In 12 weeks, we head down to Merida in Mexico for our first writing retreat of 2021! We still have a few spots left, and here’s 5 reasons why this will be an experience of a lifetime!
1) Merida – City of Culture
The base for our writing retreat is the gorgeous city of Merida, where a rich Mayan and Colonial heritage is reflected in the beautiful architecture and plazas. Named the American Capital of Culture 2 years in a row, Merida has art galleries, museums and cultural attractions galore. The many outdoor restaurants and patios provide ideal places to immerse yourself in writing – and enjoy great food!
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Pyramid of Magician – Uxmal
2) There’s so much to see locally!
Within an hour of Merida, we can visit the beach, explore fascinating Mayan ruins, enjoy nature reserves and wander picturesque villages. A personal favourite is Izamal, where all the buildings are painted a vivid yellow, and a Mayan pyramid rises up in the middle of the village.
3) Luz En Yucatan, our Retreat Location
Luz En Yucatan
Our boutique hotel was once a nunnery, and has a history stretching back hundreds of years. Each bedroom is unique, and connected by stone courtyards filled with Mexican statues and bursting with flowers. We have a lovely little pool to enjoy, cool spots to write, and the use of a kitchen. Luz feels removed from the world – and yet it’s a short walk to all the city attractions.
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4) Most importantly: our writing workshops and community of writers
Each morning, we gather for writing workshops in a shady corner of Luz. For three hours, we’ll explore writing techniques, inspire ourselves with prompts and share our work. Julie Hartley is the tour guide and writing instructor for the trip: with an MFA in creative writing, 2 decades of experience teaching writers and 3 published books, she’s ideally placed to offer a writing retreat that will impact all your future writing endeavors. In the afternoon, choose from sightseeing or quiet writing time… and in the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner as we build a community together.
5) Our COVID protections
While no one can foresee the future, Merida has fared relatively well in the pandemic. Restaurants and attractions are open with reduced hours, and social distancing/mask regulations ensure added protection. At the moment, no negative COVID test is required to travel to Mexico – and in the unlikely event that COVID prevents us from running our retreat, we offer a full refund of the money paid to us. Mexico is moving towards proof of vaccination for tourists – so as long and you have had your second vaccination, you’re good to go.
We still have space on our Mexico adventure in early December! CLICK HERE for more details, or email us directly at info@centauriarts.com – we’re happy to answer all your questions, and look forward to learning more about you as a writer!
Interested in Costa Rica? Our writing retreats in February 2022 are now close to full – contact me for availability.
Julie Hartley
Centauri Arts
+1 4167667124
info@centauriarts.com
