Holiday Facilitators: Mary French
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Mary is passionate about being outside with nature and especially sharing this through activities. Her expertise in offering up a framework of gradual developmental stages, allows individuals to reach into previously inaccessible areas and develop movement and confidence. Her style is one of calmness and warmth with a genuine interest in everyone she meets.
She has climbed all over the world with her first abseil in Australia. She regularly climbs in reliable climates like Spain in the Northern hemisphere’s winter and irregularly climbs in Britain at other times! She has swum in remote glacier fed lakes in Kyrgyzstan and high altitude oxbow lakes in Zimbabwe but feels most at home swimming or paddle boarding in the longest lake in England, Windermere, near where she lives in the Lake District. She has swam the length a couple of times. The most beautiful place she has ever paddle boarded is Pembrokeshire’s coast line.
Mary is an experienced and qualified teacher of outdoor activities (and maths!) holding qualifications in climbing, kayaking, first aid, caving and hill walking.
Where does Mary French 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.
