Words & Wonders Writing Retreat takes place in the peaceful Belgian countryside, where writing and exploration come together.
Words: Enjoy dedicated time to write, reflect, and connect with fellow writers. Whether you're deep into a project or just starting, this retreat gives you the freedom to do what your story needs.
Wonders: Explore Zoersel and its surroundings through guided excursions. Let the natural beauty, local culture, and hidden gems inspire new ideas and open your mind to creative possibilities.
Curiosity
At Words & Wonders, progress comes from curiosity rather than word counts. The retreat offers a mix of dedicated writing time, creative sessions, and inspiring excursions. These sessions include exercises and worksheets designed for writers of any genre, writing stage, or age category, ensuring that every participant can apply what they learn to their own unique projects.
Through guided exercises and exploration, you'll discover stories hidden in the everyday and integrate newly found inspiration into your writing. All this happens in a very initimate setting in a group of only nine writers.
Location
Mushoeve is a beautifully renovated, traditional Belgian farmhouse that combines rustic appeal with modern comfort. Nestled in the tranquil Belgian countryside, it offers an ideal setting for relaxation and creativity in an intimate group of only nine writers.
What to expect
Words & Wonders is designed to provide an enriching yet relaxed experience, with plenty of room for creativity and reflection. Here’s what you can expect during your stay:
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Slow mornings for writing or other leisure activities
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Slow evenings dedicated to social time and connecting with eight fellow writers
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A mix of homecooked and catered meals to keep you nourished
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Excursions to explore both the countryside and the historic city of Antwerp
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Personal time to write, relax, or chat with other writers
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Daily exercises designed to spark inspiration and help you dive deeper into your projects
Watch this reel of the 2025 retreat to get a sense of the magical vibes.
What to expect at the mushoeve
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Shared Rooms: Rooms are shared with one other guest, providing a cozy and communal atmosphere.
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Shared Bathrooms: Bathrooms are shared between guests, designed to be comfortable and conveniently located.
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Scenic Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape and serene ambiance of the countryside.
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Charming Architecture: Enjoy the character of a classic Belgian farmhouse, thoughtfully updated to blend historical charm with modern amenities.
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Common Areas: Relax in inviting common spaces, perfect for unwinding after a day of writing and exploration.
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Outdoor Spaces: Take advantage of lovely outdoor areas for peaceful reflection or casual conversations.
Carlijn
The Words & Wonders retreat is a life changing experience. An experience that made me find my people, a sisterhood, I'm still in touch with long after the retreat. And most importantly: with everything Janne planned, she brought me closer to my inner child who wonders about everything around her. This was a game changer for me and something I didn't expect I would find during the retreat at all.
Marie
It was a magical week filled with connections and craft, it taught me a lot about my writing and helped to built community. My creative well has never been fuller.
Jess
The best retreat I’ve ever been on. Janne thought of everything, down to each detail. The community, the experiences, and the home were pure magic. I’ll hold Words & Wonders close to my heart forever!
Hello! I’m Janne, and I’m excited to welcome you to Words & Wonders. I grew up in Zoersel, where our retreat is set, and my passion for writing began early. I was addicted to books before I could read and started writing at the age of 14.
I’m published in Belgium with a non-fiction book and a children’s picture book, though fantasy across all age groups is where my heart truly lies. Outside of writing, I’m a tea lover, an early riser, and I enjoy spending time with my family and fellow writers.
With a background in animation film and experience as a production process coordinator in publishing, I have a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and production aspects of the industry. I’m eager to share this retreat experience with you and help inspire your creativity in the beautiful setting of Zoersel.
Meet your host
Costs & Enrollment
Retreat Price: € 1550
The cost covers accommodation, all meals, activities, and materials.
Not included are travel and insurance, as well as personal expenses and drinks (other than water, tea and coffee).
Enrollment Details
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Early Bird: 19 September 2025 at 4pm CEST (for newsletter subscribers)
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Public Enrollment: 20 September 2025 at 4pm CEST
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Deposit: €500 (nonrefundable) due at enrollment to secure your spot.
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Invoices: Participants will receive an invoice in January.
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Payment Options:
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Full Payment: If you choose to pay in full, you will receive a request for the full balance in January (payment due by 31 January 2026).
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Installment Payments:
First Installment: €500 due by 31 January 2026.
Second Installment: €550 due by 15 April 2026.
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If possible, we encourage you to pay in full by 31 January 2026, after receiving the invoice. This allows us to plan additional activities and ensure everything is arranged for your best experience.
Please Note: All payments are nonrefundable. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
For the best chance to secure your spot and stay updated, sign up for my newsletter HERE.
Anna
It’s a chill, small-group retreat in which you open up your mind to exploration, low-key adventures and helpful exercise(s) alongside like-minded, wonderful writers. You get to be in a creative and inspiring bubble, which does wonders to refill your well and gets your writerly juices flowing.
Amanda
Honestly, Janne has something amazing going with the retreat how it was. I didn't expect homemade meals [and] I also didn't expect as much activities as there were but I loved it all. For me I also went in with the idea of making connections and refill the well rather than writing a lot. So it suited my needs perfectly.
Taylor
Magical, filled with wonder and sisterhood, connection to history, and immersion in nature. One of the most special weeks of my life. ♥
Travel information
Zoersel is easily accessible from several major airports:
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Brussels Airport (BRU)
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Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
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Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
All these airports are well-connected to Antwerp by train. From Antwerp, it’s just a 30-minute bus ride to Zoersel.
Travel Tips:
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By Train: Take a train from the airport to Antwerp. For schedules and tickets, visit the Belgian Railways website.
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By Bus: From Antwerp, catch a local bus to Zoersel.
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By Taxi: Taxis are available at all airports for a direct transfer to Zoersel.
For any specific travel questions or further assistance, feel free to contact us at janne.wordsnwonders@gmail.com.
FAQs
Zoersel, Belgium
15 – 20 June, 2026
