10th - 16th May 2026 Naxos, Greece. Jessie Burton & Abigail Dean
Plaka Beach, Naxos
Nestled on the serene southwest coast of Naxos, Plaka Beach is a haven of tranquility. Golden sands stretch endlessly beside the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, far from the bustle of tourist crowds. This peaceful paradise flows at a slower pace, inviting deep relaxation and reflection.
Plaka’s natural beauty and quiet charm make it an ideal destination for a reading retreat. Picture yourself beneath the shade of a tamarisk tree, toes in warm sand, book in hand, with the gentle lull of the sea as your soundtrack. With stunning sunsets, cozy beachfront cafés, and a laid-back rhythm, Plaka Beach invites you to slow down, unwind, and lose yourself in the pages of a great story
Stella or Paradiso Apartments – Your Seaside Sanctuary in Plaka
Stella and Paradiso Apartments are charming beachfront hotels located directly on the shores of Plaka Beach, Naxos. With spacious rooms featuring private balconies, guests can enjoy breathtaking sea views and the comfort of complete privacy. Start your day with a delicious homemade breakfast, relax by the inviting pool, and enjoy light lunches. Evenings are perfect for dining at nearby local tavernas or joining thoughtful conversations on the shared terrace as the sun sets.
Perfect for our reading retreat, they offer peaceful nooks, quiet corners, and trees that provide natural shade right on the beach—ideal for long, uninterrupted hours with a good book. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, calm, and authentic Greek hospitality.
What’s included in your Itinerary
Experience & Excursions
Welcome Reception
Drinks, introductions & mezés on arrival. Local food. served under the Vines
Explore the Grounds
• Pool, beach,
• Yoga & reading spots Optional Excursions
• Visit the Kouros statues
• Kitron distillery tour & tasting
• Olive oil tasting at a local producer
• Evening trip to Chora for dinner & shopping
Literary Highlights
White Elephant Book Swap
Bring a book, take a new one home. Author Events
• Live talk and Q&A with our guest authors • Writing workshops
• Book signing & dinner under the stars Quiet Time for Reading, Writing & Reflection
Hidden corners, sunlit spots, Quiet places to write and total tranquility.
Evenings & Farewell
Evening Aperitifs & Mingling
Relax and connect with fellow guests. Group Dinners
Shared meals at handpicked local tavernas. Departure Morning
• Breakfast from 7:00 am
• Smooth transfers to the ferry or airport
Accommodation
Reserve your place from just £150
Solo Occupancy £1700 (6 rooms left) Shared Occupancy £2500 (£1250 each) - (6 rooms left)
Jessie Burton, born in London, is a bestselling British author known for her evocative historical fiction and richly layered storytelling. She studied English and Spanish at Brasenose College, Oxford, before training at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Initially pursuing a career in acting, she appeared in various stage productions, including performances at the National Theatre. However, after struggling to find fulfilling roles, she shifted her focus to writing.
Her debut novel, The Miniaturist, published in 2014, became an international sensation. It sold over a million copies in its first year, topped bestseller lists in both the UK and the US, and was adapted into a BBC/PBS television miniseries. The novel was inspired by a 17th-century Dutch dollhouse and introduced many readers to Burton’s signature blend of mystery, historical depth, and psychological insight.
Following this success, Burton continued to captivate audiences with novels such as The Muse (2016), The Confession (2019), and The House of Fortune (2022), a sequel to The Miniaturist. All her adult novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers, with the first two also appearing on the New York Times list. Her writing often explores themes of identity, ambition, secrecy, and the roles of women across history.
In addition to adult fiction, Burton has authored acclaimed children’s books, including The Restless Girls (2018), a feminist retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and Medusa (2021), which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Her work has been translated into around 40 languages and she has contributed essays and short fiction to publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and the Wall Street Journal.
Jessie Burton lives in London and continues to write for both adult and younger readers. She remains a compelling voice in contemporary fiction, known for her atmospheric narratives and her ability to uncover the human heart within historical settings.
Abigail Dean is a British author and lawyer whose debut novel, Girl A, received widespread critical acclaim and became a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller. Born in Manchester and raised in the Peak District, she studied English Literature at Cambridge University before pursuing a legal career. She later qualified as a solicitor and has worked as a lawyer for several leading firms, including Google.
Dean’s writing is known for its psychological complexity, emotional intensity, and unflinching exploration of trauma, survival, and family relationships. Girl A tells the story of a woman escaping the shadow of a harrowing childhood, and it resonated with readers around the world, earning numerous accolades and translation into more than 30 languages. Dean continues to write fiction while maintaining her career in law, balancing both disciplines with thoughtfulness and precision. Her work reflects a deep understanding of human behavior and a commitment to telling stories that confront difficult truths with compassion and clarity.
FAQs
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We take care of all the essentials so you can relax and fully enjoy your experience. Here’s what’s included in your package:
Accommodation
Comfortable, well-selected accommodation is included for the duration of your stay. Expect clean, secure, and conveniently located lodging designed to give you the best rest between activities.
Food & Drinks
Enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks throughout your trip. All included meals will be clearly outlined in your itinerary so you always know what to expect—no surprise costs.
Full Itinerary
A complete, carefully planned itinerary is provided, covering all scheduled activities, experiences, and key highlights. You’ll know exactly where you’re going and what you’ll be doing each day.
Transfers
All essential transfers are included, ensuring smooth transportation between airports, accommodation, and activity locations. Travel stress-free from start to finish.
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What’s Not Included? – Please Note
To keep everything transparent, the following items are not included in your package:
Flights & Ferries
International and domestic flights, as well as ferry tickets, are not included unless otherwise stated. Guests are responsible for booking their own travel to and from the destination.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for your own peace of mind. This should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays, and personal belongings.
Drinks Outside the Itinerary
Any drinks not specifically listed in the official itinerary—such as additional bar orders, nightlife drinks, or personal purchases—are not included and will be at your own expense.
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You can arrive via Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini, then hop on a ferry to Naxos with ease. You also have the option to fly directly from Athens to Naxos. If you need any assistance with planning your route or booking travel, we’re here to help—just reach out anytime.
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Just £150 deposit per person secures your spot. The remaining balance can be paid in instalments, with the full amount due no later than 30 days before departure.
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The hotel is by the beach in the Plaka, Naxos
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All guests will be accommodated at the same beachfront 3-star hotel, which is also where all retreat sessions will take place. Once your space is confirmed, full hotel details will be shared.
The standard retreat rate is £1,500 for a single room.
For those who prefer to share, a shared twin room is available at £2,450 total (£1,225 per person).
Numbers are limited, and room allocations are subject to availability.
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Yes, we are happy to discuss this with you.
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You’re more than welcome to arrive in Naxos before or after the retreat dates if you’d like to extend your stay. Please note that any additional accommodation outside the retreat dates will be at your own cost.
Extra nights at the hotel may be available depending on availability. If this is something you’re interested in, just let us know your plans in advance and we’ll happily do our best to help you secure:
Discounted room rates, where possible
