A 7-day escape to the Portuguese countryside
August 27 - September 3, 2025
Torres Vedras, Portugal
Part writers’ retreat, part travel adventure, PLAY+WRITE is a thoughtfully curated week-long European escape to nurture your craft, your career, and your adventurous spirit! An unforgettable week filled with inspiration, connection, and maybe a few glasses of vinho verde along the way.
You get yourself there. We’ll take care of the rest!
Expect a week filled with…
Friendly hosts who make you feel at home
Dedicated writing time in a dreamy countryside setting
Chef-prepared, locally sourced meals (yes, they’re as good as they sound)
Daily curated excursions (full-day and mini!) including Lisbon, Ericeira, and locally in Torres Vedras
A built-in community of fellow writers to connect with
Free time to soak up the villa—walk the countryside, dip in the pool, and nourish your creative spirit
The perfect mix of productivity, adventure, and a little European magic ✨
Hey there, we’re Eileen and Julia
Two TV writers, friends, and toddler moms :)
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Eileen Álvarez is a multi-hyphenate Latina, globe-trotter, and proud #BoyMom.
After graduating from UCLA and earning her M.F.A. from the Actors Studio in New York, Eileen made her directorial debut with Finding Mabel, an award-winning documentary about Argentina's 30,000 Disappeared. Her second film, Grit—a dark comedy about infertility—racked up several festival awards and landed on Elizabeth Banks' Whohaha.
In 2020, Eileen’s comedy pilot Güera snagged first place at the Page International Screenwriting Awards. That same year, she joined the writers' room for the adult animated series Close Enough on HBO Max.
By 2021, Eileen was part of the inaugural class of the NALIP + Netflix Short Narrative Incubator, where she wrote and directed the horror-comedy Mama Retreat. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) and scored a licensing deal with Netflix.
Eileen has been tapped to write scripts for Nickelodeon and Sony and has developed TV series with The Tannenbaum Company, Wilmer Valderrama’s WVE, and Will Smith’s Westbrook.
In 2023, Eileen traveled to Portugal, fell head over heels for its charm, and couldn’t wait to share its magic with anyone who would listen! She is not currently being sponsored by the Portuguese travel bureau, but she absolutely should be!
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Julia Meltzer is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, writing teacher, and postpartum doula/lactation educator. She started her career in entertainment as a development assistant for Modern Family star Ty Burrell’s production company before selling her original multicam pilot YOURS, MINE & PAUL’S to 20th Century Fox Television in a competitive situation; it later sold to ABC with Burrell producing and Sarah Hyland attached to star. Her next pilot, MARRIED WITH FRIENDS (also a multicam), sold to CBS; she then went on to adapt the Israeli TV series THE STYLIST into a feature film for Amazon Local Originals. She also developed an original single cam pilot, MORE KIDS THAN PARENTS, with Fanfare Productions, and wrote on the scripted audio series THE GOOD LIFE (Broadway Video and Audible). Her female driven R-rated comedy feature THE TWIST is in development with Chernin.
After struggling with her own writing practice after the birth of her son, Julia became passionate about parental wellness and empowering primary parents to share their creative voices with wide audiences, and created the groundbreaking New Parent Pilot Class, an incubator for parents of young children to create outstanding TV writing samples where their parenthood was seen as an asset, not a liability.
Julia has performed improv comedy at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade since 2015 and is now in the rotating cast of the theater’s flagship show ASSSSCAT. Julia has taught improv workshops for screenwriters through the Humanitas Foundation and USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Middle Eastern Media Initiative.
Julia has not been anywhere except Cabo since 2018 and she is PSYCHED to cross the Atlantic!
We created PLAY+WRITE because we believe great writing isn’t just about putting words on a page, it’s also about…
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1. Cultivating a joyful writing practice
PLAY+WRITE gives writers time and space to immerse themselves in their writing project in a beautiful location away from home, with meals taken care of and fun excursions to shake things up.
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2. Having inspiring lived experiences
PLAY+WRITE is the perfect opportunity to get out of your bubble: experience a different culture, savor gourmet catered food, explore local delights on planned-for-you excursions, and make memories.
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3. Finding nourishing community
PLAY+WRITE creates an opportunity to forge deep relationships with fellow writers. Intimate by design, we will spend the week connecting over delicious meals, shared experiences and our paths as creatives.
