8th - 13th June 2026 Domnista, Greece

Veronica Henry & Karen Swan

Discover Domnista: A Hidden Haven for Writers and Readers

Tucked away in the serene mountains of Central Greece, Domnista is a charming village where time slows down and inspiration flows freely. Surrounded by lush forests, fresh mountain air, and the gentle sounds of nature, it’s the perfect escape from the distractions of modern life.

Whether you're a writer seeking solitude or a reader craving quiet reflection, Domnista offers a rare kind of stillness that nurtures creativity. Wander ancient footpaths, sip Greek coffee in the village square, or let your thoughts drift with the wind—every corner invites contemplation and connection with your inner voice.

Join us at Yliessa Guesthouse in Domnista. Unplug, unwind, and write your next chapter—literally and figuratively. Nestled in the lush forests of Domnista, Evritania, it offers a serene escape for those looking to read, write, and reconnect with nature. Perched at 1,000 meters on the southern slopes of the Pindos mountains, this luxury, cosy, Swiss-style chalet is built from natural wood and stone, blending beautifully into its surroundings.

Guests stay in spacious, comfortable rooms with modern amenities and stunning views. In June, enjoy relaxing in the garden on sunbeds with a good book, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. An organic vegetable garden offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the on-site bar serves local tsipouro, homemade liqueurs, and light bites.

Yliessa is the ideal setting to slow down, reflect, and create—whether you're writing your next story or simply enjoying the calm of the mountains.

What’s included in your Itinerary

Experience & Excursions

Welcome Reception

On arrival we have lunch in a seaside taverna, quick dip and onto the mountains
Drinks, introductions & mezés on arrival. Local food.
Explore the Grounds
• Pool, library
• Yoga & reading spots Optional Excursions
• Visit the Resistance Museum
• Walk to Panta Vrehi Gorge
• Monastery of Prousos. • Evening trip to Karpenisi 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 (4 rooms) Shared Occupancy £2500 (£1250 each) (3 rooms)

Karen Swan is a Sunday Times top-three bestselling author whose novels are published around the world and translated into multiple languages. She writes two books each year — one for the sun-soaked summer months and one for the festive winter season — each filled with rich settings, intricate plots and unforgettable characters.

Her summer titles include The Spanish Promise, The Hidden Beach, The Secret Path, and The Greek Escape, a dazzling story that captures the beauty and allure of the Greek islands — where turquoise seas, olive groves and ancient myths form the perfect backdrop for romance and reinvention. Her winter novels, such as Christmas at Tiffany’s, The Christmas Secret, Together by Christmas, and The Stolen Hours, are adored for their warmth, escapism and emotional depth.

Renowned for her evocative sense of place, Karen sees travel as essential research for her storytelling. From the icy fjords of Scandinavia to the cobbled streets of Paris, the wild Scottish Highlands to the sun-bleached shores of Greece, each destination she writes about becomes a character in itself.

At the heart of all her work are deep, complex love stories, woven through with secrets, self-discovery, and the timeless pull of human connection. Her books consistently top bestseller lists and have earned her an international readership who return year after year for their perfect escape into Karen’s beautifully crafted worlds.

Veronica Henry has written over twenty bestselling novels published by Orion, which have been translated into twenty-five languages across thirty territories. Her acclaimed titles include A Mother’s Story, The House on the Edge of the Cliff, The Beach Hut, The Forever House, and Summer at the French Café, among many others.

Her first job was typing scripts for BBC Radio 4 Drama The Archers, where it used to take her two and a half hours to type out a single script. Her duties ranged from recording the sound of newborn piglets to playing Peaches the barmaid in the Cat and Fiddle. There was never a dull moment, and The Archers taught her that everyone needs an escape from everyday life.

From there, she became a script editor for Central Television, working on broadcasting legends Crossroads and Boon. After starting a family, she became a freelance scriptwriter, writing hundreds of hours of television drama, including Heartbeat and Holby City.

She also writes lifestyle features and short stories for newspapers and magazines, including Woman & Home, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Good Housekeeping, and Simple Things.

She speaks regularly at literary festivals, libraries, WIs, and charity events, talking about her career and the inspiration behind her novels.

She lives by the sea in North Devon and starts most days with a walk on the beach with her dog, Zelda. Her three boys are all grown up now and come and go with the tide. Happiness to her is the French windows open, a Negroni in hand, some music playing, and friends or family gathered around the table.