Hone your craft in the world’s most beautiful locations

About Us

Meet The Team

Claire Robbin – Founder and Writing Teacher

Hello, I’m Claire, the founder and your dedicated writing coach at Luxury Writing Retreats. Let me share a little about my journey with you.

Passionate about people and their stories, I’ve worked within the creative writing industry for 20 years. As a multiple best-selling ghostwriter, author, editor and writing coach, I’m on a rollercoaster journey, having crafted over 40+ books spanning memoir, fiction, non-fiction, business, poetry, short stories, and self-help, to date. These books have found homes in more than 75 countries and into 800,000 pairs of hands, which is humbling to write down.

I was born and raised in Derbyshire, England, where I majored in Theatre Arts and Playwriting in 2005. In 2007, I became the Artistic Director of London’s well-established new writing company ‘First Draft,’. Building on that experience, I co-founded ‘Blank Pages’ in 2010, dedicating my time to mentoring aspiring writers in central London.
Beyond the realm of creative writing, I’m a huge advocate for balance and travel. Meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, are integral to my routine, woven into the creative process like a quiet guiding force.
Choosing to join me at one of our world-class retreats means more than just acquiring writing skills. It’s about journeying together, embracing creativity, and perhaps stumbling upon a touch of the unexpected. I will never tire of witnessing creative magic unfold. Our writing adventure is a collective one, and I’m genuinely excited to be a part of yours.

MICHAEL MCGOWAN – WELLNESS EXPERT

Michael is a professional wellness practitioner and a certified breathwork coach. While residing in Seattle, USA, Michael was closely involved in the thriving yoga scene, assisting in organizing yoga events and retreats before moving to Vietnam in early 2018. Michael is a reputable executive recruiter who has been running his business in the US for the last 15 years. He is excited to help bring health and wellness to often overworked and stressed-out professionals who need to hit the reset button.
Michael’s renowned community spirit has enabled him to create unforgettable experiences for all who attend his classes.

Mission

Luxury Writing Retreats, founded by best-selling author and wellness facilitator Claire, is dedicated to helping individuals discover and express their creative writing voices. Our mission is to provide safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces in beautiful destinations worldwide. We blend practical writing tools with mindfulness practices to unlock creativity, fostering connections and personal growth.

At our retreats, participants learn to connect with their inner voice, gaining the courage to express themselves in new and exciting ways. We believe creative expression is essential for personal growth, fostering a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

Through real interactions in stunning settings, we share tools and knowledge, inspiring each other to tap into creativity and connect with our innermost selves. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to discover the power of their writing voice and share it with the world. Join our luxury writing retreats for a transformative journey of self-discovery and creative exploration.

What We Do

At Luxury Writing Retreats, we offer expert writing guidance in exquisite locations to help you uncover and develop your unique writing voice. Our commitment is to provide writers with a blend of luxury, creativity, and personal growth. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of some of the world’s most beautiful locations as you begin on your transformative writing journey with us. At Luxury Writing Retreats, we believe in cultivating the writer within you, ensuring a magical experience that advances your craft and helps you discover the writer you aspire to be. Join us on this inspiring adventure. 

At Luxury Writing Retreats, we believe in nurturing the writer within you, providing you with an unforgettable experience that combines luxury, creativity, and personal growth. Join us on a transformative journey to elevate your craft and discover the writer you aspire to be.

Workshop 1: Crafting Compelling Short Stories and Novel Chapters
Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this workshop is designed to elevate your storytelling skills. We will delve into the fundamental elements of writing, exploring narrative arc, voice, and point of view. Through interactive sessions, participants will learn to enhance their stories with strong character development, engaging dialogue, and a vivid sense of place. Bring your new ideas or existing material.
Workshop 2: Mastering Non-Fiction Writing
Learn how to write impactful non-fiction writing in this specialised workshop. We’ll explore the art of weaving facts into a compelling narrative, focusing on research, structure, and writing techniques unique to the non-fiction genre. Whether you’re working on articles, short-stories, or a full-length non-fiction book, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your non-fiction writing skills.
Workshop 3: Crafting Memoirs that Resonate
Your life story is unique, and this workshop is designed to help you tell it in a way that captivates readers. Explore the art of crafting memoirs, diving into themes such as self-discovery, resilience, and authenticity. Learn how to navigate the challenges of personal storytelling, balancing vulnerability with narrative strength. Whether you’re just starting your memoir or fine-tuning existing material, this workshop will guide you towards creating a memoir that resonates with readers.
Workshop 4: Writing for Self-Help: Impactful and Inspirational
In this empowering workshop, discover the art of writing self-help content that truly makes a difference. Explore the principles of effective communication, motivational storytelling, and structuring your message for maximum impact. Whether you’re passionate about personal development wellness, or have a specific expertise to share, this workshop will equip you with the skills to write self-help content that inspires and empowers your readers.
Key Highlights Across Workshops:
  • Explore the nuances of scene-setting, including point of view, character development, dialogue, sense of place, and story movement.
  • Incorporate basic storytelling principles, forms, and techniques into your writing.
  • Engage in daily reading from exemplary models to inspire and guide your own work.
  • Receive constructive feedback and guidance from experienced instructors.
  • Suitable for writers at any level of experience.
Community and Networking

Connect with fellow writers from diverse backgrounds, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for words. Exchange ideas, collaborate, and form lasting friendships.

Inspiration Everywhere
Whether you prefer writing in a cosy cabin, by the beach, or in the heart of a bustling city, our retreats offer varied settings to help you find the inspiration you need to create your best work.

Our Guests Says

Claire's writing retreat in Phu Quoc, Vietnam was a game-changer. The workshops were enlightening, and the atmosphere at Cassia Cottage was ideal for creativity. Their personalised approach and passion for nurturing talent made the retreat unforgettable. A must for any aspiring writer!

Guest

The writing retreat at Cassia Cottage in Phu Quoc with Claire and Michael was nothing short of magical. The venue is stunning! Her workshops were insightful, her feedback invaluable, and the sense of camaraderie among fellow writers was great! Claire's ability to promote a supportive environment made the experience so magical. I left the retreat with improved writing skills (and a nearly finished book!), a newfound sense of confidence and a network of like-minded writers. Thank you, Claire, for an extraordinary and inspirational experience!

Guest

I had the most transformative experience at the writing retreat hosted by Claire at Cassia Cottage in Phu Quoc. I made some amazing friends, and Claire's guidance and the resort was heavenly. Her expertise shone through in every workshop and one-on-one session. I left feeling inspired and armed with practical tools to enhance my writing. The thoughtful organisation and personal attention made this retreat an invaluable investment in my craft. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Guest