Dream of getting away to a writing retreat so you can just write?
Want to meet and work with other writers with structured guidance, but in a more intimate setting than a writing conference? A writer’s retreat in an exotic location may be just what you need.
Whereas writing residencies are mostly about working in solitude, conferences focus on networking and lectures, writing retreats fall somewhere in between.
Discover writing retreats in:
Why you might want to attend a writing retreat
Most writer’s retreats are in beautiful locations (where, presumably, your creative juices will flow), and offer a combination of workshops, tours and interaction with a small group of writers.
They’re a great way to combine a vacation with inspiration, networking and, of course, lots of writing.
Writing retreats can be pricey, but some offer scholarships (so always ask!), or consider creating your own retreat with friends.
And remember: A writer’s retreat is an investment in your career, as well as an opportunity to get away. If they’re out of your price range, then perhaps a writing residency would be a better fit. Or, check out this list of grants for writers.
Looking for a women-only retreat? Some of the retreats on this list fit the bill, and you can also hop over to our post on women’s writing retreats.
Incredible writers’ retreats to attend in 2025
The writing retreats below take place in the remainder of 2024 and continue in 2025. Unless otherwise noted, the prices include workshops, shared accommodation, activities, and most meals. None include airfare to and from the destination.
Please keep in mind that The Write Life team has not attended these retreats. While we’ve gathered as much information as possible to share with you, consider this a starting point, and do your own research before committing. To ensure you’ll have an enjoyable experience, we recommend reading testimonials and reviews, or asking the host to connect you with past participants.
USA and Canada
1. Murphy Writing Retreats
Murphy Writing at Stockton University offers a variety of writing workshops, retreats and getaways, with online and in person options. To stay informed about upcoming programs and places, it’s best to sign up for their newsletter.
Cost: Prices vary.
2. Good Contrivance Farm Writer’s Retreat
Located 25 miles north of Baltimore on a six-acre property in historic Reisterstown, Maryland, this writer’s retreat is open to writers of all levels, plus it operates on a first-come, first-served, non-competitive basis. (Although, you still need to submit a resume and one writing sample for admission.)
Good Contrivance Farm is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of small, historic farms in Maryland, and it offers the retreat as part of public outreach efforts.
Directed by Pushcart Prize writer (plus a ton of others) Ron Tanner and his wife Jill Eicher, the retreat offers workshops and readings as well as plenty of alone time for you in the farm’s contemporary loft apartment.
Harlan Roberts wrote a Google Review, saying,
“My wife and I just spent a week here and we both got a LOT of work done! She managed to edit half of her current novel and I finished editing a book of my short stories. Ron Tanner has put together the perfect writing retreat. It’s quiet, comforting and very accessible.”
Cost: Check the website for the most up-to-date costs. In 2022, the cost was $570 USD for one person for a weeklong stay (meals and beverages not provided); $670 USD for two. Discounts are available for longer stays up to four weeks.
3. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat
In addition to a writing conference offering Round Table Critiques, Pitch-Prep Coaching, and One-on-One Mentor appointments, The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers offer parties and retreats.
Cost: Registration costs vary.
4. Find Your Story
Are you in the second half of your life? Are you a newbie writer who wants to tell your story? Then this women-only six-week online course was designed for you.
Over six weeks you will find the life story you are ready to tell, feel your way through blocks in your writing, organize confusing life events into a traditional plot structure, discover the secret of getting the first draft written, start writing your first draft and leave with a detailed plan.
After attending Westrom’s writing class in 2018, Cherri Julia Maker Ridingin wrote on Facebook:
“Jennifer is a strong leader in a soft way, highly intuitive, and an outstanding teacher. Class three is next week, and already I feel that I have released some blocks that were preventing me from moving forward in my writing. Her lessons have touched me deeply.”
Cost: $899 USD for the six-week course. Each class is limited to six women.
5. The White Mountain Book Writing Retreat
This retreat in the mountains of New Hampshire focuses on two things: self-nurturing and nonfiction book writing. If you keep putting off your book because of, well, life then host Dorothy Holtermann might say the White Mountain Book Writing Retreat is for you.
Held in September each year, you’ll learn Dorothy’s “Birth a Book system” through group classes and private coaching, all while feeding your body with farm-to-table organic food and daily yoga classes. If you’re Zooming, you can still join the fun: receive “healthy food goodies” by mail, enjoy live meditation classes and book writing and performance classes that are sure to be interactive.
Cost: Between $2,995 (private room with shared bath) and $3,200 (private room with private bathroom ensuite) USD per person to attend.
6. Book Writing Retreat at the Hightlights Foundation
Discover how to write and publish your book at this five-day writing retreat supported by experienced guides, healthy food and daily yoga.
If you’re a health and wellness practitioner, an innovator in holistic practices, someone who champions self-care or a memoirist with a mission, then you’ll get a lot out of this experience held each June in Milanville, PA.
