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Brilliant 4.77rating (27)

Songwriting & Sanctuary Residency

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in a seven-day arts and culture residency set in the peaceful Andalusian mountains.
  • Collaborate in a small group to write, record, and produce an original song from start to finish with professional-led guidance.
  • Volunteer hands-on at a force-free equine sanctuary, contributing to ethical animal care, land work, and meaningful daily support.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in a seven-day arts and culture residency set in the peaceful Andalusian mountains.
  • Collaborate in a small group to write, record, and produce an original song from start to finish with professional-led guidance.
  • Volunteer hands-on at a force-free equine sanctuary, contributing to ethical animal care, land work, and meaningful daily support.
  • Engage with the local community and live music scene through open mics, jam sessions, and authentic cultural exchange.
  • Recharge in a supportive setting with shared plant-based meals, unstructured creative downtime, and a fully immersive environment.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    A seven-day arts and culture retreat that combines a multi-day songwriting project with hands-on volunteering at Time & Space Equine Education Sanctuary.


    Exclusive, one week only, limited places, book now! 


    Overview 

    This program combines a multi-day songwriting project with hands-on volunteering at Time & Space Equine Education Sanctuary.

    Across the week, artists will write, record, and produce an original track together, while also contributing to ...

    About the program


    Exclusive, one week only, limited places, book now! 


    Overview 

    This program combines a multi-day songwriting project with hands-on volunteering at Time & Space Equine Education Sanctuary.

    Across the week, artists will write, record, and produce an original track together, while also contributing to a meaningful, community-led project.

    Blending structured workshops, creative explorations, and engagement with the local environment, this retreat offers time, space, and support for you to develop your craft in a focused yet relaxed environment.


    ✨ Impact

    Your participation directly supports the work of Time & Space Equine Education Sanctuary, helping to maintain a safe, ethical environment for rescued horses whilst fostering a meaningful creative exchange .


    What You’ll Do

    🎵 Music Workshops (3 Days)

    Workshops are hands-on, accessible, and suitable for a range of experience levels.

    • Collaborate to write, record, and produce an original song
    • Learn practical skills in songwriting, recording, and music production
    • Participate in jam sessions and local open mics
    Songwriting Skills Workshop (Day 3)
    In this skills workshop we will explore some basic lyric writing techniques & music theory, with the goal of creating a song together as a group. There will be an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, an electric bass, and percussive instruments available to use.
    Recording Skills Workshop (Day 4)
    In this skills workshop we will record the song we wrote in the songwriting skills workshop, using some simple yet effective recording techniques.
    Production Skills Workshop (Day 5)
    In this skills workshop we will learn and implement some basic mix techniques in different parts of the mixing process. Eq, compression, reverb & delay; learn what these are and how to use them!
    "The combination of artistic development and hands-on contribution creates a well-rounded experience that goes beyond a typical music retreat."

    Your Workshop Leader

    Workshops will be led by Sky-Maya Groom, a professional musician and sound engineer with a lifelong passion for music.

    After graduating with a First Class degree in Songwriting and Music Production, she went on to work in live sound at major festivals including Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe. 

    With years of experience performing in live bands, collaborating with a wide range of musicians, and running a recording, mixing and mastering business, Sky brings both technical expertise, leadership and creative insight to the workshops.


    🐴 Volunteering at the Sanctuary (2 Days)

    This is a grounded, physical, and rewarding experience focused on ethical animal welfare and connection.

    • - Assist with feeding, land care, and daily sanctuary tasks
    • - Work alongside an international team
    • - Learn about force-free, consent-based equine care

    About Time & Space 

    "We are a small association aiming for self-sufficiency, working in harmony with the land and animals. We look after a herd of six horses on-site and others off-site at various times. We live in a friendly, intimate mountain village of just 150 people. Even if you don’t speak any Spanish, you will be welcomed with open arms. Clare and the Time & Space volunteers share a wide variety of experience and skills. Clare oversees the volunteer programmes, often supported by other volunteers. We are always looking for helping hands, whether for general sanctuary tasks and land maintenance, or keeping our horses happy, you will be able to apply your skills in a valuable way here" 


    🏠 Location & Accommodation

    The retreat takes place I the mountain village of Atajate, a small, welcoming community in Andalusia, South Spain. 

