New Year, new you with a holistic holiday

Skyros (skyros.com), the market leaders in mind, spirit and body holidays, has announced dates for its holistic retreats in the Far East over the Christmas and New Year period.

With a choice of three two-week course dates in Thailand and a single 10-day course in Cambodia, during December 2007 and January 2008, Skyros offers an ideal escape for anyone wanting a more meaningful alternative to the commercialisation of the festive season.

A Skyros holiday offers world-weary travellers the chance to rediscover themselves through inspiration, renewal and adventure. Each session brings together a community of 20-30 like-minded individuals in a relaxed, secure environment where participants can be themselves, relate to each other and encounter new possibilities and ideas.

The Skyros philosophy is based around a holistic understanding of life underpinned by an ethos emphasising ‘being’ rather than having, ‘doing’ rather than consuming, and ‘co-operating’ rather than competing. By encouraging the will to question, challenge and create rather than resign, accept and conform, the programmes enable participants to re-assess their needs and priorities, take a fresh look on life and expand their own limits beyond what they had always thought possible.

The renowned ‘Skyros-in-Thailand’ programme is the company’s most popular winter retreat and, with a choice of three sessions (14-27 December, 28 December – 10 January and 27 January – 9 February), there’s plenty of scope to plan the experience around any existing Christmas or New Year commitments. The Thailand holidays are based at the five-star Aiyapura Resort & Spa on the island of Koh Chang, which lies within the boundaries of a protected National Park.

This exclusive resort is situated on a private bay and features excellent cuisine and first-class facilities. Participants can enjoy up to three courses a day with internationally-acclaimed tutors along with ample free time to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. Courses this winter include sessions on recognising and developing creativity, meditation, analysing dreams, overcoming fears and making life choices.

In addition there will be a ‘Writers’ lab’ to inspire various aspects of creative writing, traditional Thai massage, Pilates and daily yoga classes. Prices lead in at £945 per person, to include 11-nights accommodation in a Superior room on half-board basis and a choice of courses four days per week. Flights are not included.

The ‘Skyros-in-Cambodia’ holiday brings an additional element of adventure to the Skyros experience. The programme takes the form of a 10-day overland tour from Bangkok to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, with three nights in the wildlife-rich jungles of northern Thailand on the way.

Accommodation in Bangkok and Siem Reap is in five-star Sofitel hotels, whilst the Jungle House in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park offers comfortable rooms built on stilts to minimise their impact on the forest floor. Classes are held throughout the tour and with excursions, such as guided jungle walks and temple tours, included in the itinerary the Cambodia holiday makes an excellent option for those wanting to combine spiritual wellbeing with a discovery of these two fascinating countries.

The programme takes place from 16-25 January and costs from £1,095 per person, to include all accommodation on half-board basis, classes, ground transportation and entrance fees. Flights are not included.

For further information on these winter escapes, including full itineraries and course details, visit Skyros.com.