Life Writing in Penestanan - FAQ
Pool villa
When does the retreat start and finish?
4pm on 5 September 20226 to 10am 12 September 2026.
Please ensure you arrive into Denpasar airport no later than midday on 5 September to ensure you reach Ubud by 4pm.
Where is the retreat held?
In the hillside village of Penestanan, which lies around eight minutes' drive from the centre of Ubud. Numerous cafes, several shops and various massage options lie within a five minute stroll of your villa.
Where is Penestanan?
The hillside village of Penestanan lies an easy eight minute taxi ride from central Ubud, with its wealth of shops, cultural activities and famous landmarks including the Ubud Monkey Forest and Campuan Ridge Walk.
4pm on 5 September 20226 to 10am 12 September 2026.
Please ensure you arrive into Denpasar airport no later than midday on 5 September to ensure you reach Ubud by 4pm.
Where is the retreat held?
In the hillside village of Penestanan, which lies around eight minutes' drive from the centre of Ubud. Numerous cafes, several shops and various massage options lie within a five minute stroll of your villa.
Where is Penestanan?
The hillside village of Penestanan lies an easy eight minute taxi ride from central Ubud, with its wealth of shops, cultural activities and famous landmarks including the Ubud Monkey Forest and Campuan Ridge Walk.
Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
Each pool villa offers 2-3 bedrooms, a delightful garden, shared pool, lounge area and fully equipped kitchen with filtered water dispenser. Participants each have their own air conditioned ensuite bedroom.
Do I need to be experienced?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced as a writer or a songwriter, or someone who's brand new to the craft, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned ensuite bedroom.
Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
Each spacious villa has two or three bedrooms, a pool, tropical garden, open air lounge and fully-equipped kitchen with stove top, microwave, fridge, freezer and filtered water dispenser. You will have your own air-conditioned bedroom and private ensuite bathroom..
Do I need to be an experienced writer?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who's brand new to writing and/or songwriring, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
How is the retreat structured?
Morning workshops with Jane in creative writing and, for those interested in writing songs, a separate session on song structure and creation, followed by free time and a late afternoon singing session for all levels with Pam.
Is there much free time?
Giving yourself time-out from writing is as important a part of the creative process as the writing itself. Because of this, the retreat program includes a daily four-hour break between morning writing and the afternoon singing workshop.
I want to do some yoga while I'm in Bali. Is there somewhere nearby?
Yes. The Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio and The Alchemy Yoga Centre are within a 10 minute walk of your villa, and offer a variety of daily classes.
What about meals?
A villa staff member will visit your villa each morning to take care of cleaning, and to prepare you a simple breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, toast and Bali coffee. This is included in the retreat cost. All other meals are taken at inexpensive local cafes and warungs,
I have food intolerances. Will I be able to find stuff to eat?
Ubud is food intolerance heaven! Vegetarians are particularly well catered for, and Ubud's best-known vegan raw cafe, Alchemy, lies a two-minute walk from your villa front door. You'll also be able to source gluten-free bread locally.
Do I need to bring a computer with me?
Yes please.
Can my non-participating partner or family member come with me to the retreat?
Sorry, no. Booking a place at this workshop is about finally making time for your writing. It has been our experience that trying to double-dip and turn this into a holiday with your non-participating family member hampers this objective. If the guilt fairy is knocking at your door, consider having your loved one(s) join you after the retreat.
How much is the retreat?
$2595, which includes daily workshops with and guidance from Jane, all accommodation, breakfasts and an air-conditioned, private ensuite bedroom in a shared villa with its own pool.
How do I book?
Secure your spot at the 2026 retreat with a $300 deposit – email Jane for bank details.
Each pool villa offers 2-3 bedrooms, a delightful garden, shared pool, lounge area and fully equipped kitchen with filtered water dispenser. Participants each have their own air conditioned ensuite bedroom.
Do I need to be experienced?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced as a writer or a songwriter, or someone who's brand new to the craft, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned ensuite bedroom.
Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
Each spacious villa has two or three bedrooms, a pool, tropical garden, open air lounge and fully-equipped kitchen with stove top, microwave, fridge, freezer and filtered water dispenser. You will have your own air-conditioned bedroom and private ensuite bathroom..
Do I need to be an experienced writer?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who's brand new to writing and/or songwriring, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
How is the retreat structured?
Morning workshops with Jane in creative writing and, for those interested in writing songs, a separate session on song structure and creation, followed by free time and a late afternoon singing session for all levels with Pam.
Is there much free time?
Giving yourself time-out from writing is as important a part of the creative process as the writing itself. Because of this, the retreat program includes a daily four-hour break between morning writing and the afternoon singing workshop.
I want to do some yoga while I'm in Bali. Is there somewhere nearby?
Yes. The Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio and The Alchemy Yoga Centre are within a 10 minute walk of your villa, and offer a variety of daily classes.
What about meals?
A villa staff member will visit your villa each morning to take care of cleaning, and to prepare you a simple breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, toast and Bali coffee. This is included in the retreat cost. All other meals are taken at inexpensive local cafes and warungs,
I have food intolerances. Will I be able to find stuff to eat?
Ubud is food intolerance heaven! Vegetarians are particularly well catered for, and Ubud's best-known vegan raw cafe, Alchemy, lies a two-minute walk from your villa front door. You'll also be able to source gluten-free bread locally.
Do I need to bring a computer with me?
Yes please.
Can my non-participating partner or family member come with me to the retreat?
Sorry, no. Booking a place at this workshop is about finally making time for your writing. It has been our experience that trying to double-dip and turn this into a holiday with your non-participating family member hampers this objective. If the guilt fairy is knocking at your door, consider having your loved one(s) join you after the retreat.
How much is the retreat?
$2595, which includes daily workshops with and guidance from Jane, all accommodation, breakfasts and an air-conditioned, private ensuite bedroom in a shared villa with its own pool.
How do I book?
Secure your spot at the 2026 retreat with a $300 deposit – email Jane for bank details.
