nick Barlay is the author of four widely acclaimed novels, Curvy Lovebox, first published by the Black imprint X Press, and Crumple Zone and Hooky Gear. Together, these formed a loose trilogy set in the underbelly of contemporary London. Hooky Gear was mentioned in Granta’s ‘Best of Young British Novelists’ in 2003, and was highly praised by Hilary Mantel until it was realised he was too old to be young. His fourth novel, The Wife of a Man Who, rejected in the UK, became a success across the Channel and was praised as a masterpiece. It is currently available in French only. 

Barlay was born in London to Hungarian Jewish parents and his first non-fiction book, Scattered Ghosts, is the story of his family over two centuries. It was longlisted for the Wingate Prize 2015. He has also written short stories, award-winning radio plays and wide-ranging journalism, including a long-running series about London for the Times. More recently, he has contributed articles to the online Central and Eastern European News. He regularly teaches creative writing and journalism, as well as Guardian Masterclasses on writing family history. 

What people say about Nick and his courses:

Tremendous instruction from Nick, I really got a grip on what I’m trying to achieve and how to go about it.

Wonderful life writing course. Very inspiring and insightful - Nick Barlay’s knowledge shared really helped guide my project and set me on my way. Excited to start my first book.

Nick was wonderful, provided so much inspiration for my writing.

Writing 10/10, loved it.

Empathetic, constructive, good exercises and useful feedback.

Excellent tutor packing in a huge amount into such a short space of time - manages the balance so sensitively between participants, teaching points etc and creating a non-judgemental space to explore one’s own tentative steps.

Nick has a wealth of knowledge, humility and interest in each delegate.

Nick was the best. I've done writing before and never found it better.

Where does Nick Barlay facilitate?

Sun 21 Jul - Sun 28 Jul 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. Malcolm Stern 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

Cost
£1,075.00
Location
Atsitsa Bay, Greece

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

Travel

OUTBOUND
Book your international flight to arrive into Athens on the day before the holiday begins, ie Saturday 20 July. Or arrive on Sunday 21 July if you will be in time for the domestic flight - see below. Spend Saturday night with us at our transfer hotel, The Dorian Inn, or alternatively book your own accommodation in Athens.

Our courtesy coach to the Dorian Inn Hotel (which depends on sufficient numbers arriving at a similar time) will leave Athens airport promptly at [TBC]. Alternatively, take a taxi or the Metro if your flight is arriving much earlier or after this time. (Dorian Inn Hotel, Pireos 15-19, Athens 105 52, nearest metro = Omonia)

1) Internal flight from Athens to Skyros
Book the Aegean flight departing Athens (ATH) for Skyros island (SKU) at 14:35 on Sunday 21 July, arriving into Skyros island at 15:15. See aegeanair.com. Best to book this return f
light before your international flights.

2) Overland transfer by coach and ferry
If the internal flight becomes fully booked, our overland transfer will leave the Dorian Inn Hotel at [TBC] and arrive into Kymi at [TBC] to connect with the ferry to Skyros island. Timings dependent on ferry timings.

RETURN

1) Internal flight from Skyros to Athens
Book the Aegean flight departing Skyros island (SKU) for Athens (ATH) at 15:35 on Sunday 28 July, arriving into Athens at 16:20. See aegeanair.com. This means you can take any flight home after 18:20.

2) Overland transfer by coach and ferry
If the internal flight becomes fully booked, our overland transfer will leave at [TBC] for the transfer back to Athens airport. Book your international flight home for after [TBC] on Sunday 28 July. Timings dependent on ferry timings.

There are several ways to get in touch, and we'd love to hear from you…

Telephone: +44 (0)1983 865566

Email: holidays@skyros.com

Or Chat to us online using the link in the corner or your screen

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