EARLY BIRD book by November, 2025 to join us for less
Our retreat is a space to work on novels, short stories, personal essays, and memoir. Bring the pieces you’ve been mulling over, the story ideas you’re hooked on, and the novels begging to be written.
In the magical setting of Sintra, we’ll host daily yoga and meditation, followed by creative writing workshops, discussions, feedback, and more.
This is just the start; we want to facilitate the breakthroughs that will transform your craft long into the future.
The setting
In Sintra, the mists have been known to descend mid-afternoon, or the sun flood the valleys in mid-winter. It is a mystical setting that doesn’t play by any rules, a place to rediscover a sense of wonder.
Casa do Valle is perched on a hilltop, with wilderness on all sides and sweeping views. It is a sanctuary, quiet aside from the rustling of the trees and birdsong. It is also just a 15-minute walk into the historical centre.
The experience
Each morning, you are invited to attend yoga and meditation sessions that mirror the energy of the day’s writing workshops to create a unified experience.
There will be time dedicated to your private writing practice, opportunities to explore, roam in the rugged wilderness of Sintra, and to connect.
In the afternoon, there will be writing workshops designed to delve deeper into the mechanics of story.
And every evening, we invite you to dine together at the Casa do Valle on the mouth-watering creations of a local chef.
You will leave with
No one can tell your story but you.
By the end of the week, we hope you will have discovered your authentic voice and the parts of your storytelling that move others.
It is only by exploring our ideas in a safe and nurturing environment that we can discover that which truly connects.
You will leave with a deeper understanding of your craft and renewed energy for your practice.
Our retreat will be hosted at Casa do Valle in Sintra
Sintra is a place that stirs the imagination. Just outside Lisbon, this UNESCO-listed town is known for its misty forests, pastel palaces, and winding stone streets, a landscape so rich in beauty and myth it feels otherworldly. There’s a quiet magic to being here, a slowing down that invites you to listen inward and create from a deeper place.
Tucked into the hillside, Casa do Valle is the perfect home for a writing retreat. Surrounded by gardens, trees, and sweeping views of the Sintra mountains, it offers a rare sense of stillness and space. With the historical centre just a short walk away, and nature all around, you’ll find the balance of inspiration and serenity - the ideal conditions to write, reflect, and connect.
Our Time Together
Below is a sample schedule, a little glimpse into how our days might unfold.
Each morning begins with yoga and meditation to set the tone for the writing ahead.
There’s plenty of space throughout to work on your own writing, rest, and explore the beauty around you.
*Please note: workshop topics and timing may shift slightly as the retreat takes shape.
19th
We’ll officially begin at 5 p.m. with a warm welcome gathering, followed by a delicious dinner to connect and relax.
20th
MORNING
Yoga (8:00am) : Our first yoga session moves with vibrant energy, awakening your senses and igniting the excitement that comes with beginning a new story.
Breakfast (9:30am): Start your day with a hearty continental breakfast buffet, including fresh breads, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, fruit, eggs, and coffee or tea.
Workshop: How to Begin (10:30am - 12:30pm)
No part of a story is as vital as its beginning. Whether you’re writing essay, short fiction, a novel or memoir, you’ll learn how to hook a reader and have them hungry for more. This workshop will help you find the start of your story, deliver a killer first line and build a whole world in a few sentences.
After the morning’s flow and creative spark, you’ll have time to work on your writing, explore the surroundings, or simply rest.
AFTERNOON
Free Time: Take a 15-minute walk into the charming centre for lunch or find a beautiful café to write. Or stay at Casa do Valle, where each bedroom has a desk, or relax by the pool. We'll offer a curated list of local restaurants to take the stress out of where to eat, with the option for delivery. Sintra’s historic monuments, palaces, castles, and gardens are just a short trip away. This time is yours to soak in the magic of the surroundings before we come together again for dinner.
One-to-one Feedback Sessions (5:00 - 7:00pm): Book your one-to-one feedback session with Liane for a detailed discussion on a piece of work and how to make it shine.
Dinner (7:30pm): Each evening, you’ll gather for a dinner lovingly prepared by a local chef whose mouthwatering creations always leave guests wanting more. She caters to all diets, just tell us first, and it's always local. This is also an opportunity to form deeper connections.
21st
MORNING
Yoga (8:00am): This practice invites openness and gentle exploration, encouraging you to dive deeper into the heart of your characters.
