“Can I teach you how to write? No, but in two days, I can introduce you to the fundamental building blocks of writing - and teach you how to see the world through the eyes of a writer, that is to see life itself as a ongoing story full of plot twists.” D. Kennedy
In the inspiring setting of the Hôtel Royal’s 47-acre grounds, surrounded by the waters of Lake Geneva and the peaks of the French Alps, a place once nourished by the words of Marcel Proust and Patrick Modiano, twelve writing enthusiasts will be invited on an inner journey to find their voice, tame the blank page, explore their imagination and structure their narrative. A weekend in which time stands still, mentored by a master storyteller, Douglas Kennedy.
From €1,290 in a single room, includes breakfast
From €2,190 in a double room, includes breakfast
Places for 12 writing enthusiasts only
The offer includes
- Accommodation in a single or double room, breakfast included
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Upgrade to a superior room category, subject to availability
- Dinner on Saturday evening at “La Table du Chef” in the kitchens of the fine dining “Les Fresques” restaurant, in the company of Douglas Kennedy
- Breakfast on Sunday
- 2 mornings of classes and 1 one-to-one consultation with the author
- Use of the evian®SPA
Schedule for the writing retreat with Douglas Kennedy
Saturday 4th October:
- Morning: three 45-minute writing workshops led by Douglas Kennedy, covering planning, exposition and point of view.
- Free time for lunch: time for introspection to let the ideas settle, write or just reflect.
- Afternoon: one-to-one 30-minute consultations with the author to refine a writing project, talk about a manuscript in progress or explore an embryonic idea.
- Evening: dinner in the company of Douglas Kennedy, in the inviting, intimate space of the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Fresques’ cookery school - a time for informal discussions about words and wonderful food.
Sunday 5th October:
- Morning: another round of group workshops (3 x 45 minutes) to go deeper into the characters, narrative structure, and how to deal with creative blocks
- Free time for lunch
- Continuation of the one-to-one consultations with the author
A retreat that stretches beyond the weekend
After the retreat, each participant will go home with a literary project underway - a short story, the start of a novel, a personal account or fragments of fiction - that they can submit to Douglas Kennedy. The author will provide a detailed review with comments, suggestions and encouragements, so that each participant can nurture their manuscript confidently and with rigour.
Terms of sale
Offer available from Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th October 2025 inclusive. Reservation required and subject to availability. Penalty-free cancellation of your stay up to 30 days prior to your arrival. A 100% deposit is required at the time of booking. In the event of a cancellation less than 8 days prior to your arrival, the deposit paid is kept by the Evian Resort. In the event of a no-show or an early departure during your stay, the total price of the stay is due to the Evian Resort, which is authorized to debit the credit card provided with the corresponding amount. The price indicated is per room and per night, based on two people.
