Writers in Residency:
Costa Rica Retreats
Get out of your head and into your flow—your writing project is waiting.
Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center in Samara, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
2 Weeks (or more!) of Writing Flow in Costa Rica
Session 1: Sept 18 - Oct 1 (2 weeks)
Session 2: Oct 2 - Oct 15 (2 weeks)
Session 3: Oct 16 - Oct 29 (2 weeks)
Early Bird Special!
$1999 per Session
( Only $500 deposit! )
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What are Writers in Residency Retreats?
Writers in Residency Retreats are two-week ocean-front getaways in a peaceful, supportive setting. Make significant progress on your project in an inspiring environment with other writers. Enjoy these amenities:
Your own private 1-bed, 1-bath apartment on the beach.
Writer's Studio coffee & communal breakfast for a built-in community of writers and friends.
Sounds of the rainy season on your roof. The power of nowhere to go and nothing to distract you.
Weekly optional yoga and multiple group outings coordinated to experience more of Costa Rica.
An outdoor covered writing desk with a "don't talk to me" option so you can stay in flow without being disturbed.
Rainy Season in Costa Rica
October is rainy season in Costa Rica, and it's the perfect time to cozy up and write.
Most mornings are sunny and beautiful, which gives you the chance to walk into town, have coffee on the beach, or play in the waves.
We coordinate a communal breakfast every morning so you can feel the support and friendship of your new writing community.
Then in the afternoon, the clouds usually roll in. The rain often comes down hard, and the sounds of the rain on the roof can be hypnotic.
You will be able to write on your outdoor covered patio as the sound of the rain surrounds you, or you can retreat to your indoor space to get into flow.
Everything Taken Care of For You
This residency is designed to be the perfect writing getaway: a balance of writing time, community connections, and relaxation. We will do the travel logistics and planning for you. Just get yourself to the Fenix Hotel!
What is included:
Room & Board. Your room will step out onto the beach front.
Full kitchen. This is your home away from home with your own 1-bed, 1-bath apartment and full kitchen, fully stocked with plates & cookware.
Enjoy morning coffee & a healthy Costa Rican communal breakfast every morning.
Relax in hammocks and beachfront lounging spaces.
Weekly optional excursions coordinated for the group: yoga on the beach, zip lining, hike to a waterfall, whale watching tour, etc.
Ocean Front Experience
Ocean Front Fenix Hotel
Our guests at the Fenix Hotel enjoy stepping out of their rooms onto the white sand beach.
The property includes a small pool, hammocks and beach beds, a covered yoga shala, and a quiet unpopulated beach front.
It is a WOW.
We are a 15-minute ocean stroll to the city center with 20+ restaurants. Close enough but far enough to get away from it all.
Your Room
Our guests enjoy an apartment-style room with a main living area, one bedroom, one bathroom and a full kitchen.
Your kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, cooking gear, and a coffee maker. You don't need to bring anything except your computer.
All bedrooms have A/C.
Wifi is free.
A Sampling of Optional Weekly Activities
Each day begins with coffee and a communal breakfast . We coordinate several weekly activities & tours. Always optional!
Yoga on the Beach
Enjoy yoga overlooking the beach, led by our amazing staff of yoga teachers. INCLUDED.
Massage on Site
Our massage therapist can give you a private massage in your room or on the beach while you listen to the waves.
~ $80/person
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy laughter & drinks as we chase the sunset on this magical excursion. Whales & dolphins might join us.
~ $65/person.
Kayak to an Island
Enjoy kayak rentals on the beach. Soak in the natural habitat. $10/person.
Travel FAQ's
Q: What is included for the Retreat? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the retreat.
Group Activities are coordinated every other day. Activities are always optional. Some are included (yoga, hike to waterfall, farmer's market) and some are an extra cost (whale watching tour, ziplining, etc.)
All breakfasts are included. For lunch and dinner, your room has a full kitchen, multiple grocery stores, and 20+ restaurants within walking distance.
Transportation to/from the airport is not included, but we will coordinate a group shuttle to the Fenix Hotel if you don't want to rent a car.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
You will fly into the Liberia, Costa Rica airport.
Yes! You will need a passport.
Q: Is the area safe? For solo travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for travelers. It is known as being the Swizerland of Latin America. No standing army, and the Pura Vida culture is usually very appealing to travelers.
As always when you travel, take normal precautions like walking with a buddy at night.
Q: Will there be both men & women there?
Yes! Our Writers in Residency retreats are for both men & women. However, most of our attendees are women. If you are a man coming solo, you will need to upgrade to a private room.
Q: Can I get a private room?
Yep, private rooms are available until they sell out. Just select the $699 upgrade when you check out.
Q: What is the age group? Are kids allowed?
All adults are welcome, though most of our guests tend to be 35+. No kids or babies will be at the event.
Q: How much is airfare to Liberia Airport from the US?
$700- $1000 is normal, and we recommend checking the discount airlines directly. Southwest and Alaska have round trip flights regularly for $500.
Q: How far are we from town?
About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center.
Q: How big is Samara?
Samara is a quaint, travel-friendly beachfront town with 20+ restaurants and shops, banks, etc. It is not a party town.
Q: Can I do additional tours / excursions?
If you have dream to helicopter, zipline, or surf, we have tours for that and more. We'll have a list to choose from when you get here.
Q: Can I come early / stay after?
As long as the hotel has availability for those dates, absolutely. Contact us to book the hotel as a regular hotel guest outside of the event week. (This site is the only place to book a spot for this event.)
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
All payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event. Payments are non-refundable 90 days before the event. Deposits are non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance!
Q: Should I rent a car for the Retreat Week?
Yes, we recommend you rent a car, especially if you don't enjoy walking frequently. You can either rent a car at Liberia Airport to get to the retreat center, or you can take a shuttle to get to the Fenix, then rent a car in town.
If you don't want to rent a car, we can help you coordinate a shared shuttle with other guests.
Q: Can I come for just a portion of the residency?
The rate is for the entire event. You will pay the same whether you stay for all or a portion of the event.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! You can make a $500 down payment with the remainder due 60 days before the event.
We also accept AfterPay and Klarna (choices upon checkout). These offer monthly payment options, some without any interest.
Q: Will there be mostly solo travelers or friends & couples there?
We usually have about half solo travelers and half friends/couples. The group dynamic tends to be cohesive, so if you are coming solo, you won't be solo for long!
Q: Do I need to upgrade to a private room if I am coming with a partner or friend?
The regular retreat price is for a shared apartment. If you come solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room.
Because most of our retreat guests are women, if you are coming as a solo man, you may be required to upgrade to a private room (unless we have a second solo man coming). We will keep you updated if this is the case!
If you come with a partner or friend, you will have a choice of two Twin XL's or a king bed. You do not need to upgrade if you are coming with someone.
