Welcome to our TWO Writing Retreat Locations for 2026:

Las Cascadas is a small boutique hotel located 3 hours south of the international airport at San Jose, and a 5 minute walk from Quepos Marina and waterfront. Accommodation is in 2- and 3-bedroom cottages, most with kitchens and communal seating areas. The large, 3-bedroom cottage has an indoor writing area with AC and seating for 12 as well as a large outdoor patio – two perfect locations for our workshops.

Las Cascadas is family-owned and located on the edge of rainforest. The hotel has a lovely pool surrounded by tropical flowers, and a poolside restaurant and bar. Scarlet macaws nest on the property, while toucans, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds can be spotted regularly. The hotel offers several ideal spots in which to write, and is also a short walk from the Quepos Marina, with a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and stores. Many more restaurants can be found in Quepos town, just a 10 minute walk along the waterfront.

Las Cascadas is located close to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most famous National Park, and there are plenty of other sightseeing possibilities close by: sunset catamaran cruises, kayaking trips, waterfall hikes, ziplining, beaches and more.

If you are looking for serenity, silence and immersion in nature, this option will be perfect for you. Located in the heart of Arenal National Park, this lodge is spread out over hundreds of hectares that include primary and secondary rainforest, tropical gardens, several waterfalls, hanging bridges and two viewing towers. There are beautiful views over Arenal volcano and lake. With so much to do right on site, there’s no need to go anywhere. AOL has a lovely pool, hot tub, spa, coffee shop, museum, free nature walks and one restaurant which boasts exceptional views.

Writers joining us on this retreat can choose from private rooms, or – at a lower fee – small bedrooms in a lovely cottage, where 2 bathrooms are shared by everyone.

Arenal Observatory Lodge is a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna and 2.5 hours from Liberia Airport.

Getting to our Retreats

Provided you can arrive by 2pm on the first day, and depart in the afternoon of the last day, you will be able to share transportation with other writers, reducing the cost of transfers to the retreats.

Julie Hartley is the writing instructor for all our trips, and she will be on hand to help with anything you need throughout your stay.