# Story to Spotlight - A Writing Retreat for Women with Something to Say with Author Tiffany Hawk and Speaker Carol Cox in Spain

Step into the dramatic landscape of Cabo de Gata Natural Park with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox for a writing retreat for women ready to be heard. Set on Spain's wild southern coast—volcanic cliffs, ancient fortresses, and a dramatic landscape that refuses to be tamed—this retreat is for women claiming time, space, and voice.

Shape a message and story for impact (whether it becomes a book, essay, or talk), then learn to present it with confidence and presence. Don’t worry if you’re an introvert! We are too, and everything we do will be fun, comfortable, and done in the company of supportive women.

Through craft workshops, sensory writing exercises rooted in place, and guided explorations of the Alcazaba Fortress and Cabo de Gata Natural Park, you'll practice speaking up: on the page, out loud, and in the company of dynamic, supportive, like-minded women.

You'll build the skills and courage to stop apologizing and start using your voice to create change in your life and in the world around you.

Relax in a private room among cacti and tiled paths with wide horizon views. Share meals each day and linger over evening conversation after workshops. After the retreat, your group will stay connected through four weekly Zoom calls to maintain momentum and continue supporting one another’s work.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 28 - October 5, 2026
- **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain
- **Starting Price:** $5,700
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 students
- **Category:** [Writing](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/writing) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/writing)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Writing sessions, individual tuition and program with author and writing coach Tiffany Hawk and speaker Carol Cox
2. Four weekly group Zoom calls post-retreat with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox to maintain accountability, sustain momentum, and facilitate peer-to-peer support
3. Workshop spaces equipped with: tables, chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer/scanner, power outlets and extension cords, a Bluetooth speaker, foldable outdoor chairs, cushions, and blankets
4. 7 nights of accommodation at a charming countryside Spanish estate
5. Exclusive use of the entire country estate with three indoor workshop spaces, vast gardens, outdoor spaces (that can be used for workshops), a swimming pool, common areas, and accommodation spaces
6. All private single ensuite rooms, each featuring its own terrace furnished with a table and chairs
7. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
8. All diets catered for, including pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
9. Fragrant local wine and non-alcoholic alternatives during dinner service
10. Snack bar with coffee, tea, water, and snacks available throughout the day
11. Half-day trip to Almería, with a guided visit to the Alcazaba Fortress and lunch and drinks at a well-known local establishment
12. Entrance ticket to the Alcazaba of Almería
13. Half-day trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park, with opportunities for reflective writing on location or mindfulness and visualization exercises
14. Lunch at a local restaurant in San José during the trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park
15. English-speaking guide for all trips
16. Private transportation for all planned trips
17. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Almería Airport (LEI) at prearranged times
18. Fully staffed venue with an experienced UpTrek host on location
19. High-speed wireless Internet connection available throughout the estate
20. All local tourist taxes and fees
21. Access to a private Facebook group with Tiffany Hawk, Carol Cox, and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Materials — a list of materials recommended by Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Spain
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Story to Spotlight Retreat
Step into the wild beauty of Cabo de Gata Natural Park with author and writing coach Tiffany Hawk and keynote speaker Carol Cox for an immersive writing retreat devoted to writing memoir and thought leadership. Spain’s southern coast will set the scene with volcanic cliffs and ancient fortresses rising above the sea, and your story will become the foundation for a book, essay, or talk shaped with conviction and personal truth.

The retreat welcomes women across different stages of their writing journey, especially those drawn to Tiffany and Carol’s approach to message-driven storytelling. Join a small group of ambitious women to connect, collaborate, and create in a focused setting where ideas can deepen through conversation and shared experience.

Throughout the week, you will work closely with Tiffany, Carol, and a supportive women’s community.

Stepping outside the roles at home and the expectations that often shape how women present themselves will become part of the creative process. Tiffany and Carol will help you uncover the strength of your voice while shaping a clear plan for sharing it with the world.

