# Awaken Your Writing and Your Life - Writing Retreat with Author Amanda Montei in Portugal

Join a transformative writing retreat at a traditional Portuguese estate, set among the orchards and quiet countryside of Ribatejo, led by renowned author Amanda Montei. This week-long retreat invites writers of all levels to awaken their writing style and reimagine their writing practice. Get inspired in this new phase of your writing career with endless inspiration from Portugal's stunning landscapes and fairytale towns.

Bringing together over fifteen years of experience teaching writing, two published memoirs, and a popular newsletter and podcast, Amanda will guide you through engaging readings and prompts to deepen your craft while sharing her knowledge of the industry and inviting you to reimagine your creative life.

Throughout the week, you will experiment with new craft techniques while also discovering how you can level up your writing career—or allow yourself the permission to finally begin prioritizing your writing.

Beyond your classes at the venue, embark on two immersive trips: a full day in Óbidos, one of Portugal's most enchanting medieval walled towns, and a half-day at Almourol Castle on the Tagus River, framed by wild olives and river reeds. The Almourol trip also includes a regional liqueur tasting on the riverbank of Tagus, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages.

Your creative haven is a 150-year-old traditional Quinta, with a dedicated workshop space, swimming pool, and tranquil gardens. Savor chef-prepared meals made from local ingredients, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the company of 16 other like-minded writers.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 12 - 19, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **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 classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with writer Amanda Montei
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
3. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the workshop space, orchards, gardens, and stables
4. Spacious and bright indoor workshop space (1300 sq. ft./120 sq. m.) equipped with: tables, chairs, a projector, a printer-scanner, and a Bluetooth speaker. Office supplies will also be provided during the workshops.
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by the private chef
6. Mainly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with all diets catered for, including regular, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day
8. Delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day
9. Full-day trip to Óbidos, with opportunities for writing and reading on location
10. Entrance ticket to Óbidos Castle and a visit to a nearby beach
11. Half-day trip to Almourol Castle and the river beach, with opportunities for writing and reading on location
12. Liqueur tasting experience with cheese, bread, and traditional sausages during the Almourol trip
13. Wine tasting experience at the venue
14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities
15. Round-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged times
16. All local tourist taxes and fees
17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
19. Access to a private Facebook group with Amanda Montei and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Writing materials — a list of materials recommended by writer Amanda Montei will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Óbidos
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Portugal
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Awaken Your Writing and Your Life Retreat
Join author Amanda Montei for an inspiring and relaxing writing retreat in the sun-drenched Portuguese countryside. Write alongside fellow creatives while Amanda guides you with expert tips and lessons on evolving your writing, all while enjoying the breathtaking vistas that surround you.

Awaken old and new writing, dive into your inheritance, and find your unique voice; get inspired by writers who have come before you, experiment with subverting traditional forms and characters, and tap into play in your creative life. This retreat will focus on enlivening your writing through guided discussions, sharing sessions, and prompts, as well as strategies for igniting your professional and publication goals as a writer and your personal commitment to your work.

Your days will be filled with writing, craft talks, and exploration of the Portuguese landscape. In addition to daily craft lessons and discussions, Amanda will share the ins and outs of navigating the industry and help you define and put into motion your writing goals. This retreat is suitable for students at all skill levels, from those just starting out to those working on book manuscripts to published authors. It will be a chance to write, relax, delight in chef-made food, explore the beautiful surroundings, and socialize with a supportive community of writers embracing growth and development in their writing and their personal lives.

Beyond your lessons at the venue, two day trips take you into the gorgeous landscape of central Portugal: a full day in the medieval walled town of Óbidos, with its castle, cobbled streets, and walls draped in bougainvillea and climbing vines, and a half-day at Almourol Castle, rising dramatically from an islet in the Tagus River, surrounded by wild olives, sculptural cacti, and river reeds.

