The Bali Story Sanctuary
Writing Retreat
Revitalise your creativity – ponder, plot, dream and write
October 13 - 21, 2026 | February 1 - 9, 2027
7 writing days / 8 nights
2026 and 2027 Dates
We gather as a group from October 14 – 20 or February 2 - 8
with villa check-in the day before and check-out the day after.
You can also extend into the Ubud Readers and Writers Festival from October 22 - 25, 2026.
Immerse yourself in the magical environment of Penestanan, the artists’ area of Ubud, Bali, where, ensconced in a private villa, you can escape daily chores and the demands of everyday life and devote yourself to your writing. You’ll be supported by like-minded creatives and our creative facilitators, Dr Betty O’Neill and Steve Castley.
Enter a welcoming, safe space for laughter and learning where you can enliven your creativity with innovative tools, techniques and practices and build confidence to play with ideas, deeply engage with your work and open up to new possibilities for your writing.
Acclaimed author, creative writing teacher and
professional workshop facilitator
See more here.
Writer, reader, painter, traveller, dreamer, villa
manager extraordinaire and Penestanan local
See more here.
Testimonials
"There are moments in time that feel like a crossroad. The Bali Story Sanctuary Retreat has proven to be one of those for me. Betty and Steve created a space filled with stimulating teachings, beautiful villas, detailed organisation, great company and a week to write, think and be."
Tina H, Feb 2026 Retreat
“Thank you so very much for a fabulous week. My writers’ group at home are all envious - as they should be! The exercises you led us through really opened my creativity faucet and I intend to keep twisting the tap-handle in the right direction”
Jo Callaghan, 2025 Retreat
“My heartfelt thanks to Betty and Steve for their guidance, thoughtful feedback, and endless patience throughout the writing retreat. They create a truly inspiring and nurturing space that supports writers of all levels, no matter where you are in your creative journey.”
Raymond B, 2025 Retreat
“The retreat was a timely catalyst to reconnect with my project after months of stagnation. Within a day of joining the retreat, I felt my ‘writing mojo’ resurfacing”
Annie Stewart, 2024 Retreat
Dates
7 writing days plus arrival and departure days
-
Our October 2026 retreat begins at 11.00am on Wednesday 14th
Villa check-in is on Tuesday 13th with check-out on Wednesday 21st.
-
Our February retreat begins at 11.00am on Tuesday 2nd.
Villa check-in is on Monday 1st with check-out on Tuesday 9th.
-
You can also extend into the Ubud Readers and Writers Festival from October 21 - 25.
If you are staying on for the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, (website here) check-out date is Monday 26th October. You might also like to arrive early to relax and acclimatise or stay on longer and keep writing. Many of our writers have extended their stay and many more wish they had! Let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you for an extra nightly fee. Your airport transfers are included.
Who is this retreat for?
Whatever your level of experience or genre, whether writing fiction or non-fiction, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been writing for years, this writers’ retreat is designed to give you space and supported time to write.
Testimonials
“The Bali Story Sanctuary course was exactly what I needed to transform my travel blog writing into a book worth reading”
Teresa McCarthy, 2024 Retreat
"As a new writer I would highly recommend The Bali Story Sanctuary Retreat. Betty’s workshops were tailored to new and old writer’s alike, with lots of stimulating creative activities that brought out the best in all of us. Such a great opportunity to take the time to dedicate to writing, to spend time in tropical Bali and to meet new and interesting people"
Tina H, Feb 2026 Retreat
“The retreat was a smorgasbord of wonder for me. From the small details, I felt well cared for and could relax immediately. The structure was held with gentle commitment by Betty and Steve, and I valued the workshops for the clarity of information and the quality of teaching. There was always something helpful to be learnt, and connection with other participants about the writing as a part of group check-ins and socially over dinner was delightful”
Katherine Howard, 2024 Retreat
“Our small group had time to write together, to share our writing, to get to know each other, and to retreat to our villa and write or have Balinese massages on-site or explore”
Moira Nolan, 2024 Retreat
The Place
-
![]()
Natural Beauty
Enjoy the beautiful surrounds which help calm and prepare the mind for your creative endeavours
-
![]()
Villas
From the comfortable air- conditioned bedrooms to the lush tropical gardens and pool, the ambience of each villa creates peace and tranquility
-
![]()
Forget the World
A quiet place to develop your work, nourish your mind, body and spirit and make new connections
The Program
-
Held two weeks prior to the retreat.
