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Early-booking prices are open on 2027 retreats

Solara

Creative Retreats

Small-group creative retreats in Portugal & the Dolomites

Small workshops in writing, photography or painting, with materials included and no previous experience needed unless stated.

Every retreat below has fixed dates, a published price per person and a group of up to 10 guests, with an on-site host as well as the facilitators.

A man sketching at a pavement cafe table

Upcoming dates

What is a small-group creative retreat?

A SOLARA creative retreat is five nights of small workshops in writing or photography, with materials included and free time to practise. Words by the Sea runs on Portugal's coast and Light & Land in the Dolomites, both led by Daniel Moreau. Groups are capped at 10, and no previous experience is needed.

Who it suits

  • You want to start writing or return to it
  • You love photography at any level, with a phone or a camera
  • You like quiet work with a little structure and feedback
  • You want gentle walking in big scenery

Who it doesn't suit

  • You want a manuscript edit or publishing advice
  • You want long, strenuous hikes

Level and fitness

Words by the Sea is beginner friendly and Light & Land is open to all levels, so no previous experience is needed. Photo walks are short, 3 to 8 km on good paths, and any camera is welcome, including a phone.

A typical day

  1. Early morningOptional stretch (30 minutes)
  2. 08:30Breakfast
  3. MorningTwo-hour workshop with Daniel: short prompts and craft discussion
  4. 13:30Lunch
  5. AfternoonFree writing time, a coast walk with notebooks or a one-to-one session
  6. EveningSmall-group feedback on some evenings
  7. 19:30Dinner

Questions

Do I need to have written or photographed before?

No. The writing prompts work for complete beginners and for people who write regularly. On Light & Land any camera is welcome, and the midday workshops cover composition, light and editing on your phone or laptop. Daniel Moreau has an MA in Creative Writing and 20 years as a documentary photographer.

How much feedback will I get?

On Words by the Sea every guest has one private 30-minute feedback session and two small-group feedback evenings, with an optional reading by the fire on the last night. Light & Land has group reviews and ends with a small exhibition, with 3 of your images printed.

What does a photography day look like?

Daniel leads two photo walks a day, one early for soft light and one in the late afternoon: 10 walks across the week, each 3 to 8 km. Highlights include a sunrise walk at Lago di Braies and a day on the Alpe di Siusi. Dinner is at 19:30.

How much does a creative retreat cost?

Words by the Sea (11 to 16 March 2027) starts at €1,390 in a shared twin, or €1,290 if you book by 31 December 2026, with a €400 deposit. Light & Land (9 to 14 September 2027) starts at €1,590, or €1,490 by 31 March 2027, with a €450 deposit.

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