Patmos has been an important part of our life, mine and Rob’s, since 1988 when we first visited - it is a magic and healing place and we return as often as we can. Located in the northern Aegean Sea, not many miles from the Turkish coast, Patmos owes its spiritual significance to the historical fact that the author of the last book of the Christian Bible – The Apocalypse - had his revelations in a cave on the island.

“I John, your brother … was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

The island is dominated by the monastery, an important one in the Greek Orthodox Church. Its spirituality has an impact on my thoughts and the sense I make of my life. Last year we returned with a gift from the owner of the hotel where we stay - a painting of the view from the hotel up to Hora and the monastery. It was part of a series that used to hang in the hotel before its revamp.