Write From Anywhere: Mexico City

June 2 – June 9, 2024

If you're a hard-working scholar seeking a dedicated space to write but also eager to enjoy the beauty in the world, then join us in the inspirational and captivating heart of Mexico City for a productive, transformative, and unforgettable writing retreat!

The Experience of a Lifetime

An Academic's Oasis in Coyoacán's Colonial Abode

Nestled within the tranquil embrace of a colonial-style house, Write From Anywhere: Mexico City beckons to scholars eager to embark on a journey of exploration without sacrificing productivity.

Experience the historic charm of Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s oldest and most charming colonias.

Within the quiet alcoves of our retreat space, you’ll discover the perfect environment to focus on your writing. The days unfold with opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Coyoacán, sampling its rich cuisine and engaging with its local artistic scene, all while knowing that your writing goals remain firmly within reach.

As you mingle with fellow scholars, exchanging ideas and insights, you’ll be struck by the sense of camaraderie that blossoms in this stimulating setting. Here, in Coyoacán’s embrace, you’ll not only find inspiration but also the support and motivation needed to propel your scholarly pursuits to new heights.

Can you imagine...

…being immersed in Mexican culture, amongst like-minded scholars, achieving your writing goals and enjoying the finer things in life?

For scholars, the thirst for knowledge and the quest for productivity often comes at a price. The relentless demands of academia can lead to burnout, isolation, and a stifling of inspiration. Our writing retreat in Coyoacán offers not just a sanctuary for intellectual exploration but also addresses the struggles that many scholars experience.

Tell me, is this you?

If any of this resonates, this retreat is designed for you.

Balance Your Work and Wanderlust in Coyoacán!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Welcome To Coyoacán

Nestled within the bustling embrace of Mexico City, Coyoacán promises to ignite inspiration and productivity.

Wander the same streets as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and many other artists and be inspired by the same bright colors and historic charm. Right outside the door.

You’ll shed the burdens of everyday life, embracing the freedom to explore your inner landscape. Crack open your laptop, and with each stroke you capture the essence of this enchanting place.

You’ll be amazed by the ideal layout of our finca. Each of the five private bedrooms has its own workspace, television, and private bathroom. Our kitchen — complete with a private chef who will provide us with breakfast and lunch each writing day — opens up to a spacious dining room and living room.

Enjoy meals, writing, or solo time out on the patio – reading in a hammock or soaking in the sun in a lounge chair during a siesta.

Welcome To Coyoacán!

Coyoacán is a neighborhood steeped in history, its name echoing through the centuries from its pre-Hispanic origins. Meaning “Place of the Coyotes” in the Nahuatl language, Coyoacán was a jewel on the shores of the shimmering Lake Texcoco, where the vibrant culture of the Aztec civilization thrived.

In the early 16th century, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, spearheaded by Hernán Cortés, transformed Coyoacán into one of Mexico’s first colonial settlements. The colonial legacy endures in the elegant architecture, the cobbled streets that wind like ancient secrets, and the iconic Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, a blend of indigenous and European influences.

Throughout its storied past, Coyoacán has been a cradle of creativity and culture. It became the beloved home of legendary artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. This neighborhood’s captivating history intertwines with its artistic spirit, creating a living canvas where writers, poets, and intellectuals still gather today, making Coyoacán an eternal symbol of Mexico’s cultural tapestry.

Unlock Inspiration in Coyoacán's Charm!

The Food

ALL THE TACOS YOU WANT

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through Coyoacán’s vibrant food scene. Here, the flavors are a symphony of tradition, color, and aroma that will leave you craving for more.

Dive into the vibrant Mercado de Coyoacán, where colorful stalls burst with a kaleidoscope of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Here, you can sample regional delicacies like esquites (corn kernels with toppings), tacos, and salsas that explode with zest. Don’t miss tlayudas, crispy tortillas topped with smoky black bean paste, grilled meats, and fresh avocado, bursting with savory sensations.

Your taste buds will be in for a treat with enchiladas drenched in velvety mole sauce. Mole, a complex blend of chili peppers, chocolate, spices, and more, creates a savory, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive symphony on your palate.

And if you’re not ready to stop there, Coyoacán’s streets are lined with tempting street food vendors and mercados offering everything from crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar to sweet elotes (corn on the cob) slathered in creamy mayo, cheese, and chili powder.

The food scene here is a delightful maze of colors, textures, and aromas, ensuring that every meal is an adventure for your taste buds.

Savor Scholarly Success and Local Flavors!

The Schedule

What the Journey Entails

Sunday: Arrival

Arrive in Coyoacán in the afternoon and settle in. Join the group for a welcome dinner in the evening. We’ll learn about each other’s research and writing goals, and set our own intentions as we lead into a hyper focused and hyper fun week of productivity and exploration.

M/Tu/W/F: We Write!

730 – 830am: breakfast

830am – 12pm: writing time; workshops

12 – 1pm: lunch

1 – 4:30pm: writing time; workshops

5 – 6pm: happy hour; debrief; workshops

6 – 10pm: dinner + evening activity

Thurs: Write & Play

830am – 12pm: writing time

12pm – 1pm: lunch

Afternoon: excursion

Evening: dinner + evening activity

Sat: Excursion Day

Today, we #treatourselves!

A full day of active excursions, amazing food, and full-on cultural immersion will be the cherry on top a hard-earned week of writing.

Sunday: Departure

Join the group for a pre-departure brunch, reflection, and debrief.

We’ll talk about how you can keep that same energy with your writing when you return home, or on your own Write From Anywhere solo retreat.

Make Your Writing and Travel Dreams a Reality!

