The Great Beauty - Writing to Awaken in Greece

The Great Beauty - Writing to Awaken in Greece

Retreat
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 16:00 to Sunday, November 1, 2026 - 10:00
Life
Spiritual
Wellbeing
Inspiring
Alternatives says: 
5 day retreat
Description: 

Our souls are nourished by beauty and awakened through self-discovery and insight. When writing is used to investigate the false stories and negative beliefs that limit us and prevent flourishing, we’re able to tap into our deepest potential with new dimensions of creative expression and discover the beauty within us.

This five-day writing retreat on the island of Santorini is a unique opportunity to work personally with Mark and use his Writing to Awaken method as a path of creativity, self-discovery, and transformation. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable creative retreat in an intimate group setting with daily writing sessions and one-on-one time with Mark, while experiencing the rich culture, history, and exceptional cuisine of this remarkable region.

Known for his insightful, provocative guidance, Mark creates a supportive, gentle atmosphere of mutual support and creative discovery. “When you tell the truth, your story changes. When your story changes, your life is transformed,” he teaches. Writing to Awaken has helped thousands of students around the world toward their personal, professional, and spiritual goals. 

 

How this retreat will help you:      

Learn to access the emotional depth of your personal stories

Recognize the essential element of beauty in storytelling

Develop the internal storyteller-witness who knows you better than you know yourself

Practice transforming fear self-doubt into material for powerful writing

Write with greater honesty and immediacy about core life experiences

Renew your relationship to creativity as soul work environment

 

Who will benefit from this retreat:

Memoir writers who wish to deepen their insight and craft

Journal keepers interested in self-exploration
Legacy writers drawn to creating for posterity
Writing enthusiasts who are cultivating a regular writing practice
Seekers using writing for self-inquiry and spiritual awakening

 

Whether you’re working on a creative project or wish to use this time for self-exploration, Writing to Awaken in Greece will leave you “whole and balanced, with lots of things to think about and ways to grow,” as one student put it. We invite you to join us for this enchanting retreat on Santorini for five days of inspiration, insight, and self-renewal.

 

Book your place for £1,490
(less than £300 deposit to secure your place)

 

For the 5-day retreat

What's included:

  • All accommodation, breakfast, and evening meals
  • Daily classes with Mark
  • All excursions - Included in this retreat is an excursion to Oia for amazing sunset views over the cliffs and a tour of the famous blue-topped chapels. 

 

What's not included

  • Lunches
  • Insurance
  • Air and ground transportation to and from the resort

 

Once your place has been confirmed, we will advise you on travel to Santorini

Please email info@alternatives.org.uk with any queries - happy to help!

 

Getting to Santorini. Santorini is easily accessible, with regular international connections into Santorini airport. 

From the UK

  • Direct flights to Santorini (Thira – JTR) operate from several major UK airports
  • Flight time from London is approximately 4 hours.
  • Alternatively, guests may fly via Athens and take a short onward flight to Santorini (around 45 minutes).

 

From the USA

  • Most travellers fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) via major European hubs.
  • From Athens, frequent domestic flights connect to Santorini, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes.

We are happy to advise on travel routing if you would like support planning your journey.

Airport Transfers. Santorini Airport is conveniently close to the retreat venue.

  • Transfer time: approximately 20 minutes
  • Hotel shuttle service: available for €20 per person
  • The shuttle can be arranged on arrival easily and quickly



About the speaker, Mark Matousek

Mark brings 35 years’ experience as an author, teacher, seeker, and survivor to his transformative work with students. The founder of Inquire Within: The Writing to Awaken Community, he is the author of eight books, including Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story, Emerson, the Stoics & Me: Timeless Lessons for an Authentic Life, When You’re Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living, and Writing to Awaken: A Journey of Truth, Transformation, and Self-Discovery

He created a 21-session “Journaling for Insight” series for Sam Harris’s Waking Up app and has contributed to numerous anthologies and publications including The New Yorker, O: The Oprah Magazine, and Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. His Writing to Awaken method has helped thousands of people around the world to reach their personal, professional, and spiritual goals.

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Timetable: 
16:00
Retreat commences
12.00
Retreat ends 1st Nov
Venue: