Women's Writing Retreat in Costa Rica (2022)

Jess here. I recently spent six weeks in Costa Rica. During the last week, I hosted a women’s writing retreat with the help of my good friend, writer and book reviewer Erica Ruth Neubauer. It was my first Costa Rican writing retreat, and it was the first time I worked with TrovaTrip, a company that handles all the travel details.

There were a few hitches to work out. The shuttle pick-ups at the airport did not go as smoothly as I would have liked, our first hotel was too rustic for my taste, and the power was out in our corner of Costa Rica for one of the evenings. Thanks to our incredible local guide, Catalina, however, we weathered those storms and had an amazing week of insight, laughter, exploration, and writing.

I forget until I’m leading one of the retreats how amazing the women called to them are. I heard writing so beautiful it made me cry, so funny it made me bust out laughing. I saw women who’d been struggling to find their voice or to see the shape of their story make breakthroughs that resonated throughout the group. I witnessed lifelong friendships forming. We all ate fruit so fresh that it tasted like candy, drank the most delicious coffee you’ve ever tasted, hiked to a waterfall, danced alongside the ocean beneath twinkle lights, relaxed next to a stunning pool, soaked in volcanic hot springs. It was truly a magical experience.

In fact, I had such a wonderful time that I have decided to lead another women’s’ writing retreat in Costa Rica in January 2023. Stay tuned for the details! In the meanwhile, see below for some of my favorite photos from this last retreat.