The Pleasure of Presence: A Write To Be You Retreat
Guided by Rory Green & Sophie James
Where? Serpa, Portugal, Qunita Marugo
When? June 1st-6th 2026
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UNWIND
Located within the stunning natural park of Guadiana, Quinta Marugo is more than just a retreat space; it's an inspiring sanctuary designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Our intention is to offer you the most nourishing experience possible, where you can tap into your creative well and attune to the pleasure of presence while disentangling form all the noise of every day life.
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CONNECT
Give yourself the gift of reconnection, as you gather with a small group of women to deeply listen to yourself and others, while being guided to arrive on the page and in the space with openness and curiosity.
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CREATE
Create the space you need to come home to yourself, through quiet time in nature. Swim in a beautiful natural pool on the property, purified by aquatic plants and take time for thoughtful reflection as you explore and wander around the surrounding trails.
HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR DAYS?
Optional morning yoga sessions in the stunning Pagoda overlooking the rolling hills of Guadiana
Leisurely Write To Be You circles incorporating all of my favorite Write To Be You practices - Permission Slips, Guided Stories, Intuitive Writing Portals and Playful Prompts. These sessions will be an opportunity to arrive on the page with a calm curiosity, encouraging a flow of expression and opportunities for deep listening to yourself and others. There is no instruction or critique - the sessions are designed to unlock creative exploration and ignite the imagination.
Guided sessions with Sophie playing with presence. Sophie says “We will have some serious fun too, exploring stillness and movement, silence and sound, embodying language, finding the stories that liberate.” The exercises are all group and pair-based and encourage playful, creative and spontaneous expression in a safe, relaxed and supportive environment.
Plenty of time for rest and relaxation and solo writing
Three delicious vegetarian farm to table meals daily (and snacks!)
A Magical evening sound bath
Optional massages (booked seperately)
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
The accommodation is simple, comfortable and beautiful- reflecting the natural surroundings of the property. Serene bedrooms for rest and relaxation, all with ensuite bathrooms. Choose between your own solo space or share a room with a friend…
The Dream Team
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Rory Green
I have been guiding Write To Be You experiences for the last decade inviting women to find their authentic voice on the page and liberate themselves from the tyranny of the their inner critics. I am passionate about the healing power of creating in community. I have an MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy from The Institute for The Arts in Therapy & Education and I am a certified Grief Educator. You can find out more about my ethos and my offerings at writetobeyou.com
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Sophie James
I trained as an actor at RADA and have taught acting and performance, facilitating groups internationally for many years. I love creating a space for learning, play and discovery, and the deep longing to be visible. Throughout my life I have found great solace in reading and writing - I am an alumni of one of Rory’s very first very life changing Write To Be You courses in LA:) I recently completed a Master’s degree in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths in London and am working on a collection of short stories about the wild abandon of my 70’s rural childhood in Devon.
There are currently 8 to 10 spaces available for this very special offering, depending on room configuration
EARLY BIRD PRICING (up until January 7th 2026)
A single room (double bed, ensuite bathroom) $2,100
A shared room (two single beds, ensuite bathroom) $1,600 per person
REGULAR PRICING
A single room (double bed, ensuite bathroom) $2,350
A shared room (two single beds, ensuite bathroom) $1,850 per person
*The price does not include travel arrangements and airport transfer (but we can help organize and advise) Quinta Marugo is approximately 2.30 hrs by car from Lisbon and Faro airports, also accessible by train. The closest town is Serpa, an ancient Roman outpost, and is a ten minute drive from the property. There is a hospital and pharmacies in town.
*50% deposit upon signing up. Payment in full by April 1st 2026. If cancellation is necessary, 50% of your deposit will be refunded before April 1st. After full payment on April 1st no refunds will be issued, but enrollment can be deferred to another retreat at a later date.
*This is a women only retreat
