find your flow
WRITING & MOVEMENT RETREAT
writing & movement retreat in portugal
Give yourself time and space to think, imagine and connect over a long weekend in the Portuguese countryside.
Four days of creativity, self discovery, rest and reflection to move your writing and body in new and nourishing ways—led by critically acclaimed novelist Michael Donkor and experienced, transformative yoga teacher, EFT tapping coach and writer Maria Eliersen.
September 26-29th in Meco, Portugal
the experience
write…
Over the retreat, Michael will lead daily workshops to invigorate your creative practice and thinking. The conversations we’ll have together will deepen your sense of how you work as a writer and, most importantly, give you a richer understanding of what matters to you as a writer.
The workshops will be energetic, collaborative, searching — including surprising exercises that push your writing in new directions. We’ll sometimes look to contemporary authors for starting points, but poetry, the visual arts and our beautiful natural surroundings may well offer inspiration too. As well as group workshops, Michael will offer optional individual tutorials where he’ll provide detailed feedback on your writing.
Throughout the creative work, there'll be an emphasis on discovering how to bring emotional complexity to the page. We’ll also concentrate on writing in a sensory way, and talk through how to find joy and pleasure in crafting stories even when the going gets tough.
move…
This will be supported by daily somatic practices led by Maria to deepen your connection to your body and authentic voice.
Every morning, Maria will guide you through a yoga practice to clear out the cobwebs of stagnant energy, allowing space for inspiration and ideas to flow. These classes will be open level and beginner friendly, inviting you to explore your body intuitively and tune inward through movement.
You’ll also be guided through EFT tapping workshops to clear creative blocks, release imposter syndrome and any limiting beliefs that stand in the way of you feeling confident in your writing process. Maria will also be available for one-to-one tapping sessions to delve deeper into a personal barrier you’d like to break through. Learn more about this powerful tool here.
On Sunday afternoon, you’ll leave feeling energised and open. Not only will you have a renewed commitment to your writing but you’ll be brimming with confidence about your talents as a storyteller. You’ll also have an abundance of practical ideas about how to move your work forward, and a somatic tool to lean on when your emotions get in the way. You’ll also be part of a new, supportive community of fellow writers.
the venue & food
Draped in bright bougainvillaea, Senhora Do Cabo is our home for the four days. It's elegant and inviting. Think rustic charm, whitewashed walls, simple linens.
There’s a poolside yoga deck, gardens for lazy al fresco dining, and characterful nooks where you can hide yourself away for quiet reflection and writing time. The landscape offers lots of hiking routes and nearby Meco Beach is stunning for a refreshing afternoon dip.
Both double and shared rooms are available, each with their own unique character, an ensuite bathroom and private patio, as well as a gorgeous private villa with its own pool tucked away from the rest of the property.
Located in some of Portugal’s most beguiling countryside - between spectacular mountains and the surging sea - we really encourage you to use the ample free time throughout the retreat to explore the magic of these surroundings, this beautiful backdrop to our playing, thinking, connecting.
Our healthy and colourful meals will nourish body, mind and heart too. Inspired by the best of the region’s seasonal produce and culinary traditions, delicious brunches and light afternoon meals will be offered.
Sitting down to dine in the evening will give us space to come together as a community, to share with and learn from each other in a beautifully relaxed way over a natural glass of wine (or two).
meet Michael, your writing guide
Michael Donkor is a critically acclaimed British-Ghanaian novelist, the author of Grow Where They Fall (2024) and Hold (2018). He studied English Literature at the University of Oxford, and Creative Writing at the University of London.
As well as writing fiction, Michael is a literary critic for the Guardian and the i newspaper and is judging this year’s BBC/Cambridge National Short Story Awards and the Betty Trask Prize. He is an experienced teacher, having worked with adults and young people in schools and colleges for 15 years. He’s an enthusiastic literary mentor too, and has collaborated with Arvon and the National Centre for Writing to guide new writers towards publication.
meet Maria, your yoga & EFT tapping coach
Maria Eilersen (she/they) is a queer, neurodivergent and trauma-informed yoga teacher and EFT tapping coach based in Lisbon. She has seven years’ experience facilitating movement classes at studios and for brands like Adidas, NBC Universal and Sweaty Betty, and has been practicing yoga for 16 years and counting alongside personal development modalities and somatic tools.
