The Ultimate Guide to the Best Writing Retreats

Laura Hartman 66

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the time and space to focus on your writing can be a challenge. That’s where writing retreats come in. These immersive experiences provide the perfect environment for writers to escape the distractions of everyday life, focus on their craft, and find inspiration in new surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a beginner looking to hone your skills, a writing retreat could be just what you need to take your work to the next level.

Why You Need a Writing Retreat

Writing retreats offer a unique opportunity to dedicate uninterrupted time to your writing. They provide a supportive environment where you can focus solely on your craft, away from the distractions and demands of your daily routine. Whether you’re working on a novel, a collection of short stories, or a screenplay, a writing retreat can provide the time, space, and inspiration you need to make significant progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a writing retreat? At a writing retreat, you’ll typically spend your days writing, with breaks for meals, relaxation, and optional activities like workshops, seminars, or local excursions. Some retreats also offer one-on-one mentoring sessions with established authors or industry professionals.

Who should attend a writing retreat? Anyone with a passion for writing can benefit from a writing retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned author working on your latest novel, a beginner looking to improve your skills, or a busy professional seeking a creative outlet, a writing retreat can provide the time, space, and inspiration you need.

How do I choose the right writing retreat? Consider what you hope to achieve, your budget, and the type of environment in which you work best. Do you want a structured program with workshops and critiques, or do you prefer plenty of free time for independent writing? Do you want a solitary experience, or do you thrive in a community of writers? Research each retreat carefully to ensure it aligns with your goals and preferences.

Benefits of Writing Retreats

Focused Writing Time: With no distractions or responsibilities to pull you away, you can fully immerse yourself in your writing.

Inspiration: New environments, cultures, and experiences can spark creativity and provide fresh ideas for your writing.

Community: You’ll be surrounded by other passionate writers, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and feedback.

Skill Development: Many retreats offer workshops, seminars, and mentoring sessions where you can learn new techniques and receive personalized advice to improve your writing.

Wellbeing: Beyond the writing benefits, retreats often offer activities like yoga, meditation, hiking, and more, promoting a balance of physical and mental wellbeing.

In conclusion, writing retreats are a valuable investment in your writing journey. They offer a unique blend of focused writing time, professional development, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to finish a manuscript, seeking inspiration, or wanting to connect with a community of writers, a writing retreat could be the perfect solution.

Best writing retreats for 2023

This list is a bit of a mess, please search for all the details if one sounds interesting! I’ll probably rent another castle eventually if you want to sign up to my list.

Writers in the Wild, Catskills Oct 20th to 24th.

Catskills Retreat

October 20-24, 2023

Located on a beautiful country estate with 355 acres and miles of trails to wander, you’ll leave your cares behind and truly dive into your creativity. More details here.

The Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, Ireland, offers several retreats in 2023:

However, the website does not provide specific dates and pricing information for these retreats. The retreats offer a combination of writing workshops, author talks, cultural experiences, and scenic walks. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly.

Here is the link to their website: Ireland Writing Retreat

The Himalayan Writing Retreat in India offers several retreats and workshops in 2023:

Creative Writing Course – Himalayas: July 19 – July 23, 2023, for ₹32,000.
Writing for the Screen – big & small: August 2 – August 6, 2023, for ₹29,000.
Creative Writing Course – Himalayas: September 2 – September 6, 2023, for ₹29,000.
Writing Masterclass with Jerry Pinto: September 20 – September 24, 2023, for ₹44,000.
Writing and Performing in Meter: Poetry Masterclass with Annie Finch: September 26 – October 1, 2023, for ₹36,000.
The Himalayan International Writers Retreat – Fall 2023: October 3 – October 13, 2023, for $3,300.
Translation Masterclass with Arunava Sinha: November 1 – November 5, 2023, for ₹34,000.

Please note that prices are in Indian Rupees (₹) and US Dollars ($), and may vary depending on the specific retreat or workshop.

Here is the link to their website: The Himalayan Writing Retreat

Write Away Europe, Prague Writing Retreat – Here is the link to their website: Write Away Europe, Prague Writing Retreat

Iceland Writers Retreat, Reykjavik, Iceland: An annual retreat typically held in April, featuring a series of intimate writing workshops led by acclaimed authors and cultural tours across Iceland. Participants get a chance to network with fellow writers and get inspired by the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Website

Under the Volcano, Tepoztlán, Mexico: A 10-day retreat held annually in January, this program provides masterclasses for writers looking to advance their craft. It offers immersive learning with renowned authors, fostering a community of writers. Website

Paris American Academy’s Creative Writing Workshop, Paris, France: This month-long retreat every July offers writers a chance to work intensively on their projects while experiencing Paris’ rich culture. It includes writing workshops and cultural tours, providing ample inspiration for writers. Website

Arvon Foundation, United Kingdom: Offering week-long creative writing courses and retreats in serene countryside locations throughout the year. Each course is led by two tutors, allowing participants to engage in an intimate and focused learning environment. Website

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, Ripton, Vermont, USA: An annual 10-day event held in August, this conference features workshops, lectures, and classes for writers of all levels. It’s a great opportunity for networking and learning from renowned authors. Website

The Art of Writing, Tuscany, Italy: This retreat occurs in June, focusing on both writing and personal development. It offers a peaceful environment for writers to create, grow, and connect with other creative minds in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Website

