View from Nalini
Writing at Nalini - FAQ
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 – 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 return flight that departs after 5pm.
Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned 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 $250 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 bedrooms feature mosquito nets and open-air bathrooms.
Can I upgrade my room?
There may be an opportunity to upgrade to an ocean view suite for an additional total cost of $450. If you would like to to be notified if these are available nearer the time, 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 – to snorkle, explore, write or simply to rest.
What about meals?
A simple Balinese breakfast of fresh fruit, home-made bread, pancakes or eggs and tea/coffee is included in the retreat fee. The property has its own lovely restaurant and bar, and there are another five 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. For a very modest fee, hotel staff will take you by motorbike or car into Amed, which lies a 20 minute drive away.
Can my non-participating partner come with me to the retreat?
Your non-participating partner is welcome to share your bedroom and join us for meals and all of the included activities, breakfasts and bus transfers, but not the writing workshops. The additional charge for this is $500.
How much is the retreat?
AU$2195. This includes:
How do I book?
Secure your spot at the 2025 retreat with a $300 deposit – email Jane for bank details.
Your retreat fee includes one night in a Balinese-run hotel in Sanur on the night of 1 May – 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 return flight that departs after 5pm.
Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. To support your creative process, you will have your own air-conditioned 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 $250 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 bedrooms feature mosquito nets and open-air bathrooms.
Can I upgrade my room?
There may be an opportunity to upgrade to an ocean view suite for an additional total cost of $450. If you would like to to be notified if these are available nearer the time, 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.
- Included in your fee is a 30 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 exerpt (or exerpts) of your work(s) in progress or any other writing you would like her 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 – to snorkle, explore, write or simply to rest.
What about meals?
A simple Balinese breakfast of fresh fruit, home-made bread, pancakes or eggs and tea/coffee is included in the retreat fee. The property has its own lovely restaurant and bar, and there are another five 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. For a very modest fee, hotel staff will take you by motorbike or car into Amed, which lies a 20 minute drive away.
Can my non-participating partner come with me to the retreat?
Your non-participating partner is welcome to share your bedroom and join us for meals and all of the included activities, breakfasts and bus transfers, but not the writing workshops. The additional charge for this is $500.
How much is the retreat?
AU$2195. This includes:
- One night's accommodation in Sanur
- Group mini bus transfers to and from Amed
- Six night's accommodation at Nalini in Amed
- Daily writing workshops with Jane
- Temple ceremony
- Twilight wooden fishing boat trip
- Make offerings with a local Balinese family
- Traditional Babi Guling feast (veg option available)
- Snorkelling equipment
How do I book?
Secure your spot at the 2025 retreat with a $300 deposit – email Jane for bank details.
Co-owner family members I Wayan Ariasa and Debbie Smith.