-
Arrive in Bali. Our driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your villa.
Settle in and if you arrive in time and feel like it, join us for dinner at 6.30pm at Tygr restaurant.
-
Have a lazy morning getting your bearings and join us at 11am for a welcome, orientation session and a buffet lunch at Betty’s Villa Exotica. We’ll spend some time getting to know each other, setting our intentions and planning for the week ahead.
Suggested Daily Rhythm
This Writers’ Retreat has been carefully curated to provide you with the enabling conditions for your writing project to flourish by escaping the usual daily demands and nourishing your creative core.
-
7.30am at your Villa
Breakfast
9.00am at Betty’s Villa Exotica
Morning creative warm-ups
10.00am - 4.00pm at your Villa or your new favourite cafe
Writing Time
Remember to take a break, have lunch (self-organised), a stroll or a swim, schedule a massage, walk & talk or mentoring session
4.00pm at Betty’s Villa Exotica
Optional Workshops
5.00 - 6.00pm at Betty’s Villa Exotica
Group gathering to check-in on progress; discuss common issues in writing & being a writer
6.30pm
Self organised dinner with time to relax and engage
3 nights together included – Cultural Kecak Performance, evening Reading Soiree & Final Dinner
-
Included, but optional, are a series of afternoon writing workshops to develop your writing craft and creativity. Final workshop offerings will be decided based on the needs of the group.
Previous workshops have included:
Turning facts and events into engaging stories – 9 essentials of a good story
Structure without the straitjacket - finding the shape of your story
Developing scenes from the senses
Building tension by capturing pivotal moments and conflict
Writing family stories – more than places, names and dates
Editing and Polishing your writing
-
Optional mentoring sessions are offered. For beginning writers, Steve will listen to your ideas, help you choose a starting point for your story and with you, plan the writing of your memoir or novel. Betty will also be available for a one-hour mentoring session. You can book these in when you arrive.
-
If you fancy a longer break from your writing or are looking for local inspiration, some suggestions include: visit the Ubud food and flower markets, make a woven palm leaf canang sari (offering trays); take a trip to the rice paddy terraces, enjoy a Balinese cooking class or a Cocktail Masterclass. Take a full day out to discover nearby waterfalls, temples, a coffee plantation, the Neka Museum, the House of Masks and Puppets and more; or go for a day’s snorkelling off the coast from Padang Bai to Blue Lagoon.
Testimonials
“What a wonderful creative and cultural experience!
The welcome ceremony by a local elder, opportunities to attend a Kecak (Fire dance) performance and to visit a nearby puppet and mask museum gave us a lovely glimpse into Balinese culture, while Betty’s collaboration with Steve, a long time Bali resident, made us feel at home in the beautiful accommodation and very well looked after”
Jeannie M, February 2026 Retreat
Accomodation Features
This retreat offers the privacy and tranquility to start, continue or finish a creative work inspired by the beautiful surrounds of Bali, with fellow writers and dedicated time.
-
Our two- and three-bedroom villas, each include:
King-sized bed in air-conditioned bedroom with ensuite and walk in robes
Own writing desk, chair and lamp
Large living areas with lounges, TV, cable and a library of books
Ceiling fans in open living areas
Filtered water
Free fast speed wifi throughout the villa
A fully equipped kitchen with gas cooktop, microwave, refrigerator/freezer
Washing machine and drying rack
Pool and outdoor area with seating
Your villa caretaker will make you breakfast each morning, service your room and common areas, clean the pool and tidy the gardens. They will ensure you have everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Individual dietary requirements can be met with notice and discussion before arrival.
See villas here.
