An Overview of Writing Retreats: Types, Benefits, & More

Writing is a time-intensive art. From conception to final draft (if you believe a draft can ever truly be finalized), the process of bringing your ideas to life on the page can take hours upon hours of drafting, researching, revising, and occasionally starting all over again. Meanwhile, in a world that seems to demand more and more of our time and attention, just finding a spare moment to be alone with your thoughts and your latest project can feel virtually impossible—how can anyone ever find a way to give their writing the time it deserves? That’s where the writing retreat comes into play.

What Is a Writing Retreat?

A writing retreat is a scheduled event that allows writers to get away from their everyday routine and escape common distractions, allowing them to focus on honing their craft. They can last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks. Some writing retreats may dedicate all downtime to writing, while others may schedule in opportunities for workshops, inspiration-gathering, and networking.

Benefits of Writing Retreats

Writing retreats, first and foremost, give you an opportunity to sit down and actually write—something that can be difficult to come by, especially for hobbyists and those with other obligations. But in addition to this, there are plenty more potential benefits to attending a writing retreat.

• Give your mind a rest. Entering into a new environment and taking a break from your usual routine can be a great way to clear your mind of everyday stress and built-up fatigue. Even a brief escape can work wonders to recover from burnout and get your creative juices flowing.
• Gain inspiration. A writing retreat can mean entering a different environment, meeting new people, and trying new things. These can all provide you with inspiration for current or future projects. Some retreats may even incorporate specific activities to help inspire you.
• Get feedback. If you're on a group retreat, you will likely get to know other writers during your time there, likely from various backgrounds and with different levels of experience. By participating in workshops or discussing your work with others there, you can gain access to expert feedback and ideas to help you improve.
• Connect with other writers. Bonding with others on a writing retreat can lead to lasting friendships and professional connections. This allows you to continue reaping the benefits of a writing retreat, even after you’ve returned home and gotten back to your ordinary schedule.

How to Pick a Writing Retreat

The first and most important step is to seriously reflect on what it is you want to get out of the experience. Are you hoping to build a network and pick up advice from other writers? Or are you just hoping to sit and write uninterrupted for as long as humanly possible? What does your ideal setting look like? What does it feel like—how’s the weather, the climate, the background noise? As in writing, it’s absolutely crucial to set the scene before you take off on your adventure.

Know the Types of Writing Retreats

Once you know your aspirations, it becomes much easier to filter down to more suitable retreats based on type. Each of the different types of writing retreats provides a unique experience, allowing writers to find the environment that will best suit their goals. Here are a few common ones:

• Genre or style-specific writing retreats. These retreats bring together writers who fall within the same niche, whether they’re all mystery novelists, travel bloggers, or children’s poets. These can be especially helpful for networking and getting tips from others if you’re trying to break into a specific niche as a writer.
• Beginners' writing retreats. For those who don’t have much experience, these retreats are more likely to include mentorship, structured activities, and guided workshops. If you’re looking for help getting into the world of writing, whether professionally or as a hobby, an introductory retreat for budding writers might be a good place to get started.
• Beginners' writing retreats. For those who don’t have much experience, these retreats are more likely to include mentorship, structured activities, and guided workshops. If you’re looking for help getting into the world of writing, whether professionally or as a hobby, an introductory retreat for budding writers might be a good place to get started.
• Solo writing retreats. If all you’re really looking for is some time to write in peace, then a solo writing retreat may be right for you. These are more often than not planned by the writer themselves, as the main feature of a solo writing retreat is setting aside a time and space where they can write without disturbance. This can be done in vacation rentals, retreat centers, or sometimes even from your own home.
• Writing residencies. A step up from solo writing retreats, writing residencies are programs, often offered by nonprofit foundations or educational institutions. Unlike many kinds of retreats, residencies usually require an application process and not everybody is guaranteed to be accepted. But for those who are accepted, the program typically provides lodging for a certain amount of time, and often covers food and travel expenses as well. In some cases, a writers residency may even pay a stipend for writers who take part; in other cases, they may ask writers to give back to the organization through services like hosting workshops or giving lectures.

