Holiday Facilitators: Ari Badaines
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Ari Badaines is a powerful group therapist with over 50 years (wow, that many!? – yep) who is supportive and caring and when necessary also confronting; he believes it is always your choice as to your level of participation but will encourage your risking to benefit from the group.
If we go back, way back in history, you will find a young Ari as the Waterfront Director in an American summer camp; this entailed designing, supervising, and teaching swimming, and canoeing/kayaking/sailing as well as overall responsibility for waterfront safety. Over the years, he has helped many learn to swim and improve their swimming strokes. He qualified as an Instructor in Lifesaving, Swimming, Water Safety and Canoeing/Kayaking, and in his early years served as a lifeguard in the USA at summer camps, swimming pools, and similar venues. He even was involved in a rescue on the Thames in London, but you'll have to come to Atsitsa to hear how that story ends!
What people say about Ari and his courses:
Ari’s course pushed me further than I’ve been in years of individual psychotherapy. The power of the group was transformational. Ari is a gifted therapist. He takes his work very seriously and has a wonderful ability to bring out the best in people.
Ari’s course was superb - extremely competent teacher and full of charm. I found the course extremely effective.
Ari is a caring, creative and fun teacher. the group was small and really dynamic and supportive.
See more about Ari here: http://abadaines.wixsite.com/psychologist-sydney​
Where does Ari Badaines facilitate?
Sat 5 Jul - Sat 12 Jul 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. Richard Layzell is directing this holiday.
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 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. Join our overland transfer to Skyros island including a night with us in Central Athens.
Return on the last day of the holiday, ie Saturday. If you book our overland transfer, you can book a flight home from Athens after 3pm.