I just returned from our first ever Creative Writing Retreat to Merida, Mexico! Our creative writing retreat focused on memoir, poetry, planning novels, writing short stories, playwriting, creating characters, getting an agent and more. A wonderful time was had by all.
Our Mexico Writing Retreat was structured the same way as our Creative Writing Retreats in Costa Rica, with creative writing classes held for 2-3 hours every morning, sightseeing opportunities most afternoons, group dinners and writing-related social events on occasional evenings.
Our creative writing classes in Merida, Mexico included a session on sources of inspiration, and another on incorporating secrets and subtext. All writers who requested it received a critique of their work from the group, and we shared an exercise that had everyone creating a complete, original short story in 40 minutes! Afternoon trips included a swim in a glorious underground cenote, a tour of the Mayan ruins at Uxmal, a visit to a 400-year-old hacienda, and a boat trip to see a flock of flamingos, after which we had dinner on a beachfront restaurant and watched the sun set over the ocean.
Writers on our trip agreed that Luz en Yucatan was the perfect location for our creative writing retreat. The Mexico décor and the mood of peace and serenity in the heart of this beautiful city made our stay a delight. We wrote on a terrace exploding with flowers, where hummingbirds and parrots were frequent visitors. Tom – the owner of the lodge – arranged all our transportation, and the little courtyard pool was a delight.
The city of Merida was ideal for our newest creative writing retreat, too – full of gorgeous architecture with an endless choice of museums and street festivals. The city is safe, and offers so many fantastic restaurants within a 5 minute walk that we had no time to try them all. Of course, community is something we all look for in a creative writing retreat – the chance to immerse yourself in writing alongside others who share your interests. All our writers attended on their own, building community and friendships as we shared memories together. Our writers all spent some time alone with their writing projects, while knowing they had the support of others, whenever they wanted it.
The pandemic barely impacted our trip. The Yucatan has a high vaccination rate, and a low rate of COVID. All lodge staff – and all our writers – were vaccinated – and the warm climate meant we were outdoors for most meals and sightseeing. It took less than 40 minutes to get the COVID test we needed for our return trip, and none of us experienced any issues at the airport on the way back. We all agreed it was TOTALLY worth it.
Now, I’m counting down the days to our next Costa Rica Creative Writing Retreat, in February 2022 where our creative writing classes will take place at Finca Luna Nueva – a gorgeous eco lodge in the heart of the rainforest.
Julie
Centauri Arts