**Topics covered during the retreat include:**

- Finding inspiration in work by writers who have reinvented themselves
- Awakening your writing at the level of the line and structure in both short and long form
- Rethinking your writing life and career by establishing a new beat, platform, and making a life around your creative work
- Writing your own experiences and methods for enlightening readers
- Writing against common stereotypes and traditional story arcs in your work
- ...and much more!

Your home for the week is a traditional Portuguese Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate set in the quiet village of Casével, with lush gardens, a swimming pool, orchards, stables, and a beautifully converted workshop space. Delight in chef-prepared meals every day, crafted with fresh local ingredients and paired with a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Discover the flavors of the region with a bespoke experience: a liqueur tasting event (paired with cheese, traditional sausages, and fresh bread) on the banks of the Tagus River during the trip to Almourol.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the venue around 4:00 PM after a transfer from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 3:00 PM. Settle into your cozy room and take some time to unwind. Once you're refreshed, meet the author Amanda Montei and gather with your fellow writers for a welcoming orientation tour.

Explore the beautiful accommodations, the spacious workshop space within the barn, the inviting pool, and the surrounding gardens. To kick off the retreat, enjoy a delightful dinner prepared by the in-house chef and share a toast with local wine or your preferred non-alcoholic option as you discuss the week ahead with your fellow creatives.

### Day 2: Writing classes at the venue
Start your day with a tasty breakfast, then join Amanda for a quick coffee check-in. You'll find out more about the plans for the day.

Head to the workshop space for your first class of the retreat, which will establish this week's theme. Read and discuss inspiring writing where awakening is a central theme, and share your own personal and writing journeys with the group to build community, connection, and confidence in your unique voice. Choose a creative prompt with Amanda's help to start a new piece of writing, or reimagine the writing you already have!

Take a break to refuel during lunch, then continue your classes in the afternoon. In the afternoon workshop, dream big as Amanda helps you to articulate the purpose and audience for your writing, along with publication goals and where you would like to see your writing live in the world. Amanda will guide you to consider what's holding you back from this next phase in your writing life, what blocks the full development of your voice, and what your next phase as a writer will look like.

Enjoy some leisure time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with your fellow writers for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant Portuguese wine or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

### Day 3: Writing trip to Óbidos
After a nourishing breakfast, set off for a day of adventure and exploration with a short drive through the rolling Ribatejo countryside to Óbidos, one of Portugal’s finest medieval towns.

Spend the morning visiting the striking 12th-century Óbidos Castle and its grounds, where sweeping views over the town and landscape await. Explore the city streets, note the unique architecture and how people navigate them, then use Amanda's prompts on inheritance and ancestry to explore your own stories.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch on your own at one of the town's charming cafés before spending the afternoon exploring Óbidos' historic center, where narrow stone streets, adorned with vibrant cascades of bougainvillea and terracotta pots, tell the stories of its inhabitants. From there, a short drive takes you to a nearby beach where wide-open skies, rolling Atlantic waves, and ever-changing textures of sand and shore create a breathtaking seascape where you can spend some time reading or taking notes on the emotions evoked by the scenery.

In the evening, return to the venue and take some time to relax before dinner. Enjoy a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and share your impressions of the day over an aromatic beverage in the lovely company of your fellow writers.

### Day 4: Writing classes at the venue
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a relaxed morning check-in with Amanda and fellow creatives, start the day with another class in the workshop space.

Spend the morning discussing literary tropes, stereotypes, and traditional narrative structures and their effect on your writing. Guided by a series of prompts, investigate how you can reclaim and subvert these traditions in your work, with your renewed sense of audience and purpose. You will be challenged to continue new work or revise works-in-progress with an eye toward further awakening and enlivening your voice and approach to genre.

After a nourishing lunch, jump back into the afternoon class. Once again, turn your attention to the more practical concerns of the writing life. Returning to your dreams and publications goals, learn the industry's inner workings as you establish achievable goals and discover how to navigate the complex world of publishing today. Amanda will offer practical strategies for putting your unique plans into action, inviting discussions of pitching, query letters, and platform, as well as broader publishing advice.

