Join a transformative writing retreat from Thursday, 15 October to Sunday, 25 October 2026 with bestselling author Afua Hirsch, alongside poet and novelist Yomi Sode and activist Mallence Bart-Williams, who will guide participants through craft, embodiment and the space to finally write their story. This is a working retreat, built around daily small-group sessions on the craft of fiction and non-fiction, paired with wellness, nature and imagination in the afternoons, all set at an eco lodge on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, finally concluding at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

Each morning brings a small-group workshop with Afua Hirsch and Yomi Sode, covering story structure, character, publishing pathways and the craft of both fiction and non-fiction. Afternoons open into yoga, meditation, Balinese massage, temple visits and a Malukat purification ceremony, with time and space to write throughout, while evenings bring shared farm-to-table dinners and fireside conversation. After ten days at a bespoke eco lodge on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, the retreat moves to Ubud for its final five days, where participants attend the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026, meeting acclaimed writers from around the world and taking part in the full programme of talks and workshops.

The retreat package includes ten nights' accommodation at a bespoke eco lodge, with return airport transfers from Denpasar, as well as all workshops with Afua Hirsch, Yomi Ṣode, Mallence Bart-Williams and special guests. Also included is a 4-Day Pass to the 2026 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, three daily meals, plus yoga, meditation and Balinese massage, along with temple visits, a Malukat purification ceremony and a sound healing session.

Flights to and from Denpasar, travel insurance, and visas are not included.

Join an intimate writing retreat from Sunday, 18 October to Tuesday, 20 October 2026 with award winning author Peter Godwin, who leads readings, exercises and discussions to help you sharpen your skills and refine your memoir. This three day intensive is a working room rather than a lecture series, a space to interrogate memory, refine voice and strengthen narrative architecture. Participants gather around long table Balinese feasts curated by Janet DeNeefe.

Day one explores memory as material and finding your narrative spine, ending with a welcome dinner at Casa Luna. Day two looks at the self within history, exile and belonging, with drafting and workshopping of new material. Day three covers structure and revision, closing with final readings and the official Festival Cocktail Party.

The retreat includes a three day writing programme with Peter Godwin, a welcome dinner and invitation to the Festival Cocktail Party, curated lunches by Janet DeNeefe, and coffee and tea breaks.

Flights to and from Denpasar, accommodation, travel insurance, visas, as well as a Festival Pass are not included.