Writers in Residency:

Costa Rica Retreats

Bring your idea to Costa Rica and find your flow.

Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center in Samara, Costa Rica

EXCLUSIVE INVITATION

2-6 Weeks 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.

Rainy Season in Costa Rica

September & October are the rainy season months 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 as the sound of the rain surrounds you and 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. Here is everything it includes.

What is included:

  • Room & Board. Your private apartment will step out onto the beach front.

  • Full kitchen. This is your home away from home with your own 1-bed, 1-bath apartment with full kitchen, fully stocked with plates & cookware.

  • Enjoy morning coffee & a light Costa Rican communal breakfast every morning.

  • Optional excursions coordinated several times a week for the group: yoga on the beach, zip lining, hike to a waterfall, whale watching tour, etc. Tours are $10 to about $80 each, and are all optional.

  • Final night: share excerpts of your work with the other guests in a celebration of reading, music & wine under the stars.

Ocean Front Experience

Ocean Front Fenix Hotel

Our guests at the Fenix Hotel & Retrat Center 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.

  • A weekly yoga & meditation class on the beach is included.

  • A kickoff dinner on the beach is included on your first night upon arrival.

  • All breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are not included, and can be in your apartment, or at any of the 20+ restaurants within walking distance.

  • Optional activities are coordinated for the group several times a week. Tour activities range from $10 to $80 each.

  • Transportation to/from the airport is not included, but we are happy to coordinate a shuttle to the Fenix Hotel for you 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.

Q: Will there be both men & women there?

  • Yes! Our Writers in Residency retreats are for both men & women.

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 $300-500 depending on your location.

Q: How far are we from town?

  • About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center. If you have mobility issues, we recommend you rent a car. Uber is not available in the area, but taxis are.

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, but there are still bars open at night and some night life.

Q: Is this a good event for solo travelers?

  • Yes! If you are exploring solo international travel, maybe for the first time, this is the event for you! It is a great balance of alone time, and a built-in community of fellow travelers when you want to spend time with people.

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 for just 2 weeks? 4 weeks? All 6 weeks?

  • Yes, there are 3 sessions which are 2 weeks each. You can come to any or all sessions.

  • There is no problem if you would like to come late or leave early. We can help you coordinate a private shuttle if needed.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

  • Deposits are non-refundable.

  • All other payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event.

  • All payments are non-refundable 90 days before the event.

  • We recommend travel insurance! http://bit.ly/42hIzPK

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 bring a partner or guest with me?

  • Yes! You can invite one guest at a time to stay with you if desired for part of the session, or for the entire time.

  • All guests will pay a guest rate of 50% of the retreat cost, no matter how long they stay.

  • If you come with a partner or friend, you will have a choice of two Twin XL's or a king bed in the bedroom. All bedrooms have A/C.

  • There is also the option of having your guest stay in your main living area, on a trundle bed or pull-out couch. Note: the main living area has open air windows & does not have A/C.

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!

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