Indulge in some well-deserved "you" time and let your creativity soar! Immerse yourself in a six-day, five-night writing retreat crafted to breathe new life into your mind, body, and spirit, allowing you to channel all your energy into achieving your summer writing goals.
Experience a perfect blend of writing workshops, dedicated creative sessions, local adventures, and chances to connect with fellow writers. This journey promises to be a delightful escape, catering to both academic and non-academic writers alike, as well as a useful opportunity for graduate students working on comps and dissertations.
Ready to explore the realms of your imagination?
Dr. Nicole Files-Thompson is an Associate Professor of Communication and former chair of the Department of Mass Communications at the first degree-granting HBCU, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies and graduate certificates in Preparing Future Faculty and Women’s Studies from Howard University.
She has held leadership positions in the National Communications Association (NCA) and Eastern Communication Association (ECA) and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication.
Her most recent accolade, the 2023 Rex Crawley Outstanding Service Award, from Black Caucus of the National Communication Association (NCA) recognizes the contributions made by an active member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service to the discipline, social advocacy, community service, and mentorship.
Nicole is an active Fulbright Alumni Ambassador, Country Expert, and US Scholar Reviewer, whose special interest is in using her knowledge and experiences to empower people and ultimately reveal their capabilities. This, combined with her scholarly and leadership background, laid the foundation for her LLC., Teach. Learn. Jamaica. She has a passion for mentoring students and faculty, undergraduate research, social advocacy, HBCU education, and study abroad opportunities. Nicole believes that by offering immersive travel experiences that explore Jamaican tourism and culture, Teach. Learn. Travel. Jamaica LLC will inspire people to explore, learn, give, and grow.
In an effort to expand her opportunities for such culturally immersive and enriching experiences abroad, Nicole recently partnered with Be Curious Travel, a global tour operator who shares her passion for using travel as a gateway to immersive and enlightening experiences. With this new partnership, be on the lookout for even more global opportunities to Teach.Learn.Travel while tapping into your Curiousity about the world around us!
Dr. CLOVER BAKER BROWN’s career is characterized by a wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to teaching and organizational leadership. Holding a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University and pursuing another in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University (expected completion in 2024) evidence Dr. Baker-Brown’s commitment to teaching and learning. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Howard University.
A seasoned professional and proven leader with an extensive background in academia, communication, and community service, Dr. Baker-Brown has earned accolades such as the Dr. David James Faculty Mentoring Award, Faculty of the Year Award, Faculty Advisor of the Year Award, and a Faculty-Student Mentoring Award for three successive years. Her commitment to teaching and mentoring faculty is reflected in her recognition as "Who’s Who in Teaching in America."
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Baker-Brown's leadership acumen shines. She currently serves on the president’s Cabinet and was the vice president and president of the faculty senate from 2017 to 2021, advising the college president, vice president, and provost on faculty affairs issues. Dr. Baker-Brown served as the former vice president and president of the Maryland Communication Association. She is currently the vice chair of the African American Communication and Culture Division and chair of the Caribbean Communication Caucus at the National Communication Association.
Actively engaged in community service, she is a Commissioner for the Montgomery County Commission of Landlords and Tenant Affairs, serving on the Communication and Public Awareness Subcommittee, a member of Montgomery Women, and the Communications Director for Sarah's Children. Dr. Baker-Brown is committed to mentoring young girls and uses her spare time to provide mentoring and parental support for young girls. She also participates in helping young people learn to read.
"The Ins and Outs of Textbook Writing and Navigating The Publishing Process" Workshop Host, Dr. Jayne Cubbage
Dr. Jayne Cubbage (Ph.D. Howard University), is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communications at Bowie State University in Maryland, where she teaches undergraduate students media literacy and broadcast journalism courses and M. A. students in the Graduate Program in Organizational Communication. She is the author of several edited works including, Critical Race Media Literacy: Themes and Strategies for Media Education, The Handbook of Research on Media Literacy in Higher Education Environments, and Developing Women Leaders in the Academy Through Enhanced Communication Strategies. She is the lead author for two upcoming textbooks, Media Literacy for Diverse Audiences to be published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2025, and Media, Industries, Society: Diverse Foundation in Mass Communication to be published by Routledge in 2024.
Leah and LIV+BE
I’m Leah IV Bedward an expat from London currently residing in St Thomas, Jamaica. My background is in arts, humanities, and wellness. I am a qualified Social Worker, CMA approved Energy & Wellness Coach, Reiki Master, African Yoga Teacher, Creative Facilitator, Aesthetician, and St Thomas Tour Guide. My professional portfolio involves community development, activism, arts-based education, gender-based violence prevention, corporate wellness, women’s wellness, training, and entertainment events. Over the years have evolved into embracing African-Caribbean spirituality this has opened the way to offering Intuitive Readings, Afrocentric spiritual arts, and high vibe divine ‘Goddess-ism’. I hold space for a beautiful mash-up of mind body spirit nourishment, pampering, inner peace, and elemental balance. For me, the work is about enabling people to return home to who they truly want to be, It is mindful, judgment-free, sensitive, and trauma-informed – Feeling Good Matters!