    Participants will stay together in shared accommodation, a fully equipped house with kitchen, bathroom, dorm room & living area; providing space for both creative collaboration and downtime. 

    All essential equipment will be provided in this space, including instruments & creative materials.

    Smoking is not permitted inside the accommodation.


    📱 WiFi and Phone Service
    WiFi is available in the main accommodation. 

    WiFi is also available inside the nearby family-friendly bar, but the signal is not always powerful. 

    If you wish to use your own internet, we suggest checking with your service provider before you travel. You can also buy a Spanish SIM card,

    Vodafone has a very good signal (we use our unlimited mobile data to connect via a hotspot to our laptop). We cannot vouch for the service, coverage, or signal of other companies in the village. 





    Typical day


    🌅 Morning (9am - 1pm)
    Music workshops & Sanctuary Sessions

    🏞️ Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
    Siesta! Free time (rest, explore. create)

    🌄 Evening  (5pm - 9pm)
    Shared meals, relaxed jam sessions & live events.

    7-Day Program Breakdown (14th - 20th July)

    ✈️ Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome 
    • Group pickup from ...

    Typical day


    🌅 Morning (9am - 1pm)
    Music workshops & Sanctuary Sessions

    🏞️ Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
    Siesta! Free time (rest, explore. create)

    🌄 Evening  (5pm - 9pm)
    Shared meals, relaxed jam sessions & live events.

    7-Day Program Breakdown (14th - 20th July)

    ✈️ Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome 
    • Group pickup from Malaga airport
    • Transfer to Atajate (approx 2 hrs)
    • settle into shared accommodation
    • Welcome drinks at village bar & group introduction

    ⛰️ Day 2 - Sanctuary Volunteering 
    • Morning: Volunteering at the sanctuary (feeding, land care)
    • Afternoon: Siesta / free time
    • Evening: Group dinner & fireside jam session.


    🪇 Day 3 – Songwriting Workshop

    • Morning: Songwriting workshop
    • Afternoon: Siesta / free time
    • Evening: (Continue developing the group song)
    • Group Dinner / Open jam / sharing music


    🎤 Day 4 – Recording Workshop

    • Morning: Recording workshop
    • Afternoon: Siesta / free time
    • Evening: Studio jam session
    • Continue recording or relax and experiment creatively.


    🎸  Day 5 – Production Workshop & Open Mic

    • Morning: Production workshop
    • Afternoon / Evening: 
    • Attend local open mic or live music event


    🐴 Day 6 – Sanctuary Volunteering

    • Morning: Second volunteering session (Deeper engagement with the sanctuary and horses)
    • Afternoon: Free time / reflection
    • Evening: Final group dinner & listening session
    • Share the finished track
    • Celebrate the week together!

    🚕 Day 7 – Departure

    • Group breakfast at a local restaurant
    • Transfer back to Málaga Airport



    Free-time activities

    Siesta Time 1pm-5pm

    This is free time. There will be a guitar, an amplifier, a mid keyboard, a dynamic microphone, & precussive instruments available to use in the accommodation. There will also be basic art supplies, board games & book provided for entertainment. Atajate and the surrounding areas ...

    Free-time activities

    Siesta Time 1pm-5pm

    This is free time. There will be a guitar, an amplifier, a mid keyboard, a dynamic microphone, & precussive instruments available to use in the accommodation. There will also be basic art supplies, board games & book provided for entertainment. Atajate and the surrounding areas are beautiful, this time could be use to go exploring, chat with some of the locals at the bar, a swim in the pool or just a nap.

    General info (relevant to extended stays):
    Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! Atajate is mostly a very quiet village, but all the surrounding villages host festivals and parties at certain times of the year. Highlights include:

    • The big festival ad water fight in Atajate in August.

    • A German beer festival in Jimera de Libar in October.

    • Mushroom festivals in November.

