Travel

Finally write your novel this summer with this luxurious Crete creative writing retreat 

They say that everyone has a novel inside them – you just have to let it out. And we’ve realised that the words would flow a lot more freely if we were sat in a luxury, sunshine-soaked hotel

Which is why we’re super excited to learn that Simpson Travel has announced a new week-long creative writing retreat in Crete, hosted by bestselling novelist Kate Mosse OBE and creative writing guru Greg Mosse. 

The stunning landscapes of the Arosmari Village Hotel, Crete

Crete is a fitting location for the retreat: with its extraordinary history, epic landscapes and unique culture, the Greek island has long been a source of inspiration for writers and artists. This week-long course will take place at the beautiful Arosmari Village Hotel, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains – the perfect location to spark your imagination. 

Taking place from 27 July to 3 August 2021, the week is set to provide the perfect antidote to lockdown and give both experienced and first-time writers a chance to combine creativity with total relaxation. Sound like the perfect retreat? We think so. 

The course alone costs £200 per person and is open to all abilities: both novice writers and those looking to complete or edit an established work-in-progress. Which also means that if you’ve been working on your passion project during lockdown – this is the way to polish it in style. 

The Arosmari Hotel, Crete: the perfect place to spark inspiration?

Comprising creative workshops focusing on plots, characters, the importance of location, suspense and planning, the course runs over five morning sessions, with additional one-to-one tutorials to address specific concerns or interests. The retreat starts with an introductory interview and drinks with the Labyrinth author on the night before the first session, and on the final night, Mosse will give a speech to close the week’s activities, which will be followed by a classical music concert, dinner and farewell drinks. 

Meanwhile, the peaceful Arosmari Village Hotel is set in the traditional village of Vamos. Ten beautifully refurbished 1 and 2-bedroom cottages make up the hotel; all ideal for couples, and some suitable for those looking to travel with a writer friend or companion. 

You can bring a partner, too, even if they’re not going to join the writing activities. Non-writing partners are encouraged to share the holiday experience and enjoy the idyllic location, relaxing in the hotel itself, with its lovely grounds or pool, or exploring the charming villages and golden beaches of western Crete and the cosmopolitan city of Chania, with its superb restaurants, colourful markets and spectacular Venetian harbour.

Prices for a week at Arosmari Village Hotel, departing 27th July, start from £1423 per person including flights, bed and breakfast accommodation and car hire. Booking information at simpsontravel.com.

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Bex April May is an experienced entertainment, travel and lifestyle journalist based in London, writing for The Guardian, Metro, Cosmopolitan, MTV, Shortlist and more. Follow her adventures on Twitter @bexlectric and on Instagram @bexaprilmay

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