Greece Writers Retreat, Island of Thasos: A week-long retreat taking place in September. Participants can enjoy writing workshops, yoga sessions, and lots of free time to write, relax, and explore the picturesque island. Website

Vancouver and Victoria Schools of Writing, Canada: These schools offer various workshops and classes throughout the year. With a focus on fostering creativity and improving writing skills, these sessions provide a space for writers to learn and connect. Website

Centauri Arts Costa Rica Writing Retreat: This retreat caters to writers of all levels and provides coaching, classes, and communal activities amid the lush Costa Rican landscape. A perfect blend of learning and relaxation. Website

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Retreat, Colorado Springs, USA: This annual event is dedicated to fiction writers, providing a space to focus on their work and learn from experts in the genre. Writers can also network and share ideas with like-minded individuals. Website

Wide Open Writing, Isla Holbox Retreat, Mexico: This retreat offers guided writing sessions and recreational activities like yoga. A perfect opportunity for writers to combine creative exploration with relaxation and wellness. Website

Ireland Writing Retreat, Travel Writing Retreat, Donegal, Ireland: Based in the heart of Donegal, this retreat helps writers develop and enrich their travel writing skills through workshops and field experiences. Website

Verse Kraken Writing Retreat, Peumerit, France: Open to writers of all genres, this retreat offers a relaxing environment to hone writing skills in the French countryside.

Here is the link to their website: Verse Kraken Writing Retreat

Write Away Europe, Prague Writing Retreat: This retreat offers guided writing sessions, workshops, and cultural exploration in the vibrant city of Prague, Czech Republic. A unique opportunity for writers to immerse themselves in a different culture while refining their craft. Website

The Aegean Arts Circle Writing Workshops in Andros, Greece, are scheduled to take place from June 17th-25th, 2023. The workshops are led by award-winning authors and are designed for writers who need time away from their regular lives to write. The workshops are intensive and provide a small, close-knit writing community. The workshops meet every day and are challenging enough to bring out the best in participants, whether they are aspiring or published writers. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for these workshops.

Here is the link to their website: Aegean Arts Circle Workshops

Black Sea Writing Retreat, Mai, Romania: This retreat specializes in travel, food, and entertainment writing. Participants get a chance to hone their skills in a specific genre, while also exploring the culturally rich region. Here is the link to their website: Black Sea Writing Retreat

The Creative Writer’s Workshop in Ireland offers several workshops and retreats in 2023:

However, the website does not provide specific dates and pricing information for these workshops and retreats. The workshops are designed for writers of all levels and focus on both fiction and memoir writing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly.

Here is the link to their website: The Creative Writer’s Workshop

Writing On Water Croatia Retreat: This retreat offers a variety of writing workshops in a villa overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Participants can enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia while focusing on their writing projects. Here is the link to their website: Writing On Water Croatia Retreat

Writing With Care at the Ochre House Retreat: A retreat for writers and creative artists providing an environment conducive to creativity. The location and activities are designed to foster a sense of community and inspire creativity. Here is the link to their website: Writing With Care at the Ochre House Retreat

Women Reading Aloud, Greece Writing Retreat: A women’s retreat on the island of Alonnisos in Greece, offering writing workshops and communal activities in an empowering, supportive environment. Here is the link to their website: Women Reading Aloud, Greece Writing Retreat

The Writers Who Run (Or Walk) Retreat in North Carolina, USA, is scheduled to take place from July 10-16, 2023. The deadline to register is June 23, 2023. The retreat is a week-long event that combines writing workshops with a 5K and 10K race. It offers a supportive and friendly environment for writers to be inspired, productive, and creative. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for the retreat.

Here is the link to their website: Writers Who Run (Or Walk)

The Storyteller Within, Journey Into Sacred Expression Women’s Retreat in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, has two sessions scheduled for 2023:

The retreat is designed for all women who want to reveal their own truths, connect to their intuition, reclaim their soul voice, feel empowered in their unique self-expression, and be inspired as the courageous storyteller of their own lives. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for the retreat.

Here is the link to their website: The Storyteller Within

Hamlet’s Hideaway, Denmark: This retreat offers mentoring from established writers in a quiet, peaceful setting in Denmark. Participants can enjoy the solitude needed to focus on their work while also benefiting from expert guidance. Here is the link to their website: Hamlet’s Hideaway

Pink Pangaea, Writing and Hiking Retreat in the Swiss Alps: This retreat combines writing workshops with outdoor activities in the Swiss Alps. Participants can draw inspiration from nature while honing their writing skills. Here is the link to their website: Pink Pangaea, Writing and Hiking Retreat in the Swiss Alps

The Taos Writer’s Retreat, Taos, New Mexico, USA: A retreat for women writers offering workshops, meals, and activities at The Mabel Lodge Luhan House. A combination of professional guidance and community building. Here is the link to their website: The Taos Writer’s Retreat

The Writing Room, Write n’ Walk Spain, Asturias: This retreat offers a guided trek and writing sessions in Asturias, Spain. A perfect blend of outdoor exploration and focused writing. Here is the link to their website: The Writing Room, Write n’ Walk Spain

Laura Hartman

Creativity is my passion. I love helping artists and writers to develop their unique voice and gifts! I write and organize guest posts, and research useful content and articles for Creativindie, with an eye on SEO and boosting traffic. I focus mostly on arts, crafts and graphic design.