Is this retreat suitable for beginners, or do I need a finished manuscript?

The retreats are open to writers at every stage of the journey. Whether you have only the seed of an idea, are mid-way through a first draft, or are polishing a completed manuscript for agent submission, workshops are tailored to your goals.

Are workshops focused on fiction or non-fiction?

Both. Joanna Quinn leads core workshops covering universal storytelling techniques (pacing, voice, structure) alongside fiction craft. Manni Coe leads specialised sessions on non-fiction, memoir, and personal narrative. Before arrival, all guests complete a short survey so tuition is tailored directly to the attending group.

How big are the retreat groups?

To ensure deep focus, meaningful connection, and personal attention during workshops, group sizes are strictly limited to 8 to 10 participants.

The TOMA & COE Blog

Writing Retreats: Unlocking Your Story

By Deborah Cater
July 29, 2026

Why a Writing Retreat is the breakthrough your writing needs

Every writer reaches a point where the demands of everyday life — endless notifications, domestic chores, and routine — dampen creative flow. You don’t just need extra time to write; you need an environment built entirely to nourish your craft, clear decision fatigue, and connect you with peers who understand the journey.

Whether you are wrestling with the initial spark of an idea, navigating structural edits on a novel, or trying to unearth a deeply personal memoir, TOMA & COE’s bespoke Writers’ Retreats offer an intimate, full-board sanctuary designed to turn quiet ambition into finished pages.

Led by two Sunday Times bestselling authors — Joanna Quinn PhD (The Whalebone Theatre) and Manni Coe (brother.do.you.love.me and Little Ruins) — these strictly boutique, small-group escapes balance expert craft guidance with uninterrupted quiet and exceptional hospitality.

Two Unforgettable Horizons: September 2026 (Andalucia) & March 2027 (Dorset)

Option 1: The Andalucian Writers’ Retreat (21–26 September 2026)

Location: Finca Buenvino, Sierra de Aracena Natural Park (near Seville, Spain)
Vibe: Sunlight filtering through chestnut forests, Cordon Bleu-trained Andalucian dining, and the haunting, creative spirit of Duende.

A women sitting barefoot on a patterned outdoor mat, writing in a notebook beneath trees in a woodland setting

Andalucia Writers Retreat - Long outdoor dining table elegantly set with white linens, glassware, floral arrangements and yellow chairs in a sunlit courtyard.

Nestled 750 meters above sea level in a private forest estate north of Seville, Finca Buenvino provides the ultimate Mediterranean sanctuary. Days begin with optional early-morning pages, followed by structured, highly collaborative morning workshops led by Joanna Quinn.

Afternoons are reserved for focused, uninterrupted writing, whether tucked into a nook with a desk, relaxing on a stone terrace, or pacing beside the infinity pool. In the evening, gather around table meals prepared by renowned host-chefs Jeannie and Charlie Chesterton, featuring locally sourced, sustainable Spanish cuisine paired with regional wines.

Specialist sessions include Manni Coe’s immersive exploration of Federico García Lorca, the concept of Duende (the emotional soul of art), and practical workshops on navigating memoir and trauma narrative.

Option 2: The Dorset Writers’ Retreat (March 2027)

Location: Mangerton House, Dorset, England
Vibe: Cosy fireside writing sessions, crisp spring air in Thomas Hardy country, and deep atmospheric focus.

Dorset Writers Retreat - Two women writing together at a table inside a warmly lit rustic room, viewed through a glass-panelled doorway

Dorset Writers Retreat - Mangerton House

For writers drawn to English landscapes and sea air, TOMA & COE heads to the iconic literary countryside of Dorset in spring 2027. Mirroring the intimate 8-to-10-guest structure of the Spanish retreat, the Dorset retreat offers an inspiring coastal sanctuary ideal for immersing yourself in story structure, character development, and narrative arc.

Learn directly from two Sunday Times bestselling authors

What sets TOMA & COE’s retreats apart is the depth of mentorship from two acclaimed authors who bring distinct, complementary masteries to the table:

JOANNA QUINN PhD
Sunday Times & New York Times Bestselling Author of ‘The Whalebone Theatre’
Shortlisted for the British Book Awards | Doctor of Creative Writing
Expertise: Plotting, characterisation, narrative pacing, and fiction architecture

MANNI COE
Sunday Times Bestselling Author of ‘brother.do.you.love.me’ and ‘Little Ruins’
Waterstones Book of the Month Author | Founder of TOMA & COE
Expertise: Memoir, non-fiction, storytelling, emotional depth, trauma, and tone

In addition to group workshops and daily themed discussions, every guest receives a private 1-on-1 consultation on their manuscript with Joanna Quinn to tackle structural blocks and refine their work.

What is included in a TOMA & COE Writing Retreat?

TOMA & COE writing retreats are fully managed, high-touch culinary and literary experiences where everything is taken care of:

Private Ensuite Accommodation: Charming, individually appointed rooms equipped with dedicated writing desks.
Full-Board Gourmet Dining: Daily breakfast, lunch with wine, mid-day coffee breaks, and full multi-course dinners paired with regional wines.
Expert Tuition & Mentorship: Daily morning craft workshops, guest talks, and an individual 1-on-1 manuscript critique.
Zero Decision Fatigue: Structured daily flow leaves your mind free to create without domestic distractions.
Exclusive Gift: A specially curated writing gift to support your craft during and after the retreat.

Reserve your seat at the table

With previous editions selling out completely, spaces for the September 2026 Andalucian Retreat and March 2027 Dorset Retreat are strictly limited.

“An incredible cocktail of like-minded souls, expert tuition, and delicious food in an unpretentiously beautiful location… A week I would repeat in a heartbeat.” — Past Retreat Participant

Dates: 21 – 26 September 2026 (Andalucia) | March 2027 (Dorset)
Price: from £2,330 per person
How to Book: Visit TOMA & COE or contact info@tomaandcoe.com directly to secure your place.