Songwriting in Bali - FAQ

When does the Bali Songwriting Retreat start and finish?
The first session is at 4pm on Wednesday 17 October, and it is recommended that you arrive into Denpasar airport no later than midday on the 17th in order to make it to Ubud in time. The last session is at 4pm on Tuesday 23 October, followed by a farewell dinner. Your retreat fee includes accommodation that night, and breakfast on 24 October.

Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. You'll have your own air-conditioned bedroom and private ensuite bathroom facilities.

Do I need to be an experienced songwriter?
Not at all. Whether you're an experienced songwriter or someone who's brand new to the craft, the sessions will have you writing with greater authenticity and confidence.

How are the classes structured?
All students attend Jane's morning songwriting class and Kate's afternoon wordplay class. On several evenings, Jane will also host a songwriters' circle, where you have the option to share works in progress from home and receive feedback. Find out more about this on the Daily Schedule page.

What if I don't have any songs from home to share?
It so doesn't matter!  It's just as important to listen and offer feedback to others.

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 four-hour break between morning and afternoon sessions.

I want to do some yoga while I'm in Bali. Is there somewhere nearby?
Yes. The Intuitive Flow yoga studio offers a variety of daily classes and is located an easy 10-minute walk from your villa.

​Where is the retreat held?
In the hillside villa of Penestanan, and five minutes' drive from the centre of Ubud. Numerous cafes, several shops and various massage options lie within a 10 minute walk of your villa.

Can you tell me a bit more about our accommodation?
Each spacious tropical villa has two or three bedrooms, a pool, garden, lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen. You will have your own air-conditioned bedroom and private ensuite bathroom facilities.

What about meals?
A staff member will visit each morning to take care of cleaning and to prepare you a simple breakfast of 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 an instrument with me?
Every year there is at least one student who comes without an instrument. Jane's husband Neil is a great guitarist and very willing to work with these students to help them create a melody. That said, most people bring a guitar. If that's your plan, make sure it's in a hard case suitable for travelling. Ukeleles are also a great idea, even if you're a beginner player. They're cheap, light, portable and very simple to play.

Will I be left to my own devices outside of class times?
Only if you want to be. Most nights, you'll be invited to join Jane and Neil for a cheap, early dinner at one of many local warungs. It helps that Jane was a food editor for many years – she knows lots of great places.

Can my non-participating partner or family member come with me?
Sorry, no. Booking a place at Juice 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.