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INK & INSPIRATION

Bali Writing Retreat
13-19 May 2025

A Unique Writing Retreat where the journey to your memoir masterpiece begins...

Have you ever been told you should write a book?

Do you KNOW you want to write a memoir (part of your life) to inspire others, or to share with future generations?

DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?

I've got you covered!
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Imagine... having the dedicated time and space to start! No distractions from family or other obligations. Just you, your pen and paper (or laptop) and the company of committed fellow writers by your side.

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In this hands-on retreat Paula will guide you on your journey to getting your story(ies) down on paper (or into your laptop).  A seasoned scribe in her own right, Paula will help you on your way and tease you out the other side of writers block or overwhelm.

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In this immersive 5-day retreat in BALI, you will learn, have fun, connect, and most of all, make progress on your writing project!

Having hosted writing retreats in New Zealand and Bali, the emphasis is on WRITING. YOUR writing. Yes, we will have some warm-up exercises to get you in the flow, and other guidance along the way, but this is your dedicated time to work on your project. This sets you up for success when you get back home, coming away with the tools and commitment to continue, so that your book dream has more chance of becoming a reality!

Where is the Writing Retreat Being Held?

Our immersive retreat is being held at the stunning Aquaria Boutique Hotel & Eco Resort in Candi Dasa (pronounced Chandi Dasa), Bali.

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Having spent time here in 2023, I knew immediately this was the perfect place for a retreat.

 

EVERYTHING is catered for. Here's what's INCLUDED:

  • your pick-up from Denpasar airport (or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier)

  • 3 quality organic main meals per day (set menu for us) tea, coffee, and water

  • 5 days of knowledge, guidance and tuition from Paula

  • plus a resource/guidance workbook ​

  • 1 local tour – 4 hours

YOUR INNER WRITER NEEDS TIME TO SHINE. GIVE HER THE GIFT OF A RETREAT...
KN LITERARY

Writing Retreat Costs and Terms

Aquaria have provided an OUTSTANDING rate for us which includes quality accommodation AND food (set menu)!​

6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS, INCLUSIVE OF:

  • Pick-up from Denpasar airport (or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier)

  • 3 quality organic main meals per day (set menu for us) See Aquaria's restaurant here.

  • 5 days of knowledge, guidance, and tuition from Paula

  • a resource/guidance workbook ​

  • 1 local tour – 4 hours

DAILY SET BREAKFAST  includes tea pot, or coffee plunger

Daily LIGHT LUNCH

Daily GROUP DINNER MENU

DRINKING WATER in rooms & at mealtimes

*GF & Vegetarian/Vegan meals available

 

*Excludes drinks other than mentioned above and any other snacks you order outside of main meals

 

Plus 10% OFF on-site spa therapies & treatments!

INCLUSIVE PRICE 

NOTE: We only have room for 2 MORE!

All the single rooms are now booked, so these are your options:

​Single Room - NZD$1190 (Staying off-site)​

Twin Share - NZD$1070 (each - staying at Aquaria) *please contact me to discuss sharing options.

Booking Details

PAYMENT:

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  • A $150 NON REFUNDABLE deposit is required on booking.

  • A further $200 deposit is required by 15 December 2024. This may be transferred to another booking if you cancel before 28 February 2025, after which there is no refund.

  • Balance payable by 15 April 2025

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​If you are coming from New Zealand, Air New Zealand have deals to Bali regularly now, particularly around January and March so keep your eyes open for them.  

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EXCLUSIONS: Airfares, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, excess luggage charges, airport taxes, taxi’s (unless otherwise stated), tips to local guides and porters, meals (unless otherwise stated), laundry, drinks, medical expenses, optional extra activities or trips, and any items of a personal nature are not included in your retreat price.

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Please read our Retreat Terms & Conditions. Note: You will be asked to sign these Terms & Conditions upon payment of your second deposit.

Got questions or want to book?

Extending your Retreat

There is the option to extend your retreat another 5 days in two other areas (yet to be confirmed). This extension would be organised by Paula, with more dedicated writing time, but also time for excursions in the area, so you get a different and personalised view of the magic of Bali.

Interested in extending?

Meet Your Facilitator - Paula Johnson

We all have a story to tell...

Paula Johnson writing

Hi, I'm Paula. A seeker, and a creative, I live an unconventional life as a wanderlusting website designer based in Tauranga, New Zealand.

 

I started my official writing journey as a blogger in 2011 while documenting my life-changing 5-month experience volunteer teaching underprivileged children in Bali.

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Having written chapters in two collaborative books, and now being an author in my own right with the recent self-publication of my memoir, Silent Warrior – Transformation, I have gathered a wealth of experience as to what works, what doesn't, and what the pitfalls are to look out for. I've learnt the hard way, but that doesn't mean you have to!

Armed with the knowledge I've gained on this journey, I'm excited to share what I've learnt with you and to help you navigate overwhelm which can keep you stuck and not making progress. I know what works, because I've done it myself.

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Having previously hosted writing retreats in New Zealand and Bali, I'm excited to host this 2025 Writing Retreat in Bali, making it even easier for fellow inspiring humans to begin their own memoir writing journey and get their unique stories out there.

What Others Say

If you want to see the value you get from attending one of my retreats, check out these videos from Bali 2016.

And participants from my co-facilitated retreat in Taupo, NZ 2024

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SHEILA

Paula and Jude created and held us in a safe space where ideas, words and sometimes tears flowed. We laughed more than I can remember laughing for a long time. My confidence has grown a thousand fold - yes I have a story to tell, and I found my way to the story and how to tell it.

The beautiful home where we stayed, our comfortable beds and the yummiest food kept us physically in bliss and our minds were nourished with insightful workshops, wonderful warmups and great feedback.

Thank you both, this weekend is pivotal in my writing life and I have come to know myself in a new way.

SUSAN

Thank you Paula and Jude. your wirting retreat has given me the tools and the belief that my dream of being a writer and publishing a book has become a reality for me.

Holding space for me to ask many questions, cry and express all the feels, meant I felt safe in such an unfamiliar environment.

You are both uplifting and inspirational in your own rights and I look forward to attending your retreat again.

Got questions?

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