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20+ Incredible Writing Retreats to Attend in 2025

by Farrah Daniel | Nov 8, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.” 

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.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

COACHING + PUBLISHING

FORMATTING + DESIGN

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• 20 Writer Retreats: Where To Take Your Next Creative Adventure

Sarah Rexford

Table of Contents

What are writer retreats , writer retreats in 4 regions, 1. united states , live free and write, private retreat in maui, retreat and create, writers’ trust, fireside writing retreat, pulp literature, warbler’s roost, corfu, greece writer retreats , tuscany, italy, loire valley, switzerland, himalayan writer retreats , memoir retreat , write your journey, business writing retreat, koh phangan, thailand, why attend writer retreats: your next step to success.

Writer retreats are highly anticipated events that can give writers the boost they need to move forward in their next project. 

If you feel that the excitement of the new year has long worn off and you’re looking for a way to re-inspire yourself in your writing endeavors, you may want to look into writer retreats near you. Or, if you have the ability to travel, you might consider making an extended trip out of it. 

No matter where you are in your writing process, choosing the best writing retreat for your needs can help you continue toward your goals. 

The goal of writer retreats is to to use dedicated writing time to progress any project in a supportive environment . Unlike writing conferences, retreats primarily focus on the activity of writing. When you attend a conference, the goal is usually multifaceted: 

• Learn from the workshops you attend 
• Pitch your project during appointments 
• Network with other writers 

While writer retreats are a great place to network, their sole focus is to help you, the writer, get closer to the finish line in your work-in-progress. If you’re mid-project or need help getting started, here is a list of writer retreats you can attend no matter where you are in the world. 

Writer retreats span the globe. Whether you find yourself living in the US, Canada, or across the pond in Europe or Asia, below are twenty writer retreat options for you to choose from. 

First, let’s take a look at five writer retreats in the United States. 

This nonprofit residency program offers over 100 residencies and various themed residencies. No matter which session you attend, you will experience:

• Uninterrupted time for writing 
• An environment built to support your goals 
• Fifty acres of idyllic prairie
• Community dinner every night

Looking for writer retreats based out of New York? Millay offers writer retreats that are both two and four weeks long. These residencies are geared for poets and creative fiction and nonfiction writers. 

Located in New England, this writers’ retreat offers both workshops to strengthen your writing abilities and extended time to put your newfound skills to work. 

Join just one or two other writers and the retreat’s host in a private home. Surrounded by the scenes and scents of Hawaii, spend your mornings walking the beach and the rest of your day writing. 

Have you heard of writer retreats including massages and yoga? Look no further. This retreat offers solitary time to write, the option for community meals, and hiking to inspire you imagination. 

Next up, writer retreats in Canada. Whether you want to cross the border to attend or already reside there, these retreats could help your career.

Writer retreats are frequently open to writers in any stage of the process. This retreat in Canada is aimed at writers who have a minimum of one professionally published book. If you’re looking to surround yourself with established writers and fit the criteria, this is for you.

This retreat offers the option of fireside feedback. While you have time to write on your own, you can spend the evenings with other writers in the firelight, swapping tips. 

Don’t have much time but want a brief getaway? This single day writing retreat gives you space to write, workshop your story, and of course, enjoy the wine and dine offerings.

Rent space at a discounted rate, surround yourself with other creatives in a peaceful environment, and write your book at Warbler’s Roost in Ontario.

Writ e rs’ Residency

A two-week residency focused on poetry writers, this getaway is designed to help you take your writing to the next level in just two weeks.

Who doesn’t love a creative getaway in Europe? Let’s start in Greece.

This six night, seven day retreat takes place in Greece, surrounded by just four to seven other writers. If you’re ready for tantalizing food and fantastic views, this writer retreat is for you. 

Targeted for both writers and aspiring writers, this week away in Tuscany will fuel your creative juices and help you focus on writing in a breath-taking environment. 

Travel to rural France for peaceful writing sessions. Whether you’re a fiction writer, poet, songwriter, or academic, this retreat is for you. 

Writer retreats often offer one or two of the following, this one offers all three: Quiet time to write, workshops, and feedback sessions to aid your growth. 

This one week writer retreat helps you write your book in the time you spend in Mallorca. Are you on deadline? Sequester yourself on this island and crank out your novel! 

Last, but certainly not least, writer retreats throughout Asia.

Located in India, this retreat brings in professionals to teach you how to level-up your writing. If you can’t make the retreat in person, they offer online writing courses as well. 

