2027 Memoir Retreats in Guatemala

March 7-14, 2027 | Starting at $500

March 13-20 , 027 | Starting at $500

March 19-26 , 027 | Starting at $500

Write by the Lake

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A week of writing, reflection, and renewal in one of the most beautiful places in the world.


The 2027 Write by the Lake Retreat takes place at Joyce’s home and retreat center, Casa Paloma, on the shores of Lake Atitlán—where writers gather to slow down, reconnect, and deepen their work in memoir and personal narrative.

You’ll stay in a serene shared or private room or casita, each with a private bathroom and sweeping views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. Most rooms open onto a balcony or garden, offering space to write, rest, and simply take in the landscape.

The retreat is rooted in the art of memoir, but also in the quiet healing that comes when a small group of thoughtful, adventurous women come together—to share stories, spend time in nature, and listen deeply to one another.

❋ The Writing Process

Participants apply with either a short writing sample (under 1,000 words) or a letter describing the story they hope to tell. Before the retreat, writers may also submit a short personal narrative (up to 2,500 words) to develop during the week. Arriving without a draft is welcome, as long as you’ve shared your intentions in writing.

❋ Guided, Personal Instruction

Joyce offers close, generous attention to each writer—drawing on more than fifty years as a writer and publisher, and decades of teaching. The week includes group writing circles, private one-on-one conferences, daily craft talks, and evening readings by the fire.

❋ A Restorative Setting

Between sessions, there is time to write, walk, rest, swim, and be still. Everything is designed to support creative focus, connection, and a return home with both stronger work and a renewed sense of self.

❋ A Supportive Space

This retreat is designed with care—for the work, and for the people doing it. Writers are welcomed exactly as they are, in an environment grounded in respect, trust, and emotional safety, where honest stories can be told without pressure or performance.

“The knowledge I gained equals an MFA (or two) in creative writing.” - Mary B, Texas

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"Our time together was transformative to finding my voice and story." - Jude S, Maine

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"Write by the Lake gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to write my memoir. - Gina B, Pennsylvania

“The knowledge I gained equals an MFA (or two) in creative writing.” - Mary B, Texas 〰️ "Our time together was transformative to finding my voice and story." - Jude S, Maine 〰️ "Write by the Lake gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to write my memoir. - Gina B, Pennsylvania

Two women hugging on a wooden pier by the water with boats docked nearby, under a cloudy sky.
Group of 16 women and one man posing together outdoors in a lush garden with green plants and trees, some standing and others sitting on rocks.
A wooden pier extends into a body of water with a boat nearby, set against a large mountain landscape at sunset or sunrise.
An older woman and a young girl sitting on a terrace overlooking a body of water, holding hands and smiling at the camera.
Two women jumping into the lake with mountains and blue sky in the background.
View through open door and window showing a lake with mountains in the background, trees, and outdoor patio furniture.
Person practicing yoga on a wooden platform with a mountain and lake in the background, under a roofed structure with trees on the sides.
Several plates of food, possibly Mexican tacos, with shredded meat, onions, and lemon wedges, are arranged on a kitchen counter. Behind the counter are bottles of wine and liquor, and various kitchen items.
A scenic view of a volcano near a body of water at sunset, framed with lush green trees.
Days 1–2

A Gentle Arrival

The retreat begins with an easy landing and a gradual transition into the week ahead. From the moment you arrive, details are handled so you can slow down, get oriented, and begin connecting with the group.


Arrival in Guatemala City

Your journey begins in Guatemala City, where a car will be waiting to bring you to the small, beautiful, historic city of Antigua.


Evening in Antigua

There, you’ll meet your fellow writers over drinks and a celebratory dinner, and settle into a boutique hotel for the night. A member of the Casa Paloma team will be there to greet you, answer questions, and help you ease into the rhythm of the week ahead.


Exploration Time

The following morning is yours. Antigua is easy, walkable, and inviting—perfect for wandering cobblestone streets, visiting markets, or simply resting.


Journey to Lake Atitlán

Shortly after noon, the group travels together by shuttle, winding over the mountains toward Lake Atitlán. When you arrive at the water, a boat will be waiting to carry you across the lake to Joyce’s dock.


