You built your business for flexibility and fulfilment - now it’s time to actually experience it.
The Whole Point: Algarve Retreat is a five-day creative and business reset designed for female freelance writers who want to build lives and businesses that feel aligned, energised, and free.
Join us this February in a peaceful private villa in southern Portugal for five days of sunshine, strategy, and connection. You’ll enjoy a balance of coworking, creative workshops, group activities, and downtime by the pool - alongside a community of supportive, like-minded women.
Whether you want space to kickstart your 2026 business strategy, recharge your creative energy, or meet other freelance women on the same path, this retreat offers a calm yet inspiring environment to do it all.
Reconnect with your purpose, creativity, and freedom.
What to expect
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Four nights in a private villa surrounded by gardens and sunshine
Daily breakfast, family-style lunches, and a welcome dinner
Creative and business workshops, including 2026 planning
Free and optional activities: nature walks, yoga, tile painting and more.
What the week looks like:
Think: slow mornings, creative breakthroughs, long lunches, golden-hour swims, and deep conversations that linger long after you’ve flown home.
This isn’t a strict schedule or a packed itinerary: it’s a thoughtful rhythm designed to help you reconnect with yourself, your business, and the bigger picture. Plus plenty of time to explore, make friends, and relax by the pool!
This is for creative women who want more space in their schedule, their mind, and their business - and are ready to kick off 2026 feeling energised, proactive, and focused.
It’s for female freelance business owners who love what they do but need a pause to plan, reflect, and map out a year that actually works. For those who’ve been saying “I’ll plan that later” or “I’ll rest after the next project,” this retreat gives you the structure, support, and community to finally take that time.
You don’t need to be at any specific stage of business, just open to clarity, connection, and goal-setting that will set you up for your best year yet.
Who it’s for
Your retreat experience includes everything you need to unwind, reset, and reconnect with your purpose:
4 nights in a private villa with pool & garden in the Algarve
Two meals per day: Daily breakfast and lunches (dietary restrictions catered for!)
A welcome dinner and wine on arrival night
Yoga session to start the day
2 x business strategy workshops - worth £500
Snacks, fruit, and wine/soft drinks stocked throughout the villa
Optional group activities: tile-painting workshop, National Park nature walk, etc
Free time to relax or explore
Optional add-ons include:
1:1 coaching sessions with Georgie
30-minute personal branding photoshoot with a pro photographer
In-room massages
Portuguese cooking class experience
Flights, transfers and three dinners out are not included - we’ll plan (budget friendly!) group meals for those who’d like to dine together locally or supermarket runs for those who'd rather cook in the villa's fully stocked kitchen.
What’s included
Your retreat home is a spacious 285m² villa tucked in the serene countryside of Albufeira, Algarve, a 20-minute drive to the beach and the city itself. Surrounded by lush gardens and traditional carob trees, this villa offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and inspiration.
With 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and multiple living spaces, there’s room for everyone to relax, reflect, or connect. Whether you’re enjoying quiet moments on the mezzanine, catching the morning sun by the pool, or collaborating with fellow creatives in the living room, every corner has been designed to feel calm and inviting.
About the Villa
- Air-conditioned bedrooms and living areas for ultimate comfort
- Large, fully equipped kitchen and pantry
- Private garden (~1,000m²) with swimming pool accessible to all
- Leisure spaces including mini-golf, volleyball, badminton, and lawn games
- BBQ area with tables and chairs for casual meals or evening drinks
- High-speed WIFI, TVs in bedrooms and living rooms
- Parking on-site
Facilities & Features
- Faro Airport: 24-minute drive
- Beaches about 20 minutes away
- Restaurants & shops a 7-minute drive away (or a few within 12 min walk)
- Nearby attractions: Albufeira, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Loulé Old Town
- Countryside adventures: Hike or explore Paderne Castle, Ribeira de Alte, Querença fountains, and local caves
Location Highlights
Location Highlights
the rebuild
About the Villa
Private Room – £950 Early Bird / £1025 Standard
Enjoy your own space for the ultimate retreat experience. Perfect if you love quiet mornings with coffee on the terrace, evening journaling, or just having a space to yourself. Private rooms are cosy, light-filled, and include access to all villa amenities, including the pool and garden. Some have private bathrooms, others are shared with one other room.
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Your retreat experience includes thoughtfully designed spaces to rest, recharge, and feel at home.
Each room has been selected with comfort and style in mind, so whether you want your own sanctuary or a shared space, you’ll feel cared for.
Twin Room – £725 Early Bird / £800 Standard
Share a room with another guest and enjoy a more social experience. These rooms are perfect if you love connecting with others while still having your own comfy bed and personal space. Twin rooms can also be converted into private rooms if available, depending on requests/availability.
I'm in!
All rooms include:
- High-quality linens and towels
- Access to the pool, garden, and shared living spaces
- Wifi and cosy work-friendly nooks
- Plenty of natural light to fuel creativity and reflection
A day-by-day breakdown of
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at our beautiful Algarve villa, settle into your room, and meet the group over a relaxed welcome dinner and wine as the sun sets. Free time for a dip in the pool, an in-room massage or a chance to chat!
