Under the Andalusian Sun

DETAILS

When: 7 nights, 29 May-5 June 2027 (Saturday to Saturday).
Where: Finca el Cerrillo, near Canillas de Albaida, Andalusia, Spain.
Group size: Maximum 10 participants.
Cost: Twin/Double $3,750; Single $4,200 AUD.

Note: retreat pricing is based on twin/double occupancy. Single rooms are available for a $450 supplement, which reflects the additional cost from the venue for private accommodation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 7 night’s accommodation in a beautiful en-suite room

• Daily breakfast

• Daily lunch

• 6 dinners (including a meal out at a local bodega)

• 6 writing workshop sessions

• A one-on-one mentoring session with Adrienne

• Airport transfers from Málaga (two group transfers)

• Community of fellow writers (maximum 10 participants).

What you'll arrange

• Flights to/from Málaga, Spain

• 1 dinner (giving you freedom to explore local restaurants)

• Any personal excursions or activities

• Travel insurance.

WHERE WE’LL BE

Finca el Cerrillo — a beautiful retreat nestled in the Andalusian mountains near the Moorish white village of Canillas de Albaida. In the peaceful countryside of the Sierra Almijara, we’ll be surrounded by olive groves, orchards and mountain views.

Not too remote, we're just minutes from villages where you can wander cobblestone streets, sip coffee in sunlit plazas, and sample regional specialties at traditional bodegas that have been feeding locals for generations. We’re on a national park, with plenty of walks and hiking trails, and just half an hour from the sea.

The Finca itself is a sanctuary — a lovingly restored  200-year-old olive mill with mature gardens, terraces and a pool. There are spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, leafy outdoor spaces for writing, and a welcoming atmosphere that creative groups have loved for over 20 years.

This retreat is designed for all kinds of writers:

If you're working on a specific project, you'll have dedicated time and space to make real progress, plus expert feedback to help you move forward.

If you're seeking inspiration and structure, you'll discover new approaches to storytelling, experiment with techniques, and leave with fresh ideas and renewed creative energy.

If you're somewhere in between, you'll find exactly what you need — guidance when you want it, freedom when you need it, and a supportive community of writers who understand the journey.

You don't need to be an experienced writer. You just need to be open to the process.

Here's the plan.

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Settle into the Finca, meet your fellow writers over a welcome dinner, and ease into the rhythm of retreat life. We'll gather for a gentle writing kick off session to set intentions for the week ahead.

Days 2-7: Write, Learn, Explore

• 5 workshop sessions with prompts and readings. With guidance, you’ll explore the craft of storytelling — whether you're writing fiction, memoir, essays, or simply seeing what emerges on the page.

• A one-on-one mentoring session with me to discuss your work, address challenges, or explore new directions.

• Generous free time to write in your room, on a shady terrace, or wherever inspiration strikes.

• Freedom to explore — walk in the countryside, visit nearby villages, see some local sights, or simply rest.

• Shared meals that bring us together — breakfasts at the Finca, some delicious dinners here and some out at local restaurants, with plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Andalusian culture.

Day 8: Departure
Leave with pages written, connections made, and a renewed sense of what's possible in your writing life.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Enhance your retreat with additional experiences designed to inspire, refresh, and immerse you in Andalusian culture. All optional activities can be arranged before or during your stay.

Guided Cultural Experiences

Explore beyond the Finca with curated excursions to some of Andalusia's most enchanting destinations. Whether you're drawn to UNESCO World Heritage sites, spectacular caves, traditional white villages, or Mediterranean beaches, there are options to suit. Activities include guided walks through the national park, day trips to Granada's Alhambra palace, visits to the famous Nerja Caves, tours of nearby whitewashed villages, beach excursions, and wine tastings at local bodegas.

Wednesday's free day is ideal for longer excursions, or activities can be woven throughout the week to complement your writing time. Group excursions can be coordinated for those interested in exploring together.

Wellness Treatments

The Finca offers a range of wellness treatments available by appointment, including massage, reflexology, reiki, manicures, and pedicures. Treatments are provided by experienced local practitioners and can be scheduled around your workshop and writing time — perfect for midweek rejuvenation or a post-workshop wind-down.

Detailed pricing and booking information for all optional experiences will be provided once you've secured your place on the retreat.

I hope you'll join us! See below for registration.