Join us in Sorrento, Italy
Writers’ Retreat
October 5 – 12, 2024
Co-hosted by author and writing expert, Melody A. Kramer, and systems and operations expert, Jolene McDonough.
Inspire, rejuvenate and create!
Will you join us in Sorrento, Italy this October? Limited space available.
Join us as we slow down from our everyday lives to bask in the local culture, food, sights and air of Southern Italy. Be inspired to write, reflect and adventure.
This Italian coastal getaway is beautifully set atop cliffs on the Sorrentine Peninsula, directly across the Bay of Naples from the towering Mt. Vesuvius. The breathtaking town of Sorrento offers an endless supply of scenic views views, delectable food, and activities to inspire the creative in you.
During this experience with like-minded women, you will have the amazing opportunity to travel and rejuvenate your inner spirit and creative soul!
Who is this for?
This retreat is for you if you are looking for an experience that will reconnect and refresh your writing passion, whether you are a novice or seasoned writer.
What can I expect?
Group instructional sessions, and a one-on-one coaching session with Melody to discuss your writing goals.
Time for independent writing, relaxation, and sleep.
Luxurious surroundings, exquisite views, delicious food, and some group adventures.
Being surrounded by supportive and inclusive fellow writers.
Epic writing exercises to inspire your creativity.
A flexibly curated schedule that will allow you to customize your experience, with freedom to explore and enjoy Sorrento and the nearby Amalfi coast.
Our villa is comprised of eight (8) bedrooms and eight (8) bathrooms. Three (3) of bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning/heating. In addition to a magnificent kitchen, the villa has multiple gathering areas for conversations and reflection.
Room selection is based on availability at time of booking/deposit.
WiFi – The villa provides access to WiFi. However, if you are intending to access sensitive data or need larger band width, we highly recommend a secondary access via your technology or services such as Solis.
Room selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pricing is as follows:
Rooms with an ensuite bath – $5,095 per person
Rooms with a shared bath – $4,795 per person
Double-occupancy rooms available upon request. Please connect with us for more information.
Deposit to hold your space: $500.
Balance is due in full by May 31, 2024*.
*Early Bird Pricing: $200 off if you book by March 31, 2024!
- Transfers by car to and from the Naples (Napoli) Airport
- Daily continental breakfast at the villa
- Welcome Dinner
- Lemon Tour
- Cooking class (at villa or another location)
- Daily group sessions with Melody (topics designed with you in mind)
- One 1:1 90-minute session with Melody related to your own personal writing goals and processes
- Additional unique surprises during your time at the villa
We do not include cost of airfare and transportation other than that noted.
Please book your flights to Naples (Napoli) Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport (IATA: NAP).
Where do I fly into?
Please book your flights to Naples (Napoli) Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport (IATA: NAP). *Use your travel rewards and credits. Check with your advisor, this may be a business tax write-off.
Will we go on excursions together?
Our intention for this group is to create lasting friendships through curiosity about our environment organically. Adventuring out to explore together makes delightful surprises. You are also free to venture out solo and we can help with ideas.
Is this for women only?
This particular time, we are limiting the participants to women only. We are happy to recommend accommodations for before and after so you can invite your significant other or a man-friend.
Meet Your Hosts
Melody
Melody A. Kramer is an innovative lawyer, freelance writer, speaker, and author of Amazon best-seller “Why Lawyers Suck: Hacking the Legal System, Part 1,” an exposé on how lawyers think and act. She also wrote the Dr. Seuss parody about cannabis law, "Green Leaves and Brownies." Melody loves playing with words, whether writing hard-hitting journalistic pieces, colorful story lines, or even the occasional poem. She is also an expert ghostwriter, bringing others' creative visions to life in their own voices.
Melody lives in San Diego with her teenage daughter (also a writer) and two precocious kitties who keep trying to eat her manuscripts. When her writing muse goes silent, a long, barefoot walk on one of San Diego's beaches, or a trip to Italy, seems to bring him back. Visit her website: www.melodyannkramer.com.
Jolene
Jolene McDonough has traveled to Sorrento on many occasions and her passion is sharing the area with fellow travelers and women.
She is a multipreneur who believes entrepreneurs can enjoy life inside and outside the office. An experienced back-office and bookkeeping expert with a penchant for villas, fine olive oil and limoncello, Jolene previously scaled a business to $40M.
Today, she helps entrepreneurs break through operational blocks, build systems, and sort their finances, through her 1:1 consulting and Bookkeeping Plus services. She will help you get your business house in order, so you can enjoy life's pleasures -- especially travel and corporate getaways!
Connect with her at jolene@systemssuccess.com or on Facebook here.
Highlights from our last trip to Sorrento!
WOMEN WHO HAVE ATTENDED A RETREAT AT THE VILLA SHARE…
“Jolene knows Sorrento like the back of her hand. It made the trip all that more enjoyable. We knew where the best little fruteria was. We knew where the best coffee was. There were so many hidden gems that I would’ve never found on my own. It was really really helpful to have her knowledge and guidance as well as her contacts on the ground.”
– Felena
“Jolene’s connections with the locals in that area and her knowledge of the local area was really helpful in getting out of the tourist mode and mindset and more into exploration and getting to know different cultures and a different way of life altogether. You don’t often find that on a regular vacation.”
– Dominique
Slow down and breathe...
This is your opportunity to slow down from your everyday life, breathe, reflect and connect with your writing passion.
No hectic schedules, just opportunities to relax and breathe, see the sights, learn to cook Italian food, tour a lemon orchard and taste homemade limoncello, or do a little shopping.
Or, you can have time alone – maybe you prefer to get lost (and perhaps find yourself?) on solo excursions hiking, sightseeing, shopping and more.