Inspiration will also come from the setting itself. Time along the dramatic Cabo de Gata coastline and a guided visit to the Alcazaba fortress in Almería will bring history and landscape into conversation with your writing. Lunch in the seaside town of San José will offer space for reflection and exchange as your ideas continue to take shape.

The support won't end when you leave Spain. You’ll stay connected with the group through four weekly Zoom calls, where we’ll share progress and keep the creative energy flowing together!

**The topics covered during your lessons will include:**

- Creating space for breakthroughs and time to write, quietly in your room, on the inspiring European trips, or alongside your peers
- Connecting with dynamic, like-minded women
- Getting real-time, expert feedback on your writing
- Positioning your book, essay or, talk to stand out in the market
- Tapping into your authentic voice
- Forging your personalized plan and timeline for finishing (and pitching) your book story, or talk
- Identifying the origin story and personal brand that can establish a book-worthy platform
- Building speaking skills that will allow you to confidently talk about and publicize your body of work
- …and much more!

Nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, your retreat venue is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the region's dramatic natural beauty. With its rustic charm, gardens brimming with native plants, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain, the finca offers endless sources of inspiration. Whether exploring its tranquil pathways or relaxing in the welcoming common areas, you’ll find the perfect setting to immerse yourself in your art and connect with your surroundings.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Almería Airport (LEI) and catch your 3:30 PM transfer to the retreat venue, a short 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to relax, and get ready to meet Tiffany, Carol, and your fellow writers.

Join an orientation tour to explore the bright studio, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and the refreshing pool. Over a fabulous welcoming dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of regional wine.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Wake up to a lovely breakfast and gather your thoughts for a week devoted to thought leadership and the development of books and talks shaped within a strong women’s community.

Tiffany and Carol will open the day by guiding you toward the heartbeat and purpose of your story while you plan your goals for the week. Step outside the roles and expectations that usually define you and claim the space to examine what you want to say and why it matters. Through collaborative exercises, connect with the group and test ideas aloud. You'll feel yourself beginning to shape a shared language around truth-telling and self-discovery.

Writing time follows, woven with individual coaching sessions led by Tiffany and Carol. Choose to co-write with the group or settle into solo work in the room or any space that calls to you.

Gather over a refreshing lunch, then return to the workshop space ready to sharpen your message. The afternoon centers on reviewing your hook and positioning so your work stands with authority. Through further collaborative exercises, examine what makes your story unique and bring that out on the page and on the stage. Shape the through line of your book or talk, clarify your audience, and strengthen the way you introduce your work so it resonates beyond the room.

As the day settles, carve out time to continue writing, revising, or reflecting on the conversations that surfaced. Meet again for drinks before dinner, then close the evening with dinner and local wines.

### Day 3: Trip to Almería & lunch at a special establishment
Step into the morning with breakfast and a sense of momentum, then travel together for a half-day trip to Almería, where sunlit streets and layered history sharpen your awareness as a writer.

Walk through the historic La Alcazaba on a guided visit, moving through its walls and passageways while considering the women kept inside these walls and the ways in which lessons from your education, upbringing, industry, or society might be showing up in your life story and keeping you small. Notice where inherited expectations have shaped your voice, your ambition, or the scale of your thinking.

As you move through the fortress, reflect on small ways you might break out of that or claim a bolder life story and how that might connect to your writing project. You will learn to name the patterns that feed writer’s block or imposter syndrome and trace how they echo in your voice on the page or in the way you speak about your ideas.

Enjoy a wonderful lunch and drinks at one of the city’s most charming local establishments, creating space for deeper conversation.

The afternoon unfolds through guided exercises led by Tiffany and Carol, each one designed to strengthen the architecture of your memoir, book, or talk. Engage in "Ask Give," a community-building experience that activates the collective wisdom, networks, and resources in the room to move your story and your project forward with the help of this supportive community.

As the light shifts, continue drafting, refining, or mapping the next phase of your work. Carry the day into dinner and local wine, holding a clearer vision of the story you are ready to claim and share with the world.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Ease into the morning with breakfast at the venue, and head to the workshop space for a focused morning taught by Tiffany and Carol.

