We try to keep workshop tuition as low as possible, to meet the needs of women whose resources may be limited, but at the same time, we strive to create a high level of luxury, great accommodations, extraordinary meals and safety, and to keep the workshop small enough to ensure that every writer receives plenty of personal attention. Tuition is all-inclusive, meaning that other than airfare and tips at the end of the week (and what you buy in local artesan markets) you won’t need to spend anything.

From the moment you land at the airport in Guatemala City—an exceedingly traveler-friendly airport—we’ve got you covered, starting with a private taxi waiting outside to bring you to the nearby Spanish colonial town of Antigua (a 30-40 minute ride). For your first night in Guatemala you’ll be staying in one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever seen, Meson Panza Verde, where you’ll meet up with your group of fellow writers with sunset cocktails on the roof and and dining in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant. Next morning, after a few hours for exploring Antigua, you’ll travel to the lake with the group in a comfortable shuttle.

Once at the lake, you’ll stay in a lake-and-volcano-view private room with private bath. (Our North American workshop coordinator, Gina Alligood, will help with your choice of room.)

All activities during the week, including yoga, a one hour massage, trip to a women’s weaving cooperative, and drinks and cocktails on the first and last night of the workshop , are included in your tuition. Those who choose may purchase additional wine.

You’ll eat on the patio and in the gardens at Casa Paloma, overlooking the lake and volcano. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are vegetarian/pescatarian –including freshly baked bread, blue corn tortillas, freshly squeezed juices and freshly roasted locally grown coffee, home made desserts—are prepared by our terrific local chef, Rosa-- as well as snacks, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic drinks made from fresh local fruits and herbs. We can accommodate to gluten-free diets and other special dietary needs..

Daily morning yoga classes are available at no charge, along with saunas and of course, all water activities. For those who choose to venture out, there are wonderful local markets nearby.

Over the course of the week, you will have two private one-on-one writing conferences with Joyce (not to mention nightly conversations over dinner and around the circle, as well as having two group workshop sessions devoted to your writing (or the writing you haven’t done yet; Joyce will help you get started.)

Joyce’s workshops at Lake Atitlan have provided jobs for many indigenous people in the village of San Marcos La Laguna, where the group gathers. We have a wonderful, caring team of local men and women who work hard preparing for every workshop, and seeing to the needs of every guest. We ask that each member of the group contribute to a gratuity pool for our massage therapist and yoga teacher, the local women who will be preparing meals and cleaning, as well as the two gardeners who will help with luggage, and just about anything else you need.

Casa Paloma offers deluxe, single, shared, couple, and deluxe lodgings from $3995 to $5395.  Contact Gina Alligood for help in making your reservations.

50% deposit is required to secure a room.

Total payment is due eight weeks before the retreat.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Full tuition will be refunded (minus $500 administrative fees) if cancellation is no later than six weeks in advance of the workshop. Alternatively, you may use your tuition as a credit towards a future workshop.

In the event of cancellation less than six weeks before the workshop, we cannot offer a refund except in the event of a Covid-related border closure.

A FINAL NOTE ON COSTS: For over twenty years, Joyce’s workshops at Lake Atitlan have provided jobs for many indigenous people in the village of San Marcos La Laguna, where the group gathers. We have a wonderful, caring team of local men and women who work hard preparing for every workshop and seeing to the needs of every guest. We ask that each member of the group contribute to a gratuity pool for our massage therapist and yoga teacher, the local women who will be preparing meals, as well as the two gardeners who will help with luggage (and just about anything else you need).

To join us or find out more, e-mail Workshop Coordinator, Gina Alligood - writewithjoycemaynard@gmail.com