Sue Kind at Finca el Cerrillo explains why Spanish summers suits their creative courses
Scriptwriters at Finca el Cerrillo
In the seventh part in our series of features on writing courses overseas, we talk to Sue Kind who runs cultural holidays with her husband Gordon at Finca el Cerrillo on the edge of Spain’s Sierra Tejada Natural Park, 30 minutes from the coast and 45 minutes from Nerja. The centre hosts scriptwriting classes and creative writing workshops among an array of other courses. Sue tells us why they chose Spain as the site of their creative venture.
What made you decide to set up a cultural holiday centre abroad?
We wanted to work together in an environment where we would meet interesting people in the fresh air and sunshine. Not much to ask! We did consider setting up something similar in the UK but we quickly realised we would have a much longer season in southern Spain. We were also ready for a complete change and relished the challenge of moving abroad.
Have you ever run a similar kind of thing in the UK?
We hadn’t run anything very similar. Gordon had originally trained as a sculptor and worked in the theatre. He had then run his own business for many years but it was not related to tourism. I used to work for a college of adult education and so had organised a lot of courses, including recreational classes.
In general, doing any kind of business in Spain is very different to the UK. There is a different culture and you need to take advice every step of the way. It can be frustrating until you realise you just need to take a deep breath and learn to be more ‘Spanish’. You gradually adjust to the Spanish way of doing things.
Why did you choose Spain for the location of your cultural centre?
As well as the longer season, we liked the open friendly nature of the Spanish people. We had been holidaying in Spain for many years and had always felt ‘at home’ in Spain. The availability of flights from all parts of the UK was also a very important factor. We started by drawing a circle around Malaga airport that represented a one hour travelling distance.
The southern climate means that most of our meals are served outdoors - even in winter, we can often serve lunch outside. We haven’t found any other European location that can match that.
Do you think your location appeals to a particular kind of holidaymaker?
Most of our guests are well travelled and independent minded. They are keen to learn about Spanish culture and are usually people who like nature and wildlife. Having said that, we also get people who like to come in the warmer months just to relax in the peace and quiet, swim in the pool and read a few books from our library.
What you find most fulfilling about running the hotel?
We feel we have achieved a lot of what we set out to do. We enjoy working together and spend a lot of time outside - sometimes walking with the guests and sometimes taking people out to inspirational viewpoints. We have interesting creative people coming to stay and no two days are ever the same. It is hard work but we love it!
What do you think your guests find most fulfilling about staying there and taking part in the courses?
Our guests are usually pleased with what they achieve - usually much more than they think they can do. Our creative writing course aims to get people to finish something in the week – many have gone on to pursue writing more seriously.
The small friendly nature of the hotel - we have 12 rooms - means that everyone gets to know each other and the atmosphere is fun and very supportive.
For further information please visit www.hotelfinca.com
Other writing courses and retreats interviewed in this series include 7daywonder, The Watermill at Posara, Llano de la Luz, Kairos Holidays and In the Write Light
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