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?
Sat 13 Sep - Sat 20 Sep 2025 (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.
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?
- Courses, facilitators TBC
- 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 need to fly to Athens as there are no direct flights to this beautiful, unspoilt island.
Fly to Athens on the day before your holiday begins, ie Friday. Return on the last day of the holiday, ie Saturday for a week-long break and Friday for a fortnight. Book a flight home from Athens after [TBC].
Book our return overland transfer including an overnight stay in Athens.
