Reading Retreat with J.D. Barker, Clare Mackintosh, and others!

Amorgos, Greece

IG
4 reviews
Jun 23 - 29, 2025
Group size: 1 - 60
Reading Retreat with J.D. Barker, Clare Mackintosh, and others!
Amorgos, Greece

4 reviews

Jun 23 - 29, 2025
Group size: 1 - 60

About this trip

 

Guest Authors: JD Barker, Clare Mackintosh, Jonas Saul, Liane Carmen, and Rania Stone!


Join us for our annual Reading Retreat, set for six enchanting nights on the stunning Greek island of Amorgos. We’ve planned an amazing, fun-filled week that will make you never want to leave. Come for the stories, stay for the memories!


Lock your spot in now for a small deposit of 199€


Check out the itinerary schedule for a full briefing of what's to come! We will be adding exciting excursions such as swimming in Kalotaritissa, snorkeling, a murder mystery event, and shopping in the historic village of Chora as the retreat date approaches. Stay updated through our Facebook group, Travel to Greece - Read, Write, and Holistic Adventures.


Note: Plan to arrive in Athens a few days before taking the ferry to the island of Amorgos. We have an Acropolis tour, and a tour of the National Museum arranged. We can stroll down the shopping streets of Athens and enjoy some Greek cuisine as a group over several days, then take the ferry together. (All excursions are optional)


JD Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and THE FOURTH MONKEY. His latest, BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR, was released on May 13, 2024. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.


With over 2 million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and France’s coveted Prix du Polar in 2016. Four of her thrillers have been selected for WHSmith's Richard & Judy Book Club, and her books have been translated into forty languages. Her new crime series, featuring Welsh detective DC Ffion Morgan, has been critically acclaimed, with both The Last Party and A Game of Lies hitting the Sunday Times top ten. Her books have spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists. In 2024, she published a memoir, I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This.

Cancelation Policy

Cancelation Policy: 

We offer a 100% refund to all cancelations prior to April 15, 2025, two months before the retreat begins.

Waiver of Liability

Waiver of Liability

By participating in this retreat, I agree to release Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), the retreat faculty, staff, and the associated hotel from any liability for injuries that may occur during the retreat. I understand that this release includes financial responsibility for any injuries incurred, even if due to negligence.

I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity if I feel uncomfortable at any time.

By joining this retreat, I forfeit the right to bring any claims against IGR, its faculty, or staff related to my participation. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions provided in writing and verbally, and I will seek clarification whenever necessary.

In return, I will benefit from the activities and experiences offered during the retreat.

What’s included

  • Transport to/from hotel
    Buses will be waiting to transport you to and from the hotel upon arrival and departure.
  • Accommodations
    All six nights at Lakki Village Hotel are covered in the Reading Retreat fee.
  • Access to all Sessions
    The retreat fee offers you unfettered access to all the sessions with J.D. Barker and Clare Mackintosh, and the guest authors, as well as the book signing event, plus more!
  • Greek buffet breakfast
    Buffet breakfast is served every day from 8:00 - 10:30 with a wide variety of dishes and beverages: Coffee, tea, juices, jam, cheeses, olives, eggs, warm dishes, seasonal fruits, and more ...
  • Dinner buffet
    Buffet style dinner - Greek and American dishes.
  • Visit the Monastery
    11th-century monastery Hozoviotissa is a wonder that must be seen.
  • Village Tour: Chora
    The ancient village of Chora is a magnificent sight to see, with its historic windmills still adorning the hillside.
  • Greek Night
    Greek music, Greek food, and a wonderful Greek good time takes place on Greek Night.
  • Retreat materials
    Attendees will be given a gift bag of fun and exciting things related to the retreat, as well as new books offered from authors worldwide.
  • Village hike
    We take you from the village of Tholaria across a mountain path to the neighboring village called Lagada for a picturesque walk.
  • Free use of yoga Shalas
    There are several yoga shalas on site for any of the attendees to use.

What’s not included

  • Flights to/from Greece
    Attendees must find their own way to and from Greece.
  • Ferry tickets
    Blue Star Ferries offers tickets online. Please plan ahead and get your tickets to Amorgos before the retreat begins, and for when the retreat is over.
  • Refreshments, Beverages
    The one thing your fee does not cover are beverages. All beverages can be charged to your room and settled up upon check-out.
  • Alcohol
    As noted above, all alcohol (even during buffets) can be charged to your room and settled up later.
  • Travel Insurance
    Please investigate what travel insurance works best for you, if needed.
  • Hotel Tax Fee
    There may be a small fee of a few euros when checking out to cover the hotel tax fee the Greek government imposes upon hotels.

Available Packages

Double/Triple occupancy
Deposit:€199

Consists of one spacious room overlooking the garden or the swimming pool. Each room has its own unique design. Each room has its own unique design.

Note: The rate for these rooms is lower based on double occupancy or more.

  • Daily cleaning service
  • Air condition
  • Refrigerator
  • TV
  • Kettle
  • Safe box
  • Bath Amenities
  • Hair dryer
€1,299
Deposit:€199
Single Occupancy
Deposit:€199

Consists of one spacious room overlooking the garden or the swimming pool. Each room has its own unique design.

