Four very different writers will gather in a historic country house hotel, which may or may not be haunted by Thomas Hardy, for a weekend of literary discussion. Sounds like a good start for a whodunnit by Agatha Christie!

The idea, however, is far from bumping each other off (whilst leaving a host of fascinating clues, plausible motives, dodgy alibis and smoking red herrings). The purpose is to entertain and enlighten guests by sharing the secrets of their writing success.

“Summer Lodge has close associations with Thomas Hardy,” explains General Manager Charles Lötter. “He lived nearby and the hotel is at the very heart of the Wessex landscape he immortalised. The village pub, the Acorn Inn is featured in his novel ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ as ‘The Sow & Acorn’. What’s more, in his capacity as an architect, Hardy was asked to design the upper floor and the drawing room of Summer Lodge by the 6th Earl of Ilchester in 1893. So you could say the house is haunted by him – although I’ve yet to bump into him myself”.

This gave the team at Red Carnation Hotels, the luxury collection of five and four-star family-run boutique hotels that owns Summer Lodge, the idea for the Writers’ Weekend. Guests will have the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from four very different practitioners.

Roger Collis is an actor, broadcaster, writer and master raconteur who has earned world-wide recognition as a business travel guru through his weekly column, ‘The Frequent Traveler,’ in the International Herald Tribune

Marcelle Bernstein is a much acclaimed novelist, nonfiction writer and journalist. Several of her novels, such as “Body & Soul” and “Sacred & Profane”, are best-sellers and were made into into successful feature films and television dramas.

Eric Clark is a respected investigative journalist who has delved into the seedier aspects of crime and drugs. His gripping thrillers “Black Gambit” and “Chinese Burn” have proven particularly popular.

Jim O’Connor is an advertising copywriter who has promoted everything from boutique hotels to fork lift trucks, Clover Low Fat Spread to Palmolive Soap, Cornish Pasties to Australian rum.

The Writers’ Weekend package includes:

* Two nights accommodation in a Classic Double Room
* Full English Breakfast daily
* Welcome Champagne and Canapés
* Attendance at three Writer Workshop sessions over two days
* Three-course dinner on the Saturday evening
* Teas and coffees during workshop sessions
* Complimentary signed-copy of a book by Eric or Marcelle

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, set in four acres of perfectly maintained gardens, is the epitome of the English country house in the picturesque Dorset village. This luxurious 24-bedroom five star hotel has swiftly earned a reputation as one of England’s finest country house hotels. With a world-class spa – including indoor heated pool and rejuvenating body and beauty treatments – and an award-winning restaurant and extensive wine list created by one of the world’s best sommeliers, this hotel is the perfect short break getaway. Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa is a member of Relais & Châteaux.

• To book the Writers Weekend package contact the hotel directly on +44 (0) 1935 482000
• Rates are from £221 per person per night, inclusive of VAT and based on two adults sharing a Classic Room. Subject to availability and terms and conditions.
• For further details visit www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk

Skyros, ‘the most talked about holistic holiday destination in Europe’, has just announced its 2010 programme. It unfolds in Greece, Cuba, Thailand, Cambodia and the isle of wight. The programme is facilitated by a staff of eighty that includes many of the very best in their fields, from writers to psychotherapists and from artists to yoga teachers. Comedian, writer and broadcaster Arthur Smith is just one of them this year. See www.skyros.com.

The numerous courses Skyros offers include life coaching, creative writing, art, music, singing, dance, T’ai Chi, yoga, sailing , windsurfing and much more. Participants can either sample many of them in Atsitsa Bay or, alternatively, focus on one course such as writing or life coaching at the Skyros Centre in Skyros village and go into it in depth.

Whatever their choice, all people are all given the chance to navigate beyond old boundaries, explore new possibilities, try new things and acquire new skills. In a world far removed from daily routines, they can also take the opportunity to reassess their life, redefine their needs and re-set their priorities. It was in Skyros that Jimmy Carr, the comedian, decided to leave Shell and give it a go as a performer. See www.skyros.com/press.htm.

Sung about by Homer and full of ancient memories, Skyros island, Greece, is an enchanted place. Unspoilt, it’s blessed, like Thailand’s Koh Chang, with sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, protected forests and the heritage of the ancient land. Havana, Cuba, is the romantic’s dream and Cambodia an adventure into a world of mystery. Close to London, The Grange in the isle of wight is part of the charming old village of Shanklin and only moments from its long, sandy beach.

Established in 1979 by Dr Yannis Andricopoulos, a Greek author and journalist, and Dr Dina Glouberman, an American psychotherapist and writer, Skyros pioneered the concept of educational holidays and the holistic approach to life within a community context.

Skyros has been hailed by the media as the very first and still the best alternative holiday. Its courses in creative writing offer for others ‘the world’s best writing holiday’. Its Cambodia venture is viewed as ‘one of the top five adventure retreats’. Its Thailand holidays are commented for their ‘exquisite’ facilities. And its outpost in the isle of wight has been described as ‘a stylish wellbeing retreat that won’t break the bank’.

Yet Skyros is more than all this. It’s ‘the sheer, crazy, overwhelming joy of letting go and feeling alive’. It’s is simplicity, the trust it generates, ‘the bonds made that will last you a lifetime’, the ‘fun you probably haven’t had since you were a kid’. Skyros, one wrote, is ‘a magical, healing place that brings out the best in people’. It’s ‘magically successful thanks to its unique alchemy of people, settings and ideals’, noted another.