This March, bestselling author Geraldine Brooks will tutor a small group of guests in a ruggedly beautiful corner of eastern Indonesia.

*Left to right:* Australian-American author Geraldine Brooks; inside a suite at Cap Karoso. (Courtesy of Geraldine Brooks; Right: Cap Karoso/Ben Richards)

For any avid writer looking to hone their craft, what could be more fulfilling than in-depth workshops led by a Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist? That’s the promise of “Writing Your Story at Cap Karoso,” an intimate writing retreat held at a chic beachfront resort on the Indonesian island of Sumba. Spanning four days from March 21–24, 2026, this one-off special by the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival will see participants guided by Geraldine Brooks, the prolific Australian-American author behind a series of international and New York Times bestsellers. Her second novel March, a retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, was awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Brooks will conduct small-group writing sessions and workshops, mostly in the mornings, exploring themes and personal narratives, before delving into storytelling techniques and topics like character development. Afternoons, meanwhile, will immerse participants in the beauty and culture of Sumba through off-site activities. Swimming with horses is on the cards, as is an excursion to a traditional weaving village where guests can meet local artisans and get a closer look at Sumba’s distinctive ikat textiles, as well as its vernacular architecture attuned to the indigenous Marapu belief system. Time has also been built in for relaxation back at Cap Karoso.

Accommodation will be provided in a spacious suite, and the stay also includes round-trip airport transfers to the resort, daily breakfast, plus meals such as a poolside welcome dinner that puts a contemporary spin on traditional Indonesian dishes.

Organizers are keeping the retreat to just eight people to ensure all participants get the most out of the experience. Seven spaces were still available at time of writing, with the Early Bird sale extended to January 31. Those who book before February will enjoy a special rate of US$5,900, or 25 percent off the regular price of US$7,900. More information here.

Guests will join daily writing sessions with Geraldine Brooks during the retreat. (Courtesy of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival)

A view of the main pool at Cap Karoso. (Courtesy of Cap Karoso)

Sumba’s Cap Karoso to Host an Adventure-Tinged Writing Retreat

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