The Unlocked Room – Writer’s Retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
THE UNLOCKED ROOM is an invitation to step away from the noise of daily life, into a gentle, natural space, to release what you’re carrying – whether that’s tension, anxiety, or shame.
Through guided prompts, journalling, and restorative practices, participants are invited to explore writing as a pathway to reflection, insight and release.
Set on tranquil, healing land, our sanctuary offers connection with nature and horses to support your process.
No writing experience is necessary – only curiosity about what may emerge. The Unlocked Room offers an opportunity to soften, name what’s been unnamed, and let the body do some of the work the mind has been doing alone
My 3-day stay has been deeply transformational. I love the healing that you offer.
I have been profoundly impacted by the love that you have for your horses and your land, and the space you create as a result of that.
I met the herd, such a joy. These horses are beautiful and so very loving and present. I’ve beenable to drop deeper into my heart and I feel really rejuvenated.
The whole experience has been wonderful.
Why "The Unlocked Room"?
Drawing on journalling practices, metaphors as guides, somatic awareness, and restorative approaches developed through Bev’s yoga training at Kripalu, participants are invited to explore writing as a way of releasing what they have been carrying. Tension, anxiety, uncertainty, overwhelm, and experiences that have remained unnamed often begin to shift when given compassionate attention and expression.
The gentle presence of the horses offers a unique backdrop for reflection. Horses have a remarkable way of inviting us into the present moment. Their quiet, grounded nature often helps people settle, soften, and reconnect with themselves in ways that can be difficult to access amidst the noise of daily life.
Whether you come with a notebook full of ideas, a desire to reconnect with your creativity, or simply a longing for time and space to explore and release, The Unlocked Room offers an invitation to discover what becomes possible when the room within is finally given permission to open.
The Unlocked Room is a restorative writing retreat that invites participants to step away from the demands of everyday life and into a space of reflection, creativity, and gentle self-discovery.
Held amidst the quiet of nature, with the backdrop of horses, this retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, listen inwardly, and explore what is ready to be expressed through writing.
Often what blocks our creativity isn’t a lack of skill or discipline. It’s nervous system overload, self-protection, perfectionism, grief, exhaustion or disconnection from ourselves. Time in nature, with the horses and away from the demands of everyday life, can create the conditions for creativity to flow.
Your retreat begins with Bev Hotchkiss, founder and creative director of Backhouse Press, and ends with her too if you choose. Bev listens, then offers the prompts and guidance for your writing. The time between is yours: to write, to reflect, to walk and rest in nature, and to sit near the horses
The Unlocked Room is not about writing perfectly, producing polished work, or being a “writer.” It is about being given the creative tools to witness what wishes to emerge. For some, that may be stories long waiting to be told. For others, it may be unexpected insights, memories, dreams, questions around grief, hope, or a deeper understanding of self.
Who Is This Writers Retreat For?
A creative sanctuary for writers
This retreat may be for you if you:
- Are interested in exploring a different somatic way to release what you’re carrying, whether that’s tension, anxiety, shame or grief
- Have a writing project you’ve struggled to make time for
- Feel emotionally – or creatively – stuck or disconnected
- Are beginning a book, memoir or personal story
- Need uninterrupted time to write, or just BE
- Want a nurturing environment rather than a traditional workshop
- Are seeking reflection, clarity or a deeper connection with your own voice
Choose Your Writing Experience
A WRITING RETREAT WITH ACCOMMODATION in NSW
WRITER’S RETREAT
Includes:
🖋️2-7 nights
🖋️Accommodation (choice of 2, both self-catering)
🖋️Creative reflective prompts (with Bev)
🖋️Optional closing with Bev
🖋️Quiet writing spaces
🖋️Access to the property, and adjacent state forest
🖋️Abundant choice of spaces in nature to be in during your stay
Prices from A$510 / person
WRITER’S RETREAT PLUS
– add on equine & other experiences
– add on equine & other experiences
For those wanting deeper support in moving through creative blocks.
Includes everything in the Solo Writer’s Retreat, plus:
🖋️healing session(s) with Soo and the horses
🖋️other natural therapeutic modalities available, such as yoga, breathwork, art in & with nature, massage – you design your stay
No horse experience required.
This option may be particularly valuable for those feeling stuck, uncertain, overwhelmed, or navigating a significant personal or creative transition.
Prices dependant on inclusions.
Cosy self-catering Retreat Accommodation Available
Comfortable rooms immersed in nature
Choose from The Stables or Gang Gang Hideaway
Testimonials – real experiences, real transformation
My recent Retreat at the Highlands Centre for Healing had so many wonderful and enlightening sessions, not just with the horses but through yoga, breakthwork and art – which just takes you to another place in yourself. Spending time in nature is a tonic to life on its own, but adding the guidance of the horses, Soo and her other facilitators – is the absolute icing and cherry on top. This is a special place and you will be affected in unique ways as we are all unique beings. Thank you Soo and facilitators. Perfect..
I arrived at the retreat with no expectations and unsure of what to expect, but it turned out to be more than I could have imagined. Soo is incredible in so many ways; she was very approachable, made me feel comfortable, and answered all my questions without judgment. The highlight for me was my special connection with Willy, the horse. I had a memorable moment with him that I’ll always cherish. I will definitely be coming back! Thank you for everything, Soo- you’re truly a special soul!
THE SETTING – Your Writing Retreat Near Sydney
Nestled in the rolling landscapes of the NSW Southern Highlands, Highlands Centre for Healing offers a peaceful sanctuary intentionally designed to support holistic wellness for mind, body and soul through reflection, creativity and restoration.
Write beneath old trees, wander quiet paddocks, sit beside horses, or settle into a comfortable writing nook as your project begins to unfold.
Why Writers Love It Here
• no city noise
• no commuting
• nature immersion in our nature-based wellness retreat
• wildlife sanctuary
• horses nearby
• birds everywhere
• digital detox encouraged
• private accommodation
• supportive environment
Come for the writing | Stay for the peace | Be surprised by what unfolds!
Bev Hotchkiss
https://www.backhousepress.com/
Bev Hotchkiss holds an MA in International Relations and is a graduate of Humber College’s Advanced Writing Program, where she was mentored by award-winning author David Bergen. She has taught Writing, Social Justice and the Arts, Issues in Diversity, Philosophy and Film, and Cross-Cultural Communication at Niagara College, where she was nominated as Educator of the Year.
Her poetry and essays have appeared in publications across Canada. She’s a recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Grant and winner of the Calling All Writers Pulse Niagara Award. Her debut short-story collection, Eating Books: A Collection of Shorts, was released in 2025, and one story has been commissioned for film adaptation by Lake 6 Fish Pictures.
I cannot express how magical it has been working with Bev. She seemed to know my soul…Bev picked up on my serious and humorous sides and ran with it, making suggestion after suggestion.
So, What Now?
Creative Sanctuary For Writers – & wannabe writers!
Many retreats teach you how to write.
The Unlocked Room offers something different.
A place to listen.
A space to create.
An opportunity to find you.
EQUINE THERAPY AND WELLNESS RETREATS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced writer?
No. The retreat welcomes writers at every stage.
Do I need to be working on a book?
Not at all. Many participants come with journals, poetry, essays, creative projects or simply a desire to write, or explore their innerscape in a different way.
Do I need horse experience?
No horse experience is necessary.
Is this a writing workshop?
No. This retreat focuses on creating the conditions for writing rather than teaching writing techniques.