Welcome at Casa Paloma

Joyce will be there to welcome you—margaritas in hand (with or without alcohol)—as you step onto Casa Paloma and begin the retreat.


Outdoor dining area with a long table set with colorful plates and glasses, under a wooden and corrugated metal roof, overlooking a lake with lush greenery and mountains in the background.
Days 3–7

The Week at Casa Paloma

Life at Casa Paloma unfolds slowly and with intention. Each day balances structure and spaciousness, supporting deep creative work alongside rest, reflection, and connection—always with room to follow your own pace.


Morning Rituals

Each morning begins quietly. The sauna is warm, the lake inviting—offering time for swimming, kayaking, or simply sitting with the light as the day begins.


Movement & Presence

Optional yoga on the deck invites you to move gently, breathe deeply, and arrive fully—grounded by the lake, the mountains, and the rhythm of your own body.


Shared Meals

Meals are a central part of the week. Breakfasts in the garden begin with grounding rituals and shared presence, followed by nourishing lunches and dinners that bring the group together around the table.


Writing & Conferences

The heart of the retreat. Days include private one-on-one conferences with Joyce, group writing sessions, and long stretches of personal writing time—supported, focused, and unhurried.


Optional Excursions

For those who wish, the week offers opportunities to explore beyond Casa Paloma: sunrise hikes overlooking volcanoes, ceremonies, artist studios, weaving collectives, and moments of discovery rooted in local culture.


Evening Gatherings

As the day winds down, evenings gather around the fire for readings, conversation, and quiet connection—time to listen, reflect, and rest into the night together.


Outdoor wooden deck with yoga mats, surrounded by green plants and trees, overlooking a lake and mountains under a blue sky.
Day 8 

Wrap Up

The final morning is simple and well cared for. Before dawn, your packed and labeled bags are transported from your room to the dock. A boat carries you across the lake to Panajachel, where a shuttle continues on to the airport. Coffee, tea, fruit, and bread are provided for the journey—an easy, quiet close to the week.


What You Carry With You

You leave with more than pages. There is greater clarity in your work, renewed confidence in your voice, and a deeper sense of direction in the story you’re telling. You carry new friendships, shared memories, and the feeling of having been truly seen and supported—along with the calm, steady knowing that comes from time well spent.


Whats Included

  • One night stay in lovely boutique hotel in Antigua and dinner

  • Wi-Fi and airport transportation

  • Yoga on the platform with professional instruction

  • One private professional one-hour lakeside massage

  • Workshopping sessions, roughly 30 minutes each with a break for snack. Joyce will be addressing each writer’s work in two separate sessions.

  • Craft talk with Joyce with appetizers and drinks for those who choose.

  • Three healthy and extraordinary meals a day prepared fresh and served by our private chef, Rosa Navichoc Chac - vegetarian/gluten/dairy free options are available

  • Healthy homemade snacks, coffee, tea, and filtered water are available to all guests throughout the duration of your stay

  • Evening readings of your writing

  • Daily sauna access

  • Swimming and water activities including paddle boards and kayaks

Accommodations

Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Before making your final decision, please carefully read the room description and click through the gallery of pictures. You want to be aware of each room's unique features.

Houses and villas on a hillside by a lake surrounded by lush green trees and mountain scenery under cloudy sky.
Map of Casa Paloma Attilan resort showing various buildings, gardens, swimming areas, docks, and activity zones, with labels for entry, employee entry, roads, and directions to nearby locations.

Apply for the Retreat

Questions? Email Gina — writewithjoycemaynard@gmail.com

What People Are Saying

  • “Those days with Joyce in Guatemala to dig into my story and to explore the structure of a memoir changed me as a person and a writer. The knowledge I gained equals an MFA (or two) in creative writing.”

    Mary B, Texas

  • “Each unique feature of this workshop, taken alone, is worth going back for: the creative boost to your writing, the truly divine food, and Joyce Maynard, who you really must see in action to believe.”

    Elizabeth H, Florida

  • “Great Writers who are great teachers are rare. Joyce possesses the talent to do both.”

    Priscilla B, New Hampshire

  • “When you think you’re not ready is the best time to attend a workshop offered by Joyce Maynard. Our time together was transformative to finding my voice and story.”

