WRITING RETREATS & EVENTS

Write in the Sun

Rosanna Ley’s writing holidays take place at the stunning location of  Finca el Cerrillo – a 200 year old farmhouse situated close to the traditional Andalucian village of Canillas de Albaida, high in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. The Finca was a working olive mill until the mid 1960s and has been carefully restored to preserve the charm and character of old Andalucia whilst providing the modern comforts and excellent cuisine of a small and charming hotel. All 14 rooms have full en-suite facilities and glorious views. We have been coming here for over seventeen years and there’s a good reason for that…

Find out more about Finca El Cerrillo on their website: www.hotelfinca.com

See what others say about the finca on TripAdvisor: https://bit.ly/2HV3Rvt

The course is ideal for those already working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in an inspirational setting in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a new writing project.

The group is a maximum of 14 and we meet in the morning for writing exercises designed not only to source and trigger new ideas but also to develop more depth in existing work. Every day there is a particular theme e.g. the use of narrative time or writing dialogue.

Late afternoon the group meets together to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time is free for individual writing and Rosanna is available to read and appraise work and discuss it on an individual basis during the week.

Rosanna’s next writing holidays will take place at the hotel finca:  Saturday March 14th – 21st 2026 and June 20th-27th 2026.

March and June are now open for booking and there are a few places left. Contact Rosanna for more details and to get your name on the mailing list.

See blog page for latest finca news. 2025: Writing Beneath the Surface

Quotes from the Writing Groups 2025:

‘Rosanna has found a unique place for her writing retreats – a glorious Andalusian boutique hotel which is a small slice of heaven. Guest rooms are spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. Tucked away seating areas on the lush terraces which tumble down to the pool are perfect spots for writing, or you can stroll through the olive groves with views across the hills and contemplate in the tree house. Rosanna offers guidance and encouragement in equal measure, along with an ever-bubbling sense of fun which makes it clear she loves these retreats as much as we do.’ (Rosemary)

‘I’d never been on a writing retreat abroad but I was hooked by Rosanna’s excellent, calm, fun and varied tuition. She managed to inspire writing from me that helped me to complete my novel. The Finca is absolutely beautiful, the food superb, rooms really comfortable. I didn’t want to leave! And I returned the following year.’ (Angela)

I was on holiday reading one of Rosanna’s books and saw that she ran writing holidays in Andalusia. I signed up and as a non-writer I was so nervous but I needn’t have worried. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The group sessions are inclusive, fun and inspiring. The whole course is well designed and facilitated by Rosanna and is suitable for novice writers like myself right up to published authors. Not only do you have the time and guidance to write but I’ve made lifelong friends. I’ve just come back from my 3rd retreat and hope to go many more times.’ (Keeley)

‘June 2025 was my fourth writing holiday led by Rosanna Ley at the beautiful finca. I find it a great opportunity to recharge my creative batteries in peaceful surroundings with no distractions. Rosanna is such an inspiring teacher and the morning workshop sessions kickstart my writing day.’ (Louise)

‘Rosanna provides a well-curated safe space for some good creative writing, mixed with a stimulating group of participants, high quality food and a beautiful location. I’ve been several times and can’t honestly think how the experience could be better.’ (Graham)

‘I like the way in which everyone is given the same care and consideration whether they are writing for themselves, or with a view to publication. Everyone has equal value, which makes it feel like a safe space within which to progress.’ (Helen)

‘Very high quality tuition and guidance in writing imaginatively. A wonderful creative writing experience in idyllic surroundings. Rosanna puts a lot of thought and preparation into the course content with lots of interaction in the group. She holds the group dynamics very well and encourages course members to participate fully. It’s a lot of fun too.’ (Meriel)

‘A week doing what you enjoy, in beautiful surroundings with lovely interesting people.’ (Elaine)

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Ten Reasons to go on a Creative Writing Holiday:

• To find some Writing Space. What writers need most is space and time free from distractions in order to get on with their writing. This would do it.
• Because ‘Holiday’ is a lovely word. It implies rest and relaxation and possibly a sunny destination, as an added bonus. It also implies fun and having a bit of a laugh with a group of friendly people. Holidays are good times for thinking, planning, writing notes, jotting ideas in a notepad while sitting around a pool…
• For Focus. To get a block of writing time all in one go really helps you to focus your mind when you are mid-project. It means you don’t have to keep going back to your writing project to remind yourself where you are and who you are with.
• Other Writers.  It’s great to be with like-minded people who enjoy talking about writing as well as other things. These are people with whom you can share ideas and problems and who will (hopefully) give you constructive feedback to help you on your writing way. They also understand that sometimes you need to go off and write…
• For a Springboard. A writing holiday can act as a springboard to either get you back into something you have already started or to start you off on something new. In this creative atmosphere fresh ideas will spring to the fore and you will be inspired to get writing!
• Support. To have a mentor/ leader who will get to know you and your writing and be able to help with advice, support and encouragement.
• Legitimacy. Going on a writing holiday is saying – yes, this is a holiday, but it is a working holiday and not just a jolly. It is prioritising your writing. It is telling friends, family and most importantly yourself that your writing matters.
• Tranquillity is a wonderful thing. There’s nothing like a bit of peace and quiet to enable you to recharge your batteries and find your writing voice.
• The Inspirational Setting. Descriptions of people and places will flow from the pen when you stand at the balcony and watch the sun setting over the mountains… (Or you could just have a G & T…)
• Freedom from domesticity and other responsibilities. No cooking. No housework. No pressure. Just imagine…