# Start Something New, or Start Anew Writing Retreat with Author Rebecca Makkai in Spain Join award-winning novelist Rebecca Makkai for an immersive fiction writing retreat in the breathtaking Almería region of southern Spain. Start a new project in a new place, or bring fresh light to a work in progress. Take part in daily workshops and discussions led by Rebecca, focusing on craft, narrative techniques, and breaking through creative barriers.Tap into the creative energy of the new and the unfamiliar on curated trips to the impressive Alcazaba Fortress of Almería, the quaint fishing village of San José, and the otherworldly landscapes of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Their atmosphere and history might provide inspiration, and the simple act of immersing yourself in an unknown place can open up new creative channels.Set at a charming Spanish countryside estate, this retreat offers the space to focus on your writing while surrounded by the tranquil and unspoiled nature of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Indulge in shared meals featuring regional Andalusian flavors, connect with fellow writers in a supportive environment, and take part in the "Open Mic" gathering, a final evening of reflection, storytelling, and celebration of your creative journey. Relax in your private single room and enjoy a peaceful and secluded space to write and let your creativity flow.Each student will meet with Rebecca for a private brainstorming session to focus their work and find the core of their story. ## Details - **Dates:** October 5 - 12, 2026 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,400 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Start Something New, or Start Anew Retreat Join award-winning novelist Rebecca Makkai for a fiction-focused writing retreat in the heart of Andalusia, southern Spain. Designed for writers at any stage, this retreat blends craft discussions, hands-on exercises, and structured writing sessions to help you break through creative barriers, refine your work, and explore new possibilities. Whether you're starting a novel, revising a manuscript, or experimenting with fresh ideas, you'll receive practical guidance and inspiration in a supportive environment.Throughout the week, you'll focus on:Finding inspiration in the new, the strange, and the unexpectedBuilding or rebuilding strong narrative foundationsPlanning the shape and scope of a storyUsing your story's internal engines Each day includes dedicated writing time, prompts, and exercises designed to push your work forward:Fifteen optional exercises/prompts throughout the weekExperimentation with brainstorming, outlining, and drafting techniquesIndividualized goals for making progress or starting something newThe opportunity to share your work at the closing open micBeyond the workshops, you will also:Use local day trips to Almería and Cabo de Gata Natural Park to expand your observations and deepen your writingDiscuss craft, process, and the writing life with a community of fellow writersMeet one-on-one with Rebecca for a personal brainstorming sessionYour accommodation will be in an elegant countryside estate nestled in the untamed nature reserve of Cabo de Gata. Set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and an outdoor swimming pool, this venue is ideal for a writing retreat that offers space for individual reflection and writing while also fostering connection and creative exchange with fellow writers and author Rebecca Makkai. Delight in authentic Spanish flavors with daily chef-prepared meals, as well as special lunches at local restaurants during your day trips. ### 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 Rebecca Makkai and your fellow writers. Join an orientation tour to explore the charming workshop spaces, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and the refreshing pool. Over a delightful welcome dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week that’s ahead, creating a supportive and focused atmosphere for the retreat. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Start your day with a filling breakfast, fueling up for a productive and creative morning. Over coffee, connect with Rebecca and fellow writers as you go over the day's plan and settle into the rhythm of the retreat.The morning session begins with introductions and a warm-up to ease into the writing process. Through prompts and guided exercises, Rebecca will help you get started, encouraging fresh ideas and new approaches. Use this time to dive into your work, experiment with different styles, and begin shaping your writing for the week ahead.After lunch, dive into "Embrace the Strange and New," a focused craft talk on fresh starts for old and brand-new manuscripts alike. Rebecca will guide you through starting new stories, novels, or memoir pieces without fear or hesitation, restarting stalled-out stories, and bringing fresh vision, energy, and a sense of play to both. The rest of the afternoon is set aside for your own writing. Take time to recharge in whatever way feels right, whether that means walking through the estate gardens, relaxing by the pool, or settling into a quiet space to dive into your work.If you’d like, you can also share your work and receive feedback.As the evening settles in, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of aromatic, local wine. Connect with your fellow writers and talk about the progress and discoveries made throughout the day. ### Day 3: Trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park (optional) Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for what’s ahead. Over coffee, go over the plans of the day together with Rebecca and your fellow writers. Then, head out to explore the striking wilds of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. The trip is entirely optional. If you prefer, you can opt to remain at the venue and enjoy some undisturbed individual writing time.The natural park is renowned for its unspoiled beaches, volcanic calderas, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious rock formations. Categorized as a UNESCO Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, the park owes its colorful landscapes to its volcanic origin. As you walk through sandy paths bordered by stone and clusters of coastal blooms, pay attention to the small, defining details of your surroundings, allowing new ideas to take shape.The day’s route includes a visit to San José, a small whitewashed town nestled by the sea, and its vivid coastline framed by turquoise waters and wild vegetation.Pause midday for a relaxed lunch in San José, at a local Andalusian spot, and reflect on the morning’s impressions. Afterwards, head back to the venue for another afternoon craft talk: "Free Your Writing from Predictability." Rebecca will guide a discussion on pushing past familiar patterns, making unexpected choices, and using possibility maps and juxtapositions to bring new energy to your work. Explore ways to break out of creative habits and open up fresh directions in your writing.As the day comes to an end, take some time to unwind and reset before dinner. You can have some individual writing time, take a dip in the pool, stroll around the estate gardens, or share your writing and receive feedback. Savor a chef-made dinner accompanied by a glass of Spanish wine, soaking in the flavorful food and lovely company of the evening. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Kick off the day with a wholesome breakfast, easing into the rhythm of the day. Over coffee, chat with Rebecca and your fellow writers as you review the schedule and prepare to dive into today’s workshops.The morning session begins with a series of prompts designed to get ideas flowing and push your writing in new directions. Use this time to explore fresh angles, experiment with style, and build momentum in your work. You can start something new, deepen an existing project, or spend the time on individual writing and see where it leads you.Lunch provides a chance to pause, reset, and reflect on the morning’s progress before shifting into the afternoon’s craft talk and discussion: "Build Your Foundations." Rebecca will guide an exploration of how to know when you have "enough" to build on, how to set your narrative up for success, and how to strike the tricky balance between sloppiness and perfectionism before moving on.As the evening unfolds, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take this opportunity to rest or have some individual writing time and exchange ideas with the other writers. End the day with a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with fragrant wine. ### Day 5: Trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment Start the day with a nourishing breakfast and a short chat with Rebecca and the group. Then jump into your next adventure with a trip to the historic city of Almería, where stone walls hold centuries of stories and sea air weaves through the town’s rhythm.As you explore Almería, take in the details that make this place unique: the vibrant cobbled streets, the bustling cafés in the city center, and the renowned landmark of the city, La Alcazaba de Almería. This Moorish fortress is one of the best-preserved citadels of the last Muslim kingdom in Europe, Al-Andalus. Built in the 10th century, the fortified complex houses gorgeous gardens, imposing towers, and intricate gates, showcasing impressive Moorish architecture. From its stone walls, you can enjoy sweeping views of Almería and its port.Take a moment to jot down your ideas, take notes on the history the local guide shares with you, or on the visual elements of the surroundings. Record the details that have piqued your interest, letting the setting speak for itself.Pause for lunch and drinks at a local Andalusian spot named after the Sacromonte region of Granada, long associated with flamenco, caves, and creative tradition. Though far from those hills, this tavern is known for its Andalusian cuisine and enduring charm, serving as a favorite gathering place for artists, writers, and locals.In the afternoon, as you return to the venue, prepare for another afternoon class. Turn your notes from earlier into a coherent piece of writing, and learn how to create a vivid and full setting in your story.The rest of the late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you’d like. Do some individual writing, take a swim in the pool, or simply relax in your comfortable room. Join Rebecca and the group for a chef-prepared dinner and a glass of local Spanish wine, sharing stories from the day. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast and time to connect with Rebecca and fellow writers before gathering for the craft talk, “Blueprints for the Big Picture." Whether or not you consider yourself an "outliner," everyone needs to back up and get a sense of the big picture at certain points along the way. The traditional outline is just one of those. We'll explore how to find a mapping technique that works for your project and your brain, and brainstorm for the road ahead.Afterward, take a short break to rest or gather thoughts before sitting down for lunch and conversation about the morning’s ideas.The afternoon is devoted to individual writing. Find a peaceful spot on the grounds, by the pool, or in your room to write at your own pace. Use this time to build on what inspired you earlier or to begin something new.As the late afternoon unfolds, step away from structured discussion. Take a walk, relax, or spend time with fellow writers to process new ideas. If you’d like, this is also an opportunity to share your work and receive feedback. The evening wraps up with dinner, bringing everyone together to reflect on the day and the progress made. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast and a chance to connect with Rebecca and fellow writers.The morning discussion, "Start Your Engines," is about finding the internal motors that give a story momentum—so that neither story nor author is prone to getting stuck. We'll talk about stakes, propulsion, structural momentum, and all the other things that make the story go.After a midday break for lunch, take some time to relax before gathering for the afternoon’s closing session.The retreat concludes with an "Open Mic and Celebration" session, an opportunity to share your work in a supportive space. Whether you choose to read an excerpt, reflect on lessons from the week, or simply listen, this final gathering offers a chance to exchange insights, ask lingering questions, and recognize the growth that has taken place.As the late afternoon settles in, take a walk, sit with your thoughts, or discuss with fellow writers. The retreat wraps up with a farewell dinner, a time to celebrate the connections made, the stories written, and the inspiration that will carry forward beyond the week. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Rebecca 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 - **Rebecca Makkai** - Award-winning novelist, speaker ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate ### Hilltop single standard ensuite room ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room - open terrace ### Single superior ensuite room - enclosed terrace ### Single standard suite - open terrace ### Single superior suite - enclosed terrace ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/start-something-new-start-anew-writing-retreat-author-rebecca-makkai-spain](https://uptrek.com/retreat/start-something-new-start-anew-writing-retreat-author-rebecca-makkai-spain) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*