  • Daily cleaning service
  • Air condition
  • Refrigerator
  • TV
  • Kettle
  • Safe box
  • Bath Amenities
  • Hair dryer
€1,499
Deposit:€199
Apartment for 3 or 4 people
Deposit:€199
4 left

Apartment with a bedroom and a second seating/sleeping room with a kitchenette overlooking the sea, the garden, or the swimming pool. Each apartment has its own unique design.

  • Daily cleaning service
  • Air condition
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • TV
  • Kettle
  • Safe box
  • Bath Amenities
  • Hair dryer
€1,499
Deposit:€199


Itinerary

June 23
Arrival Day: relax and settle in and get ready for an amazing week!

Upon your arrival in Amorgos, a hotel van (or bus) will be waiting to transfer us all to the Lakki Village Hotel, where we will check in, rest, swim, or read.

19:00: Gather in the restaurant by the sea for a welcome drink and to mingle - get to know one another as we discuss books!

20:00:  Buffet Dinner

22:00: Gather at the pool bar for late-night drinks before retiring for the night.

Your Organizer


IG
Imagine Greece Retreats
4 reviews
🌟 Unforgettable Memories Await with Our Canadian-Greek Team! Our dedicated team is committed to creating unique memories that will forever hold a special place in your heart. We want to see people smiling, having fun, and enjoying life. That's why we do our best to offer you the best. Join us for a fun-filled week of beach, sea, sunshine, and retreat time! 👥 Don't miss out on exclusive member benefits! Join our Facebook group, "Travel to Greece - Read, Write, and Holistic Adventures," to stay updated on special perks.

Reviews

October is a lovely time to visit Greece—it's not crowded, most things are still open, and the people are warm, kind, and relaxed. The weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing outside, and it's still possible to swim. Our tour leader, Jonas, also became our Boot Camp leader. He communicated well and had excellent attention to detail. I got what I was looking for in the Workshop - inspiration, encouragement, and days of practical and helpful information about writing. Highly recommended!
By Karin B for Boot Camp Writing Retreat Featuring Darcy Nybo! on Nov 06, 2024
GK
The event was informative and enlightening. The activities outside the workshop provided a beautiful view of the island and lifestyle there. I came away with relationships that will last a lifetime. My work as an author has been advanced beyond belief.
By Greg K for Writing Retreat Featuring C.C. Humphreys! on Oct 09, 2024
It was a wonderful experience in the perfect location. Great atmosphere among fellow writers from all over the world. Mutual inspiration and new friendships which will surely last. Not to mention the spectacular scenery and delicious food. This was my first retreat with Imagine Greece Retreats, and I will come back. Jonas, Rania, and the entire team at Lakki Village went above and beyond. Anyone who’s looking to combine the beauty and hospitality of Greece with an inspiring writing experience will be in the right place. Thank you to everyone who was part of this special week on Amorgos 💫
By Andrea B for Writing Retreat Featuring C.C. Humphreys! on Oct 03, 2024
Beautiful location, generous hosts, brilliant mentoring, and overall a lovely experience.
By Kira Z for Writing Retreat Featuring C.C. Humphreys! on Sep 30, 2024

References

I attended the Retreat, hosted by Jonas and Rania in October 2024 as part of my solo holiday and as a way to kickstart my aspirational writing career. After a lot of various last minute changes, not least the ferries going on strike, everything worked out for the better in the end. Overall it was a wonderful experience in the magical island of Amorgos. The scenery was spectacular, the Greek hospitality was exemplary and the food was delicious at Lakki Village. It was like being part of an extended Greek family (even the cats and dogs were welcoming). The course participants were also friendly and i made long lasting friendships there. Most importantly, I was inspired by the classes and wish I could have stayed longer in Amorgos (had to leave on the 26th itself). With encouragement from both, I came out equipped and confident to start writing more and losing the fear in the process. I am hoping to be able to attend more of these retreats next year in Greece :)
By MING G on 03 Nov, 2024
TK
What an amazing trip to Amorgos, Greece for the Psychological Thriller Readers Retreat. Hosted by the legendary Authors Jonas Saula and Rania Stone, I was delighted by this little corner of paradise. The hotel resort was lovely in its complete and modern rooms, ground amenities, dining options, the pool area and bar. Lena the bartender was superb. Rania's family owns and runs the resort. So friendly and inviting this family was, I could not ask for more. The resort is located right on the beach. I started my mornings with tea and breakfast and a glorious beach view. It does not get better than that. The retreat schedule of events was just right. Something fascinating to experience each day with plenty of time to explore or chill as you like. Jonas is the perfect host with knowledge, humor, energy enough for everyone. The author guests were accessible and engaging, even those we met via Zoom. It was thrilling to learn about their beginnings, writing styles, publishing and all. AND, oh the giveaways! The retreat swag is top notch. I truly enjoyed this experience and am looking forward to a return trip. I highly recommend this retreat experience.
By TINA K on 29 Sep, 2024
We did the Reading Retreat in Amorgos June 2024, and it was fabulous!! The island, the venue, the food, the events—everything was perfect! It was so helpful to have Imagine Greece Retreats coordinate all arrangements, and they were readily available to answer questions. If you love reading and want to experience Greece, this is the way to do it!!
By Tracy Y on 25 Sep, 2024
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