This retreat encourages writers to bring their book ideas, first chapters, or even completed draft for feedback, and offer a wide array of idyllic locations for writing.

Set in Vietnam, this six day writing retreat provides you the atmosphere and leisure time to write your book. 

Writer retreats focused on the business aspect are few and far between, and this one is led by an author of six books who also provides business coaching. 

This week-long retreat takes place on a tropical island. Its focus is to help you take large steps toward the completion of your book, wherever you may be in the process.

If flying out of the country or even taking a week off work seems like a luxury you’re not sure you should take, don’t click away just yet. 

Most of us have some vacation time we can take, and even if traveling to one of the above retreats isn’t an option at this time, there is always the option of online writer retreats . 

If you can take the time off, but you’re not sure traveling to an aesthetic location can really balance out the other variables, consider these few points. Writer retreats:

• Provide you a change of pace and environment to stimulate creativity 
• Allow you to meet other like-minded creatives and network 
• Create a space for you to write without distraction

Provided that you do have the option of going on a retreat this year, you may want to consider the pros of devoting time specifically to your writing. 

Yes, you can tell your friends and family you’ll be in your writing cave and not to disturb you, but we all know sometimes changing our location is the only way to eliminate distractions. 

Besides, you never know what ideas a change of scenery may inspire, what friends you may meet, or how restful writer retreats can be. Let us know if you decide to go on one, and which one you pick!

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Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events and retreats both in-person and online. Our courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life. Grants and concessions are available to help with course fees.

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Give your writing the time and space it deserves with Arvon’s dedicated Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse

The Clockhouse is specifically designed for writers on retreat. It has four apartments for writers, each with bedroom, study-lounge and bathroom. All food is provided for you, so you can spend your time as you please.

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The Writer's Refuge

A getaway for work, not play

“Without great solitude no serious work is possible.”   Picasso

Whether you’re starting a new creative project or working on an old one, a “workation” at the Writer’s Refuge will help you finish it. You’ll be surprised at how much you get done when you retreat from the demands of everyday life and spend time in solitude to focus entirely on your work.

Completely outfitted

A completely outfitted cabin in an inspiring setting.

The Foxglove cabin is tucked into the woods and is a wonderful place to write—especially when rain patters on the metal roof and a fire crackles in the wood stove. It offers everything you need to live and work comfortably, including a well-equipped kitchen, linens, Wi-Fi, and a printer. But what makes it unique is its location. The beautiful natural setting of Whidbey Island is inspiring, and the fact that so many writers call it home assures you that you’ve found the perfect place to write.

Kafka quote

“Remain sitting at your table and listen.  You need not even listen, simply wait, just learn to become quiet, and still, and solitary.  The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked.  It has no choice; i t will roll in ecstasy at your feet.” 

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The 8 Best Affordable Writing Retreats That Won’t Break the Bank

Reading Lists

Gift a friend (or yourself) what writers want most: time, space, and a place to focus.

Networking, hustle, and industry understanding are unfortunate burdens of the life of a young and working writer. But trickier still is finding solitude. Privacy, quiet, and uninterruption are crucial to the craft; if solitude is one of the challenges of writing, it is also essential.

While residencies and fellowships are wonderful, most ask for applications and portfolios, and that can be prohibitive when you’re just starting out. Writing retreats are another means of getting away — and they can be done affordably, some even offering scholarships. Most bring together a small community of writers for a few days, so there is the opportunity for socializing and meeting the like-minded. Some involve travel to local sites or parks, or daily meetings to discuss the industry or the craft.

If you’re looking to get some peace and focus — or the best gift for your writerly friend this holiday season — here are some of the best writing retreats we found that won’t break your bank.

Wellspring House Retreat  — Ashfield, Massachusetts, $260-$280/week

Retired English professor Preston Browning is the co-director of Wellspring House with his wife, author Ann Hutt Browning. The Wellspring House is run exclusively as a retreat for writers and artists, and as such is open all year: winter rates (mid-November to April 1st) are $260/week for an individual, and $290/week for a couple. Normal rates are only slightly higher: $280/week for an individual, and $310/week for a couple. You can also choose to stay just one to three nights for about $60–$90 per night. Each stay comes with access to the large living room and kitchen, along with access to one of the two common bathrooms (in total, the house hosts about six rooms). And if you’re really looking to get away, this retreat will help you do it: while the house offers modern amenities like laundry, the website warns that the house has no cell phone service.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat  — Colorado Springs, Colorado, $65-$399

The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat takes place in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, at the Franciscan Retreat Center. Spanning three nights, it often contains special agent and author guests — in 2018, for example, Sandra Bond from the Bond Literacy and authors Heather Webb and Corinne O’Flynn will be there, leading talks and workshops, including a Publishing AMA by Sandra Bond. Residents can choose days only ($65 total, including meals), to stay and share a bedroom with one other resident ($299 total), or to have their own private bedroom for the duration of the retreat ($399 total).

