Holiday Facilitators: Lisa Harding
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Lisa Harding is a writer, actress and playwright. She is currently Writer in Residence at University College Cork and is teaching creative writing at master's level. She received an MPhil in creative writing from Trinity College Dublin in 2014.
Harvesting, her debut novel, won the Kate O’Brien award, was shortlisted for an Irish Book Award and the Kerry Group Prize in 2018. It is being republished in the US with Harper Collins in 2023 in a new version, titled Cloud Girls.
Her second novel, Bright Burning Things, was published internationally to widespread critical acclaim. It received a starred review in the Publisher’s Weekly, was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year, a Dalkey Literary Award, and was a New York Times Editor’s Choice, a People Magazine Choice, and a read with Jenna Book Club Pick as featured on the Today Show.
Both novels are in development for film and TV. Short stories have been published in the Dublin Review, The Lonely Crowd and Winter Papers among others. Plays have been performed at the Battersea Arts centre, Theatre 503 and The Project Arts Centre. Her third novel, Truth Game, is due to be published with Bloomsbury and Harper Collins in 2024. Lisa is delighted to be returning to Skyros, as her writing journey began here over a decade ago!
What people say about Lisa and her courses:
Lisa was great!
Learned so much, very detailed content. Exercises were very rewarding. Lisa was not only very instructive but very encouraging to everyone. Loved it!
Lisa has unlocked my voice. She is a thorough yet delightful teacher. Her notes for us to take away will be super useful. Lisa’s love of words and technique gave us such freedom to express ourselves, as well as the tools to write well. It was a wonderful week of creativity, constructive critical analysis and sharing. Thank you.
Where does Lisa Harding facilitate?
Sat 19 Jul - Sat 26 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.
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.