Take some time to recharge in the late afternoon, then enjoy a delicious three-course dinner paired with a glass of local wine or non-alcoholic beverage. Share reflections of the day and soak in the lively atmosphere of stories and laughter!

### Day 5: Writing trip to Almourol Castle
Savor a filling breakfast, then set off for another adventure: a half-day trip to Almourol Castle.

With its rich myths and the romantic spirit of the Templar Knights, this 12th-century landmark is the perfect place to consider your own deep ties to history and the power and potential of your writing today. Discover the castle grounds, taking in the dramatic towers, shifting light, and reflections on the water.

Wander down to the river beach, where the shallows run clear and bright, gathering the beautiful details of your surroundings by snapping photos and taking notes. The trip ends with a delightful tasting of regional liqueur, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages, before you make your way back to the venue for lunch.

Back at the venue, enjoy a leisurely lunch, then prepare for the afternoon writing session. For this session on awakening short-form prose, Amanda will lead a discussion on subverting traditional forms in essays and stories, followed by an intensive writing session where you will be challenged to begin or improve one publishable short-form piece of writing. Discuss your progress and setbacks in a group sharing session and receive valuable feedback on your work so far!

As the evening draws in, take some time to relax before dinner. Indulge in a chef-prepared three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of fragrant Portuguese wine or your non-alcoholic beverage of choice.

### Day 6: Writing classes at the venue
Start the following day with a hearty breakfast. Follow it up with the usual check-in over coffee, where you and your fellow writers will review the day’s plans.

In the morning session with Amanda, you’ll explore book-length genre and structure as you continue to add the necessary building blocks towards a longer project. Receive one-on-one guidance from Amanda on how you can get started on sharing your story in book form or reimagine a book project that is already underway, along with plenty of time to write based on prompts that will help you rethink structure, style, and voice in your work.

After a leisurely lunch, return to the workshop space for an afternoon session where you'll learn how to implement your plans and live the writing life you desire. Through discussion and a guided planning activity, you will pave the way to the goals you've set for yourself earlier in the retreat by establishing a writing routine, drafting and sharing pitches, and brainstorming newsletter and other platform ideas, as well as discussing practical strategies for supporting yourself on your writing journey.

Later in the afternoon, join your group for a relaxed three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local wine or your preferred non-alcoholic beverage. Unwind together with your fellow writers and share impressions of the day.

### Day 7: Writing classes at the venue
On your last day with the group, Amanda will invite you to consider the origins of your own creativity, experiment with new genres, and play with both dilating and compressing scenes and stories you've already written.

The morning will be devoted to experimentation, as you tap into your most youthful creative self, and will culminate in a group discussion about how to sustain this playful and inventive approach after you return home.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then head back into the workshop, where Amanda will guide you toward revisiting the blocks in your daily life that might prevent your creative flourishing, along with how to overcome them to sustain everything that was learned once you get back home. Discuss how you can maintain and continue to evolve your creative practice before wrapping things up with a supportive sharing session where you and the other writers will bond over shared experiences and personal discoveries.

As the day comes to an end, take some time to recharge and reflect on how the week has transformed your writing and your sense of self before dinner. Gather with your fellow writers for a delicious farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Toast to the beautiful memories and progress you have made throughout the week!

### Day 8: Departure
After sharing a parting breakfast with Amanda and your fellow writers, exchange any last contact details and prepare for your transfer to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Check-out is scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an expected arrival at the airport around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Amanda Montei](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/amanda-montei) — Author and Writing Instructor

## Accommodation

### Portuguese Quinta
Your retreat venue is a gorgeous Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate. The family-owned farm offers a tranquil and holistic retreat experience, with everything from organic food to stunning natural beauty well accounted for. The expansive grounds feature a lush meditation garden, a refreshing pool bordered by pine trees, a pond, a spacious workshop space, orchards, vegetable gardens, and an outdoor arena.