About LIV+BE…I own and operate a holistic business called LIV+BE between Jamaica and the United Kingdom, under this umbrella, we have ‘LIV+BE Cow Bay’, ‘LIV+BE Pampered’, ‘LIV+BE Nourished’, ‘LIV+BE Irie’ and ‘LIV+BE Nomads’. LIV+BE is an extension of me, in 2022 I opened LIV+BE Cow Bay, a holistic beach house and café on Cow Bay Beach, Albion, St Thomas Jamaica as a sanctuary for the soul. The beach house is nestled in a rustic fishing village where we have a vegetarian cafe serving fusion Ital food (LIV+BE Nourished), freshly caught seafood, bush teas, and natural juices – we offer culinary workshops and private catering. LIV+BE Cow Bay has a remedy room for one-to-one treatments like massage, reiki, and coaching (LIV+BE Pampered) as well as a yoga space (LIV+BE Irie) on the sand by the ocean. LIV+BE Nomads was born in 2023 we offer eco-tourism, excursions, retreats, and workshops in St Thomas and across the island.
LIV+BE…Balancing Vibes…Balancing Lives.
Lady Ellorè T. Grossett
aka Lady ETG Cosmic Divine is a Spiritual Warrior, Healer, and Sound Healing Specialist. Lady ETG Utilizes the Djembe (African Drum) and Vocal Techniques as her tool of trade for the balancing of Energies to promote Healing on a Vibrational, Spiritual, Cellular, Mental, and Emotional Level, for Those Who Allow Receptivity. Sound Healing Has Long Been a Part of Indigenous and Modern Practice in Healing Modalities in Various Cultures around the Globe. From The Vocal Meditative chants of the Shamans, Monks, and Rishis, The Stringed harps and pipes to the heartbeat of the Drum; Lady ETG has Studied beside the Indigenous Masters In Breathe Training, Healing Hands Techniques, and Chakra Cleansing via vocal vibrations. Experience Lady ETG Cosmic Divine.
Your room awaits in a seaside villa/boutique hotel
Your package includes daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ride in the comfort of your private transfer as you are ushered along the scenic Jamaican coast. *You are guaranteed to ride either alone or exclusively with other attendees.
Workshopping and activities designed to stimulate your writing.
Activities throughout the day include meditation, yoga, and sound healing to help you release tension and find focus!
The healing properties of mineral water in 14 natural waterfall pools, will leave your mind and body rejuvenated.
The retreat includes afternoons with dedicated writing time.
Fellowship with fellow writers and end the night with a wish lantern ceremony to inspire your writing journey!
We will convene on our last night to celebrate our successes!
You will be asked to provide your airline itinerary at your earliest convenience so that we can arrange your airport transfers.
Not included but highly recommended for drivers, guides, villa staff etc. You can tip in USD or JMD.
For those who wish to explore, we will suggest evening activities. Many events and venues are free. It is our pleasure to provide safe transportation, but please tip your driver!
Such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected events
(if applicable) Check visa requirements and pay visa fees as necessary for your trip.
Today, you embark on an experience filled with anticipation as you arrive to kickstart a delightful experience. We begin with a moment of relaxation, savoring the anticipation of what lies ahead.
This evening, you will Immerse yourself in the warmth of a Welcome Dinner, where culinary delights await. Engage in lively conversations and make new connections at the Reception. We'll conclude the night with a captivating wish lantern ceremony, adding an enchanting touch to an already memorable occasion.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Activities: Welcome Dinner & Wish Lantern Occasion
Optional activities: Should you like to begin your retreat early, we have options to start your stay with us here in Jamaica 1-3 days earlier, allowing you to start your journey on this amazing retreat you so well deserve.
***Check-ins begin at 3 p.m., so please plan your arrivals accordingly. Twilight arrivals may miss the welcome dinner and wish lantern occasion. Please notify the organizer of any planned early-late arrivals so we may plan accordingly.
Today, we start our day with a delightful blend of wellness activities and a nourishing breakfast. Immerse yourself in a captivating morning writing workshop, relish a delicious lunch, treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon meditation, and set aside some dedicated time for writing. Curiosity is ready to greet you at every twist and turn!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Morning wellness activity, captivating morning writing workshop, afternoon meditation session, designated writing time, and optional local evening activities.
Today, embark on a delightful exploration of the restorative benefits of mineral water as you stroll along a guided river walk. Journey through 14 enchanting natural waterfall pools, where each step brings a renewed sense of vitality to both your mind and body. Indulge in the invigorating embrace of a limestone massage, leaving your skin feeling wonderfully exfoliated and revitalized.
As your body luxuriates in a state of blissful repose and your spirit is infused with newfound energy, savor the delights of a delicious meal infused with the authentic vibes of Jamaica. Let your curiosity intertwine with rejuvenation at every cascade, creating a truly magical experience!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Morning wellness activities, healing excursion, and optional local evening activities.
As we relish the last evening of this remarkable writing retreat, let's send our warmest wishes to each traveler. Today beckons us to immerse ourselves in a morning brimming with wellness activities, participate in an inspiring writing workshop, allocate cherished moments to our creative endeavors, and conclude the day with a heartfelt farewell dinner. We hope your journey with us unfolds like a tapestry woven with threads of self-care, creativity, and shared moments—an assurance of an experience that nurtures both body and imagination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, farewell dinner
Activities: Morning and afternoon wellness activities, writing workshop, designated writing time, farewell dinner, and optional local evening activities.
As we conclude our retreat, let's embark on an invigorating morning filled with wellness activities. As you bid farewell upon departure, remember it's not merely the end; it marks the culmination of an experience meticulously crafted to leave you with a lasting sense of wonder and delight.
We look forward to seeing you in our next Writing Retreat. Location TBD (possibilities include Thailand, South Africa, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Egypt, Italy, or Columbia)
Meals: Breakfast