    — Jude S, Maine

  • “Write by the Lake gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to write my memoir. The setting alone is magical and transformative - but when combined with the teaching and support from other writers, the experience is truly life-changing.”

    — Gina B, Pennsylvania

FAQs

  • While you don’t need to be an athlete, the week does require a lot of walking. The first night and day in Antigua requires walking on flat cobblestone roads. Tuk Tuks (small motorized vehicles) are available for hire. The trip to Casa Paloma requires stepping into a small boat to travel to the property. Once you’ve arrived at Casa Paloma, you will need to step up out of the boat onto the dock (Joyce’s staff is there to assist). Casa Paloma is built on the side of a hill so there are steps to take you from one casita to another, from your casita to dinner, down stone steps to the massage, up steps to yoga, etc. On excursions to neighboring lake villages, there may be uneven walkways and sloped roads. There are Tuk Tuks available to hire by the lake as well. As a participant of Joyce’s retreats, expect to be walking and climbing stairs every day.

  • As of now, Guatemala is NOT requiring proof of a negative Covid test taken 3 days before departure, or proof of vaccination. In the interest of transparency, not everyone in the local Mayan indigenous community who is working at Casa Paloma has chosen to receive the vaccination. That being said, in our two years of hosting groups post-Covid, there has never been an issue.  

  • You will need a passport to enter Guatemala. If your passport is within six months of expiration, please renew it before you leave for Guatemala or you may encounter problems. We do recommend that you bring a photocopy of the first page of your passport and keep it separate from the passport itself. You do not need any special vaccinations to enter the country, although it is always wise to be up to date on tetanus, hepatitis, and rabies vaccinations when traveling to less-developed countries.

  • Retreat participants are responsible for booking their flights. Direct flights to Guatemala City are available from Miami, Newark, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. For those flying to Guatemala from other cities, a change of planes will be required. Book your flights early because sometimes they sell out or get expensive the closer you get to your departure date.

    In-country transportation to the lake, shuttles to and from the airport, and boat rides while at the lake are included.

  • Please make sure that your flight will arrive in Guatemala City no later than 4 p.m. to make it on time to dinner in Antigua. When booking your departing flight, only book something that leaves after 12:30 p.m. on the date of your departure. You will need time to travel from Lake Atitlan back to Guatemala City that morning.

  • Full refund (minus $500 admin fee) if cancellation is 8 weeks prior to retreat start date. 50% refund if cancellation is 6 weeks prior to the retreat start date. No Refund if cancellation is after 6 weeks prior to the retreat start date. You can purchase private travel insurance to reimburse you should you need to cancel after six weeks. We have had good experiences with the following travel insurance company:

    Happy Extraordinary Travels
    Bettye H. Ridley
    Travel Insurance Advisor

    Direct Phone: 1 - 888 - 474 - 0387
    Office Hours: 9:15 AM - 5:30 PM EST (M - F )

    Email: bettye@travelinsurance.com
    Website: www.travelinsurance.com
    Reviews: www.trustpilot.com/review/travelinsurance.com

  • There will be a bank at the Guatemala City airport when you arrive that offers a standard exchange rate on your American dollars. (Currently around 8 Quetzales to the dollar.) If your flight arrives late at night, you can use an ATM at the airport. There are no ATMs or banks in San Marcos, so I encourage you to get the money you need in Antigua. If you find yourself needing additional cash over the week, you can make a quick trip to the village of San Pedro, or take the boat to Panajachel. If you bring Traveler checks, they should be American Express only. Credit cards are not accepted in the village of San Marcos.

  • Lake Atitlan is not in the tropics. There is no Malaria. One of the many great things about the region of Lake Atitlan is that there are almost no bugs. An occasional scorpion has been spotted, but they are not lethal if you are stung by one. There are harmless spiders and at night the trees and the sky sparkle with fireflies. The weather at Lake Atitlan in February and March is typically sunny skies with temperatures in the 70s by day, cooling down to the 50s at night. in the mornings and a little cooler at night. Please bring a sweater or shawl for evenings outdoors under the palapa.

  • Yes, by all means, bring your laptop. Instead of carrying around a computer bag, you should use a simple backpack. The electrical current is the same as back in the U.S.

