The Writing Room Retreats - Africa
Botswana, Kenya and South Africa
Soulful writing retreats led by a top writing coach and literary agent in creatively stimulating places
Led by literary agent Sarah Bullen, these set-date group witing retreats take place in special locations that help the magic of story emerge, from a beautiful boutique hotel on the coast to an off-grid retreat centre in the wilderness. With group and private coaching from Sarah Bullen, activities to get your writing flowing, lots of deep, quiet time and a global community of writers.
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Sarah’s experience, passion and exuberant energy ensures you write your best work while having fun. Check ahead to see which retreat is right for your writing style – some focus on memoir and non-fiction, while others are for all writing including novels and screenplays’
BOTSWANA
Writing, Wilderness and Myths from the Soil, Gabarone, Botswana
Immersive off-grid retreat at the Siyama Centre, Gabarone with Sarah Bullen and shaman and medicine man Niall Campbell. Reconnect with the external wilderness to explore your place in the world, writing and purpose. connection to land and ancestors, storytelling, guided walks, wild swims, and personal time to write.
Sleep in a simple farm manor house with five bedrooms (two en-suite), or choose a rural stay in a traditional mud hut with an outdoor toilet and solar shower. Savour simple, tasty meals made with local ingredients.
DATES coming soon
KENYA
Writing Retreat, Lamu, Kenya
Immersive retreat with Sarah Bullen for anyone with a book or writing project, at the Banana House boutique hotel in Lamu, off the Kenyan coast. With sessions on craft and structure, group and one-to-one feedback, and personal time to write. Combines with the preceding Littlegig Festival.
Spend downtime at the pool, practise yoga, explore lush gardens and local markets, and watch the boats. Stay in an elegant room furnished Swahili-style and enjoy organic meals with local ingredients.
DATES COMING SOON
south africa
Writing Retreat, Barrydale, South Africa
Immersive and intimate retreat with Sarah Bullen for anyone with a book or writing project at the eclectic Karoo Art Hotel. Learn to create a compelling story, structure, plot and voice, with pacing and character development techniques, plus publication tips.
This is the perfect setting for a writing retreat. The hotel hosts art exhibitions and events and Barrydale, a vibrant community rich in art and culture, sits at the foot of the beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley (three hours drive from Cape Town). Explore the local area on foot or by bike and return for a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool. Sleep in vibrant bedrooms with their own back stories and enjoy fabulous meals with local ingredients.
NOVEMBER 2024
Writing Retreat, Cape Town, South Africa
Immersive and intimate retreat with Sarah Bullen for anyone with a book or writing project in Cape Town. Learn to create a compelling story, structure, plot and voice, with pacing and character development techniques, plus publication tips.
Stay in the heart of the city, but in a quiet and expansive hotel. Enjoy the pool, stroll the gardens, chat to fellow writers or sit and soak up magnificent sea views. Sleep in spacious suites and enjoy meals with local ingredients.
MARCH 2025
Writing Retreat, McGregor, South Africa
Immersive mid-summer retreat with Sarah Bullen for anyone with a book or writing project. The location is a beautiful and quiet retreat centre, Temenos, in the tranquil village of McGregor, one and a half hours drive from Cape Town. Learn to create a compelling story, structure, plot, and voice, with pacing and character development techniques, plus publication tips.
Spend downtime at the pool, stroll the labyrinthian pathways of the healing gardens or meditate in one of the many private spaces. Sleep in simple, fully equipped cottages. Enjoy meals with local ingredients from the farms.
dates coming soon
The Writing Room Retreats
Literary agent Sarah Bullen and her team of authors and poets understand the quiet magic sometimes needed to allow words to flow. Established in 2005, they have spent decades supporting writers and know that to write a story buried in your heart, you often need to remove yourself from ordinary life. Come to journal or work on your novels, screenplay, poetry or non-fiction book in Botswana, Lamu, Cape Town or Western Cape in Africa, in Mexico or Colorado in North America, in Tuscany, Italy, and the Greek island of Lesbos in Europe.