Tropical rainforest, colorful flora,
clear turquoise water,
exotic wildlife—Belize beckons.
Join us for a creative adventure!
Who Should Attend:
This program welcomes science writers, naturalists who want to write, people interested in environmental tourism, travel writers, and writers of all genres.
Sharpen Your Senses
We invite writers of all levels of experience and genres to travel with us to one of the most colorful and inspiring places in the world—beautiful Belize in Central America.
No ordinary writing retreat
Belize, rich in its diverse cultures, landscapes, and plant and animal life, is the perfect setting for a writing retreat—we promise you will be inspired.
The schedule will include a mix of writing, sharing, exotic excursions, and discussions about craft, all in the midst of a tropical jungle.
Writing Workshops Presented by:
Deb McKew, founder of Words in Play and director of communications at Biodiversity Research Institute, lives by the tenet that writing is fun. A science journalist, editor, and teacher, she has led many workshops for writers of all levels.
Lagoon at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), where we will spend two days.
Special Collaborations with:
Biodiversity Research Institute
Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education
[Download Belize flyer and registration form in PDF format]
Planned Itinerary
Saturday, February 25 – Fly to Belize; arrive at Cotton Tree Lodge, a tranquil retreat on 100 private acres.
Sunday, February 26 – Spend a full day at Cotton Tree Lodge exploring the unique jungle setting. Writing workshops begin.
Monday, February 27 – Excursion to Blue Creek Cave. The Moho River begins in its depths and flows out to Blue Creek Village in a clear, cool stream. On our hike to the cave, we will enjoy waterfalls and clear, deep pools for swimming. Deep inside, marvel at the stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual rock formations on this unique guided journey.
Tuesday, February 28 – Spend the day at Cotton Tree Lodge for writing workshops.
Wednesday, February 29 – Excursion to the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), which manages a private research and educational facility located on 1,153 acres of tropical rainforest. We will stay overnight at BFREE for an extraordinary experience that includes learning about and participating in their conservation work. Enjoy hiking, writing, birding, and an unforgettable guided night walk.
Thursday, March 1 – Spend the majority of the day at BFREE, return to Cotton Tree Lodge early evening.
Friday, March 2 – Excursion to Barranco Garifuna Village. The Garifuna people, or Garinagu, are descendents of shipwrecked African slaves, who escaped to St. Vincent island in 1635, and the Carib Indians who already inhabited the area; these people still practice many of their cultural traditions. Enjoy samples of their food, music, and welcoming hospitality. Near Barranco Village lies the 41,000-acre Temash Sarstoon Wildlife Sanctuary, home to red mangroves, jaguars, tapirs, manatees, monkeys, and beautiful birdlife. Inspiration abounds.
Saturday, March 3 – Spend the day at Cotton Tree Lodge for final writing sessions.
Sunday, March 4 – Depart for the U.S.
[Download Belize flyer and registration form in PDF format]
Included Features
- 7 nights at Cotton Tree Lodge in unique cabanas
- 2 days at BFREE research and conservation center (includes one overnight in bunkhouse accommodations)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Daily writing workshops
- Guided excursions including night walk, caves, wildlife sanctuaries, and native villages
- Round-trip internal airfare from Belize City to Punta Gorda
- All ground transportation
- Visit Cotton Tree Lodge online at www.cottontreelodge.com
Land Package$3,500 per person(double occupancy) Airfare Not Included |
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For Retreat ReservationsContact Holly Walker |
[Download Belize flyer and registration form in PDF format]
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