  • There is a doctor and a small hospital run by Americans in Santiago, about 45 minutes away. San Marcos is a very health-conscious town, but the orientation in the village leans toward preventive medicine and alternative healing. There is a doctor in a nearby village, and the Clinica Naturista in the village is led by an American nurse, but the nearest hospital that I would want to go to would be in Antigua. Several people with health problems have joined our retreats over the years. We kindly ask that you let us know about any health issues you have so we can help accommodate them.

  • There is a good internet connection at Casa Paloma. The best way to communicate with loved ones in the U.S. is on WhatsApp, which uses wifi for free messaging and calls. Family can use WhatsApp to makcallu or Manu (Casa Paloma retreat manager) for no freet is also the way to communicate with your retreat group and Gina, Megan, Manu, or Martha (travel coordinator in Guatemala) before and during the trip. The airport wifi is not always dependable. To troubleshoot this, it is recommended you bring a prepaid calling card. It can be costly to make international calls otherwise.

  • Tuition to the workshop is all-inclusive, with the following exceptions:

    ● Tips for helpers

    ● Healing Work: You should know that the village of San Marcos offers a vast range of alternative healing and massage practitioners. A ninety-minute massage will cost $30-35.

    Most other treatments are similarly priced.

    ● Phone: around a dollar a minute without your cell phone.

    ● Shopping budget: Your costs there can go from $4 for a pound of freshly picked and roasted local coffee or chocolate, to a couple hundred dollars if you want to fill your suitcase with textiles.

  • ● Soap and Shampoo

    ● Towels for shower and swimming

    ● Laundry service

    Please note: there are no hair dryers in the rooms.

  • When you tell your friends you’re coming to Guatemala, many may express concern that it’s a dangerous country. If you visit the U.S. State Department website you will see that Guatemala is still one of the countries with a travel advisory in place.

    Guatemala earned its “dangerous” reputation during the 30 years of brutal internal war. In the years since the 1996 signing of the Peace Accords, the country has struggled with corrupt leaders, as many countries do. As with most cities, there are parts of Guatemala City that are unsafe. There have also been robberies on the highways and back roads around the countryside, but you will not be taking these roads at night.

    The vast majority of the Mayan people in the village are peaceful, friendly, and trustworthy. They are the kind of people who would return a hundred quetzal notes they found in the pocket of your jeans when doing your laundry (as has happened to me). When traveling anywhere outside your country, be mindful not to flaunt expensive jewelry or cameras. It is recommended that women attending the workshop carry a backpack or a shoulder bag (there are beautiful ones for sale in Guatemala). We have never had a retreat attendee be a victim of physical violence.

  • A part of the proceeds from the retreat always goes to worthwhile projects and groups in the villages of San Marcos La Laguna and Santiago. Your attendance at a retreat or workshop in Guatemala provides the best kind of help to the Mayan indigenous community: bringing jobs and tourism to an area that has experienced hardship over the years. Let us know if you are interested in any volunteer projects around the village and we can help facilitate that.

    Poverty in Guatemala: Families in Guatemala do not go hungry, but in the villages, there is very little in the way of material possessions and comforts. While this may be difficult for Americans to see or understand, please know that a lack of money and possessions does not have any bearing on their happiness and ability to have fun. Guatemalan kids don’t have toys, but they tenderly care for babies and old people, and have a deep connection to earth. Little boys in the village roll hoops and catch fish at dawn. Girls help their mothers make fresh tortillas. One thing hardly ever hear in this community is the sound of a crying infant or child.

    One thing we always ask of participants at my retreats and workshops which does not have to involve any expense: If you are not using your full two-suitcase luggage allotment, it would be much appreciated if you could bring with you a bag of used clothing, particularly sneakers for kids. Some students bring down one or two pairs; others collect them from friends or buy up a pile of shoes at the Goodwill and come with ten pairs or more.

    Every year we have a giant shoe giveaway in town. One of the great things about living in this little village is that it’s a small enough place for your actions to make a difference. So, the month after the workshop, it’s easy for me to spot the effect of your time here. Children whose toes used to be sticking out of their sneakers can be seen jumping around in used but still-good Nikes. For a child here, shoes are among the few possessions that matter.