San Miguel Retreats
Wondrous Writer's Retreat
April 17 - 22, 2023
Escape to magical San Miguel de Allende to pamper your creative self!
Enjoy inspired coaching and camaraderie in a creative community
of other wondrous writers —all in the heart of México.
Wondrous Writers' Retreat
April 16 - 22, 2023
I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.
— Anne Frank
What's Included
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Daily guided writing practices.
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Half-day writing marathon.
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Writing adventures at the mummy museum and botanical gardens.
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Cleansing ritual at La Gruta hot springs to release our inner critic.
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'Wedded to My Wondrous Writer' ceremony.
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Presentation skills class to build confidence.
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Writers' salon with an invited audience.
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Four community meals in town.
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Healthy snacks + beverages to stay nourished.
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Plenty of free time to explore magical San Miguel (you might enjoy optional sessions below with local practitioners - extra fees apply.)
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massage
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hypnotherapy
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private life + business coaching
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cranial sacral body work
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reiki
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far infrared sauna
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personal training
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What's Not Included
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Airfare and ground transportation to the retreat.
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Traveler's insurance (recommended.)
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Accommodations and meals — aside from those included above.
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Transportation other than to above field trips.
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Healing services and therapies as noted above.
PLEASE NOTE: We take all COVID disinfecting and safety protocols seriously.
For the safety of all, please be vaccinated and boosted. Depending on the status of the pandemic during these dates, we may ask you to wear a mask indoors, etc. if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Kind Words
"A beautiful and peaceful retreat! Eli and Joseph went above and beyond to make us feel at home and provide us with everything we needed."
Jennifer, Iowa City, IA
"I've been in awe since our class ended. I never expected results like this! Thank you so much for helping us see what we can't."
Traci, Philadelphia, PA
"My time with Eli and Joseph was pure love and light into creating my vision... their work supported and inspired my dreams. Thank you dear ones... I'm so grateful for your work!"
Bobbi, Brooklyn, NY
"Eli and Joseph are masterful facilitators of group process. With a light touch and great wisdom, they know how to bring out the best in people!"
Mitch, Catskills, NY
Where and When?
The retreat takes place in San Miguel de Allende, México at our property Casa de la Paz.
San Miguel de Allende is truly a magical place in the center of Mexico, voted #1 city in the world several times since 2013.
Your retreat dates are Monday, April 17, 2023 beginning at 10am until Saturday, April 22, 2023 ending at 8pm. You may consider adding additional days before or after.
The retreat is open to the first 8 people who register.
*There are 3 loving and adorable rescue dogs on the property as well—they're great at giving hugs, or leaving you alone if your prefer.
Charming curved stone entrance into
Casa de la Paz... The House of Peace.
Your Retreat Facilitators
Eli Hans and Joseph Bennett are multi-passionate retreat and workshop leaders, artists, writers, and life and business coaches. We have a shared passion of supporting and coaching others to their highest potential.
As creative beings we've likely experienced everything that you've struggled with in your own writing practice — and we're excited to create this retreat to help you gain confidence, inspiration and movement forward with your writing!
We've authored countless publications, blog posts, plays and screenplays, poetry, lyrics, and content for various transformational workshops. Recently, Eli wrote and performed a mostly one-man musical called Out of The Blue, and Joseph released two #1 new releases Rest, The Art of Doing Less and the poetry collection word after word, both published in 2022.
What to bring
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an open heart
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a thirsty journal
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a current passport (not expiring at least 6 months prior to travel)
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bathing suit and beach towel for the hot springs
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comfortable clothing, including a sun hat
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good walking shoes
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reusable water bottle
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presence of mind
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a retreat buddy if you'd like to share the experience with someone
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any of your published books that you would like to sell or share during the Friday night Sharing Our Soul-full Selves Salon
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any gently used books that you'd care to donate to the free book exchange table
What not to bring
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family members that might be demanding of your time and attention
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high heels (really)
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drugs/cigarettes (the property is non-smoking)
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perfumes/scented lotions (some folks are sensitive to fragrances. You smell divine just as you are!)
Pricing
The Wondrous Writer's Retreat regular price is $1397 USD.
Early bird discount $1197 until midnight, March 1, 2023
If there's any part of you feeling called to join us, save your spot by clicking below.
REGISTER HERE
Your Wondrous Writer's Retreat Schedule
(subject to change)
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Monday - Wondrous Writer's Marathon - Guided 1/2 day writing prompts in the studio. Healthy snacks and beverages provided. Community dinner that evening at Hecho en México.
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Tuesday - Writing in Nature at the stunning local botanical gardens. Entrance fees, transportation and breakfast at Charco del Ingenio included. Evening guided writing practice at Casa de la Paz. Healthy snacks and beverages provided.
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Wednesday - Writing Through Time a day trip to the mummy museum in Guanajuato. Inspired Wondrous Writing practice at the museum afterward.