Retreat Information
-
8 nights /7 writing days (plus check-in and check-out days)
Private room and ensuite in two- or three-bedroom villa with shared living, kitchen, outdoor areas and pool - $3850
Optional Ubud Writers and Readers Festival extension, 5 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and 4-day festival pass - +$1350
-
8 nights’ accommodation and breakfasts for The Bali Story Sanctuary Writing Retreat only
13 nights’ accommodation and breakfasts if you are combining The Bali Story Sanctuary Writing Retreat and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
Welcome lunch, Farewell Dinner and evening Cultural Kecak Performance
6 morning creativity sessions, 6 afternoon workshops and 7 afternoon writing debriefs
One on one mentoring sessions
Evening reading soiree
One hour Balinese massage
Wifi connection throughout each villa
Airport transfer
-
Airfares, passport valid for six months from arrival date, and visa fees
Travel & health Insurance (mandatory)
Alcohol
Additional activities, yoga classes, treatments and meals not listed. You will be steps away from great cafes and restaurants or a short car or motorbike ride into Ubud.
-
Please pay your non-refundable deposit of $500 to secure your booking.
If required, a payment plan is available. Just email for details.
FLIGHTS TO DENPASAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Please book your flight to arrive at Denpasar International airport on the 13th October, 2026 or 1st February, 2027.
Fares to Denpasar can vary greatly so we suggest you book ahead or sign up for the various airline sale alerts to get the best fare.
-
Please read the following cancellation terms carefully before booking.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $500 AUD is required to secure your place on the retreat. Your booking is not confirmed until this deposit has been received.Payment of Balance
The remaining balance (based on the total retreat cost of $3,850 AUD or $5,200 to extend for the Ubud Writers Festival) is due 30 days prior to the retreat start date. Payment plans are available upon request and must be completed by the final payment deadline.Cancellations by Participant
Deposit: The $500 deposit is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances.
Before final payment is due (more than 30 days prior): Any payments made beyond the deposit may be refunded, less any unrecoverable costs already incurred.
Within 30 days of the retreat: Once final payment has been made, no refunds will be issued, as all retreat bookings and arrangements will have been finalised.
Credit Option
If you are unable to attend after the 30-day cut-off, we will make reasonable efforts to fill your place. If your spot is successfully filled, a credit may be issued (less the non-refundable deposit and any processing costs) for use toward a future Bali Story Sanctuary Writing Retreat within 12 months. Credit approval is at our discretion.Transfers
You may request to transfer your place to another person up to 14 days before the retreat, subject to approval and an administrative fee.Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory to cover illness, travel disruptions, and unforeseen circumstances that may affect attendance.Retreat Inclusions and Exclusions
Full details of what is included and excluded in the retreat fee are available on our website: https://www.bettyoneill.com/the-bali-story-sanctuary-writing-retreatBy paying your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this cancellation policy.
Testimonials
“I appreciate the care you put into preparation and delivery Betty, and the generosity with which you shared your experience and made yourself and your villa available. Steve and his staff made me feel very spoilt, and Penestanan is a perfect location.”
Deborah, 2025 Retreat
“At Bali Story Sanctuary Betty and Steve offer a rare combination of generous skills and capacities. Steve is a highly responsive host in all aspects of accommodation and travel. Betty holds the writing workshops with experience, wisdom and knowhow that draws the best from people and brings new learning edges. She also offers invaluable one-on-one reading and consultation. The week offers the delights of good teaching, beautiful accommodation, solo time and group feasting. What’s not to love?”
Julie P, Feb 2026 Retreat
“Taking time to dedicate to our writing is a choice, but an easy one when it involves a trip to Bali and the chance to engage in Betty’s teachings, and Steve’s organisation. I couldn’t recommend The Bali Story Sanctuary Retreat enough. A friendly, small group of other writers, beautiful villas in a tropical setting, lots of stimulating activities and time to concentrate on one’s own project. A perfect combination."
Tina H, Feb 2026 Retreat
You can look forward to a world of stimulation and relaxation, the spaciousness of dedicated time for immersion in your own imaginative writing world and the beauty of Bali.
You’ll return refreshed and invigorated, with stories to tell and progress to report.
Come on your own or bring a writing buddy with you.
Beautiful Bali and your story are calling.
February 2026 Retreat SOLD OUT
-
On Steve’s PayPal @balistorysanctuary page, click through Send, enter $500.00 for your deposit and in the 'add a note’ box enter the Retreat month and year. Then click on Next for payment steps to secure your booking.
Please add your email address in the Shipping Address information.
Once your deposit is paid, please complete the questionnaire by clicking the Pre Retreat Questionnaire.
-
Or Email Betty for more information, put in an expression of interest for upcoming retreats (please nominate which one) or to organise a chat about your writing goals. I'd love to hear from you.