LANDSCAPES OF FEELINGS
writing in San Miguel de Allende
immersive writing experience
FOUR DAY
March 4
March 8
the
EXPERIENCE
Our days will be spent immersed in our writing practice, meditating, exploring the mountains, the town and connecting with our literary selves. We will also experience authentic Mexican hospitality and cuisine in a lush country home perched on a hilltop. Enjoy the fragrant desert gardens, Sierra Nevada sunsets and blissful silence. You set the tempo here, time is all yours.
the
INSPIRATION
A week dedicated solely to your art, your purpose, and your truth in one of the most colorful, artful, inspiring cities in Mexico. This experience will challenge you to think deeper, inspire you to reconnect with your authentic voice, push your creativity to new heights and help shape the course of your writing life. Writing is our gift to the world, come explore what that means.
the
INTENTION
It was renowned author Leslie Jamison who first introduced us to the concept of feelings as vast landscapes accessible through our writing. Our words are doorways into a world of emotions, an entryway into understanding ourselves better. There is no better place to explore vast landscapes and the depth of our emotions than in one of the most important literary cities in central Mexico.
WHY
Long before the current scene of writers’ gatherings in San Miguel, the town has been luring writers to its colonial courtyards, glorious sunsets, and quiet writing studios for many decades. San Miguel’s writing community has included Vance Packard, the author of a groundbreaking expose on the advertising industry. There was also W. D. Snodgrass who won the 1960 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Author Sandra Cisneros lives here too. The city was home to Beat poet Neal Cassady among others.
Needless to say, this place has inspired many, and we hope your writing juices flow along the surrounding mountains and hills. We hope you create work you’re proud of and fall in love with the process of owning your story, the landscapes of your feelings, and reignite your sense of wonder.
the brief
LOCATION
the
San Miguel de Allende, the heart of colonial Mexico, is where artists and writers from around the world have flocked to for decades, making a mark on cultural life and serving as the impetus for the city to be as bilingual and multicultural as it is.
With its cobblestone streets, Spanish Baroque architecture, and thriving crafts scene, the town oozes a natural charm and artistic flair worthy of a poem. At our home in the countryside, just 15 minutes from town, mountain views, citrus orchards, lavender hedges, and a mineral rich pool greets us. From sunbathing at the pool deck, to stargazing on the roof terrace, each space offers a moment to pause and reflect.
TOGETHER
our time
4th - Arrival day. We officially begin at 5 p.m. with an Opening Circle and Welcome Dinner.
5th - Let's write. Immerse yourself in your practice with breathwork and two writing workshops.
6th - Balance is everything: A craft workshop in the morning and a cooking class in the afternoon.
7th - A perfect day. Start the day with breathwork, then sink into a writing workshop, get creative at our poetry pool party, and read during our open mic night under the stars.
8th -We check out in the morning, but the fun isn't over. We have a full day planned in town (with lunch included) before we go our separate ways.
(note: accommodations on the evening of the 8th are not included, so we recommend booking a place in town on our favorites list if you'd like to join this day of the retreat.)
immersive
WRITING SESSIONS
Our workshops are designed to unlock your creative potential, connect you with your authentic voice, and guide you on a journey toward yourself. Learning in a setting outside of everything you've ever known, surrounded by new perspectives, smiles, and life-changing experiences, is at the core of what makes our retreats so special.
Workshops We Teach:
Owning Your Story
Travel Writing
Short Stories
The Lyrical Essay
and more…
getting
TO US
You will fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airport, which are both about a 1.5 hour drive away from San Miguel de Allende. Although you are welcome to head straight to us, we really recommend spending a day or two exploring San Miguel de Allende (you will receive a travel guide upon booking). Most US flights connect via Mexico City, one of the best cities in the world, so spending some time there before flying in is also highly recommended. There, you can meet loads of writers also on the way to us. Our venue is a 15-minute drive from the historic center of San Miguel de Allende along the region’s famous wine route.
*Private taxis and shuttles can be booked through us for an extra cost.
what’s included
Accommodations for 4 nights
Arrival gift bag
All writing workshops
Morning breathwork, meditation, and journaling sessions
Mexican cooking class
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Open mic night
Optional one-on-one sessions with leaders
Exploration day in town & lunch (on the 8th)
not included
*Airfare, alcohol, taxis, additional services, accommodations in town on the 8th
Available at extra cost: horseback riding, hot air balloon ride, mezcal tasting, massages
FAQs
-
There is wifi at the venue, but we do mind and follow intentional phone practices. We require no phones during workshop or at any meals. We request the rest of the week that you leave your phone in your room or only use it very intentionally. This decision has been made after years of retreats and our quest to be present during this experience.
-
You will fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airport
-
Private taxis and shuttles can be booked through us . An air conditioned car for 3 people is $115. We recommend you book through us so that we can group you with others arriving at the same time as you. You are also welcome to book your own taxi.
-
Check in is at 3:00pm, check out is at 11:00am. The retreat officially starts at 5pm on March 4th.
-
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. However, we do require you submit a negative COVID test to attend the retreat.
-
US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Mexico for up to 180 days. Although US citizens do not need a Mexican Visa, they must apply for a Mexican Tourist Card.
If you're not a US citizen or a US Green Card Holder, there is still a chance that you don't need a visa to travel to Mexico. The Mexican Government established a Visa-free policy where citizens of 70 countries enjoy travel to Mexico without a visa.
If you hold a passport from the Netherlands or from any of the European Union States, you do not need a visa to visit Mexico for as long as 180 days. You will only be required to fill an immigration form at the point of entry. Immigration authorities might also ask you to provide proof of the purpose of your trip.
-
Absolutely. The retreat is designed to ignite your creative potential, whether you have experience writing or not. Workshops are designed to nurture all levels.
-
Yes. If you are traveling on your own and would prefer to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate.