In a hectic work environment, sometimes it's hard just to take a deep breath, focus, and think. A change of scenery and a slower pace can inject your writing with renewed purpose.
Our retreat combines writing sessions with group discussions and one-on-one coaching. Emphasis is on giving you time and space to write in a supportive environment.
To sign up for the retreat, fill out this registration form.
Details
Facilitators: Lynn P. Nygaard (PRIO) and Georgina Berry (PRIO)
Where: Kavos Bay Hotel, on the Greek island of Aegina.
Costs: All-inclusive room and board is:
- Single room €1,250,00 (NOK 13 322)
- Shared room €900 each (NOK 9 592 each)
These prices include exclusive use of the Kavos Bay Hotel and the following:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with all drinks included
- Coffee breaks, tea, drinks, pastries, and fresh fruit are provided throughout the day
- Special dietary requests
- Fast, reliable WiFi internet and VAT are also included in the price
You arrange your own travel both to Athens airport and to Aegina island. The costs for room and board will be invoiced from PRIO at a later date.
Note: PRIO will cover half the costs of the room and board for PhD students at PRIO.
Schedule
A full programme will be made available to participants.
Sunday
Travel day: First to Athens, and then to Aegina island
- 19:00–20:00 Introductions: Presentation of group members; discuss goals for retreat
- 20:00 Dinner
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- 08:00–09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00–12:30 Morning session
- 12:30–14:00 Free time
- 14:00–15:00 Lunch
- 15:00–20:00 Afternoon session
- 20:00 Dinner
Wednesday
- 08:00–09:00 Breakfast
- 9:00–10:00 Write
- 10:15–14:00 Excursion to temple
- 14:00–15:00 Lunch
- 15:00–20:00 Afternoon session
- 20:00 Dinner
Saturday
Travel day:
- Lunch and departure
Writing sessions
On most days, the schedule has two three-hour writing sessions, with breaks. (These sessions are not mandatory – you are of course free to work from your room or anywhere else). The pavilion will be set up so we can do the sessions outside (tables, chairs, and WiFi are available). You may also use the time to read. The purpose of having structured writing sessions as a group is so we have the benefit of positive peer-pressure (it is easier to focus and be self-disciplined if you see other people around you doing the same thing) as well as ensuring that we get enough breaks. Regardless of whether you are reading, writing, or just thinking, the pavilion should be quiet during the specified writing times, but we are free to talk during the breaks.
Mingling and group discussions
Before dinner, we unwind after the day's efforts, enjoy a glass of wine (or other beverage) and have informal discussions about things that concern us all as writers and academics.
Coaching
Each participant is entitled to a one-hour coaching session from Lynn or Georgina. The coaching can involve commenting on a draft, or simply discussing writing-related challenges. The sessions take place during the afternoon in a different part of the hotel.
Unscheduled time
Note that there is a long break in the middle of the day. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this time, or the time before breakfast, to take walks, jog, do yoga, or swim. And if you would like an extended break to visit the town, just let one of the facilitators know. The local town of Agia Marina is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Excursion
The facilitators will guide an excursion to Aphaia temple on Wednesday morning. The temple is about a 40-minute (uphill) walk from the hotel. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Greece and has its own museum. After viewing the temple, we can have refreshments at the café before walking back.
