You probably went freelance so you could work on your own schedule, enjoy more than 25 days of annual leave per year and jet off into the sunshine whenever a tan calls. But, when you look back at your schedule recently, how many times have you actually done that?
I get it: it feels indulgent. It feels like a treat that perhaps you haven't worked 'hard enough' to justify. Maybe you feel like you should wait to secure one more client before you let yourself relax a little bit.
As someone who's successfully grown a freelance writing business while full-time travelling the world for five years, I can tell you: so many of the best business ideas come from a change of scenery rather than glueing yourself to your office chair for an extra few hours. And I created the Freelancers' Summer Holiday to prove it to you.
When did you last switch up your work routine?
What to expect:
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Four nights in a private villa surrounded by gardens and sunshine to simultaneously relax and focus on business growth.
Daily pastries for breakfast, chef-prepared lunches, and a few Aperol Spritzes in the pool.
Morning yoga and breathwork sessions on the beach, a catamaran trip to see the dolphins and plenty of free time for soaking up the sun.
Optional extras like in-room massages, branding photoshoots by our professional photographer, 1:1 coaching sessions and more.
Slow mornings that ease you into the day, long lunches that turn into proper conversations, swims when the sun’s starting to dip and plenty of good chats that stay with you long after you’re home.
There’s no strict schedule or packed itinerary here. The week has a gentle rhythm instead, designed to give you space to reconnect with yourself, your work and the bigger picture, with plenty of time to explore, make new freelance friends and properly relax by the pool in between.
Freelancers' Summer Holiday is for the woman who technically has freedom, but rarely feels it. Your business works: clients are there and money comes in.
And yet your days still feel tightly packed, your brain is always half on work and proper rest keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list.
it's for women who want to pause without guilt, reset without pressure and spend a few days around other freelancers who understand exactly what this work asks of you.
You don’t need to be burnt out or stuck to come, just ready to give yourself the time and perspective you keep telling yourself you’ll take later.
You know you chose this path for flexibility, but somewhere along the way, everything started to feel a lil… compressed.
Who it’s for
Your retreat experience is designed to feel easy, taken care of and restful, so you can arrive, exhale and stop thinking about logistics.
You’ll have:
Optional extras
If you’d like to add a little more business to your week, you can also book:
Flights, transfers and dinners out aren’t included. We’ll organise relaxed, budget-friendly group dinners for anyone who wants to eat out together, or supermarket runs if you’d rather cook at the villa’s fully equipped kitchen.
You’ll have:
- Four nights in a beautiful private villa with a pool and garden in the Algarve
- Breakfast pastries and chef-prepared lunches each day
- 2 x morning yoga and breathwork sessions to ease you into the day
- Two business strategy sessions with me
- Plenty of unstructured time to rest, swim, explore or do absolutely nothing
Optional extras
If you’d like to add a little more business to your week, you can also book:
- 1:1 coaching sessions with me
- A 30-minute personal branding photoshoot with a professional photographer
- In-room massages
- A Portuguese cooking class one evening
Flights, transfers and dinners out aren’t included. We’ll organise relaxed, budget-friendly group dinners for anyone who wants to eat out together, or supermarket runs if you’d rather cook at the villa’s fully equipped kitchen.
What’s included
Your retreat home is a spacious private villa in Quelfes, right by Faro's Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, designed for slowing down and settling in. There’s a pool for mid-afternoon swims, a private tennis court for easy evening games and multiple terraces for topping up your tan.
Inside, the villa is comfortable and generous, with plenty of communal space and room for up to eight female freelancers. Several bedrooms have ensuite whirlpool baths for long, end-of-day soaks, and there are relaxed shared areas for chatting, reading or stretching out with a glass of wine. Whether you’re floating in the pool, playing tennis, or unwinding in the living room together, everything about the space is set up to help you relax properly.
About the Villa
- Air-conditioned bedrooms and shared living spaces
- A large, fully equipped kitchen that’s easy to cook and gather in
- A private garden and pool where afternoons naturally drift into swims and sun loungers
- Easy, low-key fun on hand, from a private tennis court to table tennis, pool table and relaxed games
- A barbecue and outdoor dining area
- Reliable Wi-Fi throughout the villa, with multiple TVs
- On-site parking available
Facilities & Features
- Faro Airport: around a 20–30 minute drive, making arrivals and departures easy
- Beaches & islands: access to the Ria Formosa barrier islands like Culatra and Armona via short ferry rides
- Food & essentials: local cafés, restaurants and shops nearby, with Olhão just a short drive away
- Nearby towns: explore Olhão, Faro and surrounding coastal villages at an easy pace
- Nature on your doorstep: walking and cycling trails through the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, known for lagoons, birdlife and open skies
Location Highlights
Location Highlights
the rebuild
About the Villa
All bedrooms are shared twin rooms, but they’re spacious, light and comfortable, designed so sharing never feels cramped or awkward.
