BEHIND
the COURSE
With gentle encouragement and an art director's eye, I collaborate with my couples to create effortlessly editorial images full of pure love, stunning backdrops, and natural moments (with just enough guidance!)
Light is my biggest inspiration, and I find weddings to be complex, joyous, fashion-filled, emotional, utterly beautiful celebrations that I can't get enough of.
ENNEAGRAM 8, CREATIVE TO MY CORE, ARTIST, ROMANTIC, JANE AUSTIN STAN
about
abigail
as seen in
Harpers Bazaar / Vogue
Marie Claire / Weddings Magazine
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As a globally celebrated wedding photographer with nearly two decade’s experience, Tec Petaja brings an innate knowledge of composition, mood, and light to every moment he captures.
by abigail fitzgerald
About
Author
the
as seen in
Harpers Bazaar / Vogue
Marie Claire / Weddings Magazine
Your Creative Sanctuary in Portugal Awaits
Our Private Venue
- 180-degree ocean views with incredible sunsets as well as a secluded forest right in our backyard – perfect to to write and reflect.
- Swimming pool surrounded by a tranquil forest, yoga dome, and outdoor firepit for pure relaxation and connection.
- Plenty of nooks and private spaces around the property for uninterrupted writing time.
- Located just 45 minutes from Lisbon and 5 minutes from the beach, our private venue offers easy access for international travelers while feeling like a world away.
just 45-minutes from charming lisbon
take a walk to the beach between writing sessions, perhaps?
imagine stargazing with new friends after a full day of writing
Spaces designed to inspire: from cozy writing nooks to serene outdoor settings
Nestled in the coastal beauty of Sesimbra, Portugal, this ocean-view retreat venue is designed to inspire creativity and connection. Picture this: mornings spent writing to the soundtrack of ocean breeze, afternoons exploring hidden beaches or cozying up with your notebook, and evenings sharing stories by candlelight with a group of new writer friends.
This Retreat is Your Reset.
Feeling stuck?
You’re juggling life, work, and the dream of writing, but finding time, space, and inspiration can sometimes feel impossible. Maybe you’ve started a project but can’t seem to finish, or you’re staring at a blank page wondering where to begin.
You’ll leave with:
A renewed sense of purpose, direction, and clarity for your writing.
Tangible progress on your project, whether it’s a novel, memoir, Substack essays, or anything else.
Memories of a transformative experience that will fuel your creativity long after you leave.
A supportive community to keep in touch with and cheer you on even after the experience ends.
This retreat is designed to help you:
- Reconnect with your creativity in a supportive, distraction-free environment.
- Make real progress on your writing with expert guidance, peer feedback, and structured time.
- Build meaningful connections with a community of writers who get it.
Meet the Writers Leading You
Bel Hawkins is a senior writer, strategist, and creative visionary with over 12 years of experience crafting ideas that inspire, connect, and move people. Based in Lisbon but working globally, Bel’s career spans advertising, media, and storytelling, blending creativity with strategy to create work that truly resonates.
Bel is the co-author of Make It Make Sense, a thought-provoking exploration of modern culture and communication that received critical acclaim for its wit, depth, and relevance. Praised by leading publications for its sharp insights and fresh perspective, the book cemented Bel’s reputation as a writer who knows how to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.
At The Story House retreat, she brings her unique blend of creativity and expertise to help writers uncover their voice, craft compelling narratives, and connect deeply with their audience. With Bel as your guide, you’ll leave inspired, empowered, and ready to create work that truly matters.
Writer, Strategist & Creative Powerhouse
Bel
Hawkins
Georgina Lawton is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker whose work explores identity, race, and the transformative power of storytelling. She is the author of Raceless, a critically acclaimed memoir and socio-political analysis of race and identity, which has been praised as “freshly fascinating” by The New York Times and named a Best Book of 2021 by The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, and more. Her second book, Black Girls Take World, is a vibrant travel guide for Black women, celebrating adventure and self-discovery. She is currently working on her first novel.
As a former columnist for The Guardian Weekend, Georgina’s writing has appeared in The Independent, Stylist, and Travel + Leisure, among others.
Georgina also runs her own writing retreats called Take World Retreats. We're thrilled for her to bring her passion for storytelling, cultural exploration, and personal growth to The Story House retreat participants. She creates a space where writers can connect deeply with their craft, their stories, and each other.
Author, Journalist, & Retreat Host
Georgina
Lawton
Not sure if you’re ‘ready’ for a retreat? This space is for writers of all levels – whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft.
8:30-10:00am: Our optional Morning Ritual with yoga, meditation, and morning pages to get you into a clear and focused frame of mind for a day of writing.
10:00-11:00am: Communal breakfast with fresh, local ingredients, prepared by our private chef.
11:00am-12:30pm: Writing Workshop by one of our facilitators to support you in developing your craft.
12:30-2:30pm: Free writing time (may we suggest a bench in our forest backyard, our deck with ocean views, or our cozy living room?) or personalized feedback and editing with our facilitators during office hours.