Learn to map out the structure of your book or talk and share in small groups to get feedback that strengthens your direction. Present any issues you may have to the group, and move through diagnosing and brainstorming solutions together in small groups.

Later in the morning, move into writing time and 1:1 coaching sessions with Tiffany and Carol, with the option of co-writing with the group or solo writing in the room or any space that supports your focus. Pause for lunch at the venue and give yourself room to absorb what is taking shape.

In the afternoon, you will learn key elements that make your story stronger by strengthening your scene and setting through specific detail. You will gain confidence in sharing your story and pitching it in the future through guided practice within a supportive group environment.

As the day settles, continue refining your pages or rehearsing in a way that feels right for you, and share dinner with local wine in a space that honors women supporting one another’s work.

### Day 5: Trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Fuel your creative energy with a vibrant breakfast, then set out to explore the striking wilds of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This protected UNESCO Geopark reveals a rich tapestry of inspiration in soft, earthy tones; rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and flowering shrubs compose an ever-changing palette of color and light that will fuel your storytelling.

Throughout the morning, Tiffany and Carol guide you into the questions that matter. What are some things you can do to step into a bolder version of yourself? When you return home, where in your life will your voice be clearer, bolder, or more honest?

Transform the story that has held you back into active work on the page, grounded in keen observation and honest reflection. Embrace the freedom to write the boldest version of your story, unrestrained by past roles or expectations. Bring your ideas to life with Tiffany and Carol as you build a plan and a supportive circle to help carry your book or talk into the world.

Pause for lunch in San José at a brilliant local restaurant, savoring the authentic flavors and vibrant rhythms of this charming small town.

Having returned to the venue for the afternoon session, feel free to share parts of your writing and the places you got stuck in a curated pair activity, speaking openly within a circle of women who understand the courage it takes to put lived experience on the page.

From there, you will receive support on whatever you need to move your project forward. Tiffany and Carol will offer clear editorial guidance and strategic insight, helping you shape the arc of your book or perhaps strengthen the foundation of a future talk.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue
Gather over breakfast as morning light settles across the landscape, then move into the workshop space for the morning session led by Tiffany and Carol.

The first part of the day is all about your platform and visibility as a creator. Map out a mini-plan for stepping into the spotlight, defining where your work belongs and how it will be seen. Come in with an idea and develop it together, refining its direction while building a plan and support network designed to launch it into the world. Afterwards, enjoy some focused writing time and 1:1 coaching sessions. You may choose co-writing with the group or solo writing in the room or in any space that supports your concentration.

Pause midday for lunch at the venue, giving yourself space to absorb the clarity forming around your project.

In the afternoon, take part in a craft talk on preparing to pitch your talk, book, or project. Tiffany and Carol will explain what it means to put yourself out there with steadiness and intention. Learn techniques for shaping your message so it carries authority and resonance. Then, with small exercises, you will start to work out how to do that yourself!

After some time to rest, gather for conversation and questions with Tiffany and Carol over drinks, deepening insight through shared experience. As evening arrives, come together for dinner with local wine, sharing stories and lines from the day and settling into a deeper sense of your own voice.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Savor breakfast together on the final morning, then gather in the workshop space with Tiffany and Carol for a focused session that brings your work into clear voice and public form.

The morning opens with practicing pitches. Tiffany and Carol will guide a gentle, small group practice sharing a short version of your idea or story, with encouraging feedback that helps you speak about your work in a way that feels natural and true to you. As you articulate your memoir, book, or talk aloud, you step further outside the roles at home and the expectations that once kept your voice contained.

Move into writing time and 1:1 coaching sessions, with the option for co-writing with the group or solo writing in the room or in any space that supports your focus.

Enjoy a refreshing lunch before focusing on developing a clear action plan and setting meaningful goals in preparation for the first post-retreat call and beyond. Tiffany and Carol will guide you through this process, helping you establish practical steps aligned with your vision. You will also be paired with "accountability partners" to support and motivate you!

