The writer's Hotel
unstructured writing retreat
Southern France
Most of our writers accomplish more than planned.
You know what you want to write
But life is full of distractions.
If you want to launch or land this project,
you’ll need to carve out time.
To make the most of that precious time, we:
customize your workspace,
bring personalized food to your desk,
do your laundry,
and celebrate your work.
Open all year • Book anytime
from €989/week
“I love this place! Food that’s just right for me arrives on a beautiful tray. When I can’t work any more, I help myself to a glass of wine and find other writers on the terrace to share the accomplishments of the day. If I feel the need for it, I receive astute feedback on my work.”
Stefanie Glick, Playwright
More Commentary
They could also cater to my gluten-free diet, and still, everything was divine!
I left feeling rejuvenated and deeply inspired. I highly recommend it to any writer seeking a tranquil and supportive environment. It truly was a magical experience, surpassing all my expectations.
I managed to write 45+ pages, did a lot of research, fixed plot holes and altogether really felt like I could dive all into the creative process.
I was looking for a quiet place and found it matched my expectations exactly.
I finished the entire outline of my story, completed research and started with the first chapter.
Amory is a great companion, smart, warm-hearted, and friendly, the perfect mix of having knowledge and interest in my project, and knowing when to push me just a little, when to leave me along, and when to ask what I needed.
Amory is an insanely talented cook, and I can not describe how healthy and delicious the food was. I am not used to being "taken care of," but she did it gracefully.
Amory is dedicated to ensuring your ability to accomplish your goals - from changing out my desk to one that was more suitable to my needs to ensuring I got the afternoon treats I needed to stay motivated!
She is an incredible cook and prepares delicious meals with so much love! When you are deep in writing it's a grounding experience to step out to a fabulous meal in a lovely setting.
This is a retreat like none other - suited for the independent-minded who want to formulate a retreat for their specific needs.
Originally, I arrived with a lot of questions, possibly doubts even, and left with the cleaned draft, 10.000 words added and a clear direction for my writing process.
At this point, and also very much thanks to Vio´s initial guidance, I got the chance to observe myself in the creative process, understand what works for me, and how to best leverage my skills for effective writing. Somehow, after a week full of hard work, I returned home with a complete sense of fulfillment, which is just priceless. 🙂
First, I completed in seven days what I had been struggling to get through for seven months. My book is nearly ready to submit now. On the eighth day, I contemplated my next book.
I ate a ton of excellent cheeses. Plus, crepes, local breads and jams, and a lot of other wonderful food/dishes from local farmers.
Amory's feedback, when I asked her to read three of the essays from the book, had insight, depth and clarity--and came from a different perspective than some of my previous readers, which was great.
Amory was a perfect host, cook, and insightful confidante, truly interested and capable of assisting me with my needs. I especially loved the scenery and great walks, Amory's care, and the great food experience (highly recommended).
The house was charming and perfect.
The food was also amazing—all with the freshest ingredients bought at farmers' markets, with wine and cheese every night. The hosts went above and beyond on everything.
Amory’s approach to coaching works well. As I’m at an early phase of my project, I asked for and received some invaluable, expert tips to improve both the structure and creativity of my work.
I can only echo the positive reviews regarding the creature comforts of the Domaine Valent. The beautiful, clean air countryside location and grounds are as peaceful as it gets, yet without feeling remote..
Amory’s devotion to preparing only locally sourced delicious meat, cheeses, bread, fruit and vegetables is infectious. After spending a morning’s welcome break, shopping with her at a wonderful farmers market, I am converted to her food philosophy!
My whole experience was life-enriching in ways I did not anticipate, and I have left feeling more connected to my true nature and excited about my renewed creativity. Don’t hesitate, book your stay and experience it for yourself.
The rhythm of my days is defined by meals that are mostly served directly to my desk. These intermezzos from writing are a true feast every single time.
I have been asked what I would like to drink...The hosts made logistical efforts and there it was: a jar full of beautiful chamomile flowers. This whole experience is about being heard and seen. In one’s needs and ideas. It’s also the story of how I became a writer.
I needed an inspiring space where I could prove to myself that I have what it takes, where I could show that I can write regularly, not just when I am in the mood. A place where I could sit with my thoughts for hours and stay with them until a breakthrough came. During my stay, I discovered that I can. I also found it very helpful to have someone in the evening to reflect with, discuss lessons learned, and talk through my ideas.
There was something about the whole environment that made it easy to hear my own thoughts and reconnect with my passion for writing and research. It’s a tranquil and creative place that allows you to hear your own voice and even fall in love with it. Every guest I interacted with while there felt the same.
I also made great progress on my book in the 8 days I was there.
I was inspired to start a completely new project and do substantial work on it at the time I was there.
• Hand-made farm-to-table food •
• No program, no tourism, no group activities, no chores:
Your project is the only agenda •
• Fields, forests, mountains, and stars for contemplation •
• Solitude supported by a team who know the creative process •
• Expert consultation to get unstuck, reorganized, or witnessed •
• Dine alone or with fellow writers and artists •
• Book like a hotel: Arrive and depart on your schedule. •
Director and Coach
Dr. Amory Starr is from San Francisco, California. She is an artist, author of 8 books, and auto-didact chef.
She studied art at the Center for Advanced Visual Studies (M.I.T.), Community Development in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at M.I.T., and political economy and social movements at the University of California – Santa Barbara. She worked as a professor in several universities from 1998-2009. She was an activist in the alterglobalization movement from 1999-2005 and in the local food movements since 1995.
Since 2009 she has been a performer and professor of Argentine Tango with TangoForge.
She is learning to garden.
Download Amory’s poster
How to Create Something
Details
How it works: You set your intention. Our environment minimizes distraction and maximizes contemplation. Your creativity and focus show up. Personalized service enables you to stay in flow. To be sure you’re never lonely or hungry, coffee, wine, snacks, and good conversation are always at hand.
When is the retreat? Open 45 weeks a year, booking like a hotel, so you can arrive and leave when you want. The minimum retreat is 5 days (6 nights).
How many writers are in residence? Usually 2 or 3. The maximum is 6 when there are couples, but this is very rare.
What’s included? Private bedroom with workspace, all meals prepared to your preferences, 24-hour open bar and snacks, coaching if you want it. Flexible check-in and out times. Laundry service. Visit to village farmers market.
The rooms: 4 writer’s rooms, one on the ground floor and three upstairs. All rooms have antique desks, chandeliers, vintage office chairs, plush reading chairs, large beds, sheets and towels, a variety of pillows, clothing storage, Dyson fans, hot water radiators (November through April), and blank walls to receive your ideas. Two of the rooms can accommodate double occupancy.
Bathrooms: Each room is assigned to a modern, comfortable bathrooms down the hall, shared with one other writer.
Amenities: Private forest, pool, gym with pilates reformer, yoga mats, e-bikes, fibre internet and wifi.
Services available at extra charge: Airport transfer. Massage. Argentine Tango private lessons.
Location: District Comminges, Department Haute-Garonne, Region Occitania. One hour West of Toulouse airport TLS. 5 acre countryside estate, surrounded with small farms and pretty villages. A little-known, untouristic and authentic corner of France. Accessible from Toulouse airport and train station by simple and safe public transportation.