Each room has two beds, either a single and a double bed or two singles, which means you may be sharing a room while still having your own double bed.
Beds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Every twin room has its own private bathroom and air conditioning, and you’ll have full access to all villa amenities, including the pool, garden and communal living spaces. It’s social and relaxed, with plenty of personal space built in.
sign up now
Your retreat experience includes thoughtfully designed spaces to rest, recharge and feel at home throughout the week.
A day-by-day breakdown of
Day 1: Arrival & ease in
Arrive at the villa, unpack, exhale and start settling in. We’ll come together in the evening for a relaxed welcome dinner with wine as the sun goes down, with plenty of time for pool dips, chats, or booking an in-room massage if you fancy starting slowly.
Day 2: Slow down & reflect
We’ll ease into the first full day with breakfast and gentle yoga on the beach. The afternoon is intentionally open for joining our first business growth workshop, swimming, journalling, co-working, a 1:1 coaching session or wandering locally, before an optional group dinner.
Day 3: Connect & recharge
After an optional morning breathwork session on the beach and breakfast, we’ll gather for a second creative workshop to build out your lead generation goals and habits. Expect mind-mapping, coloured pens and no spreadsheets in sight! Chef-prepared lunch together follows, then a scenic catamaran trip to spot dolphins. The evening is for relaxed conversation, laughter and an optional group dinner out.
Day 4: Explore & enjoy
Saturday is all about spaciousness. After a leisurely breakfast, you can join an optional nature walk through the nearby National Park to spot flamingos, or take the morning at your own pace. The afternoon and evening are flexible, shaped around what the group wants most, from a Portuguese cooking class and shared dinner to downtime, coaching sessions or branding shoots, before our final evening together.
Day 5: Goodbyes (for now!)
We’ll wrap up with a slow breakfast, one last swim and unhurried goodbyes before heading to the airport. You’ll leave feeling lighter, clearer and re-energised, with fresh ideas, new freelance friends and a calmer relationship with your work.
Freelancers' Summer Holiday
I'm Georgie Darling (yes, really)
Some of the best business decisions I’ve ever made happened while I was travelling and working somewhere new. Changing my scenery gave me space to think differently, led me to start my coaching business alongside travel writing and coincided with some of my highest income months as a freelancer.
Over time, that naturally evolved into The Freedom Route, where I support creative freelancers in building businesses that actually fit the lives they want to live. And now, it’s come full circle, with me hosting in-person events and retreats here in Portugal for women who want the same mix of clarity, creativity and breathing room.
I’ve worked with over 100 coaching clients and built a business that’s allowed me to live and work across different countries, without burning out or forcing growth. I know how powerful a change of scenery can be, and I’ll be there throughout the week to make sure this retreat feels supportive, grounding and fun!
join me in Portugal!
Hi, I’m Georgie! I’m a travel writer, community builder, and strategy coach living my dream life in sunny Portugal.
Meet your host
Building consistent leads in a way you can sustain
This workshop brings pitching and lead generation out of the inbox and onto the page, making it feel lighter, more creative and far less intimidating. Together, we’ll design a client-generation approach that fits your energy, schedule and strengths, rather than forcing you into someone else’s system.
We’ll focus on creating steady momentum through small, repeatable actions that actually move the needle; pitching, outreach, follow-ups or visibility. You’ll leave with a clear, personalised plan you can use immediately, plus the confidence of knowing exactly how to generate leads and income without burning yourself out or overcomplicating things.
Workshop 2: Creative Client Flow
Auditing what’s worked and intentionally shaping what’s next
This session is your chance to step out of delivery mode and properly take stock of how 2026 has felt so far, what’s actually been working and where your energy has been leaking. We’ll do this creatively, using big paper, paints and coloured pens, either outside by the pool in the sunshine or in a relaxed indoor space.
You’ll zoom out, spot patterns you can’t see day to day and intentionally plan the second half of the year around what truly matters. You’ll leave with clear priorities, practical adjustments and a calm, realistic plan that supports both your business and your life.