God’s Whisper Farm Writer’s Retreat  — Radiant, Virginia, $195 + $25/night

At the God’s Whisper Farm Writer’s Retreat, writers stay on a farm containing goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. They can enjoy writing workshops, talks from writers, meditation sessions, open mics, and shared, home-cooked meals. All rooms have two bunks and cost $25/night, but if you want slightly more private accommodations, you can opt to stay at a nearby Airbnb or at Best Western. If you want to avoid fees altogether, there are also ten free campsites nearby. Keep in mind the $195 rate is an early bird rate; prices may go up if you book within about three months of the retreat, hosted in late June.

Kundiman Retreat, in partnership with Fordham University  — Bronx, New York, $375 + $25 application fee

In partnership with Fordham University, the nonprofit organization Kundiman offers a retreat for 36 lucky participants who apply. Kundiman, according to their site, aims to nurture writers and readers of Asian American literature. Keeping with this mission, top Asian American poets and writers lead the Master Classes and manuscript consultations at the retreat. The five-day retreat also includes reading, writing circles, and informal social gatherings, with room and board included in the subsidized tuition fee. Applicants can apply to either the poetry or writing track: as part of the retreat, poetry fellows get a free consultation on a 10-page manuscript, while fiction fellows get a free consultation on a 15-page manuscript.

‘The Moth’ Retreat for Artists and Writers , Cavan, Ireland, €300, or about $355 a week

If you want to submerse yourself in history during your retreat, try crossing the pond and attending The Moth Retreat for Artists and Writers, located at a house in Cavan, Ireland. According to the retreat website, Samuel Beckett went to school just a half an hour northwest of the home, while renowned writers like Seamus Heaney and Patrick Kavanagh all lived within an hour’s drive. The house itself is completely private, and includes a large studio, kitchen, and breakfast room downstairs, and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs. Fresh eggs are provided every morning, though you are expected to furnish your own meals. If you want to bring a friend or guest, that will cost you an extra 100 euros. Need a ride to the bus station or help finding other provisions? The publishers of The Moth are nearby and ready to help, according to the retreat website.

The Good Contrivance Farm Writer’s Retreat  — Reisterstown, Maryland, $550 for one week

Another solitary retreat you could try is run by The Good Contrivance Farm, and is hosted in a contemporary loft apartment in the farm’s main barn. The Good Contrivance Farm is a non-profit that aims to preserve and restore historic farms in Maryland. To apply, send in a résumé and writing sample (space is booked on a first-come, first-served basis). Once booked, you’ll enjoy private use of the apartment, which includes great views of the farm, a full kitchen, 1.5 baths, a small library, and free WiFi. You can stay up to 4 weeks, with discounted rates the longer you stay (going as low as $450 per week if you stay the full four — though add $100 a week if you plan on having a second person stay with you.) Proceeds of the retreat all go to the non-profit.

The Watering Hole Winter Retreat  — McCormick, South Carolina, $299–$399

The Watering Hole Winter Retreat is focused on building community among its 42 hosted poets. The retreat has no traditional classrooms, and aims to provide more publishing opportunities for poets of color, according to its site. Facilitators and speakers include renowned National Book Award winners, MacArthur Geniuses, recipients of the NAACP Image Award, and more. Interested writers can apply with a cover letter and three poems, and the site mentions that preference is given to applicants who are members of The Watering Hole Facebook Group and those who follow the organization’s Facebook fan page. During the fellowship, writers stay at modern cabins at Hickory Knob State Park.

The Mariandale Center’s Life Writing/Memoir Retreat  — Ossining, New York, $350

The Mariandale Center is a quiet spot in Ossining, New York that hosts retreats and other programs. Included in the writing retreat are daily workshops, craft discussions, writing prompts, feedback on writing, and time to work on projects. Writers can also enjoy walks near the mountains and river. For this particular retreat, which spans three nights, all meals are included, and writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome.

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