We’ve found the perfect place for a writing retreat in a spacious, light-filled haven with gardens and a pool on the edge of the medieval hamlet of Romanyà de la Selva, Catalonia, Spain. A fifteen-minute drive from the Mediterranean, set on the top of a cork oak forested mountain with spectacular views of the Pyrenees, Romanyà has strong literary appeal – it’s where the celebrated Catalan writer Mercè Rodoreda spent the last eleven years of her life. She finished several novels here, so perhaps you can channel her energy.

Highlights of your writing holiday will include: one-to-one consultations and stimulating workshops led by PRISCILLA MORRIS, Women’s Prize shortlisted author of Black Butterflies; classes to generate and craft writing facilitated by our wonderful guest author, MELISSA FU, whose debut novel Peach Blossom Spring was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick; ample writing and free time; a writing table in each room; a guided walk of the local area and a trip to the sea and the rugged Costa Brava; access to magical forest trails; dips in the pool; dinner out in a harbour-side seafood restaurant and delicious meals prepared by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef.

The retreat is open to fiction and creative non-fiction writers of all levels of experience, from complete beginners to those who have been writing for years. There’ll be no more than ten participants, so you’ll receive lots of individual attention.

Come, write, enjoy! Unlock your creative potential and take your writing to the next level in 2026. Catalonia is calling!

what to expect

Before the retreat

• An in-depth Zoom consultation with Priscilla to discuss where you’re at in your writing journey and set your goals for the retreat

Arrival: Monday

• Arrival at Casa La Daina from 4pm, settle in, freshen up, explore

• Introductions, welcome drink and canapés at 7pm

• Delicious 3-course dinner at 8pm

Five-Day Retreat: Tuesday to Saturday 

• Self-serve breakfast from when you wake until 10am

• Morning writing time

• GENERATE with Melissa Fu at 11am. Playful and provocative prompts and activities to generate new writing. All classes are optional so you can carry on writing, if you wish.

• CRAFT with Melissa Fu at 12pm. Exercises to extend and deepen existing pieces (either work from GENERATE or writers’ works-in-progress).

• Lunch Buffet at 1.30pm

• Afternoon writing time and individual consultations with Priscilla Morris.

• When you fancy a break from writing, there are many forest trails for you to explore, a pool for you to dip in and lots of lovely reading nooks and crannies. There will be guided walks offered (around the village and to the sea) on two of the afternoons.

• CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP & DISCUSSION with Priscilla Morris. Bring your works-in-progress for constructive critique and reader response. Tuesday to Friday 6-8pm.

• READINGS with canapés and a glass of cava, Saturday 6-8pm.

• Delicious 3-course dinner at 8pm. On Thursday, we’ll eat out at a wonderful harbour-side restaurant (not included in the retreat fee).

Departure: Sunday

• Self-serve breakfast from when you wake until 9am

• Say adieu to Casa La Daina by 10am

After the retreat

• A follow-up in-depth Zoom consultation with Priscilla to consolidate your learning and draw up a continuation plan.

Note the above schedule is indicative and may be subject to change.

Guided nature walks

During the five full days of the retreat, optional guided nature walks will be offered by Rory Pierce in the surrounding forests of La Selva and along the dramatic coastline of the Costa Brava.

These daily walks are intended to be gentle, creatively inspiring and restorative rather than strenuous. Moving through cork oak woodland, ancient paths, and coastal trails, participants will be introduced to the history, nature and ecology of the region — the deep forest, Mediterranean flora and fauna, dolmens, menhirs, and stone circles.

The walks can be experienced as social, contemplative, or inspirational, and many participants find that time in the landscape helps unlock new perspectives and feeds into their work.

The coastal walks involve optional sea swims at beaches such as Playa Castell, Playa Fosca and S’Agaro.

There are also maps for self-guided walks available should you require quiet time to focus on your creative projects.