Writing Retreat & Workshops
The charm of the Mediterranean has beckoned visitors for centuries. Greece is famous for its radiant sun, charming beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. With its welcoming community and breathtaking sunsets, Paralio Astros -- located in the Arcadian Riviera of the Peloponnesus -- is the perfect place to relax and soak up the coastal vibes while you find the time and space to dive into your writing, refreshed and renewed.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Unrivaled Greek Hospitality!
Our retreat includes airport transfer from Athens International to our accommodations in Paralio Astros via our shuttle (approximately 2 hours).
Check in and get settled at your residence, then join us for a Welcome Reception and dinner where you will meet fellow participants and our exceptional crew.
Each day, indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet, then find your perfect writing space or join us for a morning workshop to inspire and invigorate your writing. Most workshops will take place in small groups, either in the lovely villas or the reception area of the studios.
Desiree Driesenaar -- author, educator, ecologist, and marketer -- has designed a number of programs to inform your writing "senses." (For example, did you know that when a man smells female tears, it results in a 50% drop in testosterone?!)
Meet 1-on-1 with our resident editor and publisher, Dr. Demi Stevens -- CEO of Barcelona Publishers and Year of the Book Press -- for help with development, editing, title/cover design, genre and keyword assistance, or career mentoring.
During Week 2: Music therapy participants can meet 1-on-1 with resident mentor Dr. Annie Heiderscheit, Professor of Music Therapy and Director of the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Professor Heiderscheit can provide feedback on your research proposal, manuscript for publication, monograph, book chapter, or discuss other publication ideas. Structural assistance and bibliographic citation help available from Dr. Demi Stevens.
Take advantage of the gorgeous scenery for a nature hike, refreshing swim, or lazing on the beach with your new writing friends. Each week features different group excursions and activities. Wander into town and experience the warm welcome.
- BEACH YOGA
- SHORT HIKE to CASTLE
- CHEESE-MAKING LESSON & TASTING
- NAFPLIO OLD TOWN & PALAMIDI FORTRESS
- ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAVROS
- VINEYARD VISIT & WINE TASTING
- LASAGNA-MAKING CLASS & DINNER
- WEEK 2 CLOSING CEREMONY & CELEBRATION
ACCOMODATIONS
7-night or
14-night stay
Week 1: May 25 - June 1
Week 2: June 1 - June 8
EARLY-BIRD PRICING
€1500 for 1 week
€2500 for 2 weeks
Option 1:
Shared accommodation in one of our 3-bedroom villas with living room, kitchen, front and rear patio.
Washing machine available.
Wi-fi and air-conditioning.
Ideal for friends traveling together!
Or we can group you with like-minded writers.
One block off the beach.
Reserve your room preference at time of deposit.
- BEDROOM 1:
- Queen bed with balcony and shared bathroom
- Top floor
- BEDROOM 2:
- Two twin beds and shared bathroom
- Top floor
- BEDROOM 3:
- Queen bed with rear patio access and private bathroom
- Lower level
Option 2:
Studio with kitchenette, balcony, and bathroom.
Garden view or Castle view.
Wi-fi and air-conditioning.
250 meters from the harbor and beach.
Reserve your room preference at time of deposit.
€100 single-occupancy upcharge
- 1 QUEEN
- KITCHENETTE
- BALCONY
- BATHROOM
- 2 TWIN BEDS
- KITCHENETTE
- BALCONY
- BATHROOM
EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Embrace True Greek Life
...without all the hordes of tourists!
The Mediterranean is famous for its amazing food, radiant sun, charming beaches, and a more relaxed pace of life. Paralio Astros, on the Arcadian Riviera of the Peloponnesus, is the antidote to those over-touristed spots. During late May and early June, you'll experience a festival of blooms, and all the hospitality and beauty of village life. To add to the writing inspiration you will receive, we also invite you to get to know the Peloponnesus with offsite excursions, and one day-trip each week.
CHEESE-MAKING
& FETA-TASTING
Travel up the coast with us to this nearby town where the Greeks turn milk into some of the most beloved cheeses in the world.
NAFPLIO OLD TOWN & PALAMIDI FORTRESS
Saturday day-trip!
Visit the bustling farmer's market, tour the imposing Palamidi Fortress, take a water ferry to Bourtzi castle, visit the War Museum, or stroll around the quaint Old Town. You can find dining options at any of a number of delicious restaurants on the waterfront.
- Transportation included to Nafplio and Palamidi Fortress
- Entrance tickets, water ferry, and meals not included.
VINEYARD VISIT
& WINE TASTING
Tour this nearby vineyard about 30 minutes from Paralio Astros and indulge the senses with a wine tasting experience.
The tour culminates with a chance to purchase bottles of your favorites.
LASAGNA-MAKING
CLASS & DINNER
Take an out-of-town adventure. Here you'll learn about the art of Greek pasta making, and you can dine on their noodles too!