Workshop 1: The Mid-Year Reset
1:1 Coaching Session - £125
Get focused, personalised guidance to work through a challenge, plan your next steps, or clarify your business and creative vision. A 50-minute session with Georgie will leave you inspired, accountable, and ready to take action. 50% off standard price (£250).
30-Minute Branding Photoshoot - £150
Shot by a professional photographer, take home beautiful images of yourself in the villa and surroundings - perfect for your website, socials, or just for fun! 30-minute sessions are optional and designed to feel relaxed and natural.
In-Room Massage - £40
Unwind completely with a massage during your stay. A wonderful way to release tension and fully embrace the retreat’s restorative energy.
Portuguese Cooking Class - £85
Spend Saturday afternoon at a local market gathering fresh ingredients, then cook a traditional Portuguese dinner together at the villa. If there’s not enough interest, we’ll plan a different group activity instead.
Why join Freelancers' Summer Holiday?
We’ve designed a week that blends:
- Space to slow down: Step out of busy workdays and into an easy, sun-soaked rhythm, with space to think, rest and actually enjoy your days again, poolside or stretched out in the shade.
- New freelance friends: Spend time with other creative women on the same path as you, from the work side to the life side. Expect easy chats, shared laughs, long meals and friendships that don’t end when the retreat does.
- Light-touch business clarity: Optional sessions and gentle support that help you feel clearer and more confident about what’s next, without turning the week into work or pressure.
- Fun, freedom and sunshine: A mix of optional activities and plenty of unplanned time, so you can explore, swim, wander, or soak up the Algarve sun and enjoy being away.
sign up now
This is a chance to step into your next business chapter in a fun, sunshine-filled environment.
Capucine Cogne, Writer & Strategist
Mindset has really grown. Truly!! I'm so much more comfortable and feel much more in control of my business and my time. I'm so much more comfortable asking for more, and feel much more in control of my business and my time. It boosts me in everything business-related that I do.
After one of my coaching calls, a friend said "you're glowing", because you help uplift me and get me out of some sometimes-not-so-productive self-talk and over-thinking.
"I feel like I have a wingwoman and cheerleader in you as my coach."
Feedback on Georgie's experiences:
Katie Lawson, illustrator & Social Media Manager
I came to her feeling completely overwhelmed. I’d lost confidence in my creative work and wasn’t sure how illustration could really fit into my life anymore. I’d been prioritising the social media side of my freelance business for so long that I’d kind of forgotten how much joy drawing brings me. Now I’ve got a plan that feels realistic and exciting and I’m finally making space for illustration again, not just as a side hobby, but as something I really want to grow.
“Working with Georgie genuinely changed how I see myself and what’s possible for me."
Amelia Johansson, Freelance Content Writer
Because of the motivational, supportive and powerful boost that Georgie and the team members provide, along with Georgie's invaluable expertise and resources, I feel like I have everything I need to make my freelance career a success.
"Without you, I wouldn't have been given the nudge I needed."
Risha Bharathan, Digital Marketing Manager
When I joined Georgie's course, literally from the first day Georgie gave us so many resources to start rewiring our mindset, to start believing in ourselves. I learned that “I didn’t need to hustle hard to make it big!”
She mirrored the value I bring to the table back to me. I needed that because my struggles made me doubt myself. You don’t invest in the coaching program. You invest in the human that runs that program. And if these values reflect you and if this is what you’ve been searching for… Seriously, for everything that Georgie delivers, this price is nothing! It’s a steal!
"Georgie’s big on scaling your business sustainably."
Carolyn Hall, Content Marketer
...Which has helped me stay focused when I'm having down days. I think you were very supportive, extremely informative and offered great guidance when asked. I feel that I'm doing the right things to try and build a solid foundation for my business. I have a positive mindset most days and feel that my business is growing."
"You have been extremely helpful and encouraging"
Izzy Langstone, UGC Creator
"I'm super excited and feel like you provided so much value during our time working together. I'd 100% recommend you to anyone looking for advice and inspiration to level up their business."
"Your insights were absolutely invaluable and really helped to refocus my priorities and pave a clear path ahead."
Emily Pogue, Healthcare & Travel Writer
Overall, I feel more empowered as a business owner and as a writer. By following your straightforward steps, I was able to create real change in my business (rather than getting overwhelmed with where to start!).
