We asked a guest to describe how a week at SER unfolded. Read how it works from a guests point of view:
As a woman in my 50s who has spent years working as an accountant, I recently found myself yearning for a new adventure. My eye had been drawn to the Sing Eat Retreat holidays, which seemed to pop up everywhere on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. They looked incredibly inviting but also a bit too good to be true, which led to my hesitance in booking. However, after thoroughly checking and verifying the reviews—including those from The Sun, The Guardian, and The Mail—I decided to trust the judgment of three national papers and the over 80 five-star reviews on Trustpilot. With that reassurance, I finally went online to book my spot.
The booking process, however, was not without its complexities! I found myself torn between attending a week dedicated to “Les Misérables” or opting for a Kander & Ebb week. Wicked wasn’t my first choice since I had never seen the show, and the Mega Musicals and Broadway weeks were fully booked. Ultimately, I opted for the Les Mis week. With the promise of three West End tutors and the chance to study the songs from this legendary show in a stunning setting, I was propelled to finalize my booking. With a £300 deposit down and nothing further to pay until three months before the holiday, I felt a rush of excitement.
But then the self-doubt began. I’m not a great singer. I participate in my local choir, can read a little bit of music (enough to know when the notes go up and down), and with some effort, I can pick up harmonies. But what if I was aiming too high?
The following morning, I decided to call the retreat and spoke with a wonderful lady named Cat, who I later discovered was pivotal to the operation. Cat reassured me that aside from specific holidays requiring higher skill levels, they accept all abilities, and the tutors focus on each person’s personal development. She emphasized that it is not a competitive environment, and generally, everyone supports each other. With that advice, I felt relieved and more comfortable, allowing me to settle into my five-month wait until the holiday commenced.
Sing Eat Retreat doesn’t include flights, so I began to investigate my travel options. The nearest airports were Gibraltar and Malaga; while Malaga was further away, there were significantly more flights—and they were incredibly affordable! I found fares from London for under £100 return, which was a great deal.
Once I signed up, Cat and her team excelled in communication. They provided well-detailed updates and preparation guidance. They even assisted with transfer arrangements—while they don’t offer flights and transfers directly, they do coordinate booking an official transfer company that serves one transfer from Malaga. My transfer was scheduled for 2 PM, which aligned perfectly with my flight’s arrival at 11:30 AM.
The registration form I completed was thorough, encompassing everything from personal information, next of kin, food intolerances, to transfer requests. It also inquired about my vocal experience and what I hoped to achieve during the week. This comprehensiveness instilled confidence in me that they seemed to know what they are doing!
Over the months leading up to the event, we received welcome packs detailing what to bring, how the catering would work, and even pre-reading material on Estill Technique. We were sent music to familiarise ourselves with, as well as instructions on preparing for our private one-on-one sessions where we could study whatever we wanted with the West End leads and directors.
Finally, after five long months, the big day arrived and here I was at Gatwick Airport, eagerly awaiting my flight. Thankfully, it was on time, followed by a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour flight to Malaga, Spain. After collecting my luggage and passing through border control, I made my way to our meeting point, which was a café in the arrivals hall. By the time I got there six other guests were sipping tea and coffee, eagerly chatting about past experiences.
Out of the six people already there, three had attended before and excitedly reassured me about the amazing week that lay ahead. We were waiting for eight more guests to land, and with a transfer scheduled for 2 PM, we had a just under 2 hours to bond and gather insights about what awaited us.
The journey to the villa was smooth. Our transfer company provided us with a lovely VIP-style coach exclusively for our group. The nearly two-hour journey took us through rugged Andalusian mountain terrain and costal roads, cruising through Marbella, Estepona, past Gibraltar, and then up into the picturesque verdant hills of Tarifa where our Villa awaited.
Sing Eat Retreat offers accommodations both at the villa and at a nearby hotel just a 10-minute walk away. I was staying at the villa in a solo-use room, although many others opted for the more budget friendly hotel option. There were people sharing rooms at the villa too. Sharing also provided a budget option.
As we entered the villa, I was speechless. The photos online do not do this place justice. The coach rolled through a grand entrance gate into a vast garden where fountains and arches welcomed us. The stunning Morro Mountains towered in the background, their changing colors creating a breathtaking vista that would frame our entire week.
We were left to explore the villa and settle into our rooms with instructions to meet back in the dining hall at 5:30 PM. There, we were greeted with bottomless glasses of Cava and wine, olive and snacks all accompanied by a welcome chat from Cat and the team. They covered much of what we had already seen in the welcome packs but focused on how this week was about our personal journeys—not a competition. They encouraged all of us to study hard but also reminded us to have loads of fun, which we certainly did!
The meals at Sing Eat Retreat are truly extraordinary. The dedicated team of four cooks and hosts continuously served ample amounts of delicious food, with changing daily offerings. Lunches are often a work of art with so much detail spent on the presentation. The team made sure there was something for everyone, including options for vegetarians and those with lactose and gluten sensitivities.
I didn’t get to meet our tutors that evening. They were flying in from London, but their flight was slightly delayed. I opted for an early night due to my 3 AM wake-up call that morning, but I heard from others that the night continued with guests showcasing their talents at the open mic set up in the lounge area. For me, it was cozy and comforting to snuggle into bed after a long hot bath in my delightful clawfoot tub.
