INK & INSPIRATION
Bali Writing Retreat
17-23 May 2026
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?
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.
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.
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. 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!
An intimate gathering designed for meaningful connection and quality time. ONLY 9 SPACES AVAILABLE.
Feedback from 2025 Participants
Paula is deeply passionate about sharing stories — and equally devoted to holding space for others to do the same. This is truly a soul project for her.
If you’re thinking about writing, or have a story waiting to be told, I highly recommend spending a week with Paula in Bali. She knows the country intimately, having spent many years traveling there, and brings a wealth of experience from self-publishing her own memoir — a journey fuelled by her own initiative, passion, and fortitude.
I loved my week at Aquaria Resort in Bali, and the beautiful group that gathered to write. I really appreciated having the space and encouragement from Paula and others in the group to carve out the time to write and lay the foundations for my book.
It was a nourishing, heart-filled experience — one I’ll remember and am grateful for.
Talia
Paula’s retreat in the beautiful setting of Candi Dasa felt like a portal into a new world! It made me realise that writing doesn’t need to be a solitary process… in fact it is far more powerful when the words and energy are shared with others!
The insights and knowledge I learned from Paula will be invaluable in my writing future and sharing our words was so potent and powerful.
I left the retreat feeling confident, empowered and ready to write my memoir. I have so much gratitude for this indescribable experience!
Jennifer
Magic happens in Bali and with attending Paula’s writing retreat, magical moments were aplenty.
I always knew I had a book within me; however, I have never been able to nail a theme. Now I have an abundance of ideas flowing which makes me very excited!
Paula created an oasis in an oasis. She held space in a caring, safe way. She listened, she cared, she delivered. We were given a beautiful balance of structure, writing time, and free time. Deep friendships were made. We laughed, we cried, and we played.
Signing up for one of Paula’s retreats could be one of the best things you have done in a long time.
Sharleen
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.
EVERYTHING is catered for. Here's what's INCLUDED:
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your pick-up from Denpasar airport or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier
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6 nights boutique accommodation (single room)
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3 quality organic main meals per day * (set menu), filtered drinking water in rooms and at mealtimes, complimentary tea/coffee in room
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5 days of knowledge, guidance and tuition from Paula
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resource workbooks
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Guided sightseeing tour (approx. 6 hours)
YOUR INNER WRITER NEEDS TIME TO SHINE. GIVE HER THE GIFT OF A RETREAT...
KN LITERARY
"Morning and afternoon sessions were full of Paula’s unique, real-life experience with writing and self-publishing her book. The group feedback always added new learnings and inspiration.
Paula has real authentic experience, having made mistakes and shared with us ways to short cut those and having knowledge on all areas of writing a book, from wo to go.
From a beginner writer, with many self-doubts about the writing process, I was so happy with my small successes and felt I made a great start and have the confidence to continue."
CHRISTINE - 2025 Participant
Writing Retreat Costs and Terms
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS, INCLUSIVE OF:
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Pick-up from Denpasar airport (or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier)
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6 nights boutique accommodation (single room)
-
3 quality organic main meals per day* (set menu)
-
5 days of knowledge, guidance, and tuition from Paula
-
resource workbooks
-
Guided sightseeing tour (approx. 6 hours)
EXCLUDES
* drinks other than mentioned above and any other snacks you order outside of main meals
* dinner out one night
* costs involved with local tour (entrance fees, lunch)
* spa treatments
Daily SET BREAKFAST
Daily LIGHT LUNCH (except day tour)*
Daily GROUP DINNER (except one meal out)*
Filtered drinking water in rooms and at mealtimes Complimentary tea/coffee in room
EARLY BIRD PRICE (closes 15 October 2025) - NZD$1590
FULL PRICE (from 16 October 2025) - NZD$1850
NOTE: Rooms will be allocated on a first in first served basis. There are two oceanfront rooms available and these will be given to the first two people who pay in full.
Booking Details
PAYMENT:
Payment of your deposit indicates your understanding and agreement of our Terms & Conditions.
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A $150 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required on booking (to cover deposit to Aquaria to secure rooms)
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A 2nd $200 deposit is required by 15 October 2025 (to secure the Early Bird rate) **
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A 3rd deposit of $300 by December 2025 ** (to cover 2nd deposit to Aquaria)
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Balance payable by 15 April 2026 (payment plans can be arranged)
**These 2 deposits may be transferred to a booking at Aquaria for another time if you cancel before 1 February 2026. There is NO REFUND after 1 February 2026.
EXCLUSIONS: Airfares, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, excess luggage charges, airport taxes, taxi’s (unless otherwise stated), tips to local guides, porters and accommodation staff, 2 x meals, drinks (unless otherwise stated), laundry, medical expenses, and any items of a personal nature are not included in your retreat price.
Please read our Retreat Terms & Conditions. Note: You will be asked to sign these Terms & Conditions upon payment of your second deposit.
More Feedback From 2025
I knew I wanted to write my story but didn’t have an idea of what the theme or purpose was. Coming on this retreat with Paula in Bali has given me the space, time, and inspiration to not only discover my theme and get the big picture, but to find the flow and love of writing my memoir in the most beautiful retreat centre.
I’ve gained a momentum that is now pulling me along.
An incredibly beautiful environment with all our needs more than met. The freedom and structure to write with an inspiring group of others.
Christine
Paula did a great job. Impeccable organisation, location and setting was really conducive to writing - relaxing, serene, and beautiful.
Quite profound moments through the retreat, as Paula and the other participants were all uniquely inspiring. Being around other writers creates a special environment.
Come with an intention, goal, and relax into it. Allow the environment to bring out what’s in you.
Luke
The experience I had, has far exceeded my expectations in every way.
Paula’s level of expertise in story writing and the process of self-publishing creates a lovely balance along with her encouragement and connectedness with the participants.
I highly recommend Paula’s fulfilling retreat of learning. You’ll get far more than you thought you ever would.
Nicky
Video reviews from the 2025 retreat
A small gallery from 2025
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Meet Your Facilitator - Paula Johnson
We all have a story to tell...
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.
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.
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.