Take a moment to celebrate your progress and acknowledge how far you’ve come throughout the retreat. Honor your growth, courage, and the creative breakthroughs you’ve made!

Finally, come together for a warm and joyful farewell dinner, paired with aromatic local wines.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Tiffany, Carol, and your group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM

## Instructors

- [Tiffany Hawk](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/tiffany-hawk) — Novelist, editor, and writing coach
- [Carol Cox](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/carol-cox) — Founder, keynote speaker, and thought leadership coach

## Accommodation

### Spanish countryside estate
Your venue for the retreat with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox is an astonishing countryside estate, located in the south of Spain, in a unique nature reserve named Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This elegantly restored property, a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern comfort, sits amidst an otherworldly landscape. The natural beauty of the Andalusian panoramas is the estate's most breathtaking feature, with vistas that stretch out from the spacious terraces. You'll be treated to a visual symphony of fiery sunsets descending over rugged cliffs and the untamed wilderness of valleys.

The accommodation itself is a seamless fusion of regional charm and modern elegance, with rooms that blend Andalusian artistry and Balinese tranquility. All the rooms at this venue are designed for single occupancy, each outfitted with orthopedic mattresses, soft cotton linens, 100% cotton American Curl towels, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The single rooms themselves are located in clusters of casitas (small typical Spanish houses), and all feature ensuite bathrooms. Other amenities of the venue include the swimming pool, vast gardens, airy terraces, and well-appointed common spaces.

Your classes with Tiffany and Carol will take place across three dedicated workshop spaces: one spacious 4000 sq. ft. (375 sq. m.) charming tent reconverted into a studio, one intimate 430 sq. ft. (40 sq. m.) indoor workshop space adjacent to the main studio, and another small circular studio indoors.

In your spare time, you can relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy leisurely strolls through the estate’s gardens while socializing with your fellow writers.

Please note that a short 3- to 5-minute walk connects the accommodation areas, the studios, and the main building for meals. The terrain across the property is gently hilly, which may present challenges for those with low and limited mobility.

Furthermore, since the venue is located in the middle of a natural park, you may encounter some insects during your stay. The Finca embraces a design philosophy that harmonizes with its surroundings, and as such, the rooms are not equipped with window screens in order to preserve unobstructed, panoramic views of the landscape.

It is recommended to keep doors and windows closed throughout the day and night to avoid insects entering your room. Rest assured, there are no dangerous insects in the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve.

### Hilltop single standard ensuite room
Four standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated along the peaceful edge of the estate grounds, each room includes a private bathroom and essential amenities, such as a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, toiletries, a hairdryer, bath and hand towels, a smart TV, and an outdoor terrace.

The comfortable double bed is outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and soft cotton linens. All rooms also feature air conditioning, heating controlled via a thermostat, and Wi-Fi. Unwind after a day filled with creativity and connection by stepping out onto your charming private terrace. Take a moment to relax and reflect while enjoying the stunning scenery of Gabo de Gata Natural Park.

### Single superior ensuite room - open terrace
Three superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated near the parking and outside reception, each room features access to a quaint open terrace, perfect for soaking in the tranquil nature of Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

The rooms include necessary amenities, such as a private bathroom, a smart TV, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, Wi-Fi, and a double bed outfitted with smooth cotton linens and an orthopedic mattress. The bathroom is equipped with toiletries, bath and hand towels, and a hairdryer.

Recharge between workshops and other activities in a space of comfort and peace, with a stunning private terrace in the front. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and take some time to reflect and relax.

### Single superior ensuite room - enclosed terrace
Three superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located in close proximity to the studios, each room features access to a secluded, enclosed terrace. The rooms are equipped with essential amenities, such as a private bathroom, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and a mini-fridge stocked with invigorating water. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer, bath and hand towels, and toiletries.

Enjoy the privacy of your charming private terrace, situated in the rear, thus creating a peaceful space to relax and reflect. Unwind in-between sessions on the comfortable bed in your room, complete with an orthopedic mattress and delicate cotton linens.

