10 STUNNING Writing Retreats in the World (2024 Insider Guide)

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Any writer will understand the feeling of staring at a blank page, desperate for the right words to pop up on the screen. If this is you, a writing retreat might be exactly what you need. Take it from me; everyday life can be an overwhelming distraction from our focus.

Joining a writing retreat is a way to remove yourself from the hustle and put yourself into a peaceful environment where creativity flows as freely as tea and coffee (and let me tell you, you’ll have a lot of both).

There are plenty of benefits to a writing retreat. If you write for fun, professionally, or are just starting out, writing retreats provide you with a space to think about nothing but words. It sounds simple enough to achieve, but this is really only possible in a space where writing is the only agenda. 

Not only will you have few distractions, but the change of scenery can be inspiring. Whether at a seaside writing retreat or on a French estate, there is something about being surrounded by the outdoors (or a charming European town) that can spark new ideas. 

Of course, you’ll also benefit from the community at the top writing retreats in the world, where you can engage with others and benefit from encouragement, feedback, and a chance to share your stories and ideas without any judgment.

What Can You Expect from a Writing Retreat?

First things first – expect no distractions. You can dive into your projects without worrying about laundry, the doorbell ringing, or your cats needing attention.

Many retreats will be set in remote locations—the mountains, by the sea, or off-grid in the countryside. To complement this remote feel, many retreats have limited or ‘no tech’ rules, which further limit distractions from social media. Say goodbye to Instagram scrolling and hello to uninterrupted writing time.

Retreats offer daily writing workshops or classes tailored to your specific writing style. Experienced authors or writing mentors will be present to guide you and provide feedback and constructive criticism along the way.

Some writing retreats start with a slow, meditative morning. You might be invited to join a yoga class before breakfast (which is my personal favourite way to start a day at my writing desk). When you aren’t writing solo, you could get involved in group writing sessions where ideas are exchanged and feedback is passed on by your peers.

To keep the distractions at a minimum, you’ll be put up in private or shared accommodation and fed three meals a day. Most writing retreats have a wellness-focused menu with nourishing and organic foods that will give you the stamina and energy to write to your absolute best ability.

The world’s best writing retreats won’t just help you with your word count but also leave your body feeling rejuvenated and your mind focused. Choosing the best retreat for you depends on what you hope to get out of the experience.

Consider your goals: are you looking for intensely focused and uninterrupted writing time? To up your daily word count? Or to spark ideas for a new novel you’re working on?

Next, think about the location: Would you prefer an off-the-beaten-track, remote retreat, or would you be more productive in an environment with a cultural vibe?

You’ll also need to take into account how many days you can commit to spending at a retreat. If you can spare just one long weekend, you could find a nearby local retreat. If time is on your hands, search for a longer retreat – maybe even one in a foreign country.

Lastly, you’ll want to ensure the retreat’s structure is in line with your writing plans. Are you looking for more group-oriented workshops where the feedback is flowing? Or would you prefer to spend time alone, with as much peace and quiet as possible?

Then comes budget – how much are you willing and able to spend? Are you stacked with cash or traveling on a tighter budget?

Location

Now, I know this article is broad since it covers retreats from every corner of the world. When choosing the best location for a retreat, consider what environments would spark the most creativity in you. 

If you’re writing a romantic novel, the French countryside could set the scene. If you’re diving into an archaeological project, you could base yourself close to the source of your story.

Generally speaking, most of the world’s top writing retreats are located in and amongst nature. Retreats in the mountains offer crisp, clear air and stunning views. Coastal retreats are perfect for combining relaxation with writing. If you prefer to be surrounded by some sort of activity, there are inspiring cities like Bordeaux or Paris that could provide the perfect backdrop of art and culture. 

It really all depends on what surroundings inspire you most!

Practices

The practices offered at a writing retreat really depend on the type of retreat you choose. Expect to dedicate a solid portion of the day to writing – duh. Writing sessions could be structured sessions or workshops lasting between two and four hours. 

Mornings usually start with light yoga or exercises to kick-start your energy and creativity. After this, you’ll be served a healthy breakfast to fuel your body and brain. Breakfast is usually followed by a writing session, which could include group discussions, feedback sessions, and even one-on-one mentorships to help refine your work.

But it’s not all about writing here. Retreats are designed to nourish your body and mind and help reset you for daily life. This means there will also be time dedicated to mindful activities like yoga or meditation. 

Some retreats even offer opportunities to hike, visit beaches, or SUP. Cultural excursions to local villages, markets, and landmarks are often included, too.

Price

The price of your retreat will depend on a few things. How many nights do you stay for? As well as the location and the luxury level of the accommodation. Retreats that are incredibly luxurious, with five-star accommodation and food can cost upwards of $300 per night. The best writing retreats in the world with basic accommodation and simple dining options will start at around $100 per night.