I'm a person who needs outside accountability, so knowing I needed to show up ready to our Zoom call was just the motivation I needed to actually take action on what you taught. There is just a mountain of helpful tools - together they've helped me move my business forward in a really impactful way.
""My confidence has to be 5x higher now."
Som Puri, Copywriter & Public Speaking Coach
I now value my own skills as my unique expertise, I now view myself as a business owner, I have learned how to set goals and break steps down into actionable and manageable nuggets (A big one for me and really helps with overwhelm).
I'm proud of understanding the difference between me the person and my business."
Lauren, Freelancer
It's made me feel less alone; instead, I feel like I have more of a support network. I'm proud of actually gaining clarity, feeling more confident in myself and what I'm doing and seeing the results of all of this in terms of new prospects and clients!!!
"I feel a lot more positive from having met a community of women who are in the same boat"
Nuala McHugh, Freelance Writer
Now I have the confidence that my business will grow. The calls are fantastic and I love that it is an all female course as it feels like a safe space. I think everything was covered. Couldn't have asked for a better course. I feel incredibly lucky to have stumbled across Georgie and this course as it has allowed me to put strategies in place from the offset.
"I am now taking myself and my business a lot more seriously"
Tania Zhydkova, Freelance Writer & Product Business Owner
When I joined the community in December, I had a full-time job. Thanks to your advice, support and energy, I quit my job, found two retainer clients for my freelance business, and now I don't even need to seek anyone else.
In fact, the freedom of freelancing helped me understand that my next biggest passion is building a product business. I will be recommending your community to my freelance friends. It provides a huge value. Thank you for your work and energy!
"Your community was incredibly helpful for me."
Tayla Blaire, Business Coach
Beyond Georgie's sage advice, the community of women was so valuable. You realise just how much of what you're going through is a shared, common experience, and having these ladies rooting for you (and rooting for them) was easily the most valuable addition.
I think Georgie is such an inspiration. Her ethos to only do work that interests you is exactly where I hope to be a year from now."
"Georgie was absolutely amazing with her encouragement."
This retreat is for creative women (freelancers and founders) who are craving a reset in their work, their days, and their minds. You don’t need to be at a certain stage in business to come along. If you’re feeling ready for fresh perspective, genuine connection, and a reminder of why you started… you belong here.
Think: slow mornings, thoughtful conversations, and golden-hour swims. A balance of relaxation, business strategy and play. You can bring your laptop for co-working time, join every activity, or take an afternoon nap by the pool. There’s no pressure and no rigid itinerary - just space to be yourself.
Not at all - most people come solo and leave with new friends. The group will be small (maximum 8 women) and intentionally curated, so you’ll feel instantly welcome and at ease.
Your twin room for 4 nights in our beautiful Algarve villa, breakfast and lunches, a business/creative workshop, a catamaran trip to see dolphins, a nature walk in the national park, yoga and breathwork sessions, a welcome goodie bag and lots of little touches that make it feel special.
Flights, airport transfers (about 25 minutes from Faro Airport - we'll make a group chat beforehand so you can arrange group Ubers or these can be arranged for you at added cost), dinners out (in-expensive in Portugal!), and any add-ons such as 1:1 coaching, branding shoots, or in-room massages.
Fly into Faro Airport (FAO) - it’s the closest to our villa (around a 25-minute drive). We’ll help coordinate group transfers so you can share taxis or rides where possible. Alternatively, you could fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take the bus down to Faro, which is around three hours.
All rooms are shared twin rooms, designed to feel easy, social and comfortable rather than crowded. Sharing with one other guest means built-in connection from day one, while still having your own bed (some are double beds and others are singles) and plenty of personal space. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and we’ll pair guests thoughtfully based on preferences and energy so it feels relaxed and natural.
You can secure your spot with a deposit and pay the rest in instalments. Payment plans make it easy to say yes now and spread the cost monthly before May.
Absolutely. There’ll be optional co-working sessions, fast WIFI and plenty of downtime. The week is designed to be restorative and productive, so you can check in on your business if needed, without missing the magic of being away.
Spaces are limited - this retreat is intentionally small to keep it intimate, inspiring, and full of connection.
Dates & Location: 13-17 May 2026 | Algarve, Portugal
Reserve your spot: Don't want to pay in full? Secure your spot with a deposit and pay the rest in instalments if you like.
Every moment is designed around you, your creativity, and your freedom, from the villa, workshops, and yoga, to the laughter, late-night chats, and Algarve sunsets.
Ready to join us in the Algarve?
earlybird prices open now:
