Mountain Writers Retreat at Desa Seni 5-9 June
Join a four-day, four-night retreat in Bali’s highlands to focus on the book that matters to you.
Step away from distractions and reconnect with your writing with award-winning author and publisher Karen Donald. Set in nature, this retreat is designed to give you clarity, progress, and renewed commitment. Limited to 12 participants.
Description
Just one hour inland from Bali’s coast, this writing retreat gives you space to think clearly, write freely, and focus on the book that’s been waiting inside you.
If you’ve struggled to finish a manuscript or don’t know how to publish, this retreat gives you the structure and support to move toward a finished book within a year.
Set in the cool highlands of Baturiti, surrounded by jungle, gardens, and traditional Indonesian houses, this is a 4-day creative reset for anyone ready to commit.
You won’t write this alone. Bali-based author, ghostwriter and publisher Karen Donald is here to get to know you and support your writing journey.
You’ll Enjoy This Retreat If
- You’ve carried a story or book idea for years and want time to finally begin
- You crave a place free from daily stress, to think, write, sketch, or reflect
- You want expert guidance to shape ideas into structure and explore publishing options
- You’re unsure whether your manuscript is private or something to share
- You’re drawn to nature, creativity, and slower rhythms
- You want to leave with clarity, momentum, and a plan you can carry forward.
The Writers Program
Four transformative days and nights to finally finish your book or start one, find your voice, and immerse yourself in the quiet creative sanctuary of Bali.
4-Day Program
Day 1: Arrive, exhale, set your intention
- Arrival window, welcome drink, and sunset meet-up
- Karen introduces her role as a writing coach: helping you turn ideas into structure and stay on track beyond the retreat.
Evening group session (with Karen):
- Why you’re here
- What you’re going to gain
- What to expect by the end
Creative solo time: space to reflect, or begin drafting over dinner.
Day 2: Share your story, 1:1 session, focused writing
Morning group session:
- Interactive story-sharing in any form: writing, sketching, storytelling, singing, painting, or simply speaking aloud
- No feedback or critique, just expression
Afternoon:
- Private 1:1 session with Karen (30 mins each, rolling)
- Others continue freewriting, or starting a draft
- Optional group dinner or sharing circle in the evening
Day 3: Shape your book’s purpose and structure
Morning Q&A and workshop:
- What are your major blocks?
- Do you want this book to be published or kept private?
- What is your motivation, profit, legacy, or healing?
Afternoon session:
- Audience mapping and message clarity
- Self-publishing vs traditional routes
- Open Q&A and practical insights
- Sunset visit to temple, or yoga at the venue (Optional)
Day 4: Map your next steps and commitment plan
Morning:
- Writing time: finish a personal plan or reviewing work
- Quiet space to commit to your next steps
Midday group session:
- Share what’s been achieved (optional)
- Verbalise a commitment: what happens after this retreat?
- Karen offers tailored guidance and optional post-retreat pathways
- Sunset visit to temple, or yoga at the venue (Optional)
Day 5: Reflect & Depart
Morning:
- Breakfast, closing circle, and check-out
Pricing
- Private room $1,349
- Twin room $1,149
Limited numbers
About the Host
Award-winning author, filmmaker, and ghostwriter Karen Donald has lived in Bali for two decades. As the founder of Karen Donald Publishing, she helps others write, finish and publish their books. Her retreats offer structure and a clear path to publication within a year.
“Now as my book nears publication, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Karen brought my dream to life.”
About the Location
Just an hour inland from Canggu, the road rises into the hills of Tabanan, where cooler air and shifting landscapes mark the beginning of something quieter. As the road climbs toward Batukaru the temperature drops. Forests, and mountain terrain create a clear sense of distance from tourist life.
The venue celebrates creativity in all forms, a fitting backdrop for your own expression. Desa Seni means “art village”, with a focus on Indonesian culture and artists who live and work across the archipelago.
The entrance leads guests down a stone pathway, past traditional Indonesian structures, each thoughtfully restored, culminating in a fire pit, and a yoga shala. Within a short time of arrival, you are surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and open space. The perfect place to begin writing.
About Desa Seni
Venue: www.desaseni.com
Private room $1,349
• Twin room $1,149
(includes accommodation and meals at Desa Seni)
Desa Seni is an eco-resort with a saltwater pool and a dedicated art room, providing additional creative space alongside writing.
The garden terrace restaurant serves Indonesian and international dishes, and massage services, and activities including yoga, meditation, cooking classes, garden tours, and arts sessions, all designed to give a peaceful, creative, and ecological stay.
Accommodation
At Desa Seni, the accommodation consists of eight traditional Indonesian structures, each thoughtfully restored and combined with modern comforts such as private bathrooms, tiled floors, ceiling fans, and natural airflow. Each space includes a veranda and offers either a double bed or twin beds.
- Village Cabin single occupancy only
- Shared House up to 2 people
- Village House up to 2 people
- Deluxe House up to 2 people option for 3rd with extra bed
- Suite House up to 3 people
- Village Home 2 bedrooms up to 4 people
Dining
Seasons Restaurant offers fresh, organic meals made with 80% farm-sourced produce. Chef Willy Koby. It creates imaginative dishes to nourish and inspire, perfect for refuelling between writing sessions.
This is a rare chance to step away from distraction, focus fully on your story, and experience what’s possible when you give your writing the time it deserves.
What’s Included
- Four days of retreat inspiration
- Four nights’ accommodation in traditional Indonesian houses
- Welcome and farewell gatherings
- Daily workshops and 1-1 coaching sessions with Karen Donald
- Group and individual mentoring
- Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Creative materials and workbooks
- Ongoing WhatsApp community after the retreat
Add-ons
Wellness
A group of highly qualified professionals offer inhouse spa treatments to guests at Merapu Svaasthya. Every therapy is carefully designed to encourage a deeper connection within, whether the goal is tranquilly or revitalisation.
Yoga
Gentle Hatha and Vinyasa yoga sessions are available to support focus, clarity, and creative flow. A simple way to reset the body after deep writing. Suitable for everyone. Excursions Including temple visits, rice terrace walks, waterfalls and sunset viewpoints. Inquire for current options and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you book our flights? Accommodation is included in the retreat cost, but air travel and transport to the hotel must be arranged by the attendee.
Can I stay at a different hotel? No, the package and accommodation are combined to ensure a more relaxed retreat.
Can I bring my children? As lovely as they are, this is an adults-only writing retreat designed for focused, creative work.
Do I need travel insurance? Every retreat attendee must show a certificate of travel insurance or agree to travel in writing without insurance.
What visa do I need to travel to Bali? A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available online in advance or on arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar). It is valid for 30 days and can be extended once. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel.
Can I stay an extra night? Yes, extra nights at the hotel can be arranged on request.
I have questions. How can I contact the event organiser? You can schedule a consultation if you’d like to discuss availability, room types, or payment plans.
Places are limited. Secure your place by booking now.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
WA +62 812-3959-4561.
Events and Workshops purchased through the Karen Donald Publishing website.