The accommodation spaces are spread across four units, whose interiors combine traditional design with modern elegance. Ranging from restored farmhouses with wooden beams to reconstructed barns with a regal feel or cozy garden villas, each space exudes charm and personality. The main villa where meals will be served features welcoming common spaces, such as a bright lounge, a cafe, and a dining room with a large fireplace.

The rooms can be shared or single, with ensuite or shared bathrooms. The meticulous attention to detail makes each room a cocoon of comfort, offering gorgeous views over the pool, gardens, or scenic countryside stretching beyond.

Your classes with Amanda Montei will take place in the tranquil, spacious workshop space located in a reconverted barn. The expansive gardens of the estate provide a serene environment, perfect for brainstorming and reading. Surrounded by the nearby countryside, peaceful gardens, and small woodland, you'll have endless spaces to unwind or to put your thoughts in order.

### Shared standard ensuite room
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Found on the second floor of the main villa, the shared standard ensuite room comes with two comfortable single beds, bespoke design, and quality fabrics and bedding. The room benefits from access to an ensuite bathroom with a tub and overhead shower, shared between the two occupants of the room.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Shared superior ensuite room - private veranda
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share each room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The four shared superior rooms are located in one of the garden villas.

The rooms include comfortable twin beds, premium linen and towels, and coffee and tea facilities. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower or tub and access to a private veranda with outdoor seating. The rooms have views of the blooming courtyard or the shimmering pool.

### Shared bathroom - single room
Four single rooms with shared bathrooms are available for this retreat. You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. Equipped with comfortable double beds, these four single rooms feature beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. Two rooms are located in the main villa on the second floor, while the other two are located in one of the garden villas on the first floor. The rooms in the garden villa also feature private verandas. The spacious bathrooms shared between each two rooms feature a tub or a shower.

### Single standard ensuite room
One room with an ensuite shower bathroom is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the main villa on the second floor, featuring a comfortable double bed and cozy décor. All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Single superior ensuite room - private veranda
Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable double bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located within the garden villas, on the 1st floor. Each room also benefits from access to a private veranda, with views towards the gardens or the countryside beyond.

### Single deluxe ensuite room
One deluxe ensuite room in main villa is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the second floor, and features a spacious ensuite bathroom (with tub and shower), bespoke décor reminiscent of the vast blue ocean, and wide windows overlooking the gardens. The large double bed ensures a restful sleep, and the air conditioning will guarantee you remain comfortable even on the hottest of days.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

## Food

During your writing retreat with Amanda Montei, you'll delight in delicious meals prepared by the private chef. The dishes are mainly vegan or vegetarian, crafted with fresh ingredients, grown organically at the farm or sourced locally.

Start your morning with a nutritious breakfast buffet, featuring yogurt, muesli, seeds and nuts, fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, sweet jams, and a selection of juices, coffee, and tea. Lunches include a starter (like a variety of soups or salads) and a main course. Dinners are a three-course feast (starter, main course, and dessert).

Your selection of drinks includes delicious wine served with dinner, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day. If you need a quick bite, refuel with a mid-afternoon snack.

During your trip to Almourol, discover the flavors of the region with a traditional liqueur tasting experience, paired with fresh bread, cheese, and sausages.

All meals are included, except one lunch during the full-day trip to Óbidos. The exact menu will depend on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

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.

## Getting There

The retreat takes place in the serene Ribatejo region of Portugal, next to the peaceful village of Casével. The surroundings reflect the traditional Portuguese countryside, with its swaying fields, sprawling vineyards, and cork oak forests typical of the Tagus Valley. Lisbon, the country's capital, is one hour away by car and will also serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for the transfers. During your retreat, you'll embark on several trips, visiting the historic town of Óbidos (one hour away from the venue) and a nearby beach, as well as the Almourol Castle (30 minutes away).

