4th - 9th May 2026 Naxos Greece Reading Retreat Nikki Smith and Louise Fein
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 Apartments – Your Seaside Sanctuary in Plaka
Stella Apartments is a charming beachfront retreat 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 at Stella. 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, Stella offers 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.
Location
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, library
• 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. Genre-Based Book Clubs
Connect over your favorite genres. Author Events
• Live talk and Q&A with our guest authors
• Book signing & dinner under the stars Quiet Time for Reading & Reflection
Hidden corners, sunlit spots, 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 £1500 Shared Occupancy £2500 (£1250 each)
Nikki Smith is a British author renowned for her gripping psychological thrillers. After studying English Literature at the University of Birmingham, she embarked on a career in finance. In 2017, driven by a "now or never" moment, she enrolled in a Curtis Brown Creative writing course, which led to her debut novel, All In Her Head. This novel became an Amazon bestseller, was nominated for the Guardian's "Not The Booker Prize," and has been optioned for television.
Following her debut, Nikki published Look What You Made Me Do (2021), The Beach Party (2023), and The Guests (2024). Her fifth novel, They Had It Coming, is scheduled for release in May 2025. Beyond writing, Nikki co-hosts the podcast In Suspense, where she discusses crime fiction and the writing process. She lives near Guildford with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Louise Fein is a British author acclaimed for her compelling historical fiction that delves into untold stories and explores themes still resonant today. Her debut novel, People Like Us (published as Daughter of the Reich in the U.S.), was inspired by her family's experiences fleeing Nazi Germany and has been published in thirteen territories. The novel was shortlisted for the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and the RNA Historical Novel of the Year Award in 2021.
Her second novel, The Hidden Child, set in 1920s England, examines the eugenics movement and was influenced by her personal experience of raising a child with epilepsy. The book became a bestseller in Canada. Her third novel, The London Bookshop Affair, released in January 2024, is a Cold War-era story of espionage and secrets set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Before becoming a full-time writer, Louise worked in law and banking. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University, London. She lives in Surrey with her husband, three children, and a collection of pets
FAQs
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Accommodation
Food and drinks
Full Itinerary
Transfers
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Flights/Ferries
Travel Insurance
Drinks outside of the itinerary
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Arrive in either Athens, Mykonos or Santorini and you can hop on the ferry Naxos. We are here to help! Please contact us if you need any help with travel arrangements.
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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