If nothing in this list feels quite right, don’t fear. We’ve only scratched the surface of the various types of writing retreats on offer around the world. Even if your goals feels incredibly specific, chances are there are other writers out there just like you who are looking for a similar experience. And if you truly can’t find a retreat type that suits you, you can always consider planning your own writing retreat.

Consider the Venue

If you’ve spent much time writing before, you probably already know how much setting matters. Everyone’s writing process is a little different, but most people prefer to write in a certain type of environment. Thus, understanding the venue and surroundings can often be key to knowing what to expect from a writing retreat. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Natural scenery. Science has suggested that natural environments can boost creativity. Many writers retreats take place in an idyllic natural or pastoral setting, making it easy for attendees to take a walk for some fresh air and take in the sights and sounds of nature. At minimum, we suggest ensuring you’ll have plenty of natural light to work by during the day.
• Privacy. When trying to write for extended periods of time, it’s wise to pick a place where you can do so without disturbance. In some cases, you may have a whole building for yourself, but there will sometimes be other guests on the property. If you want to attend a group retreat, be sure to bring headphones so you can avoid disturbing others.
• WiFi. Unless you’re aiming for a retreat where you can truly unplug from the outside world, a strong WiFi connection is often a must. Even if you don’t work on a computer or use any web apps while writing, an internet connection still comes in handy for doing research, streaming music, and more.
• Meal offerings. It can be hard to focus on writing while also trying to plan your next meal. For this reason, many writers retreats coordinate preplanned and even catered meals. This isn’t a necessary element of a good writers’ retreat, but it’s wise to at least make sure you know where your meals will be coming from before you sign up.
• Ample space. Unless you’re attracted to the idea of working in tight quarters, you’ll want to be sure that there is plenty of room for you to stretch your legs, especially if you don’t want to work in the same exact spot all day.

Vajra Jahra: A Writer's Paradise in Costa Rica

Looking for an unforgettable writers’ retreat venue where you can work in peace while enjoying unsurpassed natural views? You’ve come to the right place. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, Vajra Jahra Retreat Center offers simple yet comfortable facilities designed to emphasize the natural wonder surrounding our property.

Imagine waking up in a cozy rainforest villa, enjoying fresh meals prepared by a private chef, then plugging away at your latest draft, all in view of the magnificent Diamante Waterfall. Take an inspiration walk in the jungle, relax your body and mind in an open-air yoga shala, or take a trip to a nearby town to immerse yourself in local culture. At Vajra Jahra, all this and more is at your fingertips. So don’t miss out on the perfect writer’s getaway.

Writing Retreat FAQs

What do you do on a writing retreat?

What you do on a writing retreat will depend on the type of retreat, and each retreat may have its own specific itinerary. The one thing you can expect to do on a writing retreat is, fittingly, to write—usually with at least a few hours carved out in a day to allow you to do so without distractions.

Do I need to be a professional writer to attend a writing retreat?

No, you don’t have to have any specific level of experience as a writer to attend a writing retreat. While some writing retreats may seek out writers of certain experience levels, there are also plenty of retreats designed for beginners, novices, and any other level of writing experience.

How long are writing retreats?

Writing retreats can last anywhere from a few days to multiple months. Many will last about a week, but plenty of options exist so you can find a retreat that matches your schedule.

Can you go on a writing retreat by yourself?

Yes, you can go on a writing retreat by yourself. Solo writing retreats are a popular way to withdraw from the noise of everyday life, especially for more introverted writers.

Where can I host my own writing retreat?

Vajra Jahra Retreat Center allows you to host an unforgettable writing retreat of your very own in the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest. With cozy rainforest villas, gorgeous waterfall views, and dedicated coordinative support, we not only provide the setting but put in the logistical work to make your dream retreat a reality.

Sources

• Yeh, Chin-Wen et al. “The influence of natural environments on creativity.” Frontiers in Psychiatry vol. 13 895213. 27 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.895213.