The Embodied Writer's Retreat
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
July 20-27, 2027
Join Ally and 15 other writers for a week of connecting with yourself, your writing, and your community - in beautiful, secluded Casa Awänímä in the heart of Guatemala.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
◆ 7 nights at Casa Awänímä (shared rooms; first-come, first-choice)
◆ 3 vegetarian meals a day
◆ Morning embodiment practice
◆ Daily writing prompt exercises
◆ Mayan fire ceremonies with cacao
◆ Temazcal (traditional sweat lodge ceremony)
◆ Sound healing evening
◆ Ecstatic dance at Gaia Dance Temple
◆ Waterfall & nature writing day
◆ WhatsApp writing community for our intimate group of writers. The community starts before the retreat and stays together long after we depart.
Not included: flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, personal expenses.
A SAMPLE DAY
7 am Optional journaling
9 am Breakfast
10 am Embodiment exercises
11 am Writing exercises
12 noon Feedback Workshop
OR Free writing time
1 pm Lunch
2-6:30 pm Feedback Workshops
OR Free writing time
6:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Optional jam, hang, fire
Who is this retreat for?
Novelists, poets, short story writers, songwriters, screenwriters, essayists, amateurs, professionals, serious writers, silly writers, unpublished, published, lifelong or first-time. If you want time for you and your writing - this retreat has a space for you.
HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME
Before the retreat, the group votes on the format for the week. We all come to this week with different needs. This retreat forms to us, not the other way around. If the group splits, both options can run side by side.
Intensive: The Craft Week
Group craft workshops with shared feedback. Read each other's work, sharpen each other's writing.
2+ hours of unstructured writing time daily.
Open: The Deep Write
Less facilitation, more space for your own work to breathe. Prompts, embodiment, community... and long stretches of silence.
5+ hours of free writing time daily.
Pricing
Early Bird - through November 1, 2026
$200 discount
first come, first choice on rooms
Standard
$2,200 per person
first come, first choice on rooms
Private Casita
$2,500
private room, kitchen, and shower
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
◆ At booking (non-refundable deposit): $500
◆ Second installment | February 20, 2027: balance split
◆ Final balance | May 20, 2027: remaining
Payment accepted via Venmo or Zelle.
Need a different payment plan or method? Just reach out.
Cancellation policies:
◆ Deposit non-refundable
◆ Cancellation within 60 days, 50% of total price refund (minus deposit)
◆ Cancellation within 30 days, no refund
◆ If Ally or the venue need to cancel, full refund including deposit.
To reserve your spot, contact Ally:
◆ email at allysonaaustin@gmail.com
◆ WhatsApp or text at +1 240 344 0287
◆ Instagram DM @_ally_austin_