Breakfast (9:30am)
Workshop: All about Character (10:30am - 12:30pm)
Everything a person does, says, observes, the way they dress, move and the pitch of their voice is revealing who they are. In today’s workshop we’ll discuss how to build unforgettable characters.
AFTERNOON
Free Time
One-to-one Feedback Sessions (5:00 - 7:00pm)
Dinner (7:30pm)
22nd
MORNING
Yoga (8:30am): A quiet, attentive yoga flow helps you tune inward, sharpening your awareness to capture authentic dialogue.
Breakfast (9:30am)
Workshop: The Key to Authentic Dialogue (10:30 - 12:30am)
We invite you to tune into the idiosyncrasies of one another’s speech. Everyone’s mode of
expression, word choices and tempo are subtly different. This workshop is designed to help
develop an ear for dialogue.
AFTERNOON
Free Time
One-to-one Feedback Sessions (5:00 - 7:00pm)
Dinner (7:30pm)
23rd
MORNING
Yoga (8:00am): The session is all about balance and flow, supporting you to find the rhythm in pacing your story, knowing when to slow down and when to move forward.
Breakfast (9:30am)
Workshop: How to Manage Time (10:30 - 12:30am)
What events are significant to our story? When should we linger and when leap ahead? We’ll explore how to contain vast swathes of time in a single sentence or how to slow down to build atmosphere.
AFTERNOON
Group Hike to the "Fairy Forest"
One-to-one Feedback Sessions (5:00 - 7:00pm)
Dinner (7:30pm)
Open Mic Reading: on our final evening we will have an opportunity to share, notice our epiphanies and celebrate one another’s creations.
24th
After breakfast, we’ll gather for morning farewells before heading home.
What's Included
Accommodation for 5 nights
Arrival Gift Bag
All Writing Workshops +
One-to-one feedback sessions
Morning Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation
"Fairy Forest" Hike
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner
Not included: airfare, alcohol, taxis, additional services
Accommodation
Our retreat takes place across two charming buildings on the slope of Sintra mountain:
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Casa do Valle (top of the property) with 7 cozy Standard Rooms
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Casa da Vista (bottom of the property) with 4 spacious Superior Rooms and Suites
Because of the mountain setting, the terrain is inclined with outdoor steps, and all rooms have direct access to the outdoors, letting you breathe in the fresh air and stunning views right from your doorstep.
Each room features wooden floors, a spacious closet, and a private bathroom with a shower (all but one are ensuite). Every room is equipped with a hairdryer, mini-fridge, toaster, and water kettle, plus coffee, tea, and sugar.
Pricing Per Person
All prices include the full retreat experience: 5 nights’ accommodation, all workshops + one-to-one feedback sessions with Liane, group hike to the "fairy forest", daily yoga and meditation, breakfast, and dinner.
Booking Details
To hold your spot, a non-refundable deposit of £500 is required through this booking page. The remaining balance is due one month after your deposit. We also offer limited payment plans. Please email us at pooledminds@gmail.com if you’d like to request one.
Simply select your preferred room option from the menu below. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with our Welcome Email, including remaining payment instructions, Terms and Conditions, and a Welcome Guide packed with travel tips.
Book your preferred accommodation below
Getting to us
Casa do Valle is located in Sintra, about 40 minutes from Lisbon. There are several easy ways to reach us from Lisbon Airport:
From Lisbon Airport to Sintra
1. Private Shuttle (Recommended)
We can help you arrange a private airport transfer directly to Casa do Valle. This is the most comfortable option, especially if you're traveling with luggage. If you’d like to book a shuttle, just let us know in advance and we’ll take care of the details.
2. Taxi or Uber
A taxi or Uber from the airport to Sintra takes around 30–40 minutes and costs approximately €35–€45, depending on traffic. This is a convenient door-to-door option, especially if you're arriving outside of train hours.
3. Train from Lisbon to Sintra
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From the airport, take the metro (red line) to Oriente Station or Rossio Station (you’ll need to transfer once).
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From either station, take the CP Sintra Line train to Sintra Station (trains run frequently and take ~40 minutes).
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Once in Sintra, Casa do Valle is about 1.2 km (15–20 minutes walking uphill) from the station.
If you have luggage, we recommend grabbing a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the station to the house.
Our Address:
Casa do Valle
Rua da Paderna, nº 5
2710-604 Sintra, Portugal
We’ll also include detailed directions, local taxi contacts, and a map in your Welcome Guide to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
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