I have loved running my writing retreats at Finca Buenvino these past 10 years but always wanted to invite along another practitioner to share the joy and excitement of seeing the very magical, empowering effect of this beautiful and tranquil location on guests who arrive from all over the world and discover new talents, new strengths and new friends!
When my friend Joanna Bourke Lawlor contacted me and suggested we team up to provide a very special and unique style of writing retreat with a focus of food and eating, I was delighted. I’d found the perfect team-mate and Buenvino has the perfect chefs.
Joanna has blended interests in cooking and coaching to create The Calm Kitchen cookery class and events. After attending Ballymaloe Cookery School, Joanna provided retreat chef services in Ireland, France and the UK. Combining a love of hosting and cooking with training as an Intuitive Eating coach, The Calm Kitchen teaches you how to destress through cooking - with freedom to enjoy the satisfying and comforting things that you love.
Joanna’s teaching approach echoes mine in that is all about getting people to slow down, relax, take more notice of the world around them, using all their senses to celebrate their own lives, without judgement or comparison.
Do join us to write and feast 6-13 June 2026!
(Photo below of chef Charlie Chesterton, myself and Joanna when she joined me at Finca Buenvino in September 2022)
