Writers Retreat on the Southern Coast Italy

Hosted by Carol Cassella

Three friends envisioned a retreat blending writing, creativity, and contemplation in a tranquil setting. This is our second year to offer just such an extraordinary experience: six days on the coast in Puglia, Italy. This retreat offers a perfect balance of writing, informal instruction, inspiration, and peaceful seclusion, locationed near the southern most tip of the heal of the Italian peninsula on the Adriatic Ocean.

Who Should Attend

Writers of all experience levels, whether beginning your first chapter or polishing your final draft. 

Those who want to step away from everyday demands and immerse themselves in writing, surrounded by others with a similar mindset. 

You will find a supportive atmosphere designed to spark creativity and restore your energy. The retreat is limited to 8 participants.

At a Glance

• Daily instructional sessions with Carol Cassella. She will share practical techniques to transform your ideas into words.

• Several hours of daily uninterrupted writing time.

• Facilitated round tables every evening to share work and exchange feedback.

• Creative breaks—Mid week we will venture to the beautiful, ancient seaside town of Otranto for exploring, shopping and dinner.  

• Opportunity to share and learn from fellow writers.

• Transportation to and from Brindisi to Santa Ceserea Terme, to Otranto and back for the mid-week outing, and to Castro for the farewell dinner. 

• Option to walk to Castro (1.5 hours) on the last day.

Venue

• Our hotel is the lovely, family owned Grand Hotel Mediterraneo situated directly accross the street for the confluence of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.

• All rooms have a sea view.

• All rooms are private with en suite baths.

• There are several places outside your room to bring your laptop and work.

• Daily sessions are in a private meeting room onsite. 

• All breakfasts and lunches are served in the hotel. 

Retreat Pricing Details

Price: $3,600. 

Includes:

• Daily workshops with the author/instructor

• 6 nights’ accommodations

• all breakfasts, all lunches and 3 dinners

• Transportation to and from the retreat

• Transportation to planned  outings during the retreat. 

• Planned excursion to Otranto for exploring and shopping.

Not Included:

• Flights and travel to Brindisi. (Nancy Pearson will be available to assist you with any travel questions you may have.)

• Anything not mentioned in what is included above.

Deposit: $500 to reserve your place. 

Final payment due January 15, 2027. 

Cancellation Policy: Deposits refundable until November 1, 2026. After payment in full, 75% is refundable if we can fill your spot from the waitlist; otherwise, 50% will be refunded.

Retreat Hosts

Carol Cassella is a national bestselling author of three novels, published by Simon and Schuster and translated into multiple languages. She frequently appears as a speaker and teacher at literary events and writers’ conferences. Carol will lead the classes and roundtables and provide individual feedback on up to 10 pages of each participant’s work.

Carla Mackey loves all things related to Italy. She speaks Italian and leads walking and art tours in Italy. She wrote a guidebook, “Via Francigena: A Tuscan Pilgrimage,” which covers the 260-mile section of the ancient Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome.

Nancy Pearson is a travel advisor and history enthusiast. She served as the first Writer’s Studio Head for Bainbridge Artisan Resources Network (BARN) before heading off to live in Barcelona for six years.  She aspires to write historical fiction, but finds herself continually sidetracked by travel writing.

For booking or any additional questions,

 please contact 

Carla Mackey at zainoverde100@gmail.com

ZainoVerde.com