Nestled among citrus orchards where dragonflies dance over a shimmering pond, this retreat is a space to breathe deeply and create freely. Mornings unfold gently with writing beneath the grape vines, the smell of jasmine is already kissing the air. Float through the afternoon in the pond or by the pool. Hang out in your hammock. Yes, there is time to nap. Time to read. Time to take a walk. This is time outside of time. Pluck a poem. Let it split open in the sun. Feast on your sweet life. Gather in the evenings to share meals and words. Watch the sunset slowly. Feel the blessing of this one wild and precious life.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
From The Summer Day by Mary Oliver

Life is Now

This retreat will evoke a wholehearted YES in your whole body and being. Your mind, body, soul and creativity will flourish in this space. You will pick and pluck poems from the orchard, float in inspiration and in the pond, where you will be enchanted by blue dragonflies—yes, you will catch poems that sparkle in sunlight and listen to frogs sing. This is a retreat that invites you to live the poem, then write it. Every single moment. If you are reading this, you know how I facilitate—with colour, with life, with joy! We will feast on poems and each other. We will read. We will write. We will remember the warmth of poet-friends. There will be picnics. If you fancy a boat trip to the nearby beach, we will take one. I want to know your favourite flavour of ice-cream. I want to see your summer dresses and hear your summer yes-es. Yes, you can pick fruit from the orchard and let it run down your chin. We will fall in love with life again, trust me. Come with me, friend. For pleasure, for poems, for inner peace.

19th - 25th September 2025

Casa Terra

Altanure, "Être la nature" (Be nature) is to find yourself between land and sea. Casa Terra is private accommodation overlooking an oasis of beauty. Finely decorated using local materials, the common areas of the main house open onto the garden, inviting you to relax (on your own and in our group). The main terrace features an outdoor lounge and a guest table under the shade of a grape vines. Casa Terra is the perfect place to relax, restore and write in an oasis of greenery, bathed in the light of the Algarve. There is a natural pond and a natural pool (no chlorine) so you can be in harmony with nature on a deeper level. The hosts are meticulous with detail, you will be well looked after, from exquisite food to breathtaking beauty, and that’s before the poems and prompts.

A note on travel: I flew to this location from Boston USA and travel was super simple. Fly direct to Faro, Portugal and pop in a pre-booked taxi to the location which is about a 30 minute drive. Taxis and Uber’s are affordable and easy to book when you get to the airport. More details will follow on this. Flights and airport transfers are not included in the prices.

Food Love

Nutrition is an essential part of any retreat. Serving as a conduit to the creative process, it provides vitality and support for both body and soul, enriching the emotional, spiritual and creative journey for every poet. Our chef Salomé has crafted the most colourful, high-quality, vegetarian menu with the aim to provide an experience that activates all your senses, allowing you to indulge in the beauty and harmony of seasonal and regional biologic ingredients. We will let Salomé surprise us every day with different tastes, vibrant colours, enticing aromas, and delightful textures. Each meal becomes an experience. I have eaten with Salomé for a whole week (during a yoga retreat) and was awed by the experience and sensory inspiration.

Cost

Luxury Private King Room
Single Occupancy | En-suite
£3555 per person
limited availability

Luxury Shared Twin Room Double Occupancy | En-suite £2999 per person

Non-refundable deposit of £555

Rooms are first come, first served.

Deposits will be collected first to secure places on the retreat. Payments can then be made in full or in instalments and by agreement, please e-mail: hello@heathermackayyoung.com

I know you might like to share this adventure, and/or extend your time in Portugal therefore the option for partners/friends to stay is available, with the understanding that they will be surrounded by poets who have their poet ways, and ask that they are sensitive to this. There is limited availability for this, but it is possible. The best thing to do is to drop Heather a note to discuss additional costs.

Rooms

First Floor
One spacious room on the first floor with a sea view.

Ground Floor
Five ground floor bedrooms with a terrace. These rooms are surrounded by myrtle and vetiver. The ground floor rooms blend into the landscaped setting, offering privacy and comfort. The rooms are bright, simple and refined, and each has a corner terrace under an umbrella of eucalyptus.

Pay Deposit to Secure Your Place