ANCIENT THEATER
OF EPIDAVROS
With a seating capacity of 13,000, this late 4th century BC amphitheater is considered to be the most perfect in regard to aesthetics and acoustics.
Both the theater and nearby Temple of Asclepios are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Transportation and tour ticket included
WEEK 2
CLOSING CEREMONY
& CELEBRATION
Celebrate with us on Saturday, June 9 in our charming waterfront theater. Entertainment will include a local Greek dance troupe in traditional garb, select readings from our very own writers, and musical offerings from our Music Therapy participants. The public is invited to attend! Our party continues afterward with food and wine as we bid each other goodbye.
Arrival Day
Transfer from Athens International Airport
Check-in at your residence, unpack, Welcome Reception, Dinner
Daily Schedule
08:00-09:15
Breakfast buffet
Morning
Optional writing workshop, free time for writing, or group activity
1:00-3:00 pm
Lunch
3:00 pm +
Free time for 1-on-1 sessions
writing, swimming, or relaxing on the beach with new friends
Dinner on your own schedule... great options in walking distance. chat about writing, share motivational stories, meet colleagues.
THE HOSTS
Dr. Demi Stevens
Dr. Demi Stevens is managing editor and CEO of Barcelona Publishers and Year of the Book press.
Her background includes graduate degrees in flute performance and musicology. She led courses at The Ohio State University as a TA, and at Delaware Valley College as adjunct faculty. She later served as Director of Paul Smith Public Library in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, before opening a boutique publishing house that specializes in helping independent authors create books that are indistinguishable from traditional press.
Dr. Stevens is proud to have assumed leadership at Barcelona Publishers, one of only two music therapy publishing houses in existence, built by the esteemed Dr. Kenneth Bruscia. The collection features more than 150 titles by music therapy specialists from around the globe.
She and her husband Todd love to travel. Demi is an avid quilter and is currently remodeling a mountain village home about 90 minutes away from our retreat center.
Desiree Driesenaar
Desiree Driesenaar is a world citizen, having lived and worked in The Netherlands, China, Japan, America, Indonesia, and now Greece.
Desiree is a professional journalist, published fiction writer, and systemic designer who works in the field of life-sciences and ecology. She started her career as a B2B marketer.
She mentors biomimicry students in ecology, education, and employment. A specialist in online marketing, she recently grew the Facebook group "Peloponnese Living" to more than 61,000 members, advocating for off-season travel and tourism to help Greek entrepreneurs and businesses thrive.
Dr. Annie Heiderscheit
Annie Heiderscheit, Ph.D., MT-BC, LMFT, is Professor of Music Therapy and Director of the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK. She has over 20 years of experience conducting research and teaching undergraduate, graduate courses and Ph.D. students, and over 30 years of clinical experience in a variety of healthcare and community-based clinical settings in the US.
She has served in leadership positions in the World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT), the International Association of Music and Medicine (IAMM), and American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). She frequently lectures and presents internationally and nationally and has published extensively on her clinical work and research in 4 books, 35 book chapters, and over 60 peer reviewed papers. She has authored chapters on music therapy with clients with eating disorders, substance use disorders, depression, and on topics related music therapy and spirituality, guided imagery and music, as a means of surgical and procedural support. Her writing extensively draws on her diverse clinical experience working with clients and their families in medical and mental health settings.
Vivian Manolesou
Vivian Manolesou is the owner of a boutique hotel in Paralio Astros, the President of the Tourist Accommodation Association of Eastern Arcadia, and General Secretary of the respective Federation of Peloponnese. By initiating and implementing activities and tourist-related events within her community, she promotes the region's hidden beauties to maximize its potential.
Vivian is our on-the-ground expert and can assist you with all your questions related to Greek travel and life.
Pricing
Early-bird pricing (through Jan. 15, 2025)
€1500 for 1 week (€100 extra for single-occupancy studio)
€2500 for 2 weeks (€200 extra for single-occupancy studio)
Non-writing friends or family members are welcome to share your accommodation at a charge of €1000 per week for transportation, meals, and group activities.
A non-refundable deposit of €500 guarantees your space.
The balance can be made in installments, but must be complete by March 31, 2025.
Regular pricing (Jan. 16 through March 31, 2025)
€2000 for 1 week (€100 extra for single-occupancy studio)
€3500 for 2 weeks (€200 extra for single-occupancy studio)
Late registration (After April 1, 2025, payable in full at the time of registration)
€2500 for 1 week (€100 extra for single-occupancy studio)
€4000 for 2 weeks (€200 extra for single-occupancy studio)
BOOK TODAY
An Unforgettable
Retreat Awaits
Reserve your space now with
€500 Deposit
Early-bird pricing closes
January 15, 202524
Unwind and Tap into
Your Best Writing
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