our last retreat in zakynthos

itinerary

an invitation from daisy

Dear readers and friends,

I’m so excited to invite you to the Read Yourself Happy retreat. I understand that life often feels exhausting and overwhelming, and the busier we get, the harder it can be to lose ourselves in stories. But ultimately, that’s where we can find ourselves. I really hope you’ll join me for some nourishing, restorative time together. I’m planning a trip to fill you with calm and ease and help you to create more space in your lives to hope, wish and dream.

Together, we’ll be heading to Zakynthos, a stunning Greek island, surrounded by azure sea. I chose Greece, because it’s a country that takes storytelling seriously. I’ve designed a range of activities that will enable us all to spend time alone, and time together. I think something magical happens when book lovers are gathered – and as well as having plenty of time and space for your own reading practise, you’ll have the chance to build brand new bonds with people who love stories just as much as you do. I can’t wait to get to know you all, and I hope that our time together will result in some lasting, life-changing friendships.

We have some gorgeous trips and excursions planned, too. There will be opportunities for wild hiking and swimming, yacht trips and even a traditional Greek cooking class. I’ll also be leading you in workshops exploring how you can use your reading habit to unlock your creative powers and use that creativity to enhance your life – whether that’s in your own writing, or simply building your confidence and increasing the calm in your day-to-day life. And I’ll be available for private guidance and support too, whether you want to talk about books you love, how to start journalling, or how to overcome a creative block.

Everyone who joins the trip will be given a special, signed, dedicated copy of READ YOURSELF HAPPY, my upcoming book, and you’ll also get a bespoke book gift, too. If you let me know about your favourite books (and what you like to avoid) I’d love to choose a book that I think you’ll love, and present it to you, during the trip.

This will be the trip of a lifetime, for all of us. Together, we’ll be making magic, and creating memories we’ll never forget – but we’ll also be feeding our imagination and learning to read in a way that helps us to live more boldly, and more joyfully. I really hope you’ll join me.

Love

Daisy x

inclusions

• Workshops from Daisy

  • Reading for creativity with daisy, exploring how we can read books in a way that enables us to lead more creative live

  • Reading for confidence with daisy

  • Writing like a reader with daisy

  • Daisy’s open book clubs

• 6 nights accommodation in an opulent, private greek villa

• Brunch and dinner every day prepared by in-house chefs and made with locally sourced, organic ingredients that can tailor to any dietary requirement

• Yoga

• Hike & swim

• Greek cooking class

• Luxury yacht sailing experience

• Massage

• All ground transportation

• Goodie bag

• Transformative travel guidebook from Aweventurer

meet your host

Daisy Buchanan is the bestselling author of several books including the novels Insatiable, Careering, Limelight and Pity Party. She’s the founder of the Creative Confidence Clinic, a space for writers and creative people at all stages seeking inspiration and support.

She hosts the chart topping You’re Booked podcast, where she talks to legendary authors about the books that have shaped them. Daisy often appears on TV and radio shows including Woman’s Hour, The Today Programme, Soul Music, A Good Read, This Morning and Good Morning Britain. She is a TEDx speaker and has guest presented the Booker Prize for BBC News. Her new book READ YOURSELF HAPPY: How To Use Books To Ease Your Anxiety will be published by DK in February 2025.

location

we are staying at a group of luxury intimate hideaways nestled in the greek island of zakynthos. the villas are one of the most inspiring spaces you could find. the classic cycladic architecture is an overwhelm of azure sea and natural design, with views of the island landscape. the dreamy architecture is complemented by private pools. each villa has a glorious view of the sparkling ionian ocean and lush hillside decorated by olive and cypress trees.

FAQs

How can I join?

Please secure your place by paying a deposit, the full trip price or opting onto a payment plan. Confirmation will take place via email when the trip reaches it’s minimum number required. There is a maximum number of places available on this trip so act fast.

How do I get there?

By Air

• Direct flights: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios Solomos Airport) receives direct flights from various European cities, especially during the tourist season (May to October). Check for flights from major airlines or budget carriers.

• Via Athens: If you're coming from outside Europe or during off-peak times, you might need to fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) first. From Athens, take a domestic flight to Zakynthos (flight duration ~1 hour).

By Ferry

• From Mainland Greece:

  • The most common route is via Kyllini Port on the Peloponnese peninsula. Ferries from Kyllini to Zakynthos run multiple times a day, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

  • You can reach Kyllini by bus or car from Athens (~3.5 hours).

• From Other Ionian Islands:

  • Ferries connect Zakynthos with nearby islands like Kefalonia. The ferry between Pessada (Kefalonia) and Agios Nikolaos (Zakynthos) takes about 1.5 hours.

Please do not purchase your transport until the trip is confirmed.

What is the rooming configuration?

The rooms are majority ensuite and have stunning views. The rooms available are either double or twin share, so you will either have a bestie for the entirety of the trip to share the experience with or can opt for more privacy. There are limited private rooms available, Confirmation of your place will be roommate dependent.

How can I pay?

Either pay in full or pay the deposit now, and book onto a payment plan, using the book now button.

What should I pack?

• Day pack for carrying essentials.

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

• Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.

• Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

• Light layers for the daytime

• Warmer layers for night time.

• Sandals, flip flops, or any kind of water shoe.

• Swimwear.

• Electrical adaptor.

• Water bottle.

Will there be downtime?

Whilst our days are designed with plenty of activities to give you the best Greek experience, there will be time for downtime in the evenings or days when you are free to explore on your own.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe journey. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.