Creative Writing at Nalini - FAQ
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When does the retreat start and finish?
Your retreat fee includes one night in a Balinese-run hotel in Sanur on the night of 1 May 2026 – you are welcome to check in anytime after 2pm. On the morning of 2 May, a mini bus will transfer all participants to Amed. The retreat opening session will be at 4pm on 2 May. The retreat fee includes a minibus transfer back to Sanur (or the airport) on the morning of 8 May. For this reason, we recommend you book a flight from Bali that departs after 5pm, or stay an extra night in Sanur before departing.. |
One of Nalini's lovely rooms
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Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned ensuite bedroom. However, if you and a fellow participant want to share a twin room, and assuming there's still one available when you book, you would each save $300 on the advertised retreat fee.
Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
The Nalini Resort is located in a small village some 20 minutes' drive from the east coast centre of Amed. The resort is co-owned and managed by the family of I Wayan Ariasa ("Ari") and Brisbane couple Debbie Smith and Steve Wotherspoon. The two families opened the resort in 2014, and are committed to sharing Balinese culture with their guests.
What about the rooms?
Each of Nalini's eight air conditioned ensuite bedrooms feature mosquito nets and open-air bathrooms.
Can I upgrade my room?
There may be an opportunity to upgrade to one of two Ocean View suites for an additional total cost of $450. The resort's newly completed King Ocean View Suite is also available for an additional total cost of $650. If you would like to to be notified if these are available, please let Jane know.
Do I need to be an experienced writer?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who's brand new to the craft, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
How is the retreat structured?
Is there much free time?
Giving yourself time-out is as important a part of the creative process as the writing itself. Accordingly, your afternoons will be free.
What about meals?
A comprehensive a la carte breakfast offering is included in the retreat fee. For other meals, the property has its own lovely restaurant and bar, and there are another half a dozen or so restaurants within a 10 minute walk of Nalini.
How will I get around?
Nalini is relatively isolated, which of course is part of its charm and why it's such a marvellous spot for writing. For a modest fee, hotel staff will take you by motorbike or car into Amed, which lies a 20 minute drive away.
How much is the retreat?
AU$2495. This includes:
How do I book?
To secure your spot, email Jane for details of where to pay the $300 deposit.
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned ensuite bedroom. However, if you and a fellow participant want to share a twin room, and assuming there's still one available when you book, you would each save $300 on the advertised retreat fee.
Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
The Nalini Resort is located in a small village some 20 minutes' drive from the east coast centre of Amed. The resort is co-owned and managed by the family of I Wayan Ariasa ("Ari") and Brisbane couple Debbie Smith and Steve Wotherspoon. The two families opened the resort in 2014, and are committed to sharing Balinese culture with their guests.
What about the rooms?
Each of Nalini's eight air conditioned ensuite bedrooms feature mosquito nets and open-air bathrooms.
Can I upgrade my room?
There may be an opportunity to upgrade to one of two Ocean View suites for an additional total cost of $450. The resort's newly completed King Ocean View Suite is also available for an additional total cost of $650. If you would like to to be notified if these are available, please let Jane know.
Do I need to be an experienced writer?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced writer or someone who's brand new to the craft, Jane's sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.
How is the retreat structured?
- Each morning, Jane will offer a two hour writing workshop, where she will share ways to add texture and flavour to your writing, and explore different forms of short story narrative. There will be a simple daily writing task to keep you on track with your writing.
- The rest of the day is yours to write, to rest and to get to know the real Bali. Options include snorkelling, scuba, using the resort pool and toasting the glorious sunsets with your favourite cocktail.
- Before day's end, you will gather with Jane and your fellow writers to debrief on the day's writing.
- Included in your fee is a 45 minute one-on-one session with Jane to discuss your writing. To this end, you will be invited to provide Jane with a maximum 5,000 word exerpt (or exerpts) of your work(s) in progress or any other writing you would like feedback on.
Is there much free time?
Giving yourself time-out is as important a part of the creative process as the writing itself. Accordingly, your afternoons will be free.
What about meals?
A comprehensive a la carte breakfast offering is included in the retreat fee. For other meals, the property has its own lovely restaurant and bar, and there are another half a dozen or so restaurants within a 10 minute walk of Nalini.
How will I get around?
Nalini is relatively isolated, which of course is part of its charm and why it's such a marvellous spot for writing. For a modest fee, hotel staff will take you by motorbike or car into Amed, which lies a 20 minute drive away.
How much is the retreat?
AU$2495. This includes:
- One night's private en suite accommodation in Sanur
- Group mini bus transfers to and from Amed
- Six night's accommodation at Nalini in Amed
- A daily writing workshop with Jane
- Temple ceremony
- Twilight wooden fishing boat snorkelling trip
- Making offerings with a local Balinese family
- Farewell Dinner (veg option available)
- A signed copy of Jane's short story collection, "Cockroach".
How do I book?
To secure your spot, email Jane for details of where to pay the $300 deposit.
Co-owner family members I Wayan Ariasa and Debbie Smith.