The morning began bright and early at 8:30 AM for breakfast. Everyone gathered at the villa, arriving between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM for the buffet spread. We feasted on fresh fruit salads, yogurt, various hams and cheeses, dried fruits and nuts, cereal, overnight oats, and bread for toasting. Each day, a delicious egg dish was served, either with smoked salmon or bacon. There was more than enough to keep us satisfied until 11 AM, when tea and coffee accompanied cakes, biscuits, and fruit—the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up!
At 10:00 AM sharp, we began our warm-up sessions. I had never realised how enjoyable warm-ups could be! The tutors rotated this class, so those who needed a lie-in got one. Becasue of the the warm-ups changed based on the teacher making sure they never becase samey. One day, CJ led us in breathing, stretching, and coordination exercises before transitioning into vocal warm-ups. Leigh’s classes were especially fun; his warm-up, “Papa’s Got a Head Like a Ping Pong Ball,” became one of my absolute favorites. I loved how these activities stretched our breath techniques so that by the end of the week, we could effortlessly hold a 16-bar note!
I became incredibly attached to the team of tutors provided for our holiday. Their patience, generosity, knowledge, and talent were nothing short of remarkable. I could hardly imagine there being a team I would want to experience more than this one. I was reassured by returning guests that all the SER tutors are exceptional; they are handpicked for the very qualities I experienced.
Our amazing team included Leigh, CJ, Matt, and Dianne Pilkington, Di joined us halfway through the week to provide a masterclass as well as some unforgettable experiences. Yes!! I sang a duet with the lead from Wicked—a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life!
Photo Shown – Leigh Stanford Thompson, Pippa Duffy, Claire Greenway & Rhys Whitfield – ALW Week
Leigh, our musical director, has worked extensively for Cameron Mackintosh in rehearsals and auditions for shows like Saigon and Les Misérables. He is a bundle of fun and pure talent, shaping our sound throughout the week.
CJ, our leading lady and rock singer, was a delight to work with as our vocal coach. She has an incredible understanding of voice and helped us discover the best within ourselves.
Matt, who has years of experience working on Les Mis, taught us the art of acting through song. While technical skills are essential, Matt brought the emotion into our performances, allowing us to connect with our lyrics in a way I had never experienced before. I learned how to truly understand the depth of a song.
Dianne, our special masterclass host, arrived halfway through the week. She stayed to guide us and even sang with us at the open mics, sharing valuable insights about life as a leading lady
Each day began with ensemble rehearsals, usually lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a couple of sessions each day. This was where we worked closely with the musical director on the music chosen for the week. At the start, we focused on harmonies, phrasing, diction, and shaping the music to showcase our talents. As the week progressed, these rehearsals evolved into staging rehearsals and sound checks.
Taking place in what is usually a fitness studio at the retreat, the large rehearsal space gradually transformed into a mini studio theatre, ready for the end-of-week showcase.
On the second day, we were divided into smaller groups—a fantastic strategy! We formed three groups of seven and rotated among three different disciplines. While one group rehearsed more music with Leigh, the second group studied vocal technique with CJ, and the third participated in the performance class. After a set time, we would switch, ensuring that even though there were 21 of us, we all received focused attention from the tutors.
Photo: Dianne Pilkington One to One Session
Although the end-of-week showcase loomed on the horizon, I would argue that the masterclass with the West End lead was equally pivotal to our journey. Di Pilkington took us through her life on stage and in front of the camera, and we all had a chance to sing for her, receiving valuable tips and feedback on performance techniques. She was a true delight to work with, and all the tutors were incredibly generous with their guidance and knowledge. Di stayed with us for the remainder of the week, singing during the open mic sessions, applauding our showcase performances, and creating an atmosphere filled with joy and support. Many dreams came true for guests over the course of this week.
As the week progressed, the studio transformed into a little performance space equipped with lights, sound, and drapes. We were promised an audience of 30 locals, friends, and neighbours from around the village, and we eagerly rehearsed our 40-minute showcase of what we had learned. This included ensemble pieces we had prepared ahead of time, as well as a blend of solos, duets, and small group numbers. While we focused primarily on Les Mis, we also included pieces from other musicals like Saigon and Martin Guerre.
The audience of 30 was wonderful—they clapped and cheered for us, even when we hit a few bum notes. The 40-minute performance marked the end of an incredible week.
After the show, we returned to the main house for an after-party. The audience joined us as we celebrated, singing and enjoying more Cava and flowing wine, accompanied by three homemade curries of varying tastes and spice levels. Not one of us cared about the early wake up call we would all have to go home in the morning.
I can genuinely say SER was a transformative week that exceeded all my expectations. I stepped outside my comfort zone, embraced new challenges, and connected with a supportive community of fellow music lovers. The combination of exceptional tutoring, breathtaking surroundings, and unforgettable meals created an atmosphere that was both nurturing and inspiring.
Not only did I grow as a singer, but I also realized the power of pursuing passions that were once set aside. The friendships I formed and the memories we created together will stay with me for a lifetime, reminding me that it’s never too late to explore new horizons. I returned home not just with improved vocal techniques but also with a renewed sense of joy and confidence in my abilities. If you’ve seen the ads and contemplated joining a Sing Eat Retreat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make that leap—you won’t regret it!
This review describes a standard 7 night holiday in Tarifa, Spain. For other Holidays check the specific detail of inclusions and activities.
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