# Relax, Unwind, Write - Develop a Sustainable Writing Practice Retreat with Author Sam Tschida in Spain Join rom-com mystery author Sam Tschida on a fiction writing retreat in the warm, sun-drenched landscape of southern Spain. Across the retreat, Sam will take you from your very first story idea to a working first chapter, helping you develop characters that pull readers in, find the narrative structure that makes your plot work, nail the voice of your book, and figure out what the road from finished draft to published novel actually looks like. Sam's classes will blend short craft talks with hands-on exercises, open conversation, individual feedback, and generous writing time, all delivered with Sam’s sharp humor and practical honesty. The retreat is open to all levels of experience. Throughout the week, set out on exciting adventures to the vibrant town of Almería, with its renowned landmark, the impressive Alcazaba Fortress, and to the mesmerizing coast of Cabo de Gata. During your trips, enjoy delightful lunches at a local restaurant in San José and a local Andalusian establishment in Almería. Relax in your private room surrounded by cacti, tiled paths, and sweeping views of the horizon. Share chef-prepared meals each day and unwind with dinner and conversation after studio hours. By the end of the week, you’ll return home with a collection of paintings shaped by the beauty of Cabo de Gata and a renewed sense of joy and confidence in your creative practice. ## Details - **Dates:** October 4 - 11, 2027 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,200 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Writing sessions, individual tuition, and a programme with author Sam Tschida 2. Workshop spaces equipped with: tables and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer-scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, and foldable outdoor chairs 3. A wooden laptop/writing stand and an extra lamp in each room for individual writing time 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 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Fragrant local wine and non-alcoholic alternatives during dinner service 9. Snack bar with coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks available throughout the day 10. Half-day trip to Almería featuring a guided visit to the historic Alcazaba Fortress 11. Lunch and drinks at a well-known special establishment during the trip to Almería 12. Entrance ticket to the Alcazaba of Almería 13. (Optional) Half-day trip to the coastline of Cabo de Gata Natural Park 14. Lunch at a local restaurant in San José during the trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park 15. Highly knowledgeable English-speaking guide for all planned trips and activities 16. Private transportation for all planned trips and activities 17. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Almería Airport (LEI) at prearranged times 18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 19. Fully staffed venue with an experienced retreat admin/UpTrek host, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff on location 20. All local tourist taxes and fees 21. Access to a private Facebook group with Sam Tschida and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Materials — a list of materials recommended by author Sam Tschida 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 ### Develop a Sustainable Writing Practice Retreat Bring your novel to life on a fiction writing retreat with rom-com mystery author Sam Tschida in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, southern Spain. Sam has spent years writing sharp, funny novels, building writing communities, teaching at every level, and navigating the publishing industry from the inside, and she will bring all of it to your work across the retreat. From finding your strongest story idea to writing an opening chapter that hooks readers from the first line, Sam will walk you through the craft of building a novel and the practical realities of getting it out into the world. Sam teaches with warmth, humor, real honesty, and a profound understanding of what it takes to keep showing up at the page. The retreat welcomes writers of all levels, from those just getting started to those deep in a draft who need fresh eyes and a push. You will leave with a working first chapter, a clearer sense of your novel’s shape, practical knowledge of the publishing landscape, and a writing practice you can sustain at home. Beyond the workshops, soak up the warmth of Andalusia on two trips into the surrounding region. On your half-day trip to Almería, explore La Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress built in the 10th century and one of Europe’s best-preserved citadels, with its walled gardens, towers, courtyards, and sweeping views of the city and port below. The trip will wrap up with an included lunch and drinks at a beloved local restaurant in the town of Almería. Later in the retreat, you will have the option to join a half-day trip along the dramatic Cabo de Gata coastline, where volcanic cliffs meet turquoise water, before stopping for an included lunch at a beloved restaurant in the seaside village of San José. **Topics covered during your classes with Sam will include:** - Strengthening your understanding of narrative structure and how plot functions across scenes - Learning about the different publishing paths and what works best for you - Improving your relationship with your writing; managing healthy expectations and a sustainable writing practice - Learning how to create a submission package that is a useful tool for your writing and great for querying - Finding your strongest story idea and deciding whether to start a new project or return to an old manuscript - Developing characters with compelling arcs that carry your novel forward - Crafting a first chapter that hooks readers from the opening line - Understanding story beats and how they build momentum across your book - Navigating the publishing industry from agents to self-publishing and everything in between - …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 estate 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 craft 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 Sam Tschida, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. Join an orientation tour to explore the bright workshop spaces, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and refreshing pool. Over a delightful welcome dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week that’s ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of fragrant wine. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then gather in the workshop space for your first full day with Sam. The morning will open with "Your Best Idea." Every book starts with an idea, and Sam will help you brainstorm, test, refine, and land on the one worth giving your next several months to. You will work through exercises designed to sharpen that idea into the seed of a real novel, and by the end of the morning you will know what you want to write and why it matters to you. Sam will then move into "Love It or List It," her method for writers who already have a draft sitting in a drawer and need to figure out whether to go back to it or walk away and write something new. After a nourishing lunch, settle into an afternoon of free writing. Take the idea you landed on in the morning and get it onto the page, experimenting with scenes, angles, voices, and openings. Sam will be around all afternoon for one-on-one feedback. Spend the early evening however you like. Swim, write, wander the gardens, or stretch out on the terraces with your notebook. Sit down to a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef with Spanish wine on the table and share first impressions from a full day of putting words on the page. ### Day 3: Trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment Over a wholesome breakfast, get ready for your first adventure of the retreat: a half-day trip to the historic city of Almería. Your guide will walk you through La Alcazaba of Almería, a Moorish fortress built in the 10th century and one of the best-preserved citadels of the last Muslim kingdom in Europe. Wander through the walled gardens, towers, courtyards, and gates, taking in the architecture and the sweeping views of Almería and its port. The trip will wrap up with an included lunch and drinks at a beloved local restaurant in the heart of the old town. Return to the venue and enjoy a leisurely lunch, then move into the afternoon with another workshop. Sam will lead a class on character development and arcs. You will dig into how to build people on the page who carry real weight in your story, with exercises designed to deepen the characters in your novel into figures that your readers will not want to put down. The rest of the afternoon will be yours for free writing, with Sam available for one-on-one feedback throughout. Wind down in the gardens or by the pool. The private chef will prepare a delightful three-course dinner paired with a glass of Spanish wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and the conversation full of stories from a morning inside one of Andalusia’s most storied fortresses. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before heading into the workshop space for a full day of writing and craft. Sam’s morning craft talk will tackle the question every novelist faces, which is how to actually start a book. She will walk you through how to write a first chapter that hooks your reader from the opening line, sets the tone for the entire novel, earns your reader’s trust, and builds enough forward momentum to keep both of you turning pages. You will then move into free writing, putting the craft talk to work on your own opening chapter. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a refreshing meal, then move into the afternoon, which will be dedicated entirely to free writing. Spread out across the workshop spaces, find a spot on the terraces, settle into the gardens with your notebook, or work from your room. Sam will be available for individual feedback as you push deeper into your first chapter and beyond. Take a dip in the pool or a stroll through the gardens before gathering around the dinner table for a three-course meal from the private chef and a glass of Spanish wine. Trade notes and breakthroughs with your fellow writers over a long, unhurried evening. ### Day 5: Trip to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park (optional) Settle in with a warm breakfast and get ready for an optional half-day trip along the Cabo de Gata coastline. If you would rather keep writing, the retreat venue and its workshop spaces will be yours for the morning. Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a UNESCO Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, will unfold around you in volcanic cliffs, turquoise coves, wild scrubland, and wide-open coastal views. The route will take you through the park and into San José, a small whitewashed village tucked against the sea, where you will stop for an included lunch at a beloved local restaurant before heading back to the venue. After a relaxed lunch, continue the afternoon with Sam’s craft talk on story beats, the turning points that will keep your reader flipping pages from beginning to end. You will map the beats of your own story, figuring out where the momentum builds and where it still needs to pick up, then move into free writing to work the structure into your draft. Sam will be on hand for feedback throughout. Unwind by the pool or on the terraces before sitting down to a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with Spanish wine. Swap stories from a morning along the coast and an afternoon spent inside the architecture of your own novel. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Savor a nourishing breakfast before heading into the workshop space for a day that will shift from craft to industry. Sam will open the morning with "Telling the Story to Yourself," her method for distilling your entire novel into a summary that works as a compass for your own writing and as the foundation of a query letter. You will practice writing and refining your own version, and by the end of the morning you will have a working draft you can use to pitch your book or simply to keep yourself on track as you write it. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a satisfying meal, then continue the afternoon with another class. Sam will lead an open conversation on how publishing actually works, covering agents, traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid models, and what each path demands of you as a writer. You will walk away with a practical picture of the industry and a clearer sense of which direction fits your book and your life. Take a stroll through the gardens or find a spot on the terraces to write before gathering around the table for a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef. Pour a glass of Spanish wine and talk through the possibilities the afternoon opened up. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Over a delicious breakfast, settle in for your final full day at the retreat. Sam will open the morning with a Q&A, addressing whatever remains on your mind about your writing, the industry, the craft, or the work you have produced during the retreat. The conversation will then open up into something larger. What do you actually want from your writing life, and how do you build a practice that stays sustainable, honest, creatively alive, and enjoyable long after you leave Spain? After a simple lunch, gather with your fellow writers for an open mic and celebration. Read a passage from the work you created during the retreat if you feel like sharing, and take a moment to hear what the writers around you have been building all along. As evening falls, gather for a three-course farewell dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with Spanish wine. Raise a glass to the stories started, the drafts that grew, the friendships made, and the work still taking shape. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Sam and your fellow writers, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Sam Tschida](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/sam-tschida) — Author and Writing Instructor ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate Your venue for the retreat with author Sam Tschida 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 Sam 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 creatives. 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 standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated closer to the main venue spaces (such as the studios, dining areas, and common lounges), each room features a private bathroom and necessary amenities. The rooms are equipped with toiletries, a hairdryer, hand and bath towels, a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, a smart TV, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor terrace. Enjoy the tranquil scenery outside your quaint private terrace, or take a moment to rest on the comfortable double bed, outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and smooth cotton linens. ### 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 Sam Tschida’s writing retreat, 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 creative writing retreat with Sam Tschida 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 Airpor**t **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 October 4, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 11, 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.** **Arrival transfer:** **October 4, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Almería Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **October 11, 2027 — 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 from previous UpTrek retreats at this 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 the retreat available to all levels?** This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior writing experience, as well as familiarity with Sam Tschida's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with author Sam Tschida in Almería, Spain, takes place between October 4 - 11, 2027. **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 October 4, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the retreat, on October 11, 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?** 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/relax-unwind-write-develop-a-sustainable-writing-practice-retreat-author-sam-tschida-spain#location). Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. **What’s the weather like in Almería, Spain, in October?** The weather in Almería, Spain, in October is generally sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 17°C / 63°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 author Sam Tschida will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Wooden laptop/writing stands for bed, lamps in each room, tables and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer-scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, and foldable outdoor chairs 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 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/relax-unwind-write-develop-a-sustainable-writing-practice-retreat-author-sam-tschida-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). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/relax-unwind-write-develop-a-sustainable-writing-practice-retreat-author-sam-tschida-spain **Last updated:** 2026-07-22