2:30-6:00pm: Optional excursion (like a breathtaking coastal hike or boat tour).
6:00-7:00pm: Sunset wine tasting with fresh appetizers.
7:00-8:30pm: Communal dinner prepared by our private chef.
8:30-9:30pm: Fireside sharing circle where you can read your work, connect, and unwind with a beautiful group of humans.
Here’s a glimpse of what your days will look like:
Every day is thoughtfully designed to balance structured workshops, free writing time, and opportunities to meaningfully connect with fellow writers.
A Day in the Life at The Story House Writers’ Retreat
The Writer’s Compass: Your Pre-Retreat Goal-Setting Workbook:
Before you even step foot at the retreat, we want you to feel clear, focused, and ready to dive into your writing. That’s why we’ve created The Writer’s Compass, a pre-retreat workbook designed to help you clarify your goals, map out your creative vision, and set powerful intentions for your time at the retreat.
Whether you’re starting a new project or refining an existing one, this workbook will guide you in identifying what matters most so you can make the absolute most of your experience.
Bonuses You'll Receive When You Sign Up...
Arrive with purpose and leave with progress
Get 2 Months Free Inside Our Writers’ Membership
- Monthly Writing Workshops led by published authors to sharpen your skills.
- Exclusive Author Interviews offering insights and inspiration.
- An Online Forum for peer feedback, connection, and support.
- 3x/Week Writers’ Hour for dedicated silent writing sessions to keep you accountable.
- Discounts on Future Courses and so much more.
This is your chance to stay connected with a community of like-minded writers, maintain momentum, and continue growing as a writer.
Your Ongoing Creative Sanctuary
How does this sound?
The Story House
Writers’ Retreat Includes:
01
4 Days, 3 Nights in an Inspiring Oasis
02
Delicious Meals, Every Day
03
Daily Writing Workshops with Best-Selling Authors
04
Optional Yoga, Meditation + Creative Activities
05
Personalized Coaching During Office Hours
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Sesimbra, Portugal, with accommodations designed to spark creativity and provide ultimate relaxation.
Savor delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners crafted by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to nourish both body and mind.
Learn directly from industry professionals in intimate, hands-on sessions designed to sharpen your craft and elevate your writing.
Start your mornings with yoga, meditation, and morning pages or explore creative exercises to keep your inspiration flowing.
Get one-on-one guidance from your facilitators to tackle challenges, refine your ideas, and make real progress on your writing goals.
06
Excursions to Explore Sesimbra’s Natural Beauty
Take a break from the page and soak in the stunning landscapes of Sesimbra, from its pristine beaches to its charming coastal trails.
Shared room
Includes all meals, lodging, workshops, and excursions. Does not include travel to and from the venue.
Secure your spot now with a €200 deposit. The remaining €750 will be due before the retreat.
private room
Includes all meals, lodging, workshops, and excursions. Does not include travel to and from the venue.
Secure your spot now with a €200 deposit. The remaining €650 will be due before the retreat.
Space is limited. Reserve your seat now!
one left!
The retreat is October 24-27, 2025.
€950 total
€1300 total
Got a question? We’ve got an answer.
The retreat will take place in Sesimbra, Portugal, a stunning coastal town just 40 minutes from Lisbon.
Where is the retreat located?
01
You can expect average daily highs of around 22°C (72°F) and average daily lows of 16°C (60°F).
What is the weather like in Sesimbra, Portugal at this time of year?
02
How do I get to the retreat?
03
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Sesimbra. The nearest airport is in Lisbon, and from there, it’s an easy 45-minute drive or taxi ride to the retreat venue. An uber ride from Lisbon to the venue is around €20-30. We’ll send detailed travel instructions after you register, as well as include you in a Whatsapp group where you can arrange a ride with other attendees.
Bring your favorite writing tools (laptop, notebook, pens), comfortable clothing, and anything you need for yoga or meditation if you plan to join those sessions. We also recommend packing swimwear (we have a pool and the ocean nearby!) and sneakers.
What should I bring?
04
What kinds of writing will we focus on?
05
The retreat is designed to support all types of writing – novels, memoirs, essays, and more. The workshops and feedback sessions will help you develop your craft, no matter your genre.
Will I get personalized feedback on my writing?
06
Yes! You’ll have opportunities to share your work during structured peer feedback sessions and office hours with our facilitators where you’ll receive personalized support.
What’s the vibe of the retreat?
07
Think cozy, supportive, and inspiring. This isn’t an environment that feels exclusive – it’s a space where writers come together to grow, connect, and create without judgment or gatekeeping.
Will I have time to write on my own?
08
Absolutely. We’ve built in plenty of free writing time so you can focus on your own projects while also benefiting from workshops and group activities.
Just fill out the form below to instantly receive your free 26-page guide on how to turn the ideas in your head into a handy, one-page outline for your book.
From Idea to Outline:
Create a One-Page Plan
for Your Book
free download