What's Included

Here are some of the included treats that are waiting for you…

A marvelous, colonial-style home in the heart of historic Coyoacán for 8 days/7 nights
Accommodations that include a private queen or king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, a dedicated workspace in your room, television, linens, and tranquility
Traditional, homemade Mexican meals made fresh daily – a welcome dinner, a goodbye brunch, five scrumptious breakfasts, and five luscious lunches during our writing week – plus tea, coffee and filtered water at any time of the day
One-to-one academic and public writing coaching
Daily workshops that will help spark your creativity, personally and professionally, such as public communication, project management, cooking, and painting.
An introductory and informative pre-trip planning call
A packing and preparation guide for you to refer to as you prepare for your journey to Coyoacán
Reservations to some of the top dining experiences in the world (costs not included)
Excursions and activities that will immerse you into Mexican culture and celebrate your an adventurous spirit

What's Not Included

These are some of the not-included things you cover yourself…

Flights

You’ll fly into the Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City (MEX), arriving mid-day on Sunday, June 2 (in time for our welcome dinner) and departing mid-day on Sunday, June 9, 2024 (after our farewell brunch).

If you’re adventurous and have some time, Mexico City and the surrounding area are well worth a few days’ visit. We’ll be happy to help you plan an extended stay for your added enjoyment.

Work Smarter, Explore Wider!

Meet Your Host

Meet Your Host, Alicia!

I’m Alicia Cintron, PhD, your retreat host! I’m a former academic, current entrepreneur and digital nomad.

I designed this retreat to help my fellow scholars meet your professional and personal needs – the need to write and the need to be out in the world! As a ICF Certified Travel Coach, my goal with Write from Anywhere: Mexico City is to help you reach peak productivity while living your best life.

But not only can I support you in carving out a space to write, I can help you with your writing and communication strategy if you seek to make a bigger impact with your research.

I am looking forward to hosting you!

Elevate Your Academic Journey in Coyoacán!

FAQ

What is the cost of the retreat, and what does it include? Are there payment plans or discounts available?

The cost is $4,085, which includes: a private bedroom and en-suite bathroom for 7-nights, most meals, water, tea, and coffee, excursions, workshops and creative classes. We offer payment plans. There is also an early bird discount, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to access the discount. There also may be an opportunity to reduce costs with room sharing.

Who will be at this retreat?

The writing retreat is intimate, with no more than five scholars (plus me!). Scholars are goal-oriented, focused on meeting their writing goals while also exploring a new city. Scholars may include professors, independent researchers, knowledge-producing entrepreneurs, research lab leaders, or from adjacent knowledge production fields such as think tanks. The vetting process will be exhausted to the best of the hosts’ abilities.

Can you accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, our chef can cater to a variety of dietary needs. Please inform us of your preferences and restrictions in advance so that we can ensure your culinary satisfaction. Additionally, Mexican cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives to its most cherished meals.

What is the retreat's cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the timing of your cancellation. But the deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions. Please refer to our terms and conditions for specific details.

Is the retreat location accessible, and do you accommodate special needs or requests?

We strive to make the retreat as accessible as possible and can make accommodations for attendees with special needs. Please let us know your specific requirements in advance.

How is internet access at the retreat, and are there quiet, productive workspaces available?

We provide reliable internet access. Additionally, there are dedicated workspaces to ensure a conducive environment for research and writing. There will be communal writing spaces as well as writing coves located in your private bedroom. It should be stated, though, Mexico City is a vibrant and active city, and from time to time, neighborhoods may be filled with the sounds of street vendors.

How do I get to Coyoacán, and are there any visa requirements?

Attendees are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from Coyoacán. We can provide guidance on reaching Coyoacán from the airport. Visa requirements depend on your nationality; please check with your local embassy.

I’ve never traveled to Mexico. How will you support me?

No te preocupes! Don’t worry! We will host a pre-planning call where we will discuss logistics, expectations, preparation, and a few Spanish words to help you get by. You will also receive planning and packing guides so you can travel in ease. The retreat host will also be available to answer questions before, during, and after the trip!

Are there opportunities for cultural outings or visits to historical sites in Coyoacán and Mexico City?

We would not be doing our jobs if there weren’t excursions, experiences, and cultural immersion! There will be loads of group outings and excursions to immerse attendees in the local culture and history of Coyoacán and Mexico City, offering a well-rounded experience. Museums, hot air balloon rides, lucha libre, cooking classes, and walking tours are just a few of the activities we have planned😊

What safety and health measures are in place, especially given the current global situation?

We prioritize the safety and health of our attendees. We have implemented appropriate health protocols and contingency plans in line with local guidelines. Our accommodations have security measures in place, and our chef will go above and beyond health standards to ensure your meals and beverages are above standards. Be sure to check with your government’s travel recommendations before deciding to attend the retreat.

Is it safe to travel to Coyoacán?

Yes, Coyocán is safe. That being said, we’ll also give you some common-sense guidelines to follow, just as you would traveling anywhere else in the world.

We will give you all the information you need during our pre-trip planning call – such as bringing a refillable water bottle for filtered water, using a waist pack, and leaving your valuables at home.

Can I stay longer?

Not only can you stay longer, YOU SHOULD STAY LONGER! Greater Mexico City is a city of 22 million people, meaning there is a LOT to see, do, and explore. I can help you plan your extended stay by offering loads of dining, accommodation, and excursion options (additional fee may apply). I am also happy to help you plan trips to other parts of the country. Invite your partners, friends, or family to join you after the retreat for an adventure like no other.

What Type Of Workshops Are included?

We will host a number of different workshops that will inspire your writing and will also spark creativity. There will be a workshop on public research communications (or SciComm) and project management and efficiency to help improve your processes. We will also host creative workshops including cooking, painting, and breathwork .