Immersive Writing Retreat
Santa Marta, Colombia
January 21-26th
A coming together. A coming home.
Led by Trust and Travel founders, Jade and Erin.
Joined by guest teacher Joy Sullivan.
*this retreat is open to all gender identities
Because this business of being conscious, of being a writer, is ultimately about asking yourself:
How alive am I willing to be?
Where You’re Going
Relax, kick back and find your zen while discovering a new paradise on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, South America.
Immerse yourself in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, also known as “The Heart of the World”. A magical place where rivers flow from the snowcapped peaks down into the sea, and where the indigenous cultures such as the Kogi, Wiwa and Arhuaco still continue to care for, protect and sustainably manage the land. We are honored to spend time on this sacred land while learning from their beliefs and traditions of how to live in harmony with Mother Nature.
Our oceanfront venue is nestled under the shade of majestic coconut palms. Here, you can find harmony, connection, and creativity while enjoying the sun, empty virgin beaches, waterfalls, fresh salt air and unforgettable panoramic seascapes.
What You Get
Your reservation includes all of the items listed below:
Accommodations for 5 nights
2 writing workshops a day
Morning yoga, meditation, and journaling sessions
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Indigenous cleansing ceremony
Waterfall trip
Open mic night
Optional one-on-one sessions with leaders
Arrival gift bag
*Airfare, alcohol, and transportation to and from the venue are not included
*See prices and room reservation details below
What You Will Do
You will spend days in meditation, breathwork, and conscious movement to allow your inner knowledge to lead you to writing that really feels like you. Our writing workshops are designed to take you deeper, ask real questions, and confront our creative blockages. At the same time, we will take long beach walks, read under shaded palapa roofs and enjoy the local culture. If you’re the adventurous type, surf lessons and horseback riding are available right outside our door.
Sample schedule (subject to change):
7:30 am: Journaling, tea, and meditation
8 am: Yoga
9:30 am: Breakfast
11:00 am: Intuitive Writing session
1 pm: Seaside lunch
2-4 pm Free time (open for activities, free writing, or exploring the area)
5:00 pm: Creative writing session
8 pm: Dinner | beach bonfire | dancing
Meet our guest teacher: Joy Sullivan
Joy Sullivan holds a masters degree in Poetry from Miami University and is published in places like Boxcar Poetry, River Heron Review, Periodisa, and Bracken Magazine, among many others. For years, she served as the poet-in-residence for the Wexner Center for the Arts and has guest-lectured in classrooms from Stanford to Florida International University. She currently leads an online writing community and is hell-bent on helping you find your voice. You can find her on Instagram @joysullivanpoet.
Rooms + Pricing
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space
Bungalow Selva
(sold out!)
Private room with garden terrace and an open-air shower. This beautiful all-wood bungalow has the most privacy and is nearest to the ocean.
Bungalow Suite
(sold out!)
Private room with plenty of space to rest, relax and write. One queen bed, private bathroom with open-air shower.
Bungalow Sierra
(sold out!)
Shared room for three people with one king bed and two single beds. Cathedral ceilings, epic ocean views, and open floor plan.
Bungalow Standard
(sold out!)
This is a shared room for 2 people. All beds are twin beds. It has a private bathroom and an open-air shower.
Bungalow Treehouse
(sold out!)
Private room in a two-story bungalow with a living room, bedroom with a balcony on the second floor, and an open-air garden bathroom.
Glamping Tent
$2600 - twin bed
Shared room with one queen bed and two twins. (Queen is sold.) The secret gems of the property. This room is spacious and private, with an outdoor seating area and outdoor bathroom.
FAQs - You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
What airport do I fly into?
Our nearby airports are:
Santa Marta (Domestic flights only) – 1 hour drive
Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) – 2.5 hours drive
Cartagena International Airport (CTG) – 5 hours drive
Upon your reservation you will receive detailed directions and/or coordinated transport to and from the venue.
What are the COVID-19 travel requirements?
Travelers may enter with a negative PCR or antigen test, without the needing to be fully vaccinated. The test will have to be carried out in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Colombia – 48 hours if it is an antigen test. In addition, the option of presenting the complete vaccination card is allowed.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Colombia for tourism. Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to gain entry. These can be processed at the Colombian embassies and consulates abroad. You can check if you need a visa or not in the link below.
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements.
Can I come if I have no writing experience?
Absolutely. The retreat is designed to ignite your creative potential, whether you have experience writing or not. Workshops are all levels.
What expenses should I plan for?
Like in many destinations, costs for meals, taxis and shopping vary depending on location. Though we’ll be in a quiet area, you will need cash if you would like to go outside of the venue for a coffee, check out town or take a surf lesson.
If I am traveling alone can I still share a room with someone?
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.
What time is check in?
Check is at 3pm on January 21. The retreat officially starts at 5pm. Plan to be at the venue by 4pm to settle in and join us for the welcome circle, opening ceremony and dinner. The retreat ends on the 26th by 11am.