Known for her charismatic and no bullshit teaching style, expect to be met with both sensitivity and humour in her inclusive open level yoga classes and transformative EFT tapping workshops.
Maria is also a writer, specialising in mental health, wellness travel and queer issues for publications like Women’s Health and Travel+Leisure, and has a background in conscious PR, helping clients land features in the New York Times, CNBC, Business Insider, Cosmopolitan & more.
She runs queer socials, self care workshops and movement classes at Wheelhouse, Baraza, Fable and Second Home in Lisbon.
sample itinerary
Thursday
Arrivals from 5pm
Dinner
Welcome Circle & EFT Tapping
Friday & Saturday
Yoga
Breakfast
Writing Workshop
Lunch
Free time to write, lay by the pool, explore the area & individual sessions with Michael or Maria
Evening Yin or EFT tapping
Dinner
Sunday
Yoga
Brunch
Closing Circle
Departure 2pm
exhale, imagine, connect.
JOIN US!
Fill out the form below to secure your spot.
If you have any questions, please feel free to DM us on Instagram (@maria.eilersen & @m_donks) or send us an email.
FAQs…
How can I join?
Please secure your place by paying a 350 euro deposit using this link. Confirmation will take place via email. Alternatively, you can pay in full upon booking using the same link.
As we’re creating an intimate vibe, spaces are limited so we recommend securing your spot as soon as possible!
How do I get there?
Senhora do Cabo is a 50-minute drive from the centre of Lisbon. An Uber can get you to the venue affordably and easily. We’ll also organise transport by minibus from central Lisbon for those who need, if you’re interested in this, please let us know upon booking.
Will there be opportunities to work with the tutors 1:1 during the retreat?
Yes. You can delve deeper into your writing in an individual tutorial with Michael where he’ll offer detailed feedback on your work. You can also work with Maria in a private tapping session for more personalised support in breaking through your unique limiting beliefs and creative blocks. These sessions last 30 mins and cost an additional 50 euros. We will send through information about how to book and the timings of these sessions in the weeks before the retreat.
What is EFT tapping?
EFT is a powerful science-backed somatic stress reduction technique that blends Chinese medicine with modern psychology that has been proven to help people heal trauma, create lasting mindset shifts, ease anxiety & more. Click here to learn more about EFT tapping and access Maria’s free videos.
How much does it cost?
We have a range of options:
Standard Shared Twin Room €1290/person
Standard Private Double Room €1650/person
Shared Deluxe Villa with living room and private swimming pool €1800/person
If you are a single guest and would like to book the Deluxe Villa for yourself, please contact us directly for further information.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the prepaid nature that we must adhere to at our venue, your deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances.
For a full refund (excluding the deposit), you must cancel 45 days before the retreat.
If you cancel within 30 days, you will be refunded 50% of your payment (excluding the deposit).
If you cancel after August 27th, we will refund you 25% of your payment (excluding the deposit).
Will I need a visa?
Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. Portugal is in the European Schengen area. Most travellers can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.
Should I bring a yoga mat or blocks?
We will provide both, but you’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.
I have special dietary requirements. Can these be accommodated?
Definitely! Please include these in the form upon booking and we’ll advise our chef accordingly.
Will there be downtime?
We’ve built ample free time into the schedule for you to rest and explore in the afternoon, but if you desire to take more time for yourself, you’re always welcome to. All activities are entirely optional.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable clothes for yoga
Sun protection, insect repellent and hand sanitiser
Light layers for the daytime; warmer layers for the evening
Swimmers and anything else you like to have with you at the pool or the beach
Electrical adaptor for EU outlets
Water bottle
And of course your preferred writing tools, whether that’s a journal or laptop (or both)!
find your flow: writing & movement retreat
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