The Book Writing Retreat will take you from idea to publication while being surrounded by nature in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley in the Pocono Mountains foothills.
Cost: Tuition starts at $2,995.
7. Autumn Writing Retreats in the Berkshires
Let autumn in Massachusetts be your muse on these five-day retreats focused on The Vibrant Landscape of Writing.
Led by Page Lambert, author, teacher, book doctor, retreat leader and project consultant, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the landscape of your fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry project while guided in group discussions and one-on-one private sessions.
Lambert has a lengthy page of testimonials on her website. In one, Paula Hagar said Lambert was:
“The most awesome writing teacher I’ve ever studied with.” In another, Marsha Rosenzweig Pincus called the Peru trip “one of the most inspirational, spiritual and transcendent experiences of my life.”
Cost: $2,350 USD. Each retreat is limited to five writers-in-residence.
8. Writers Who Run, Retreat and Race
Held in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this exciting retreat came is a passion-filled writing and running adventure for year-long momentum. If you’re a writer and running looking to do more of what you love, then definitely check out the Writing is Magic retreat from Writers Who Run held in August.
After a two-mile run each morning, you’ll have a full schedule of workshops, critique groups, writing time and social events. The culminating event is a scenic 5K and 10K race on Saturday morning!
For testimonials, check out these YouTube videos from past participants.
Cost: Choose between the Basic Package ($2,495 USD) or PRO Package ($2,985 USD), a shared or private room, and an in-full payment or a payment plan.
9. Elixir Writing Retreats
Elixir Writing Retreats curate unique experiences for writers at all stages. These retreats happen in different locations each year and include adventure, fellowship, expert instruction and cultural experiences.
The best way to stay informed about upcoming retreats is to subscribe to the Elixir Writing Retreats newsletter on their website.
Cost: Varies.
Mexico and Latin America
10. Creative Revolution Retreat
Leigh Shulman invites you to choose your own retreat dates—and join her when it works for you for a Creative Revolution Retreat in Salta, Argentina. This experience is meant for people at any stage of writing a book, or for those who want to start writing but need some guidance.
Over eight days, you’ll enjoy intensive writing workshops tailored to your project, yoga, cultural activities, a massage and a private apartment in a bustling city center. Space is limited and the host prefers an intimate retreat, so grab a couple of friends and book a date.
“The retreat met and exceeded my expectations,” Kathleen Evans said in a testimonial on Shulman’s site. “Each day I could feel the progress during this retreat, and I feel that I’ve really grown. My writing has matured, and I have a solid plan and an idea of where I want to go with my writing project.”
(She tweeted about it, too.)
Cost: Since this retreat is custom designed, the cost varies. A $500 USD deposit is required.
11. Living a Creative Life: A Journey to San Miguel
Journey to Patmos, Greece, Iona, Scotland or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with Goodworld Journeys and experience a unique salon-like retreat. Features include deep listening conversations, engaged learning on creativity and artistic craft, restorative wanderings and festive meals. There are also opportunities to learn from award-winning and bestselling authors who lead teaching sessions throughout the experience.
The next Journey is planned for the mountain town of San Miguel in Spring 2025.
Cost: Varies.
Europe
12. Retreats for You
Debbie Flint, the owner of a picturesque 17th-century thatched house in southwest England, runs a variety of retreats throughout the year as part of Retreats for You. Importantly, they all come with home-cooked meals and resident Labradors you can walk through the countryside. Take a look through the events calendar and find a retreat that suits your project or writing needs.
The center, which welcomes groups, has a five-star rating on Facebook with more than 80 reviews. Anita Chapman wrote on Facebook:
“The house is gorgeous and comfortable; the food is delicious, and there is always home-made cake…. Alison is a fantastic tutor who knows a great deal, delivering it beautifully; and she has a real interest in her students’ projects.”
Cost: Varies.
13. Write Away Europe—France
Looking for a place to “connect with your muse and get inspired”? Head to the France Chateau Writers Retreat for “an inspiring and immersive week to focus on your writing, get feedback and guidance, generate new ideas and gain the confidence and commitment to bring them to life.”
You’ll be a part of a curated community including writers from all stages who want to tell their story in the best way possible with guidance from experienced facilitators. This retreat takes place each Spring and Autumn.
Cost: $3,950 USD per person.
14. Creative Writing Retreats
Yearning for time and space for yourself and your writing? These intimate Creative Writing Retreats in Idyllic Switzerland are open to participants at any level of experience and offer expert guidance in a supportive environment.
Gain focus, find inspiration and hone your craft through daily workshops, independent writing time and feedback sessions. Published novelist Valeria Vescina will help you conquer those blank pages and breathe new life into your work in progress. Her solid credentials include years of teaching creative writing to all age groups and levels: from secondary-school pupils and students on Creative Writing BA and MA degrees to Adult Education classes.
Cost: Varies, depending on which retreat you attend.
