Holiday Facilitators: Johnwhittaker
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
John has been Windsurfing for over 30 years, holding RYA Level 3 & 4 Windsurfing certification, as well as RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2. He is a qualified and experienced lifeguard as well as a First Aider. He worked as a secondary school teacher in Cambridge after his first degree and teaches weekly karate classes to adults and children in a dojo in West London.
John is a scientist by training and was a post-doctoral research fellow at Oxford University. He has worked in new drug development within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for the last few decades – most recently helping start-up companies get new therapeutics through into the clinic.
What people say about John and his courses:
Windsurfing - great fun for me as a first timer.
Thanks to John I managed to spend some time sailing and less time falling off!
Very generous with his time to run so many sessions. Very calm.
Windsurfing was very well taught and I benefitted from all the tuition and practice on the beach during windy days, It was a joy to put all the practice together on the last day.
Kayaking with John was fun.
Paddle Boarding - chilled and excellent.
John was lovely and patient. After many setbacks due to this I’ve improved at kayaking.
Where does John Whittaker 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.