Quinta da Vespeira
Torres Vedras, Portugal
Nestled in the charming town of Torres Vedras—just 30 miles from Lisbon—Quinta da Vespeira is a dreamy private farmhouse and event space where rustic Portuguese charm meets relaxed elegance. Set on 66 acres of rolling hills, forest paths, and stunning mountain views, the property features a historic wine cellar (adega), a sparkling sun-soaked pool, and wide-open spaces perfect for soaking in the good life.
Surrounded by vineyards, golden beaches, and storybook castles, Torres Vedras is made for sparking creativity. Stroll through cobblestone streets, sip local wines, or kick back by the Atlantic—whatever your vibe, the region’s warm hospitality and easygoing pace make it the perfect place to unwind, get inspired, and enjoy the magic of the moment.
Days at the villa…
With the exception of our off-site excursions, we’ll be immersing ourselves in our craft in the serene cocoon of Quinta Da Vespeira. Days will consist of…
Designated writing hours
Daily blocks of independent writing time to tap into your vision and get it onto the page.
Fireside chats
Grab your blanket and a glass of wine for lightly structured post-dinner group hangs (don’t worry, no trust falls :-)
Optional daily mini-excursions
Choose from a variety of local activities including natural wine tours, spa day, yoga, farmer’s market, etc.
Gourmet catered meals
Meals at the farmhouse will be catered by Chef Alma of Alma’s Open Table.
Breakfast spread with fresh-baked bread, fresh-cut fruit, homemade granola, yogurt, chia pudding, avocado toast, shakshuka, scrambled tofu, Turkish eggs; coffee, tea, fresh-squeezed juice
Lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced fare. Sample menu: white fish crudo, green orzo with kale and ricotta, tomato carpaccio, lemon dessert
A farm-to-table style dinner featuring local produce and regional specialties. Sample menu: radish, lettuce, grapefruit salad beds; roasted coconut with tarragon vinaigrette; stuffed eggplant in curry dal; jasmine fragrant rice; yogurt sauce; rose water and coconut malabi
Meet your chef…
Beach excursion: Ericeira
Ericeira is a dreamy seaside escape where golden beaches meet charming cobblestone streets. Known as Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, its waves draw surfers from around the globe, while its relaxed vibe and fresh seafood make it just as perfect for a laid-back getaway. Wander through the town’s whitewashed alleys, browse local boutiques, soak in the vibrant energy of the central square, sip coffee at a cozy café, and watch the sunset over the Atlantic!
City excursion: Lisbon
If you’ve never been to Lisbon, you’re in for a magical treat! Lisbon is a city that instantly pulls you in with its sunlit hills, colorful streets, and breathtaking views. Ride the iconic yellow trams, wander Alfama’s cobbled alleys to the soulful sounds of fado music, and soak in sweeping river views from a miradouro. With rich history, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe, Lisbon is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation to get your creative juices flowing.
Pricing
Queen Bedroom (2 REMAINING)
(single or double occupancy)
Private bedroom with a queen-sized bed and premium linens
Shared bathroom with other queen bedroom
Share this room with a buddy for a hefty discount!
Single occupancy $2800
Double occupancy $2000 per person
Twin Bedroom (SOLD OUT)
(single occupancy)
Private bedroom with a twin-sized bed and premium linens
Shared bathroom with one queen bedroom
Single occupancy $2400
Bunk Room
(triple occupancy)
Shared room with twin bunk bed and single bed with premium linens
Private bathroom for bunk roommates
$1800 per person
What’s included:
7-night accommodations in QUINTA DA VESPEIRA, a beautiful, historic Portuguese farmhouse on 66 magical acres.
Delicious, chef-catered, locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Daily writing snacks
Welcome drinks and closing cocktail party
Nightly chats around the fire
Transportation to and from planned-for-you excursions
What’s not included:
Airfare
Transportation to and from the airport
Meals and expenses for offsite excursion days and mini-excursions
Alcohol (other than welcome and farewell events)
FAQs
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A variety of payment plans are available; let’s chat!
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Your payment to hold your spot is non-refundable. If you end up being unable to participate, and your spot is filled from the waitlist, we will issue you a 100% refund. If we are unable to fill your spot, we are unable to issue a refund.
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Yes! You can invite a friend to book their own room; share a queen bedroom with a friend and get a steep discount; or share the triple dorm room with TWO friends!
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Depending on single vs. double occupancy rooms, the retreat can accommodate up to 8 participants (not including your hosts!).
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Yes! Chef Alma will curate the menu to participants’ dietary needs.
Application
We're thrilled you found us! We're committed to making this a fantastic experience for everyone involved, and we'd love to get to know you a little better. There are no wrong answers here, just a genuine desire to get to know our potential participants.
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