Swimming pool with blue water, lounge chairs, white umbrellas, greenery, and a clear blue sky with some clouds.

The Dalyan Writing Retreat

26th May - 2nd June2026

  • The Dalyan Package: No matter what stage of writing you are at - complete novice or published author, you will find this retreat inspiring and beneficial, inshAllah.

  • Immerse yourself in a perfect balance of creative writing practice, adventure, relaxation and sisterhood, in this 7 day experience.

  • Accommodation: Private villa with a pool in a quaint village just on the outskirts of Dalyan centre. You will have your own en-suite or standard room (with your own separate bathroom) and inviting communal spaces for relaxing and bonding with fellow guests.

  • Excursions: Enjoy exclusive local experiences including a river cruise to the beach, jeep safari, visits to mosques, markets and more. All included in the price.

  • Culinary Journey: Share the joy of traditional Turkish restaurants, as well as preparing and savouring meals together in the villa, strengthening bonds around the table. All food is included in the price.

  • Spiritual Connection: Days designed around our salah, with access to local mosques and tranquil spaces for reflection, dhikr and contemplation. Remember to bring your outdoor prayer mat!

Every aspect of our package is designed to make your experience effortless, inspiring and deeply meaningful.

Write with us…

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During your stay you will have 3 x 2-hour group creative writing sessions, a 1-to-1 coaching session and feedback on up to 2,000 words. All of this with the incredibly talented, award winning published author and teacher, Sidra Ansari. 

Book Your Escape
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You will also have me - Kate Rafiq. I’ll be your host and as a published, award winning children’s picture book author, I’ll be on hand to answer any questions and help brainstorm and develop your children’s story ideas.

Itinerary: 26th May - 2nd June 2026

Below is a basic itinerary for the week. Times of taught writing and private writing sessions will be fixed a little closer to the time. However, there may be some flexibility in timings - particularly around salah and meals, as we will go with the flow and attempt to keep things as relaxed as possible, inshAllah.