The Quiet Return
The Quiet Return Writing Retreat
A week-long writing retreat in Olhão this November
A writing retreat for 10 women who are ready to transform their traumatic lived experiences into words; safely and slowly.
They have waited to be shared,
Your stories.
Held too tightly, for too long,
They are finally ready to be
Wrapped in your language
And intentionally
Released.
What this retreat provides:
- A structured week of guided writing practice exploring different ways to write about trauma
- Time and space to write privately
- Optional, no-pressure, sharing
- A focus on writing, not disclosure
- Individual feedback, if requested
- A calm, coastal setting designed for focus, rest, and reflection
- Lots and lots and lots of FUN!
What this retreat does not provide:
- Group therapy
- A performance or storytelling environment
- A fast-paced personal development opportunity
- Promises of "instant cures"
Accommodation
Our retreat will be hosted at Casa Rosa Villa Olhão, a quiet boutique guesthouse in the heart of this small city. Single accommodation and two meals daily are included in the price. 
Casa Rosa is a restored Portuguese villa with individually designed rooms arranged around a peaceful courtyard with a heated, out-door, swimming pool, and a sauna.
All rooms are designed in a soft bohemian style with natural textures, muted colours, high ceilings, and generous natural light.
Each room includes:
- an ensuite bathroom with rain shower
- luxury cotton bedding and towels
- air conditioning and heating
- a writing desk or seating area
- organic bathroom products
- quiet, sound-insulated interiors designed for restful sleep
Your facilitator, Hazel, is a survivor of child sexual abuse; incest; trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation; domestic violence; rape, and marital rape. In 2023, she was diagnosed with extreme ADHD.
Academically, she has completed a BA (Hons) in Psychology & Sociology; an MA in Sexuality Studies; an LLM in International Human Rights Law, and a PhD. Her PhD thesis "It's Very Complicated: An Autoethnographic Study of the Relationships Between Daughters and Mothers - in Ireland - Where Both Have Histories of Child Sexual Abuse", will be published this year by Routledge (with a much shorter title!).
Her other books "Gullible Travels" and "Body of Evidence" are memoirs. The former is ostensibly about the first ten years she spent in Asia, but also detail the effects that child sexual abuse had on her adult self. The latter - which was published last year - is a series of essays from a crime scene. That crime scene is, of course, her body. Hazel has also written for newspapers, magazines, and has had poetry, short stories, and academic articles published. As well as her publications, she has written for stage and screen. A passionate educator, Hazel loves teaching, training, and facilitating workshops. Her pedagogical approach is influenced by her background in Theatre, and a variety of other modalities - including Visual Art, Ākāśa Storytelling, and handicrafts.
Details In Brief:
Olhão, Portugal
November 7th - 14th
Maximum 10 participants
€2,200 per person (Payment Plans Available)
For more information, and to book, please email Hazel:
Retreat Information
| Retreat Date | 11-07-2026 |
| Retreat End Date | 11-14-2026 |
| Retreat Fee | €2,200 |
| Created By | Hazel Katherine Larkin |
| Retreat Contact Person | Hazel Katherine Larkin |
| Retreat Contact Information | hazel@traumarecovery.ie |
| Location | The Quiet Return Writing Retreat |
| Genres and Categories | Women only, Creative Nonfiction, LGBTQ+ friendly, Memoir, Nonfiction, Poetry, Short Stories, Workshops |