The location of a retreat also impacts its price. Writing retreats around Europe will typically be more expensive than those in Central America or Asia. You can thank the Dollar and Euro exchange rate for that.

The shorter the program, the less you will pay. Another factor that can impact the price is the number of people the retreat is designed for. Intimate retreats with a maximum capacity of five people will typically be pricier than a retreat that can accommodate 20 participants. 

Perks

The perks of doing a writing retreat are enormous. Not only will you come out with a refreshed and reinvigorated mind, ready to write your best work yet, but you’ll also come out with a reenergized body. The retreat will not only take you on a journey with your writing but also in your personal development. Talk about multi-beneficial. 

This is all thanks to the outdoorsy nature of a retreat’s location, whether it be on a peaceful mountain range, a tropical beach, or in the countryside outside of Paris. The benefits of spending time away from the hum of the city are something we can’t find in just any luxury spa or quiet library.

My favourite perk is easily the food. Gourmet, healthy meals are a big part of the experience. Meals are tailored to help you write and rest. Some retreats even offer additional perks, like spa treatments and guided excursions. 

Oh, and let’s not forget the friends and connections you will leave with. Any writer will know the benefit of having a good creative community, and the world’s top writing retreats are a great place to find yours.

Duration

When deciding how much time to spend at a writing retreat, consider your personal writing goals and time constraints.

Retreats usually last four to nine days, most lasting around one week. Shorter retreats are usually more intense and structured. After all, you only have a few days to get things done. On the other hand, longer retreats allow more free time to explore the area, socialize with other participants, and join group excursions. Of course, the longer the retreat, the more expensive it will be.

By no means will you be finished with your novel at the end of the week, but (hopefully), you will have a better understanding of the direction you want to go, feel recharged, inspired, and equipped with the tools and mindset to help you get to the final pages with more clarity.

And with all that in mind, take a browse through these ten incredible writing retreats across the world.

6-Day Writing and Yoga Retreat in Maine, US – Best Overall Writing Retreat

If you’re ready to stretch your body as much as your mind, take a look at this six-day writing and yoga retreat in Maine. Writing and yoga go hand in hand. As both a physical and a spiritual practice, yoga is known to spark creativity in the mind.

The retreat covers the crafts of yoga and writing. Your day will start with a meditative yoga session, after which you can enjoy a delicious, healthy vegetarian breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to decide. The schedule is flexible, and all activities are optional. You can even choose your arrival and departure days depending on your needs. It is the perfect destination for a wellness getaway, as well as a writing retreat, in the US.

While you can pick and choose which hikes and outings to join, the writing workshops at this top international writing retreat will typically take place on the second, third, and fourth days of your stay.

4-Day Riverside Writing and Wellness Retreat in New Hope, US – Best Writing Retreat with Meditation and Journaling

Writing and meditation are key to any successful wellness journey. We’ve all read about the benefits of journaling (and hopefully try it out ourselves). This four-day writing and wellness retreat is all about diving into reading, writing, and journaling. 

Set in a charming colonial manor house in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the only distractions will be the rushing river and lovely village square.

This retreat is pretty structured, with daily writing exercises and workshops, readings, meditations, and journaling sessions. You’ll also have one-on-one writing sessions and group discussions to fine-tune your process, if you’re looking for a great US retreat, this is the one.

7-Day Writing Retreat with Yoga at a Chateau near Paris – Most Luxurious Writing Retreat

If you’re ready to turn your writer’s block into a Parisian breeze, you’ve come to the right place. This yoga and writing retreat is held in a stunning chateau in the countryside near Paris. Over the course of seven days, you’ll feast on delicious meals, move your body daily with a yoga class, and partake in personalized writing workshops led by a leading journalist.

The retreat is focused on ‘life writing,’ teaching participants how to add structure, humour, and humility to a story. The workshops are intensely educational yet allow for a lot of individuality.

When you aren’t writing or practising your warrior-three pose, there are various outings to nearby riverside towns and historical museums, as well as free time to swim in the lake, cycle to the local farm stall, or just read at the chateaux.

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Deep Dive Screenwriting Retreat at a Luxurious Villa in Port Maria, Jamaica – Best Screenwriting Writing Retreat

If you’re looking for inspiration from nature, this top writing retreat in Jamaica might be the place to start. This retreat is specifically directed toward screenwriters or anyone interested in learning what it takes to write the script for a play or a film.

It’s split into two parts: an eleven-day retreat in Jamaica and a full month of continued work and interaction with your mentors via Zoom.

During the eleven days, you’ll dive deep into screenwriting. You’ll have private therapy sessions to unleash your creativity, private and group coaching sessions, and editing workshops led by professionals in the industry.

Yoga and meditation are part of the daily routine, as are group meals where you can network and be inspired by some of the world’s top screenwriters.

