Mountain Writers Retreat at Desa Seni, Bali

Join a four-day, four-night retreat in Bali’s highlands to focus on the book that matters to you.

Step away from distractions and reconnect with your writing with award- winning author and publisher Karen Donald. Set in nature, this retreat is designed to give you clarity, progress, and renewed commitment. Limited to 12 participants.

Early Bird Pricing

• Private room $1,349 • Twin room $1,149

Description
Just one hour inland from Bali’s coast, this writing retreat gives you space to think clearly, write freely, and focus on the book that’s been waiting inside you.

If you’ve struggled to finish a manuscript or don’t know how to publish, this retreat gives you the structure and support to move toward a finished book within a year.

Set in the cool highlands of Baturiti, surrounded by jungle, gardens, and traditional Indonesian houses, this is a 4-day creative reset for anyone ready to commit.

You won’t write this alone. Bali-based author, ghostwriter and publisher Karen Donald is here to get to know you and support your writing journey.

You’ll Enjoy This Retreat If

• You’ve carried a story or book idea for years and want time to finally begin

• You crave a place free from daily stress, to think, write, sketch, or reflect
• You want expert guidance to shape ideas into structure and explore publishing options
• You’re unsure whether your manuscript is private or something to share
• You’re drawn to nature, creativity, and slower rhythms
• You want to leave with clarity, momentum, and a plan you can carry forward.

The Writers Program
5-9 June 2026

Four transformative days and nights to finally finish your book or start one, find your voice, and immerse yourself in the quiet creative sanctuary of Bali.

4-Day Program

Day 1: Arrive, exhale, set your intention

• Arrival window, welcome drink, and sunset meet-up
• Karen introduces her role as a writing coach: helping you turn ideas intostructure and stay on track beyond the retreat.
  
  Evening group session (with Karen):
• Why you’re here
• What you’re going to gain
• What to expect by the end
• Creative solo time: space to reflect, or begin drafting over dinner.

Day 2: Share your story, 1:1 session, focused writing

Morning group session:

• Interactive story-sharing in any form: writing, sketching, storytelling, singing, painting, or simply speaking aloud.

No feedback or critique, just expression

Afternoon:

• Private 1:1 session with Karen (30 mins each, rolling) 
• Others continue freewriting, or starting a draft 
• Optional group dinner or sharing circle in the evening

 

Day 3: Shape your book’s purpose and structure

Morning Q&A and workshop:

• What are your major blocks?
• Do you want this book to be published or kept private? 
• What is your motivation, profit, legacy, or healing?

Afternoon session:

• Self-publishing vs traditional routes
• Open Q&A and practical insights
• Sunset visit to temple, or yoga at the venue (Optional)

Day 4: Map your next steps and commitment plan • Morning:

• Writing time: finish a personal plan or reviewing work Quiet space to commit to your next steps

Midday group session:

• Share what’s been achieved (optional)
• Verbalise a commitment: what happens after this retreat?
• Karen offers tailored guidance and optional post-retreat pathways Sunset visit to temple, or yoga at the venue (Optional)

Day 5: Reflect & Depart • Morning:

• Breakfast, closing circle, and check-out

About the Host
Award-winning author, filmmaker, and ghostwriter Karen Donald has lived in Bali for two decades. As the founder of Karen Donald Publishing, she helps others write, finish and publish their books. Her retreats offer structure and a clear path to publication within a year.

About the Location
Just an hour inland from Canggu, the road rises into the hills of Tabanan, where cooler air and shifting landscapes mark the beginning of something quieter. As the road climbs toward Batukaru the temperature drops. Forests, and mountain terrain create a clear sense of distance from tourist life.

“Now as my book nears publication, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.Karen brought my dream to life.”  Christina Marie Calderwood (Ghostwriting client)

The venue celebrates creativity in all forms, a fitting backdrop for your own expression. Desa Seni means “art village”, with a focus on Indonesian culture and artists who live and work across the archipelago.

The entrance leads guests down a stone pathway, past traditional Indonesian structures, each thoughtfully restored, culminating in a fire pit, and a yoga shala. Within a short time of arrival, you are surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and open space. The perfect place to begin writing.

About Desa Seni
Venue: www.desaseni.com

Private room $1,349 • Twin room $1,149

(includes accommodation and meals at Desa Seni)
Desa Seni is an eco-resort with a saltwater pool and a dedicated art room,

providing additional creative space alongside writing.

The garden terrace restaurant serves Indonesian and international dishes, and massage services, and activities including yoga, meditation, cooking classes, garden tours, and arts sessions, all designed to give a peaceful, creative, and ecological stay.

Accommodation

At Desa Seni, the accommodation consists of eight traditional Indonesian structures, each thoughtfully restored and combined with modern comforts such as private bathrooms, tiled floors, ceiling fans, and natural airflow. Each space includes a veranda and offers either a double bed or twin beds.

Village Cabin single occupancy only

• Shared House up to 2 people
• Village House up to 2 people
• Deluxe House up to 2 people option for 3rd with extra bed
• Suite House up to 3 people
• Village Home 2 bedrooms up to 4 people

Dining
At Desa SeniSeasons Restaurant offers fresh, organic meals made with 80% farm-sourced produce. Chef Willy Kobylt creates imaginative dishes to nourish and inspire, perfect for refuelling between writing sessions.

This is a rare chance to step away from distraction, focus fully on your story, and experience what’s possible when you give your writing the time it deserves.

Add-ons
Four days of retreat inspiration

• Four nights’ accommodation in traditional Indonesian houses
• Welcome and farewell gatherings
• Daily workshops and 1-1 coaching sessions with Karen Donald
• Group and individual mentoring
• Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Creative materials and workbooks
• Ongoing WhatsApp community after the retreat

Wellness

A group of highly qualified professionals offer inhouse spa treatments to guests at Merapu Svaasthya. Every therapy is carefully designed to encourage a deeper connection within, whether the goal is tranquilly or revitalisation.

Yoga

Gentle Hatha and Vinyasa yoga sessions are available to support focus, clarity, and creative flow. A simple way to reset the body after deep writing. Suitable for everyone.

Excursions

Including temple visits, rice terrace walks, waterfalls and sunset viewpoints. Inquire for current options and pricing.

Places are limited. Secure your place by booking now.

Contact
For cancellations, questions, or concerns Email: [email protected]
WA +62 812-3959-4561.