About this Retreat
Join NYT-bestseller Beth Revis and award-winner Cristin Terrill on the beautiful Riviera Maya of Mexico for five days of learning, writing, relaxation, and fun!
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We don't know about you guys, but our 2025 has been a little rough. What better way to start a new year than to let the ocean waves carry the remnants of 2025 away? Just us to refill your creative well with sunshine, amazing food, and great friends, and you'll leave feeling re-invigorated and with a solid plan for your novel.
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The retreats starts before you even leave. During the months of January and February, you will have free access to Word Lab, our twice weekly online group writing session. This will jump-start your productivity and give you a chance to get to know your fellow writers before you head to Mexico. After the retreat is over, Word Lab will help you maintain the enthusiasm and momentum you've built.
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The retreat itself will be in held in a beautiful, private ocean-front home near Playa del Carmen, where you'll spend five days with an intimate group of no more than fourteen writers. In the mornings, we'll have round-table pitches overlooking the waves where we'll focus on the marketability of your idea and which aspects elicit the strongest reactions. Later, you'll be grouped into pairs or small groups to critique opening pages.
After a delicious lunch prepared by our incredible local chef, you will have free time to grab your laptop (and maybe a margarita) for a writing session by the lagoon-like private pool or lay out on the beach to dream up new ideas. Take a break from the sun for a personalized critique of your entire story outline with Beth -- or brainstorm with her to turn your new idea into a full outline. You also get one-on-one time with Cristin, novelist and certified life coach, who will help you develop a personalized writing plan that navigates around your personal pitfalls to productivity so you can meet your goals.
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Have more questions or need further advice during the week? No problem, because you'll be eating, writing and hanging out alongside the authors everyday, and they are always happy to help. When you're ready for a break, cool off in the pool, enjoy a serene walk on the beach with a new friend, or try snorkeling in the turquoise waters just outside the door.
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We take care of all the logistics, including transportation once you've arrived in Mexico, and our private chef will keep you full and happy so you can focus on creating new worlds. All you need is a passport, a swimsuit, and something to write with!
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You'll return home with new words written, new enthusiasm, and new friends to join you on your publishing journey. ​
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Due to the unpredictable nature of our current reality, travel insurance is highly recommended.
Proof of a recent negative COVID test may be required based on transmission rates.
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Retreat House
DATES
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 - Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
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RATES
The price of the retreat is $1,599-$2,299 depending on your choice of room. This includes:
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accommodations
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full retreat program + two months of Word Lab
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outline planning session with Beth
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customized writing plan with Cristin
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all meals at the retreat house
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transportation to and from Cancun International Airport via shuttle
PAYMENT
A $500 deposit is required to secure your place at the time of booking. The remainder of the balance is due sixty days before the start of the retreat. Our cancellation policy and terms & conditions can be found here.
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ELIGIBILITY
This retreat is designed to be the most useful for writers seriously pursuing traditional publication or a self-publishing career in the middle grade, young adult or adult categories, but everyone who wants to learn is welcome!
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For everyone's safety, we require all participants to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
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This retreat is contingent on a minimum sign-up; if that minimum is not reached, the retreat will be cancelled and your money will be fully refunded.