A Ten-Day Writing Retreat at Mount Batukaru

Join a transformative writing retreat from Thursday, 15 October to Sunday, 25 October 2026 with bestselling author Afua Hirsch, alongside poet and novelist Yomi Sode and activist Mallence Bart-Williams, who will guide participants through craft, embodiment and the space to finally write their story.

Afua Hirsch is the bestselling author of four books, including Brit(ish), winner of the Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Prize. A journalist of 30 years' experience, she has held senior roles at The Guardian, Sky News and British Vogue, and now teaches non-fiction writing as a full professor at the University of Southern California. She is joined by Yomi Ṣode, whose debut poetry collection Manorism was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize, and whose debut novel The Interpreter has been acquired by Viking; and by Mallence Bart-Williams, a Sierra Leonean-German activist and social entrepreneur whose embodiment practices help participants reconnect with their own creative voice.

This is a working retreat, built around daily small-group sessions on the craft of fiction and non-fiction, paired with wellness, nature and imagination in the afternoons, all set at an eco lodge on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, finally concluding at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

FEATURING

Thursday, 15 October – Tuesday, 20 October: The Writers' Portal at Batukaru

Each morning brings a small-group workshop with Afua Hirsch and Yomi Sode, covering story structure, character, publishing pathways and the craft of both fiction and non-fiction. Afternoons open into yoga, meditation, Balinese massage, temple visits and a Malukat purification ceremony, with time and space to write throughout. Evenings include shared farm-to-table dinners and fireside conversation.

Wednesday, 21 October – Sunday, 25 October: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

The retreat moves to Ubud for its final five days, where participants attend the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026, meeting acclaimed writers from around the world and taking part in our full programme of talks and workshops.

Inclusions and Prices

The retreat package Includes:

Limited Spots Available

Book Your Spot

/01

Ten nights' accommodation at a bespoke eco lodge, with return airport transfers from Denpasar

/02

All workshops with Afua Hirsch, Yomi Ṣode, Mallence Bart-Williams and special guests

/03

A 4-Day Pass to the 2026 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

/04

Three daily meals, plus yoga, meditation and Balinese massage

/05

Temple visits, a Malukat purification ceremony and a sound healing session

Shared Twin Room

Price

AUD 8,515

USD 5,865

Private Bungalow

Price

AUD 7,660

USD 5,280

Single Room

Price

AUD 10,640

USD 7,333

For the above prices, current exchange rates were used. The final amounts are in British Pounds and will be calculated directly by the website based on the currency.

Before You Book

Deposit: A 25% deposit secures your place, with payment plans available. Full payment is due by 31 August 2026.
Not Included: International flights to/from Denpasar, travel insurance and visas are not included.
Location: The retreat begins at an eco lodge near Mount Batukaru before moving to Ubud for the Festival.
Cancellation: The deposit is non-refundable; the remaining balance is refundable until 31 August.