    • Music, horse festivals, and foam parties in summer.


    The beautiful local 'white villages' (pueblos blancos) are well worth a visit, varying in size from 2,000 down to fewer than 200 inhabitants.


    Important Note on Fiesta Weekends

    Please note that the weekend around the 15th of August is when Atajate holds its three-day, all-night fiesta. This will mean more noise and crowds than usual, including late at night, very close to the accommodation. It's great fun if you want to join in! There is another large festival over the last weekend in November.


    Towns and Culture

    As well as the villages, there are towns to visit:

    • Ronda is approximately 25km away and is on a main coast-to-city train route. It boasts a spectacular viaduct (Puente Nuevo) as well as many other historic sites and a variety of shops. After exploring these, the huge variety of cafés and bars will offer a welcome refreshment.

    • We can arrange trips on your days off to visit cities including Málaga and Sevilla (at an extra cost).


    Nature and The Outdoors

    If you prefer a break from civilisation, you will be in your element here. The surrounding mountains, forests, and river are beautiful, peaceful, and watched over by soaring eagles. Close by, there are natural sites to visit such as the Canyon of the Vultures.


    You can also find:

    • Guided walks to vast caves with ancient cave paintings.

    • A Palo-Christiano church tucked away off the beaten track.

    • An Arab tower hidden in the countryside with barely a tourist in sight.


    The beach is approximately 1.5 hours' drive away. Beach and activity trips can be arranged at an extra cost on your days off.


    Transport:

    • Car: You can hire a car from Málaga airport

    • Bus: There is a bus leaving every weekday morning from Atajate to Ronda, returning mid-afternoon. From Ronda, there are regular buses to all major cities and many smaller villages.

    • Local Taxi: It may also be possible to hire a driver locally as a taxi service, consult your host.

    We will send you a full PDF of recommended outings upon booking.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    An interest in music (all levels welcome, but basic familiarity is helpful). A Willingness to collaborate and participate in group activities. An Openness to hands-on volunteering. A Basic level of English (for workshops and communication)

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday and Wednesday from 09:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services


    7 days / 5 nights. 


    • Accommodation & Food Shared with up to 4 participants)
    • Food (plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced where possible)
    • Transport (Málaga airport transfers)
    • All workshops and materials


    ‘The full ticket price is a donation to Time & Space Equine Education Sanctuary, covering project costs and supporting the continued operation of the sanctuary.’

    Airport Pickup at Malaga Airport

    We provide a shuttle service from Malaga Airport to Atajate on the first day of the program, and from Atajate to Malaga Airport on the final day of the program. Exact timings will be slightly variable depending on flight times.

    Accommodation

    🏠 Your Home in Atajate

    ​When you join us, you aren't just a volunteer; you’re part of village life! Your host, Clare, and her family live on the project site, a scenic 15-minute walk from the volunteer housing in the charming village of Atajate. Our three-story house is a social, communal hub designed for connection. Sleeping arrangements are assigned based on occupancy to ensure everyone has a comfortable stay.

    ​1. Standard Shared Housing (Included)

    • ​Main Dormitory (Ground Floor): A large, comfortable room with two bunk beds and movable privacy dividers. This is our primary mixed-gender space.

    • ​Communal Spaces: Full access to a spacious lower-floor living area, dining room, and sunny patio—perfect for winding down after a day on the project.

    • ​Off-site Placement: If the main house is full, we partner with a lovely local hostel just a minute’s walk away. You remain a full member of the community and are always welcome to use the main house kitchen and living areas.

    ​2. Private Room Options (Upgrade Available)

    For those who want the house vibe but prefer a guaranteed private retreat.

    • ​The Double Ensuite: Perched on the top floor of the main house, this room features its own private bathroom, balcony, and patio.

    • The Guarantee: You may swap to this room during your stay if it is available, but the only way to ensure it is yours for your entire stay is to pay a supplementary donation.


    ​3. External Self-Contained Units

    If you prefer total independence, we can facilitate a stay in a private apartment nearby. These range from simple studios to apartments with open fires and kitchens. We’ll email the current seasonal options and pricing once you register interest.


