"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ― William Wordsworth

 

Our Writers' Retreat is crafted for both seasoned authors and aspiring writers seeking a dedicated space to focus on their craft. Combining structured workshops with ample personal writing time, the retreat provides the tools and support necessary to ignite your creativity and advance your projects.​

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Programme

Monday, August 4 – Arrival and orientation 

• 2pm: Arrive and settle in

• 3pm: Welcome ceremony

• 4:30pm: Yoga 

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Intention Setting

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Tuesday, August 5 – Exploring Creativity

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Writing workshop: Overcoming writer's block

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Inspirational forest walk and writing session

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Fireside storytelling​

 

Wednesday, August 6 – Deepening the Practice

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Workshop: Character development techniques

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Silent writing period

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Fireside storytelling​ 

 

Thursday, August 7 – Inspiration from Nature

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Writing vivid settings​

• 1pm: Lunch - picnic

• 2pm: Silent writing period in the forest

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Fireside storytelling​ 
   

Friday, August 8 Mindfulness and Writing

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Mindfulness techniques for writers​

• 1pm: Lunch - picnic

• 2pm: Individual writing consultations​

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Fireside storytelling​ 

 

Saturday, August 9 – Integration and Reflection

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Workshop: Editing and revising your work

• 1pm: Lunch - picnic

• 2pm: Free writing time

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Fireside storytelling​ 

 

Sunday, August 10 – Integration and Reflection

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Final sharing session

• 12pm: Farewell
   

Retreat Features – Writing Workshops

Our Writers' Retreat at Vala House is designed to nurture creativity and provide structured guidance for writers at all levels. Each workshop is carefully crafted to help participants overcome challenges, refine their craft, and develop their unique voices.

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1. Overcoming Writer’s Block

• Explore proven techniques to break through creative blocks.

• Engage in guided free-writing exercises to spark new ideas.

• Learn mindfulness practices to ease anxiety and enhance focus.
   

2. Character Development & Storytelling

• Deep dive into creating compelling and multi-dimensional characters.

• Understand the psychology behind believable protagonists and antagonists.

• Use interactive exercises to build character backstories and motivations.
   

3. Writing Vivid Settings & Atmosphere

• Discover how to transport readers into your world with sensory details.

• Learn how setting can enhance tone, mood, and character development.

• Experiment with nature-inspired writing prompts in Vala House’s serene surroundings.
   

4. Plotting & Structure Masterclass

• Unpack different story structures, from the three-act structure to more organic approaches.

• Explore techniques for pacing, tension, and narrative arcs.

• Develop your own outline or refine an existing story idea.
   

5. The Art of Editing & Revision

• Gain insights into self-editing techniques and developmental editing.

• Learn how to refine sentence structure, dialogue, and overall readability.

• Receive constructive feedback from facilitators and peers in a supportive environment.
   

6. Writing with Mindfulness & Flow

• Harness meditation and mindfulness techniques to deepen creativity.

• Learn how to create a sustainable and enjoyable writing practice.

• Engage in guided journaling and reflection exercises.
   

7. Publishing & The Business of Writing

• Navigate the different publishing options: traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid.

• Understand how to write query letters, book proposals, and pitch to agents.

• Get practical advice on marketing, building an author platform, and networking in the industry.

 

Each workshop is designed to be interactive, with a mix of discussion, writing exercises, and time for feedback. Whether you’re working on a novel, memoir, poetry, or personal essays, these sessions will help you refine your craft and leave the retreat with renewed inspiration and confidence.

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Who should attend?

You don’t need to be a seasoned writer or have a polished manuscript in hand. Maybe you're just beginning, searching for clarity, or looking for the encouragement to start—or finish—something meaningful. You might be halfway through a novel, shaping a screenplay, capturing your life’s story, or holding a quiet dream of writing but unsure where to begin.

Whether your focus is a novel, memoir, poetry collection, photo-driven project, online course, or simply exploring your creative voice, you're welcome here.

You might simply want to attend the sessions, reflect through writing, and enjoy a rejuvenating getaway with fellow creatives—while becoming part of a global community of storytellers.

This retreat is both an immersive dive into your personal writing goals and a structured, task-oriented space to increase your word count or bring your manuscript closer to completion. All experience levels are welcome, from emerging writers to those with publishing experience.

 

What to expect 

Daily writing sessions, practical workshops on craft and structure, insights into publishing and self-publishing (including Amazon strategies), feedback circles, creative technique tutorials, book design tips, and poetry explorations. You'll receive group support and professional feedback on your work, as well as daily space to write and connect with others on the same path.

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Costs:

Standard Room: R19,800

Luxury Room:R22,700

Cost is all-inclusive and includes private, en-suite bathroom; all meals, drinks and snacks; all activities listed.