THE PORTUGAL
writer’s retreat
immersive writing experience
FIVE DAY
September 16
21
the
EXPERIENCE
Our days will be spent in an 18th century castle reborn filled with art and surrounded by verdant, luscious forest. We will be immersed in our writing practice, meditating, exploring the woods, the beach, and connecting with our literary selves. We will also experience delicious farm to table meals lovingly created by a local chef and have a taste of true Portuguese summer. You set the tempo here, time is all yours.
the
INSPIRATION
A week dedicated solely to your writing, your purpose, and your truth in one of the most enchanting private estates in northern Portugal. This experience will challenge you to think deeper, inspire you to reconnect with your authentic voice, push your creativity to new heights and help shape the course of your writing life. Writing is our gift to the world, come explore what that means.
the
INTENTION
Portugal is the land of poetry, fado, and wine. It’s a place of tradition, of deep values, of a culture so profound it can be heard through the streets in song form. But more than anything, Portugal is a feeling. Here, time moves at the pace of the wind, savored with every sense. Days are drenched with sunshine and unforgettable flavors. We go to Portugal to slow down, to feel, to make space for a life of magic and meaning.
WHY
Needless to say, this place has inspired many, and we hope your writing juices flow along the surrounding mountains and hills. We hope you create work you’re proud of and fall in love with the process of owning your story, the landscapes of your feelings, and reignite your sense of wonder.
the brief
LOCATION
the
Passing through a moss-covered granite gate decorated with opulent merlons, a path shaded by grand old cork oaks leads to Paço da Gloria, our grand baroque manor that appears out of the mist at the centre of a fairytale forest, just an hour North of Porto. This is a house that has played the eccentric protagonist in a myriad of tales, whimsical dreams & extravagant endeavors since the 1700s. Today, the current owners (a Portuguese family with ample artistic flair) have pulled back the curtains once more to be a part of the story’s newest chapter, one that creates refuge for creative minds in the heart of the Minho. Rich in history, the house dates back to the 13th century and alongside the newly revamped studio apartments and suites, the ground’s offerings include a saltwater outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, tennis courts, historical gardens, a vegetable garden, a lake – and of course a private art gallery.
TOGETHER
our time
This is a sample schedule and a bird’s eye view of how we will spend our days. Every morning begins with silent morning pages and tea. *Timing and workshops are subject to change.
16th— Arrival day. We officially begin at 5 p.m. with an Opening Circle and Welcome Dinner.
17th—Let's write. Immerse yourself in your practice with meditation and yoga. Our first workshop is a cornerstone of our work together: Owning Your Story. It opens a portal into our truth and subconscious, helping us connect with our authentic voice and narratives from the very start. Our afternoon workshop is a generative session that will get you writing as you begin to build a body of work.
18th— Balance is everything: We will start the day with our yoga practice to connect with our creative bodies. The morning workshop session will be craft-based as we explore form in The Lyrical Essay Workshop. Then we will spend our afternoon at the beach enjoying the September Sun.
19th— A perfect day. Start the day with breathwork, then sink into our More Than Memoir Workshop, which draws together some of the larger themes of the week and gives your work real body. In the afternoon, we will get creative and experiment with form at our Poetry Pool Party.
20th— Bring it all together. We will spend the morning grounding out and slowing down with a yin yoga practice. Our morning workshop will ??. We will spend the afternoon writing, doing one-on-one sessions with Jade and Erin (optional), and getting ready for the evening's Open Mic Reading (our favorite part of the retreat!)
21st— Morning Check out and sweet goodbyes. After breakfast, we will get ready for checkout and be on our way!
immersive
WRITING SESSIONS
Our workshops are designed to unlock your creative potential, connect you with your authentic voice, and guide you on a journey toward yourself. Learning in a setting outside of everything you've ever known, surrounded by new perspectives, smiles, and life-changing experiences, is at the core of what makes our retreats so special.
Workshops We Teach:
Owning Your Story
More Than Memoir
Short Stories
The Lyrical Essay
Poetry and Play
and more…
getting
TO US
Paço da Gloria is located in the Minho region of Northern Portugal. Fly to Porto from most international airports & the venue is just 45 minutes away. Although you are welcome to head straight to us, we really recommend spending a day or two exploring Porto or even Lisbon, which is 4 hours away (you will receive a travel guide upon booking). Whether you choose to connect with other writers on the way to us or travel solo, Portugal is a stunning country to discover. Our co-founder Jade is based in Lisbon and thrilled to get to show you a taste of what this special country has to offer. We are surrounded by hiking trails, stunning nature, a national park and several beaches.
*Private taxis and shuttles can be booked through us for an extra cost.
what’s included
Accommodations for 5 nights
Arrival gift bag
All writing workshops
Morning yoga, meditation, and journaling sessions
Beach excursion
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Open mic night
Optional one-on-one sessions with leaders
not included
*Airfare, alcohol, taxis, additional services
FAQs
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There is wifi at the venue, but we do mind and follow intentional phone practices. We require no phones during workshop or at any meals. We request the rest of the week that you leave your phone in your room or only use it very intentionally. This decision has been made after years of retreats and our quest to be present during this experience.
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You will fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airport
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Private taxis and shuttles can be booked through us . An air conditioned car for 3 people is $115. We recommend you book through us so that we can group you with others arriving at the same time as you. You are also welcome to book your own taxi.
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Check in is at 3:00pm, check out is at 11:00am. The retreat officially starts at 5pm on March 4th.
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To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. However, we do require you submit a negative COVID test to attend the retreat.
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US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Mexico for up to 180 days. Although US citizens do not need a Mexican Visa, they must apply for a Mexican Tourist Card.
If you're not a US citizen or a US Green Card Holder, there is still a chance that you don't need a visa to travel to Mexico. The Mexican Government established a Visa-free policy where citizens of 70 countries enjoy travel to Mexico without a visa.
If you hold a passport from the Netherlands or from any of the European Union States, you do not need a visa to visit Mexico for as long as 180 days. You will only be required to fill an immigration form at the point of entry. Immigration authorities might also ask you to provide proof of the purpose of your trip.
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Absolutely. The retreat is designed to ignite your creative potential, whether you have experience writing or not. Workshops are designed to nurture all levels.
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Yes. If you are traveling on your own and would prefer to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate.