17th - 20th September 2026

Somewhere between daydreams and reality lies the imagination, limitless and fascinating. This retreat gives space for you to find it.

We’ll be at Hacienda San Rafael, just outside Seville, a place that invites calm thinking, clear writing, and easy conversations with like-minded people.

There are shady places to read, terraces to linger on, and pools to lie by. Thoughts can join up in a peaceful surrounding, ideas begin to flow on beautiful walks, or when watching the swallows dip and swoop. When the rhythm slows, so much becomes possible. Over three days, we will explore how stories form and how they grow.

Short pieces, longer extracts, poems, or scenes: your writing is your own. Under the guidance of novelist Raffaella Barker, you will learn new ways to look at your writing. You will find your voice and learn ways to sustain a writing practice.

What to Expect

Hacienda San Rafael is a blissful, quiet gem outside Seville; comfortable, beautifully run, and uplifting. The food is delicious, the rooms are elegant, and the whole is a sanctuary for the creative spirit. Group discussion, individual and bespoke guidance, there is something for anyone who wants to write or wants to take their writing further. You may arrive with an idea, an ongoing project or with none at all; there is space for discovery. Massage, yoga, and excursions are all available.

Here, where the light is golden, is the place to meet your dreams and make them real. 2026 sees the launch of the San Rafael Writing Retreat. Please join us.

Rooms, full board and teaching.

from €1950 pp

https://www.haciendadesanrafael.com/

New Sessions for Summer 2026

I am an experienced teacher of Creative Writing, having lectured at the University of East Anglia for more than 10 years on the famous CW programme. What I have found is that 'The Group' is a secret weapon for the writer, whose existence is otherwise essentially solitary. Writing groups are bigger than the sum of their parts. Every one of you makes a difference to the others in the group, and in discussing all the work, you will make huge strides within your own practice.

This is a workshop course, so everyone writes. After the introductory week, each writer will send extracts of their pieces before the session. I will offer prompts and reading to support the writing of the group members. Everyone will have their work read by everyone else, and thus each participant will learn and gain an understanding of different aspects of the writing process. I will give verbal feedback during the sessions on all the work we read out each week. I will suggest reading each week, my choices led by things I notice in the group.

The Zoom link for each session will be sent to you in advance. I will record the sessions and send them weekly, so you have it for reference or if you have to miss a session live. There are no refunds for dates missed but as mentioned, there is the potential to catch up.

The next set of classes starts in April in a block of 10 sessions with a 2-week break midway. They run every Monday evening from 6pm - 7.30pm online.

Summer 2026

13/04, 20/04, 27/04

No session on 04/05 – Bank Holiday

11/05, 18/05

Break on 25/05 and 01/06

08/06, 15/06, 22/06, 29/06, 06/07

The cost of the Zoom group this term will be £560, and all sessions are recorded, so if you cannot attend one, you can watch it later. As always, your payment secures your place, and the details are below: 

Raffaella Barker Writer

Acc: 44256140

Sort Code: 01-06-28

IBAN: GB75NWBK01062844256140

May 2025

Come to Ermioni in Greece to relax, read and write with novelist Raffaella Barker.

I run a course from my house in the Peloponnese. Join me for creative writing, great reading and local excursions in this ancient rural area of mainland Greece.

Walking among the wildflowers in the mountains of the Argolis area, exploring the beautiful Saronic Gulf coastline and visiting ancient sites. There is also the chance to take a day trip to glamorous Hydra and soak up history.

Stay 7 nights with us with breakfast, and lunch OR supper in the price. Comfortable accommodation, spaced around the village with sea views chosen for charm and the little touches.

Ermioni lies on a sheltered peninsula in the Aegean Sea, a finger pointing to historic Hydra and backed by the wild mountains of the Argolis. We will show you spectacular caves, take you picnicking amongst the wildflowers of the Greek spring. Creative writing and reading sessions will be scheduled for mornings and above all this will be a chance to relax, read great books and enjoy this idyllic place in good company.

The food will all be fresh, locally sourced and carefully prepared.

5 mornings teaching
1 brunch
5 breakfasts
5 lunches
2 dinners

Subject to government guidelines and restrictions