Whether it’s the cold weather or the post-holiday malaise, I often find myself desiring a getaway around this time of year. If you have the time and funds, writing retreats can be a wonderful way to recharge your mind and body, get invaluable feedback on your writing, and maybe even inspire you to finish that languishing manuscript.
While many retreats are restricted to academics or published authors, you might be surprised at how many are designed with aspiring authors in mind. Here’s a roundup of some of this year’s offerings to help make 2026 your year for writing.
Raven’s Retreat
April 6–12, 2026
Hocking Hills, Ohio
authorardencoutts@gmail.com
At this writing retreat exclusively geared toward LGBTQ+ writers, participants will have the chance to take part in guided writing sessions, one-on-one coaching, and writing circles—all while still having plenty of time for individual work. When not writing, they can also participate in wellness activities like yoga, mindfulness practice, or one of the many hiking trails.
The group size is small (nine to eleven members), so the setting offers plenty of chances to build community. The retreat encourages people at every stage of the writing journey, from forming an outline for a new project to revising a completed manuscript. Retreat fees start at $1,600 and include the writing workshop plus triple occupancy accommodations, meals, optional creative workshops, and more.
Thomas the Apostle Retreat Center
May 15–18, July 31–August 3, or October 2–5, 2026
Cody, Wyoming
This weekend retreat at Thomas the Apostle Retreat Center has workshops for both nonfiction and fiction writers. This year’s fiction group will be led by author and poet Mary Dominick Chivers.
Participants can plan on workshopping all day Saturday, while Sunday will be devoted to solo writing, an optional off-property excursion, and a group gathering at dinner. Retreat fees start at $490 and include the writing workshop plus daily meals, accommodations, Yellowstone Regional Airport pickup and drop-off, meditation classes, nature hikes, and more.
Calling in the Muse
June 15–21, 2026
Paestum, Italy
If the hills of Italy have been calling you, look no further than this retreat at Tenuta Seliano. Hosted by writer Angela Paolantonio, author of The Ghosts of Italy (2016) and Still Life with Saints (2020), this six-day event will feature guidance from Angela and various guest authors (announced closer to the date) via daily writing workshops that focus on self-expression.
Participants will integrate the mind, the body, and the location’s unique history into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Retreat fees start at $3,400 and include the writing workshop plus a private double room, daily traditional meals prepared by locals, beach or pool access, optional walking tours, and more. It does not include flights, airport transfer, or travel insurance. If the June date doesn’t work, there is an additional Calling in the Muse retreat from September 20–26 in Puglia, Italy.
The Weymouth Writers-in-Residence Retreat
July 6–13, 2026
Southern Pines, North Carolina
writeaways@writeaways.com
This is one of those retreats that doesn’t open up very often, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to apply, this is your sign! It’s usually only made available for published North Carolina writers, but the organizers have decided to open it up to writers of all levels and locations.
Held at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, a historic home built in the 1920s that also doubles as the site of the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame, the weeklong retreat includes mornings spent writing in the Boyd House and Lamont Cottage (“homes to writers for over a century”), afternoon writing workshops, and one-on-one writing conferences.
Retreat fees are $3,500 (single) or $3,100 (shared) and include the writing workshop plus all meals (including alcohol) and plenty of hiking trails for added inspiration—as if writing in the same place as Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn’t enough!
Indian Summer House
May 25–30 or August 31–September 5, 2026
Muvattapuzha, Kerala, India
Another opportunity to go abroad, this retreat offers lush private villas and common areas where writers will have the chance for solo writing, group writing exercises, and workshops. Journalist, editor, and writer Dr. Caroline van de Pol, author of Back to Broady, hosts the retreat. She holds a PhD in creative writing and offers Book Therapy time with each participant—a session to go over your progress one-on-one.
Retreat fees are $2,250 for a private room and include the writing workshop plus accommodations at the villa, all meals, yoga and meditation sessions, and a walking tour. Another option is the day pass, which costs $1,000 and includes everything over the five-day retreat except accommodations.
Ghost Ranch Writing Retreat
October 27–31, 2026
Abiquiu, New Mexico
At this writing retreat exclusively geared toward women and nonbinary writers, participants will take part in personal writing time, a morning writing circle, small group time, and an evening writing circle. There will also be free time throughout the day during which people can hike around the lovely Ghost Ranch.
Group size is small (limited to sixteen members), so this is a great chance to get to know your fellow writers. Retreat fees start at $595 but can go up to $1,785 for a private room and private bath. Fees include the writing workshop plus all meals. It does not include transportation to or from the airport.
Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.
