The Monastery
Create in historical halls lined with thousands of azulejos, then step into cypress gardens, cork forests, and long, echoing cloisters that invite playful experiments.
- All Creative Playground workshops, classes, talks, excursions, activities, and materials that are part of the program
- Our great on-site team of Creative Igniters and local collaborators
- Access to exclusive convent spaces for creative exploration, including the main chapel, hidden outdoor terraces, beautiful gardens and refreshing pools, as well as the surrounding lands
- All shared meals in the convent dining rooms, enchanted wine cellars, or gardens, with delicious Alentejo-inspired cuisine
- Beer and wine served during shared meals, with a taste of the famous local Alentejo wines
- All local transportation that is part of the program schedule, plus group transfer to Lisbon Airport (LIS) or city center on the first and last day of the experience.
- A welcome bag with local delicacies, a Creative Playground notebook, and small surprises to use during the week
- Travel to and from Portugal, including flights and any required visas
- Private or shared historic rooms with modern comforts, tucked within ancient corridors. (Need to be booked separately and paid directly with the venue.)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for medical care, cancellations, and other risks)
- Local transport outside scheduled group activities
- Optional extra activities, or excursions beyond the main program
- Personal expenses such as tips, shopping, or special snacks
- Food and drinks outside the program, including alcoholic drinks beyond our shared meals
Serra d’Ossa, Alentejo, Portugal
Available dates
7 days | 07–13 September 2026
Maximum 15 participants
Additional estimated accommodation cost, payable to venue.
Shared Room (matched with one other creative mind)
incl. VAT
Private Room (limited capacity)
incl. VAT
A glimpse into the playbook of the week
Infinite building grounds
Bigger, higher, or rather smaller, deeper? Building from intuition to serendipity
Mystery story sessions
We discover the magic of hidden stories that will inspire us to tell our own
Ideas in motion tracks
Movement creates energy, energy creates ideas, ideas create play, and play creates joy
Immersive food lab
We explore what nature’s scents, flavors, and textures offer us to get creative
Sensing and sense making jams
We let our curiosity lead creative experiments to understand that perfection is an illusion
And all the play you can get...
Plenty of time and space to explore on your own, make, create, exchange with others
Host and Creative Igniters
Alessandro Brandolisio
Stefan Saak
Elodie Correia
The local community that invites us
Every Playground’s location brings people who couldn't exist anywhere else. Local Igniters know the land, the light, the rhythm of a place. And they make us see the world through their eyes.
Region and location
The Serra d’Ossa casts a long, protective shadow over sun-bleached stone and cool vaulted ceilings. Here, the air carries a dry, herbal heat, and the light has a thick, golden clarity that sharpens the horizon. It’s a grounded, ancient energy, where the weight of centuries-old walls gives way to the wild, but silent sprawl of the landscape.
A peek behind the thick walls
Are you ready to ignite your creative spark?
Common questions before applying
I've never done anything like this. Is that a problem?
You are not alone. Many of our participants never joined a Playground or similar experience. This is why we ensure that everybody has the same starting point. While each participant’s motivation can be different, we gather all for the same reason: to explore, connect, and play, to let curiosity lead the way. If we all keep an open mind and let the program take its course, we are all set for a beautiful experience.
Don’t forget you’re not alone. Our Creative Hosts and Igniters are always there to help, answer all your questions, address your doubts, and make you feel included.
Will I be the only one who doesn't know anyone?
Absolutely not. While we welcome applicants who apply with a friend or partner, we encourage participants to come alone so that everyone has the same starting point and is open to connecting with new people they've never met before.
What if I'm introverted? Will I feel overwhelmed?
Creative Playground is an invitation into the world. We invite you to become part of an inspiring community comprised of all kinds of characters.
To create a welcoming environment, we carefully select each participant to ensure the right chemistry. If you need private space or time alone to unwind, that's perfectly fine and encouraged. You know best what you need to feel good.
And if you need someone to talk when something doesn't feel right (or feels great!), we are here for you.
I'm a senior professional. Will I feel out of place?
Creative Playground is for everyone who is open to explore, connect, and play with others.
Our team is here to support your individual questions and needs, and to challenge you individually, in case you feel the need for that. Our Playgrounds are designed to be inclusive and to make sure no one is left behind or feels out of place.
Come with an open mind, stay curious, and enjoy being part of an inspiring group of people who are all here to learn, create, and have a great time together. You’re exactly where you should be.
What's the payment structure?
Once you're accepted, you'll receive a secure payment link. You have 7 days to confirm your spot — after that, it may be passed to the next person on the waitlist.
Payment is in EUR. Flexible payment plans are available upon request and depend on your booking timing.
- € 500,- reservation fee — due within 7 days of acceptance (We may retain the reservation fee as a reasonable lump-sum cancellation charge)
- Remaining balance via full payment or installments (confirmed individually after application approval)
The reservation fee covers commitments we make to venues immediately upon your confirmation.
What is the cancellation policy?
More than 60 days before
We may retain the reservation fee as a reasonable lump-sum cancellation charge. Any amount paid beyond the reservation fee will be refunded within 14 days, unless a higher amount is justified under the following rows.
31–60 days before
We may retain the reservation fee and, in addition, charge 25% of the remaining balance as a reasonable lump-sum cancellation charge, unless the participant proves that no loss or substantially lower loss was incurred.
30 days or fewer before, or no-show
We may retain the reservation fee and charge 100% of the remaining balance, unless the participant proves that no loss or substantially lower loss was incurred.
Emergency / medical case
We will review the case in good faith and may offer rebooking, credit, a reduced cancellation charge, or a refund where appropriate.
Consider transferring your spot instead.
Can't make it? You can pass your spot to someone in your network, as long as they go through our application process and get accepted. A €100 admin fee applies, payable by the transferring participant. It's usually the best outcome for everyone involved.
We strongly advise securing travel cancellation insurance when confirming your spot. It's a simple way to protect yourself if something unpredictable happens.
Will I have WiFi and connectivity?
All of our event locations offer WiFi connectivity. While we won't prohibit you from using your phone, we highly recommend leaving your tech in your room or at home. You won't miss it, we promise! Being fully present during Creative Playground will allow you to get the most out of the experience, and it will also respect the other participants’ choice to disconnect or stay offline for a while.
I have dietary requirements. Can you accommodate me?
Yes, very likely. You’ll share any dietary requirements in your application survey, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
How do I get there?
You will receive all the necessary details about your trip after your successful application. We offer convenient group transportation on the first and last day of your Creative Playground experience. We will pick you up and leave you at central points near city centers and/or airports, depending on each Playground’s location. Should you need more assistance with booking and travel logistics, we are always here to help.
What time should I arrive and leave?
Hold your horses! You will receive all the necessary details about your trip after your successful application. We will include travel tips and recommended itineraries that will answer all these questions. Should you need more assistance with booking and travel logistics, we are always here to help.
What will the weather be like?
September brings pleasant weather to Serra d’Ossa with warm days around 24–27°C (75–81°F) and cooler nights of 13–16°C (55–61°F). Expect plenty of sunshine, gentle breezes, and little rain. Pack light layers and comfortable walking shoes.