ABOUT THIS RETREAT

iF you're like most writers, you've never got enough time, space, or support to devote to your writing projects. The solution, obviously, is a writing retreat!

Come join me for this women's writing retreat in Mérida! Far from the glitz and partying of Cancún, you'll spend a week in a safe, historic, colonial city with a cool creative vibe. This is a small retreat, meant to facilitate empathy, connection, and give you plenty of space and time to work on your own writing. (Lamentably, I can't accommodate children on this retreat.)

Why retreat with me? Two big reasons. You get:

All the time and space you need to write at your own pace to reconnect to your writing again.

A built-in community of academic women writers to help you feel connected and supported in your writing., as well as structure to help you get the your best and most creative writing DONE.

Plus, you get to hang out with me. :)

About you:

This retreat is open to women writers, academic writers, non-academic writers, creative non-fiction writers, poets, or secret novelists,.

Accommodation

I've rented a really lovely house in Mérida's downtown. It's pretty central to everything, though if you aren't used to walking in the heat (and seriously, it's HOT here in July), you might want to think about taking a cab or Uber if you want to see something that isn't right downtown. Don't miss the plaza or the historic cathedral! :)

The house has both single and double rooms, (so maybe you bring a buddy?).  All rooms have their own bathroom and AC. There's a pool, so bring your suit!  (During my last retreat, there was a lot of hot afternoon and then late night swimming in the pool!)

We've got a kitchen and internet! 

Check in is at 3pm on the 21st, check out at 11am on the 28th. If you arrive early or need to leave later, let me know and i can help you figure out what to do with your stuff so you don't have to haul it around everywhere until we check in or depart.

Food

I'm planning to offer a continental breakfast (and the fixings for a protein breakfast if you need that) and a lot of coffee.

Traditional Yucatec food, which I recommend you try, is heavy on pork. If you're a vegetarian or have food allergies or intolerances, let me know and I'm happy to accommodate you!

Lunch is the main meal in Mexico and usually happens between 2pm and 4pm., which is the hottest part of the day. You may want/need a siesta in the afternoon, which is entirely sane and reasonable.

For Sunday arrival, I'll have food of various sorts and snacks and wine and cold beer (and non-alcoholic beverages) for when you get here. I'll also have a list for you of great local places to eat out if you prefer.

Dinners will be on your own and I'll have a list of places that you can find amazing food nearby.  We can eat together and hang out or you're welcome to explore on your own. You're also welcome to get food and cook it at the casa! 

What We'll Do

Write a lot. Make some new friends. Devote time to our own creative ventures. Support each other. Explore the city. Soak up some sun. Jump in the pool. :) Maybe go to the beach?

Early arrivals or Late Departures

You may want to arrive early or leave later than the retreat dates. (And really, who could blame you?) The retreat officially starts on July 21st and ends the 28th, but if you've got some more time to spend here I'm happy to help you figure out your travel details and logistics and make suggestions for some stuff that you shouldn't miss!

Getting Here and Away

You'll want to arrive on the 21st of July and plan to depart July 28.

There's few direct flights to Merida, although there should be a United flight that arrives daily from Houston. 

Plan to arrive directly to Merida (MID) from Mexico City or Houston/Atlanta/Miami, Its very easy to get flights to Mexico City and then a connecting regional flight direct to Merida. I can come meet you at the Merida airport!

Deposits ($500) are non-refundable.

Final balance must be paid by 7/1/2018.

If you decide to cancel your trip. I require written notice. 

Cancellations 30 days (until 6/21/19)

 or more prior to the retreat receive a 100% refund (minus the deposit. At this point, for example, you'd receive $900.).

Cancellations 30 to 15 days prior to the retreat (6/22/2018-7/7/2018) receive a refund of 50 % of the full price minus deposit (you'd receive a refund of $450).

If you cancel within 14 days of the retreat start date (7/7/2019-7/21/2018), I regret to say that refunds are unavailable.

If you think your travel plans might change (stuff happens!), consider purchasing travel insurance.

If I have to cancel for any reason, I'll refund you 100%. I need a minimum of five people to make this retreat a go, so maybe invite your friends along too?