### Single standard suite - open terrace
Two standard suite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated in the heart of the estate, each room features a private bathroom and essential amenities, including a kitchenette (complete with a microwave, sink, and kitchen counter equipped with drawers, mugs, cutlery, and small plates), toiletries, a hairdryer, hand and bath towels, a smart TV, a mini-fridge stocked with invigorating water, and an idyllic open terrace.

The comfortable double bed is outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and soft cotton linens. All rooms also feature air conditioning, heating controlled via a thermostat, and Wi-Fi.

Relax in a comfortable and independent space after a full day of creativity and connection. Step outside onto the inviting private terrace, located in the rear, and take a moment to reflect in a peaceful spot or enjoy the gentle breeze and surrounding landscape.

### Single superior suite - enclosed terrace
Two superior suite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the center of the estate grounds, each suite features a stunning enclosed terrace and necessary amenities, such as a private bathroom (providing toiletries, hand and bath towels, and a hairdryer), a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, heating controlled via thermostat, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a double bed complete with delicate cotton linens and an orthopedic mattress.

All rooms also include a kitchenette fully equipped with a microwave, sink, kitchen counter, mugs, cutlery, and small plates.

Unwind after your creative sessions in a calm and inviting environment that blends comfort with independence. Step outside onto the private, secluded terrace, situated at the rear, breathe in the fresh air, and take some time to reflect, or soak in the serene views of the estate and its natural surroundings.

## Food

Embark on a Mediterranean culinary journey during your retreat with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox, right in the heart of Andalusia. Each meal, prepared by a private chef, highlights the rich flavors of the region. Discover the flavor of Iberian meats, delicious seafood, and seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from local orchards and gardens.

Traditional Mediterranean spices bring depth and warmth to every dish, reflecting the vibrant, healthy flavors that make this cuisine so celebrated. Iberian tradition is defined by a dance of spices: saffron's exotic fragrance, parsley's fresh, green zing, and paprika's smoky warmth.

Breakfasts are served buffet-style and include a variety of sweet and savory items. Light lunches consist of a starter (such as seasonal soup) alongside a main course, and dinners include a starter, a hearty main course, and a dessert.

Your retreat includes all meals, and refreshing beverages like water, coffee, and tea are readily available throughout the day. During your trips, lunches are served at some of the best local restaurants in the area, which are renowned for their warm hospitality, delicious local dishes, and pleasant atmosphere. Indulge in exquisitely cooked meals that showcase Spanish regional cuisine, accompanied by fragrant wines.

The exact menu served varies based on the availability of regional ingredients.

## Getting There

The venue for your retreat with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox is a sprawling countryside estate, nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, in the South of Spain. Just a 30-minute trip brings you to the area’s most iconic beaches, such as Genoveses and Mónsul, both known for their golden sands, turquoise waters, and cinematic history. The park is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, famous for its appearances in movies and TV series such as “Black Mirror”, "Game of Thrones" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. The uniqueness of the nature reserve also comes from the region’s rich history shaped by numerous cultures, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Moors.

The Cabo de Gata Natural Park stretches over 38,000 hectares and is celebrated as one of Spain’s most pristine coastal reserves. Its rugged cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, framing stretches of unspoiled beaches, wild coves, and charming fishing villages where time seems to have slowed. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, nurtures an abundance of desert-adapted plants, including wild palms, agave, aloe, and hemp. In the spring, wildflowers bloom all over the land, adding color to the dry ground.

The park is also a haven for wildlife. While kestrels and owls patrol the skies, turtles and lizards bask on warm rocks. In the summer, you can spot flocks of flamingos wading in the salt flats of Las Salinas, where migratory birds find refuge. This diversity of flora and fauna, paired with the park’s striking geology, creates an atmosphere that feels both raw and magical.

**Please arrive at Almería Airport (LEI).**

We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Spain a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat.