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Thursday - Wondrous Water and Writing Cleansing Ritual and writing practice at La Gruta Hot Springs. Transportation, entrance to the hot springs and lunch at the fabulous Nirvana after.
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Later, Presentation Skills Class - a chance to "get on your feet" and explore stage presence for live readings, let go or manage stage-fright, tips on how to engage with your audience.
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Friday - Free time during the morning and afternoon to explore the town, shop, search for an amulet for Saturday night's ceremony. Great time to schedule massages, etc.
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Later, Sharing Our Soul-full Selves Salon (think: open mic) with an invited guest audience. This is a great time to sell your published books. Community dinner in town afterwards to celebrate.
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Saturday - Free Time during the morning and afternoon.
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Later, Evening Story Time sharing your reflections and take aways. Healthy snacks and beverages provided. The retreat concludes with a moving Wedded to My Wondrous Writer evening ritual! A phenomenal time to call forth your wishes, plans and intentions for both your writing — and your Self.
La Gruta Hot Springs, San Miguel de Allende
Accommodation Options
For those wishing to stay on-site with us at Casa de la Paz, we have two charming and delightful spaces: The Casita and The Suite.
The Casita is a detached structure, with an outdoor dining area. Slightly smaller than The Suite, yet a bit more private.
The rate is $79 usd/night, single or double occupancy (and a one time $30 cleaning fee.)
The Sweet Suite is slightly larger, located on a large shared terrace near the Zen Garden, with incredible views.
The rate is $89 usd/night, single or double occupancy (and a one time $30 cleaning fee.)
Otherwise, there is a very affordable B&B very nearby called Casa Goyri (we're not affiliated and receive no commission - just a suggestion.) Or we recommend you do a search through Airbnb. If you have questions about areas, or specific places, we're happy to offer our opinion.
The Charming Casita
The Sweet Suite
FAQ's
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What if I'm not a writer, or I've only just started writing? You're welcome to show up with all the wondrous writer parts of you — the curious, the shy, the beginner, the uncertain, the more experienced. All parts of you are welcome here.
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What is the retreat all about? This retreat invites you to dive deeper into your writing practice — to welcome in the muses and create space for joy, ease and bravery in your writing! We'll be using the work of celebrated writers and teachers Judy Reeves, SARK, Natalie Goldberg, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Steven Pressfield, as well as your own inner guidance and our coaching to inspire your writing and keep your hand moving across the page.
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Can I bring a friend or a family member? Yes! We encourage you to bring someone if they too will be participating in the retreat with you. If they aren't participating in the retreat, however, that can be distracting. They might take you away from your focus for being here: writing and connecting with other writers.
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Which airport do I fly to? Leon (BJX) and Queretaro (QRO) are each about 1.5 hours from San Miguel. México City airport (MEX) is 4 hours away.
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How do I get to the retreat from the airport? We recommend a shared shuttle with BajioGo.com or any shuttle service you choose. There are no buses from the airport to San Miguel.
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Where can I stay? You can stay at any number of the airbnbs or hotels in town. Casa Goyri is a 5 min walk from the retreat, and seems quite affordable. The Hotel Real de Minas is about 1.5 miles away and is a popular hotel chain. Please know that we've never stayed at either place, and have no affiliation with them.
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What are the dates and times again? We'll be gathering on Monday, April 17th at 10 am for our first guided writing session. Our final gathering is on Saturday, April 24th and ends at 8 pm.
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How much does the retreat cost? The entire retreat is $1,397 and there's an early-bird price of $1197 available until Sunday, March 17, 2023. The price includes all activities: wondrous writer's marathon, writing adventures to the hot springs, botanical gardens, day trip to the mummy museum, presentation class, soul-full writing salon, storytelling session, 'wedded to my wondrous writer' ceremony, guided writing practices, three community dinners and healthy snacks.
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How many people will there be? The retreat is open to the first 8 people who sign up.
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What if I sign up and then have to cancel? We are aware you might have some concerns about travel during the Covid pandemic. We are taking all the precautions necessary. Also, sometimes things happen and you might have a change of plans. In case any of that happens, please read our cancellation policy right here.
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Anything else I need to know? San Miguel is considered high desert (6,200 feet) so you may wish to arrive a few days early to adjust to the altitude. While you're here drink plenty of water and less alcohol than you might normally. Also, where it says 'transportation included' it means to and from Casa de la Paz. You'll be responsible for getting to the property (if you're not staying on-site) and together we'll catch the shuttles/taxis from here.
Thank You!
We're looking forward to sharing this inspiring and transformative experience with you! If you have any questions that weren't answered above, please feel free to email us.
To your highest! Eli and Joseph
If you've read this far, you deserve a tiara! Since we don't have one, your gift instead is the podcast Are You Waiting for Permission? At minute 18:20 the conversation turns to the Wondrous Writer's Retreat of 2022... enjoy!
