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.
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
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.
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
