WOW Croatia
International Writing Retreat & Culture Immersion
Croatia, Europe
June 8-15, 2019
An Adriatic Transformation
Dobar Dan! Over the span of 7 days, WoW’s creative and cultural enthusiasts spent inspired hours relaxing, exploring, writing, and having fun in a country steeped in history and teeming with nature’s bounty. On sand beaches 120 meters from our luxurious villas, participants yoga-stretched towards the sun, surrounded by limestone mountains and the Adriatic teal-blue. Palates feasted on fresh seafood and local produce, and warm-from-the oven burek and soparnik—delicacies at times paired with the world’s original Zinfandel served at its water-source. Perspectives shifted as the group engaged in interactive workshops and readings from Guest Artist Rahna Reiko Rizzuto; and during excursions to historic fortress summits, Krka National Park’s magnificent waterfalls, and the lively city of Split. Refreshed, transformed, and ready to continue work on creative projects, WoW! participants bid the fondest farewell to new friends. Until we land in Split again—Dovidenja!
“Art is not a plaything, but a necessity; and its essence, form, is not a decorative adjustment, but a cup into which life can be poured and lifted to the lips and be tasted.”
-Rebecca West
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
Your WOW Croatia Retreat included:
-
Luxury Villa
7-night accommodations minutes away from the Adriatic beaches
-
Delicious Meal Selections
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner — healthy and locally sourced.
-
Movement & Meditation
Guided exercise and stillness rituals, both indoors and outdoors.
-
Writing & Storytelling
Inspiring creative writing workshops & salons to help release your story.
-
Guided Cultural Tours*
Waterfalls, hiking trails, and the lush ecosystem of Krka National Park and nearby islands.
-
Guided Historical Tours*
Visit Croatia’s iconic castles and landmarks.
-
Free Space & Time
Write, explore, or relax with “me” time to savor Croatia on your own.
-
Split Transfers*
Enjoy complimentary arrival and departure transfers to/from the city of Split.
*includes transportation and fees.
The Location
Villa Paradiso
Minutes from Adriatic beaches
Featuring a seasonal rooftop pool and sun terrace with sun loungers, every unit includes a balcony. Private bathrooms come with a shower and a hairdryer. The rooms feature a sea or garden view.
Meet Your WOW Sojourn Experience Facilitators
Croatia Lead Facilitator
Rose Marie Sabangan is WOW’s Creative Director and the smiling face you’ll greet upon arrival in Croatia.
Rose migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1972 but spent her early childhood years schooled under the British in North Borneo.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Goddard College (MFA, Creative Writing), Rose launched Writing On Water (WOW) in 2016 to indulge her passion for storytelling, travel, and community.
Growing a team of international professional creatives, Rose is thrilled to bring you opportunities to explore creative cultural sojourns in stunning spaces.
Guest Teaching Artists
-
Rahna Reiko Rizzuto
Award-Winning Author & Educator
-
Wendy Guest
Writer & Nature Therapy Guide
Other local creatives will also led the sojourn’s workshops and rituals.
Treat Yourself to the WOW Sojourn Cultural Experience
Traveling with WOW, we realize we belong to a way of life larger than we have been accustomed.
We learn and absorb stories outside of our own, ancient and new.
We grow our own stories.
We look after all the details so you can recharge. The retreat schedule allows plenty of spaciousness to slow down — to nap, to read, to have a stretch, shop, enjoy nature, and to make new life-long friends.
Reflect and discover your storytelling depth in an Adriatic Transformation.
From your ocean-view villa, wander through historic streets paved in limestone amid terra cotta tiled roofs and European charm. Hike along Mount Marjan, where the mountains and sea converge with the City Centre of downtown Split. Visit Game of Thrones castles and historical sites.
Soak in the beauty of this other world and journey through time and imagination: The Diocletian Palace. The Salona Archaeological Roman Amphitheater. Meereen (Klis Fortress). The Free City of Braavos (Kastela). Hike a mountain. Take the bus. Sip coffee on the Riva. Hop on a boat. Island hop. Swim the bottom of a magnificent waterfall.
Untap your creative potential in a beautiful ocean-view setting.
Sojourn with us and set your creative spirit free.
Return to your world, rejuvenated.
WOW Croatia Experience Investment
Reservations have closed.
“I ate Wiener Schnitzel, real Wiener Schnitzel, and potato salad. It was a little too cool. I spent time on the river, walked along the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery, climbed halfway up the Victory Tower, and found a badass goddess to take a photo with. And I met a great author, Martin Jankowski. And I'm with my new friends. Yes indeed… thank you very much!”
—MaryBeth Jarvis Clarke, Salt Lake City, Utah