Day 2: Ground & Reflect
Ease into the retreat with slow breakfast, yoga by the pool, and our first creative workshop: a guided reflection on your business, creativity, and vision for 2026. The afternoon is yours: co-work, book a 1:1 coaching session, swim, journal, or explore the nearby village before an optional group dinner.
Day 3: Create & Connect
Morning (optional) yoga class and breakfast followed by a second business workshop on pitching/lead generation in your business followed by a group lunch and a fun, hands-on activity like a Portuguese tile-painting workshop or scenic boat trip. We’ll round off the day with open conversation circles: business ideas, creative swaps, or just laughter over a glass of wine before heading out for an optional group dinner in Albufeira.
Day 4: Plan & Play
Saturday! After a leisurely group breakfast, we'll head out for an (optional) nature walk around Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. The final afternoon/evening will be designed closer to the time depending on your wishes: a group Portuguese cooking class followed by shared dinner or alternatively free for personal time, 1:1 coaching sessions, or optional branding shoots before our final evening together.
Day 5: Departure
A slow, sunny breakfast and one last dip in the pool before returning to the airport. You’ll leave lighter, clearer, and deeply inspired, with new ideas, new friends, and a renewed sense of purpose in your freelance business.
The Whole Point: Algarve Retreat
I'm Georgie Darling (yes, really)
Over the past few years, I’ve been running workshops and events through my coaching business, The Freedom Route, helping freelancers and other female creatives build freedom-first businesses and design lives they actually love.
The Whole Point started as an online membership for female freelancers (check it out here!) and I'm so excited to bring an offline element to it.
I’ve worked with over 100+ coaching clients and grown a business that spans multiple continents. I know what it takes to mix creativity, business growth, and adventure, and I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure your retreat experience is inspiring, productive, and (most importantly) full of 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
(Optional/free) The freelance landscape is changing and finding clients consistently is more important than ever. In this practical workshop, I’ll share strategies I’ve personally used to build a business with multiple four-figure retainers and consistent success with cold pitching.
We’ll cover:
How to attract and land clients in 2026
Modern lead-generation strategies tailored for freelancers
Confident pitching and follow-up techniques that actually work
You’ll leave with a mini action plan to secure clients, grow your revenue, and feel in control of your business this year.
Workshop 2: Pitching & Lead Generation in 2026
(Optional/free) Feeling a bit stuck or unsure what you really want to achieve this year?
In this hands-on session, we’ll reverse-engineer your year so you can map out exactly what matters most and turn your goals into actionable steps. You’ll leave with a clear vision for 2026 and the confidence to make it happen.
We’ll also touch on diversifying your business, if that’s something you’re exploring, so you can identify multiple streams of income without losing focus or clarity.
This session is all about clarity and momentum: helping you prioritise what truly matters, avoid overwhelm, and create a realistic plan you can actually follow. Whether you’re focusing on client work, launching new offers, or growing your community, you’ll leave feeling prepared, inspired, and ready to take action.
Workshop 1: Goal-Setting & Planning Your 2026
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 - Price TBC
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 - Price TBC
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 The Whole Point: Algarve Retreat?
We’ve designed a week that blends:
- Space & Inspiration: Relax in a luxurious Algarve villa, poolside or in our sun-filled creative corners, with plenty of room to think, dream, and recharge.
- Connection & Community: Surround yourself with like-minded women who get the hustle, the creativity, and the desire for freedom. Deep conversations, laughs that linger, and connections that last far beyond the retreat.
- Practical Growth: Optional creative and business workshops, 1:1 coaching, and personal reflection sessions to help you clarify your vision and take inspired action.
- Flexible Fun & Exploration: Optional activites and curated local experiences - or just your own time to wander, swim, and soak up the Algarve sun.
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 and intentionally curated, so you’ll feel instantly welcome and at ease.
Your room (private or twin) for 4 nights in our beautiful Algarve villa, breakfast and lunches, a welcome dinner, some business/creative workshops, yoga, and all the little touches that make it feel special - wine, soft drinks, and curated spaces to rest and reflect.
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), three 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.
There are two room types:
Private Room (£950 early bird / £1025 standard) - your own space to unwind.
Twin Room (£725 early bird / £800 standard) - shared with one other guest.
Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and we’ll pair shared guests based on energy and preferences.
You can secure your spot with a £235 / £180 deposit (for private or twin rooms, respectively) and pay the rest in instalments. Payment plans make it easy to say yes now and spread the cost monthly before February.
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: 4–8 February 2026 | Algarve, Portugal
Pricing:
Early Bird (until 31 October, 2025)
Twin Room (shared) - £725, Private Room - £950
Standard (from 1 November, 2025)
Twin Room - £800, Private Room - £1025
Reserve your spot: Don't want to pay in full? Secure your spot with a £180 or £235 deposit (for twin / private rooms respectively) 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:
