Holiday Facilitators: Stephen Clarke
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Stephen Clarke has turned (or rather twisted) his life in France into six bestselling novels (A Year in the Merde, Merde Actually, Dial M for Merde, etc), as well as writing history books such as 1000 Years of Annoying the French, travel and opinion articles for UK and foreign newspapers, magazines and websites, and has a regular column in France magazine about being a Parisian.
He has also adapted his novel The Merde Factor for the stage, written and performed a words-and-music show about Anglo-French history, composed English song lyrics for a French singer, and written and directed a one-woman show for an American stand-up comedienne that was performed in Paris and New York.
Stephen tutored creative writing courses at Atsitsa in 2015 and 2019, and has given talks at different writers' groups in Paris, as well as mentoring a creative writing student at the University of London.
Where does Stephen Clarke 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.
