Writers' Workshops At The Spencer Hotel & Spa

The Spencer Hotel & Spa has introduced a series of writers' workshops that provide an environment for inspiring writers and artists to develop their skills and vision by bringing them together with today's top professionals in a unique environment.

Chautauqua, New York (PRWEB) January 20, 2008 -- The Spencer Hotel & Spa has introduced a series of writers' workshops that provide an environment for inspiring writers and artists to develop their skills and vision by bringing them together with today's top professionals in a unique environment.

Each five day workshop (limited to 20 students) is taught by award-winning authors and artists eager to share their professional wisdom. In addition to the professional instruction, students may choose from yoga, meditation, dance classes, watercolor instruction, spa treatments, massage therapy, hiking, and bicycling. Meals are enjoyed together, class size is limited, and the schedule of instructors changes annually to provide a diverse, entertaining choice.

The Hotel's location within the Chautauqua Institution (a gated resort community located on Chautauqua Lake in western New York), offers a quiet setting for reading and writing. Workshop classes are held at the Chautauqua Institution's Hulquist Conference Center, while the surrounding landscape of Bestor Park and plentiful gardens provides an enchanting setting for all to enjoy.

The Spencer is newly renovated, boutique hotel with 26 luxurious rooms and suites. It houses the oldest literary society in America, and opens its gates to all who enjoy a tale. New York Times once titled Chautauqua Institution as "Camelot, a place where time is forgotten and the arts flourish."

"The Hotel offers a distinctive literary theme which celebrates the life and works of history's most revered authors. Each room pays homage to a renowned author, depicting scenes from their most famous works," Innkeeper Helen Briggs states. "I love literature and like to read, and so I decided what better place to create a literary theme than in Chautauqua," Helen continues.

For instance, in the Isak Dinesen Room, a play on the "Out of Africa" theme allows guests to slumber under their very own dream-like safari tent while the Jules Verne Room gives the playful feel of sleeping up in a balloon traveling "Around the World in 80 Days."

Helen recalls the huge undertaking of the building's renovation, which started as a hotel by Mrs. Spencer in 1907. When Helen took over the hotel in 1997, it had basically been unattended to for 90 years. Fortunately, Helen, formerly an artist, designed the interior and along with three other artists, painted some of the murals. "I spent a whole year reading by night and working with the contractors by day," she says.

National Geographic Traveler magazine featured Chautauqua in the 50 "places of a lifetime" to visit in America, describing it as "an idyllic retreat to enrich body, soul and mind."

Rates for the 5 Day/5 Night Workshops are $765.00 per person, double occupancy; $1222.00, single occupancy; $590.00 for a non-student companion, double occupancy.

Workshop Packages include tuition for one evening and 5 full days of class; 5 nights of lodging; breakfast, lunch and dinner each day; and gratuities and taxes. Workshops are held May 4-8, 2008; May 11-15, 2008; June 15, 2008; October 6-10, 2008; October 12-17, 2008.

Phone: (716) 357-3785, Toll free: (800) 398-1306, Web: www.thespencer.com, E-mail: stay @ thespencer.com

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