Skyros Blog
Surprise, transformation, and the quiet power of saying yes.
You might book a Skyros holiday for sunshine, yoga, or a creative retreat. But ask returning guests what stood out most? Chances are, they’ll talk about the thing they didn’t expect, the course they joined on a whim, the conversation that shifted something inside, the quiet joy of doing something unfamiliar and surprising.
“I didn’t plan for this… but it changed everything.”
Guests often come with one idea in mind and leave with something they hadn’t imagined.
“I laughed more than I have in years.” “It felt like coming home to a part of myself I’d forgotten.” “I didn’t know I needed this until I got here.”
These aren’t just nice words. They’re real quotes from real people, reflecting something we hear again and again: the unexpected moments are often the most meaningful.
Novelty is good for your brain: the science behind surprise
Recent studies from 2025 continue to confirm what our guests have always felt:
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A study from the University of Toronto found that doing one new thing a day significantly boosts memory, mood, and well-being. Participants reported increased emotional positivity and improved recall after simple changes to their routine.
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Research in Scientific Reports shows that new experiences stimulate dopamine release, activating the brain’s reward system and boosting learning and emotional satisfaction.
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Exploring new environments has also been shown to improve memory recall, demonstrating that novelty strengthens our ability to absorb and retain information.
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According to Psychology Today, novel activities support emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, helping us better adapt to change and manage stress.
At Skyros, novelty comes naturally
On a Skyros holiday, you’re surrounded by opportunities to surprise yourself. Some of our most loved (and unexpectedly transformative) courses include:
Visioning Your New Life
Dina Glouberman · Skyros Centre · 7 to 20 June 2025
Step into a life that’s fully yours — with clarity and courage.
Choose Life at Any Risk
Ari Badaines · Skyros Centre · 28 June to 5 July 2025
Discover how to live boldly, speak your truth, and claim your place.
Writing Your Story
Julia Bell · Atsitsa Bay · 23 to 30 August 2025
Explore memory, emotion, and self-expression through the written word.
Comedy & Creativity
Logan Murray · Atsitsa Bay · 30 August to 12 September 2025
Dismantle self-consciousness and rediscover your playful edge.
Working with Dreams
Michael Eales · Atsitsa Bay · 13 to 20 September 2025
Uncover meaning, insight and inner wisdom while you sleep.
Slay Your Dragons with Compassion
Malcolm Stern · Atsitsa Bay · 9 to 22 August 2025
Face your inner critics, shift patterns, and find emotional freedom.
How to Start Saying Yes to the Unexpected
It’s natural to feel hesitant. But saying yes doesn’t require grand leaps—just small steps in a new direction.
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Follow your curiosity, not your expertise. Pick the course that sparks interest, even a flicker. That’s your invitation.
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Try a taster. Skyros offers drop-in classes. You can try something once, without pressure.
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Change one small thing. Take a different walk. Chat to someone new. Tiny shifts open big doors.
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Let go of outcomes. You don’t need to be good. You just need to show up.
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Ask: “What if?” What if this is exactly what you need right now?
Say yes to what you didn’t expect
Because that’s often where the magic happens. And if you’re coming to Skyros? We’ll be right there with you—food, sea, stars, laughter and all.
View courses & book: www.skyros.com
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