Is the retreat available to all levels?

The retreat with author Matt Bell is open to all levels of writing experience, though having a written draft is encouraged.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat with author Matt Bell in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between June 6 - 13, 2026.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 6, 2026. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, June 13, 2026, after breakfast.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

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?

Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Greece a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly locally to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes.

For more details, please see the Location tab.

What should I pack?

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

Can I do laundry while on the retreat?

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue, and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

What supplies do I need for the workshops?

A detailed list of materials recommended by author Matt Bell will be provided after booking, five months before the retreat begins.

What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in June?

The weather in June in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 27°C / 81°F during the day that drop to around 16°C / 61°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly.

How many people are to be expected at the retreat?

Maximum 16 participants.

Do I need a visa?

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

Are there any age restrictions?

The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.

What language is used during the retreat and other activities?

The retreat is available in English.

Can a non-participating guest join me?

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

Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Accommodation spaces and most of the main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the day trips.

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. Please review our 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.

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 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.