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Costa Rica Writing Retreat 

May  2025

Join us

Located in the central mountains of Costa Rica, at the secluded and beautiful Chayote Lodge, this writing retreat is designed to be flexible to best suit your writing needs. Between writing sprints and our programming, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the lush landscape and culture.
 

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About the retreat

Each morning will begin with a provided prompt to inspire your words for the day ahead of you and each night will conclude with an optional reading or critique. Light programming will be available daily to get your creative brain motivated. Participation in our workshops, daily writing activities, and excursions is entirely up to you!

Programming topics may include:

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  • Daily prompt session

  • Pitching & networking

  • Worldbuilding

  • Character development

  • The business of writing 

  • Optional evening readings and critiques

  • and more...

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

  • Group Transfer from San José Airport (SJO)

  • Welcome dinner at Quelites Restaurant

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Upon your arrival at San José Airport (SJO), you'll meet with our provided transportation, head into the heart of the Costa Rican mountains, and arrive at the secluded Chayote Lodge. After check-in, you’ll have a chance to settle in before a welcome dinner and orientation with Deanna and Blake at the on-site Quelites Restaurant.

Day 2-6

  • Breakfast and morning prompt

  • Daily excursion

  • Afternoon optional workshop sessions such as:

    • Daily prompt session

    • Pitching & networking

    • Worldbuilding

    • Character development

    • The business of writing 

  • Writing time

  • Dinner at Quelites Restaurant

  • Optional evening readings or critiques

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Each morning will begin with a relaxing breakfast where Deanna will provide some thoughtful prompts for your writing day ahead. Whether you are taking part in one of the provided activities for the day or staying in to focus on your words, you will have ample inspiration from all Costa Rica has to offer. In the afternoon, you can take part in planned workshops discussing the craft and business of writing. You'll have additional writing time in the evening before dinner at Quelites restaurant. In the evening, keep the inspiration flowing and join an optional group reading or critique. 

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast

  • Morning Departure

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After breakfast, you'll depart for San José airport. 

About Chayote Lodge

Chayote Lodge lies in the outskirts of the mountainous Central Valley, located only 45 minutes away from San José Airport in Llano Bonito de Naranjo, and 1500 meters above sea level in the cloud forest.


Inspired by the rich coffee culture of the region, each nook of the property resembles a piece of the coffee picker’s story and lifestyle.  Chayote Lodge boasts 12 spacious Recidibor bungalows, each featuring a private terrace with breathtaking views of Poas, Barva, and Irazu Volcanos. Each bungalow is designed and decorated to provide a unique experience highlighting our very own Costa Rican architecture and rural decoration.


Its strategic location, right in the middle of Costa Rica, is a perfect gateway to discover different
national parks, waterfalls, coffee fields, rural villages, and local artisans. It also affords the opportunity to enjoy the local lifestyle by visiting homes, gardens, and city parks within the vicinity.

Quelites Restaurant

You will only savor natural fresh food prepared with locally grown produce and some even in the resort's gardens. The menu changes according to seasonal vegetables and fruits. Quelites Restaurant proudly serves the best of Costa Rican cuisine as part of your experience in the lodge.

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Included excursions

Naranjo Town experience

Visit the Sarchi Botanical Garden and enjoy the Naranjo town local market. Coffee tour and Lunch are included in this activity.

Toro Waterfall

Catarata Del Toro is Costa Rica’s most impressive waterfall tumbling into an old volcanic crater. At the upper part, you will enjoy views from four lookouts, trees, flowers, forest, gardens, panoramic views, and birds. Enjoy the private ecological reserve and Costa Rica's most beautiful hidden gems. Lunch included.

Don Carlos Coffee Tour

Tour an active coffee farm, learn about coffee production in Costa Rica, and enjoy the vibrant taste of fresh Costa Rican brew with an included coffee tasting.

Poas Volcano National Park

Visit the Poás Volcano crater and Botos

Lagoon in the cloud forest. Poás is an active volcano that boasts one of the largest craters in the world. Enjoy the beautiful lush greenery of the park's many trails. Lunch included.

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Please note: Transportation and an English-speaking guide are included with all excursions. Other activities will be available for additional cost. All activities and tours are subject to change based on interest and availability.

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What's included:

  • Daily writing and small group activities with Deanna Sjolander

  • 8 days / 7 nights stay at Chayote Lodge

  • Airport transfer to / from Chayote Lodge

  • 4 included excursion activities featuring:

    • English-speaking guide

    • Transporation to / from activity

    • Lunch is included in all excursion activities (except Don Carlos Coffee Tour)

  • All breakfasts & dinners (1 alcoholic beverage included with dinner)

  • 2 yoga sessions

Not included:

Airfare, meals not indicated as included in the package, alcoholic beverages, transportation outside of what is specifically listed in the trip package, any gratuities for staff or drivers. ​

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Please review our complete terms & conditions for more information. 

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Dates & details:

  • Dates: May 2025 

  • Prices: $3,250 - $3,875 (select room type at booking)

  • Room descriptions:

    • Single occupancy, queen or king bed, private ensuite 

    • Double occupancy, queen or king bed, private ensuite (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)

    • Quadruple occupancy, 2 queen beds, private ensuite (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)

  • A $1000 deposit is required to book your space. Final balance due 30 days before departure.

  • View our Terms & Conditions Policy

  • Arrival / Departure is San José (SJO) airport

Booking & Cancellation information

Please review our booking and cancellation information prior to purchase. Additional questions can be answered by reviewing our complete policies and disclosures.

Who are we?

Deanna Sjolander

For the past 15 + years, I have been in learning and development both as a facilitator and as an instructional designer as well as a workshop, retreat, and convention planner on the side.

Blake Hausladen

Founder of Rook Creek Books, I have been involved in every aspect of publishing from writing, to distribution. If you need it to put a book on the market, I've done it. 

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