Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 2-8th March, 2025
This is a deep and quiet time to write with guidance, inspired by the natural beauty and surroundings of the Mayan Riviera, barefoot simplicity and an azure Caribbean sea. We will be in the heart of the Mayan culture, explore ruins and Cenotes for an authentic and enchanting getaway to finally write.
This is an the opportunity to be mentored by author and literary agent Sarah Bullen, as you experience an unforgettable writing journey to get your book or writing project, on track. Together, you’ll travel the journey of memory, dive deep into the craft of writing, have heaps of fun, enjoy unforgettable experiences in this magical Caribbean town and join a supportive community of fellow writers.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your personal and writing blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction or e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
In between dips in the clear waters, you can hike through dense jungle and explore a denotes, tour the ancient Mayan ruins
Both novices and experienced writers are welcome.
EXPECT
A full programme you can dip into for inspiration and connection, with plenty of quiet time to write.
-
2 daily writing connections and classes
-
1 Temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge)
-
Therapeutic massage on the beach
-
1 excursion to the ruins/ boat and lagoon)
-
6 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel directly on the beach
-
Daily breakfast and 3 dinners at exclusive local restaurants
-
Airport transfers from Cancun Airport
-
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction, e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
Get Inspired... our hotel
Accommodation
Our gorgeous hotel just outside Playa Del Carmen has a choice of bungalows on the beach, poolside or jungle rooms.
DATES & PRICES: 7 Days/6 Nights
March, 2025
-
Arrival and departure airport:
-
Trip Price:
-
Single Occupancy - Rooms start at $4500
-
Double Occupancy Suite start at $6500
-
A deposit of $750 per person (also for sharing options) secures your space, 2nd payment 60 days thereafter and final payment 60 days after that or 60 days before retreat start (whichever comes first).
Not included: Airfare, meals, alcoholic drinks, buses, trains or boat transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for villa staff and drivers
The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: We weave amazing, authentic experiences into every trip, but sometimes unexpected things come up. If a site has an unscheduled closing, we improvise to include something equally as wonderful and interesting. The quality of the retreat is never at risk, as our team is committed to excellence, along with our vast, local, Italian connections.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
-
Dinner
You’ll journey to your welcoming accommodations. After a warm welcome and check in, we’ll gather together to get acquainted with one another, before a retreat orientation and writing introduction. Then it’s time for a sundowners on the beach followed by a welcome dinner where we set our writing intentions for our time together.
Day 2
-
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Every morning we enjoy quiet writing time, then we gather together for a structured writing class. Today we will split you into novels and non-fiction writers as we cover the basics of plot and narrative structure for each genre. After lunch you’ll enjoy quiet and focused writing time.
Then, later in the afternoon, you’ll gather with your fellow writers for a your second session, along with focused writing and feedback.
Day 3
-
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning we once again enjoy breakfast and quiet writing time before gathering together for another content-packed writing class with Sarah. Today you’ll look at characters in your book, along with how to structure your plot and word building. You’ll also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session for specific advice on your writing.
Day 4
-
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This morning we once again enjoy breakfast and quiet writing time. Then it’s off on a day trip for a fascinating walking tour of ruins. Afterwards you’ll enjoy time on your own to explore and shop. Lunch follows.
This afternoon you’ll gather for focused writing time before a dinner under the stars.
Day 5 –
-
Breakfast, dinner
As usual, our morning begins with quiet writing time, followed by a focused writing session, during which we will take a soulful look at your life and journey. A quiet afternoon of writing and preparing for the evening's Temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge)
Day 6 –
-
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning, after breakfast and your quiet writing time, you’ll be joining Sarah for our final writing session where we do more advanced plotting, different scenes all books need and the cast of your book. Today is a writing push.After lunch your writing continues, as you finalize your writing project! This evening we share our writing journey and our goals going forward. We talk about how to take the next steps, including the publishing journey and becoming an author brand. Then it’s time for a special celebratory dinner where you’ll share writing, poetry and life together.
Day 7
-
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Morning departure and time to go home and continue your writing journey.
The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: We weave amazing, authentic experiences into every trip, but sometimes unexpected things come up. If a site has an unscheduled closing, we improvise to include something equally as wonderful and interesting. The quality of the retreat is never at risk, as our team is committed to excellence, along with our vast, local, Italian connections
Sarah Bullen
WHAT OUR WRITERS SAY
Stanley Gabriel, insurance CEO, Johannesburg
The Lamu Writing Retreat gave me the bravery to explore my purpose: I am destined for greatness and my voice can inspire a new generation of leadership.
Trevyn McGowan, gallery owner, Cape Town
A very rare, very special, very cool retreat, whether you have written before or not.