Redbud @ Portugal

We’re thrilled to announce Redbud’s first-ever international retreat!

For centuries, writers have gleaned inspiration from traveling outside their comfort zones to beautiful settings in foreign places. We’re so excited to continue that tradition with a week-long writing retreat at Quinta da Lua Nova, a traditional Portuguese house located on a horse farm in Seia, Portugal.

Participants on this retreat will enjoy six days of writing in a rural, peaceful setting. Mornings will be devoted to craft talks, guided writing activities, and classroom discussions led by Redbud co-founders Emily Cataneo and Arshia Simkin. During the afternoons, participants will be free to work on their own writing, brainstorm with the instructors or with a partner, take a walk with the herd of horses on the property, and/or cool off in the pool. Evenings, we will reconvene for dinner and readings of student work.

Don’t miss the opportunity to travel abroad and spend a week working on your project with like-minded writers!

FAQ

What are the dates for the retreat?

September 28-October 4, 2025. We recommend flying out of Raleigh on the September 27 to arrive in Portugal on the 28th.

Where should I fly into?

Lisbon. The retreat fee covers the cost of airport transfers from Lisbon to Seia and back.

What else is included in the retreat fee?

The cost of the retreat includes airport transfer, lodging, all meals for the duration of the retreat, and one group excursion/activity off the property (to be announced soon, but potential options include a trek in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park or an afternoon at the beach). Please note that airfare is not included.

tell me about these meals

Meals might include: roasted aubergine with tahini, courgette soup, beet root salad, couscous salad, mushroom pasta, vegetable lasagna, stella aubergine, peixinhos da horta, apple crumble, pineapple with berries, fig compote with local cheese, homemade ice cream

what is the cost of the retreat?

We have different prices based on room type. The cost for a single room with en suite bathroom is $4400 (four spots are available at this price). The cost for a single room with a shared bathroom is $4000 (two spots are available at this price). And the cost for a shared room with a shared bathroom is $3500 (four spots are available at this price).

can i learn more about the retreat center?

Yes!

View the interior of Quinta da Lua Nova.

View the exterior of Quinta da Lua Nova.

when is payment due?

We require a $1000 non-refundable deposit up-front to reserve your spot. The rest of the payment is due three months before the start of the retreat (by June 26, 2025).

what if i need to cancel?

If you need to cancel before June 26, 2025, you will receive a refund of any payments made excluding the $1000 non-refundable deposit. After June 26, we can unfortunately no longer provide refunds.

what if the retreat is canceled due to low enrollment?

We don’t anticipate this happening, but if it does, we’ll provide full refunds to everyone who’s enrolled (including the original $1000 deposit).

should i get travel insurance?

We recommend getting travel insurance for this trip as a protection for the unexpected.

Will there be horses present on the property?

Yes, there are horses on the property, as well as three dogs.

this all sounds great. can i sign up now?

Yes! Registration is now open for the four en-suite single rooms. We’ll open registration for the other rooms shortly.

I have more questions!

Send us an email at ecataneo@redbudwriting.org and we’ll provide answers!