15. The Creative Writer’s Workshop: Fiction and Memoir Retreats
The Creative Writer’s Workshop hosts a variety of workshops and retreats in Ireland for writers working on fiction, autobiographical fiction and memoir.
Inspire your writing spirit, invigorate your senses and create the story that’s in your heart. A writing adventure to deepen your connection to story in the stunning landscape of Ireland’s western shores.
Cost: Varies.
16. Ireland Writing Retreat: Wild Atlantic Writers
Held several times a year (and not always in Ireland—at least one retreat per year is in the South of France), the Ireland Writing Retreat is a weeklong course for up to 10 participants.
Aside from daily writing workshops and critiques of retreat assignments, participants will also be given the opportunity to avail of focused one-on-one critique and discussion session on one of their works-in-progress.
Due to ever-increasing popularity, acceptance is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Just as important as when you apply is your response to a special application questionnaire.
Cost: Varies. Accommodation is not included.
17. Pink Pangea Writing Retreats
Pink Pangea is an international community of women who love to travel, write, hike and do yoga. Their retreats are created for smart women who love exploring and growing through adventures.
Upcoming retreats take place all over Europe including Barcelona, Spain, Akureyri, Iceland, Paris, France, Rhodes, Greece, Venice, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal.
Cost: Varies.
18. A Writer Within—Tuscany
Spend a week at a historic villa in Tuscany—complete with your own private chef—at this women-only retreat held twice per year.
A typical day at the A Writer Within retreat begins with freshly-baked pastries and an abundant healthy breakfast followed by a three-hour group writing session. Following an al fresco lunch, you may take a guided tour of nearby towns, historical sights or the surrounding countryside. If you don’t decide to stay behind and enjoy personal writing or relaxation time. After a three-course dinner, the group will gather informally to share work and reflect on the day.
Kay has written and video testimonials on her site. A review from Marisa Brown said:
“I said ‘yes’ to the dream of a writing retreat, and what better guide than Kathryn Kay to make that dream become a reality. As a workshop leader, Kathryn is gracious, grounded and focused. This was truly an all-encompassing experience of exploring myself and my writing.”
Cost: $5,200 USD for a private room or $3,900 USD for a shared room.
19. Portugal, England and Greece Writer’s Retreats
Women Reading Aloud hosts several writing retreats each year in locations such as Madeira, North Cornwall and Alonnisos.
These retreats can be anywhere from seven to 10 days and include writing workshops, artisanal workshops, cultural experiences and instruction from experienced authors.
Cost: Varies.
Asia, Africa & Middle East
20. The Writing Room Writing Retreats
Enjoy the Western Cape, South Africa as you experience an immersive writing retreat with The Writing Room. These five-night adventures include writing classes, coaching and free writes and happen twice a year.
All types of writers are welcome to these retreats, which are designed to remove you from ordinary life and placed into the world of story and creativity.
“I recently attended the writers retreat and residency at Skala Eressor [sic]…. This has been the most profound retreat I have ever done. Kate and Sarah are masters at creating a space for creativity and writing skills. I loved every moment of it and would recommend this to every aspiring writer.”
From Mary-Joe Emde in a Facebook review.
Cost: Varies.
21. Indian Summer House Writers Retreat
The Indian Summer House is a luscious boutique hotel in southern India. Here, you can attend an organized writers retreat for memoir or set up your own dates upon request.
“Our numbers are small and the opportunity to mix your own writing time with workshops, consultations and informal readings is flexible according to how participants would like to be involved.”
Caroline Van De Pol
In addition to morning yoga and meditation, tantalizing meals and cultural activities, you’ll have daily writing workshops, evening reading sessions and abundant writing time.
In a recent TripAdvisor review, user shonee2018 gave their experience an “excellent” rating.
“Time has this lovely pace in India,” they wrote. “It seems to pass even more gently at Indian Summer House during our daily writer’s workshops with Caroline Van De Pol, readings and discussions to reflect and share our work with others or enjoying the outdoor showers, having a drink in the coconut lounge, jumping into the pool two, three times a day or relaxing at the spa.”
Cost: Varies.
22. The Himalayan Writers Retreat
The 10-day International retreats in the Himalayas from The Himalayan Writing Retreat are carefully curated, safe and all-inclusive (including airport-to-airport arrangements).
Every retreat has a guest leader and two resident facilitators: a psychologist and an author. They’ll guide you through everything from discussions to long walks, bonfires, yoga and pottery. Aside from airfare, everything is included in the price—even a trip to the Taj Mahal!
This retreat has more than 100 five-star Google reviews. Ramanjaneya Sharaph wrote:
“The workshop covers all aspects, from the science and craft of writing, to getting published. This is a workshop in the true sense of the word. There are enough hands on [sic] writing exercises, with feedback from the course leader and other participants, that helps better understand the concepts.”
Cost: $3,400 to $3,600 USD per person.
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