    ​📋 Detailed House Guide

    ​Kitchen

    The ground-floor kitchen is fully equipped with cutlery, a ceramic hob, microwave, oven,& fridge. Everything you could need to prepare delicious healthy food with the extensive range of produce we provide for you. There is also awaiting machine available for you to using I the kitchen area.


    ​Comfort & Essentials

    • ​Bedding & Towels: We provide fresh linens, quilts, and color-allocated towels.

    • ​What to Pack: Please bring a beach or pool towel for summer and your own personal toiletries.

    • ​Bathroom Extras: We keep bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

    • Winter Warmth: The house stays cozy with a pellet stove (pellets provided) and warm duvets.

    • ​Smoking: No smoking is allowed anywhere inside the shared accommodation.

    How to Proceed

    ​If you're ready to join us, let us know which option feels right:

    1. ​Standard Shared Housing (Included)

    2. ​A quote for the Private Double Ensuite 

    3. The list of External Self-Contained Units

    It is also possible to do this via our Placement form which you will be emailed after or within the booking process.

    ​We can't wait to meet you in Atajate!

    Food & Beverages

    🥗 Food & Dining

    ​Communal Eating & Groceries

    We provide healthy vegetarian and vegan groceries for three meals a day. While volunteers prepare their own meals, we love the social aspect of food! Each night of the Retreat there will be the option to take part in a group diner on the project site followed by a jam session.

    • ​Where to Cook: You can prepare food in the volunteer house kitchen or use our on-site outdoor kitchen, where we often enjoy lunch together as a group when the weather is nice.

    • Dining Out: If you fancy a break from cooking, there are local bars in the village where you can enjoy a meal at your own expense.

    ​The Weekly Shop & Sustainability

    Since there is no shop in the village, we coordinate a weekly supermarket run.

    • The List: We provide an extensive, predetermined list for you to tick off what you need.

    • ​Special Requests: If you need items not on our list, we are happy to pick them up for you at your own expense. Please keep in mind that some international brands may be unavailable or more expensive in Spain.

    • Our Ethics: To stay as sustainable as possible, our list focuses on seasonal produce and excludes processed foods, fish, meat, or products containing palm oil.

    • The Meat-Free Kitchen: To respect our shared living environment and the preferences of all volunteers, meat is not permitted in the communal kitchen. If you wish to eat meat or fish, these are readily available at the local bars. We do not purchase meat during the weekly shop, even for personal reimbursement.

    ​Inspiration & Drinks

    • ​Recipes: If you're stuck for ideas, we keep a recipe folder full of our favorite plant-based meals that can be made entirely from our grocery list!

    ​Refreshments: We provide a variety of teas and coffee. While we don't provide processed juices or soft drinks, we are happy to buy plenty of fresh oranges for you to juice yourself!

    ​💧 Drinking Water

    ​Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the Spanish summer!

    • ​At Home: Tap water in the accommodation is perfectly safe to drink. You also have the unique experience of bottling your own fresh water from the natural spring source in the village.

    • ​Bottled Water: We do not provide plastic bottled water as part of our sustainability effort, but you may add it to the grocery list at your own expense.

    • ​On the Project Site: You must bring your own reusable water bottle. This can be refilled at our on-site natural spring.

    ​A Note on the Terrain: Our main work area is a bit further down the land. While you can always walk back up to the spring to refill, please be aware it is a short but steep hill. We can provide larger plastic containers to keep at the worksite, provided the team takes responsibility for refilling them daily.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Malaga Airport (AGP) in Malaga. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Spain you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Spain. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival


    This program is currently only running from 14th - 20th July 2026.

    • Free transfer from Malaga Airport is provided on the 14th. 
    • Free transfer to Malaga Airport is provided on the 20th.

    If you would like to extend your stay you are more than welcome to through one of our other volunteer programs.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $918 per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 1 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Spain > Atajate

    Meet your project coordinator

    Emma
    27
    reviews
    4.77
    Brilliant
    2016
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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