Inspiring 5-Day Walking and Writing Retreat Through Southwest France – Best Walking and Writing Retreat

The South of France is one of those places that will make you feel like you’re living in the romance novel you’re writing. Taking place over five days, this retreat is designed to let you write without the distractions of everyday life. 

The retreat is one part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela Pilgrims Route, allowing you to gather inspiration from the stunning landscape and hopefully leave any annoying writing blocks in your path.

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I should write a book,’ this retreat is for you. You need no prior experience or education, just the dedication and interest to create something inspiring.

Pilates and Creative Writing Retreat in Umbria, Italy – Best Pilates and Writing Retreat

I’m not sure about you, but I can’t think of a better combination than Pilates, pasta, and writing. This seven-day retreat in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy is curated to help unleash your creativity and support your writing journey. 

If you’re writing a book, a poem, or an article and just don’t know where to start (or how to end it?), the leader of this retreat will help guide you through character development, the plot, and even the screenwriting elements of your project. Workshops at this top writing retreat are informal and optional, and there are also opportunities to join one-on-one afternoon sessions. 

Each day starts with a walk through the countryside or a pilates session at the chateau to prime you for the day of writing ahead. Oh, and as an extra little perk, you’ll also be treated to a 90-minute massage or reflexology treatment to ease your muscles and clear your mind.

8-Day Immersive Yoga and Writing Retreat on the Algarve, Portugal – Best Yoga and Writing Retreat

Let the dramatic cliffs of Portugal’s Algarve coastline inspire the plot of your next story. Set in a modern yet rustic property near Fuseta Beach in the Faro region, this yoga and writing retreat is designed for anyone who wants to write but just can’t find the time or motivation to do so. 

Included in the rate, you can join optional (yet oh-so beneficial) yoga classes, indulge in delicious vegetarian meals, and explore the stunning property at your leisure,

The retreat takes place on a farm with its own lake, just a short walk from the sandy beaches of the Algarve. Accommodation ranges from luxury tents to private garden cottages, which set the perfect stage for your writing journey. 

Oh, and groups are capped at ten guests, so you’ll get special personalized attention throughout the writing workshops and yoga classes.

9-Day Personalised Writers Retreat with Farm-to-Table Catering in France – Best Personalised Writing Retreat

If you’re in need of a little extra writing attention, take a look at this nine-day personalized writing retreat in France. Let’s set the scene: you wake up with the sound of birds chirping outside your French chateau window. 

After a farm-to-fork breakfast customized to your preferences, you can decide what you want to do for the rest of the day. Whether you want to do yoga, meditate, or if you want to keep fit while you’re travelling you can even attend a fitness class, everything is optional and customizable at this luxurious world’s best writing retreat in France. You can even request to be ‘left alone’ or to have company for your evening tea.

7-Day Transformative Writing Retreat in a French Chateau – Most Indulgent Writing Retreat for Foodies

This gorgeous chateau and surrounding gardens are the perfect backdrop for a writing retreat. Taking place over a full week not far from Bordeaux, this experience is geared towards all levels and types of writers. 

Whether you’re a published author investigating a new novel or an aspiring journalist, the retreat will take you away from your daily routine and transport you into a more creative and inspired space.

All meals are included, as are round-table writing discussions, free time for writing, exploring, or relaxing, feedback sessions, and support groups. Back to the food: The meals are all prepared by French chefs and are no doubt a highlight of this retreat. 

7-Day Creative Writing Retreat at a Villa in South Africa – Best Creative Writing Retreat

There are few places that spark as much inspiration as South Africa. Maybe it’s the diverse landscapes, the friendly people, or the exceptional food? Or perhaps it’s the fact that everything is so damn affordable. Whatever it is, this writing and yoga retreat close to Knysna in the lush Western Cape offers an opportunity for you to deepen your yoga practice and brush up on your poetry skills. 

You don’t need any writing experience for this retreat; you only need an open mind and the willingness to learn. Hatha, Vinyasa, and Nidra yoga styles are practised daily. After a delicious vegan breakfast, you’ll be able to focus on expressing yourself through different modes of poetry, such as haikus and sonnets. You’ll then get a chance to read your poetry after dinner each evening.

But it’s not all about yoga and poetry here. Participants will also have a chance to visit the beach, hike, walk, and read in the peaceful farmland setting. 

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If you’re caught in the grind and are facing a stubborn case of writer’s block, you might be the perfect candidate for one of the world’s best writing retreats. These retreats are geared not just to professional writers struggling with inspiration but to anyone with an interest in writing, be it a novel, a screenplay, or poetry.

Paired with rejuvenating activities like yoga, hiking, and three five-star meals each day, not only will you be inspired to write, but you will also leave feeling refreshed and revitalized. And let’s not forget the connections you will make, some of whom could form part of the writer support network that every author needs.

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