The region is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. The valley's vivid, ever-changing palettes of greens and browns, as well as the Tagus River itself, make for stunning scenes. Ribatejo's culture was influenced by many civilizations across the ages (the Celts, Romans, and Moors, for example), and it was favored by many Portuguese nobles throughout the medieval era. As such, the region features incredibly well-preserved medieval castles and towns.

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on June 12, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on June 19, 2027, 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.**

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Portugal a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.**

**How to get from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at prearranged times are included. The transfer to the retreat venue typically takes about one hour.

- **Arrival Transfer: June 12, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: June 19, 2027—10:00 AM** (departure from the retreat venue, arriving at Lisbon Airport (LIS) around 11:00 AM)

**If the pre-set transfer times do not align with your travel plans, please consider the following alternatives:**

- Extend your stay in Lisbon before and/or after the retreat and utilize the prearranged shuttles to/from Lisbon Airport (LIS).
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Quinta Carvalhas, Rua José Ferreira Fazenda, 2000-466 Casével, Portugal) at an additional cost of approximately 205 EUR / 220 USD each way. Please note that taxi fares may vary and are subject to change.

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "Oh, how do I even begin...The Quinta could not be more perfect for our artsy retreat! The staff was absolutely amazing and made me feel special and valued. I feel energized, motivated and walked away with new friendships and memories I will cherish forever. Thank you!!"

- "The retreat was lovely. The food was absolutely wonderful and all of the staff treated me kindly. Every time I turned around they were asking if any of us needed help. The other ladies that joined the retreat were absolutely wonderful and I look forward to keeping in contact with my new friends."

- "So beautiful and serene. Truly a respite from the world’s cares."

- "This was a life-changing experience! The venue, setting, cleanliness, and service were outstanding—superb, five stars. Our host, Gerhard, anticipated our every need and made us feel pampered like queens."

- "The retreat was truly an amazing experience. The location was magical and Gerhard and Dani did an exceptional job taking care of everything and everyone with smiles on their faces each and every day. Our chef made vegetarian meals that were delightful and creative. UpTrek took all of the planning and details to the next level. I didn't have to think and could just enjoy each moment!"

- "Beautifully manicured property with attentive staff and excellent cuisine. The art studio is spacious and light filled with lovely views."

- "Danielle and Gerhard were amazing hosts at the Quinta. We were very spoiled by them. The flow of the whole retreat was perfect. It didn’t feel like we were cramming in things - we truly had a chance to relax and do what we came to do - paint."

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with writer Amanda Montei in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between June 12 - 19, 2027.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on June 12, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on June 19, 2027. **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?**

Yes. Wi-Fi is available in all areas at no additional cost.

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

Yes. However, 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. The venue mainly serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

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

Please plan to arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in Portugal a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at pre-arranged times are included.

Refer to the [Location](https://uptrek.com/retreat/awaken-your-writing-and-your-life-writing-retreat-author-amanda-montei-portugal#location) tab for further details. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

**What’s the weather like in Ribatejo, Portugal, in June?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in June, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 23°C (73°F) during the day that drop to around 14°C (57°F) at night. The climate of the Ribatejo area is generally mild, without excesses, with plenty of sunshine, and very little rain throughout the year.

**What should I pack?**

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

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

Laundry facilities are not available at the retreat venue.

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

A detailed list of materials recommended by writer Amanda Monte will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, a projector, a printer-scanner, a Bluetooth speaker, and office supplies will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

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

There is a maximum number of 16 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter Portugal for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

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

Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Lisbon. You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary in Portugal). The retreat venue accepts payments with both cash and card.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

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

**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.

**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, as the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.

**What language is used during the workshop 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](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 and your payment method is charged, 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 instructor or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's 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/awaken-your-writing-and-your-life-writing-retreat-author-amanda-montei-portugal#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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**Last updated:** 2026-08-26