**How to get from Almería Airport to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Almería Airport (LEI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Almería, we recommend you fly to Madrid or Barcelona and fly domestically to Almería (local round trips starting from US$89, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 28, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on October 5, 2026, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Arrival transfer:**

**September 28, 2026 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Almería Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)

**Departure transfer:**

**October 5, 2026 — 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Almería Airport a little after 10:30 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

- Spend extra days in Almería before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Almería Airport.
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Boca de Los Frailes, 04118 Níjar, Almería, Spain, 80 euros - approximately US$93 per way; please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

**Reviews of the venue:**

- "It was wonderful! I loved the venue and location. It was beautiful and peaceful. Staff were friendly and helpful. The weather was wonderful. Not too hot and there was usually a cool breeze."

- "Wonderful resort, excellent staff, great place to do art!!!! Met 15 new friends and a lovely cat. Food very good!"

- "The venue was perfect, the accommodations very comfortable, the food delicious, and the staff friendly and helpful. Overall, the experience was perfect in every way."

- "The retreat was fantastic. The venue was perfect. The meals were excellent and I appreciated the care that went into making sure that I was able to have really good vegan meals. The side trips were well arranged and Emilio, the tour guide, was outstanding. It was a memorable trip and I could not have been more satisfied with all of Uptrek's arrangements."

- "It was great to have flexibility in the schedule from the venue. The staff were very attentive and responded to all requests. The venue and surrounding areas provided inspiration for creativity. Visiting San Jose was really enjoyable especially the lunch and having the opportunity to go in the sea and do some local shopping."

- "Beautiful spot, wonderful staff, good food, good space for working on our art. I loved my room with its patio overlooking the valley and the sunrises in the morning. Our guide, Emilio, was very knowledgeable and funny with a lot of energy."

- "The venue is very well-chosen. The staff all very helpful and friendly. I loved everything. Thank you so much everyone, also UpTrek for informing us friendly and constantly."

- "The venue and staff were wonderful. The 2 excursions really added to the experience."

- "My room was beautiful. The pool was fabulous. The food was amazing. Thank you Manuel, Juan, Jorge, and the rest of the team. You made it such a special time for me and the perfect way to celebrate my birthday."

- "This was not my first UpTrek workshop, and the one in Almería, Spain, proved to be just as exceptional as the previous ones. The overall program was, once again, nothing short of fantastic. Thank you, UpTrek, for consistently delivering wonderful experiences."

- "I cannot say enough good things! The staff at the venue were AMAZING-thoughtful and caring. The tour guide, Emilio was so knowledgeable and kind. Our Uptrek advisor, Andra, was on top of things and also so kind. Honestly, it was one of the best trips I've ever taken."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit if you're already familiar with the work of instructors Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox in Almería, Spain, takes place between September 28 - October 5, 2026.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the retreat venue after 4:00 PM on September 28, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the retreat, on October 5, 2026. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Almería Airport (LEI) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Spain a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat.

For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/story-to-spotlight-writing-retreat-tiffany-hawk-carol-cox-spain#location). Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.

**What’s the weather like in Almería, Spain, in late September?**

The weather in Almería, Spain, in late September is generally sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 14°C / 57°F at night. The Almería region enjoys very mild winters and warm summers, without excesses, and very little rain throughout the year.

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of materials recommended by Tiffany Hawk and Carol Cox will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer/scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet connection throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, foldable outdoor chairs, cushions, and blankets are included and will be available at the venue.

**How many people are to be expected on the retreat?**

There is a maximum number of 16 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Spain for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance.

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport, in Almería, or in Níjar (the closest town to the retreat venue). You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary). The retreat venue doesn't have a card machine but accepts euros cash.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven terrain across the nature reserve. You will also need to walk between the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the main building where meals are served.

**What language is used during the workshops and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**What happens if I need to cancel?**

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy)

**Do I need travel insurance?**

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

**Do I have to pay a deposit?**

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

**Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?**

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

**Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructors or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructors' control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/story-to-spotlight-writing-retreat-tiffany-hawk-carol-cox-spain#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/story-to-spotlight-writing-retreat-tiffany-hawk-carol-cox-spain
**Last updated:** 2026-05-14