Naxos Greece 5th - 11th October 2026 Gillian McAllister and Holly Seddon

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.

suggested Itinerary

What’s included in your Itinerary

Experience & Excursions

Welcome Reception

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 favourite 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 cooked by our local chefs Departure Morning
• Breakfast from 7:00 am
• Smooth transfers to the airport

BOOK NOW

Reserve your place from just £150

Solo Occupancy £1600 (8 rooms) Shared Occupancy £2500 (£1250 each) (4 rooms)

Gillian McAllister is a bestselling British author known for her gripping psychological and legal thrillers. Born in 1985 and raised in Tamworth, she studied English at the University of Birmingham before qualifying and working as a solicitor. Her debut novel, Everything But The Truth, was published in 2017 and became an instant bestseller.

Since then, Gillian has written several acclaimed novels, including Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and became a New York Times bestseller. Her work is published in over 40 languages and often explores moral dilemmas, family secrets, and the consequences of split-second decisions.

She lives in Birmingham with her husband, son, and their dog, and co-hosts the Honest Authors podcast.

Holly Seddon is a British author known for her emotionally charged and suspenseful psychological thrillers. She began her career as a journalist, writing for newspapers, magazines, and websites, before turning to fiction. Her debut novel, Try Not to Breathe, was published in 2016 and became an international bestseller.

She has since written several other novels, including Don’t Close Your Eyes, Love Will Tear Us Apart, The Hit List, The Woman on the Bridge, and The Short Straw. Her work is known for exploring complex relationships, personal trauma, and the darker corners of everyday life.

Holly lives in Kent with her husband and four children. She is also the co-host of the Honest Authors podcast, where she discusses the realities of being a working writer alongside fellow novelist Gillian McAllister.