The Manuscript Academy's
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​2026 Writing Retreat​​
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​March 15 - 20, 2026, in Mexico's Riviera Maya

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Further your craft at this serene retreat on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This exclusive experience (only 16 spots!) will give you the spaciousness, beauty, and warmth to dive deep into your writing.

Join us for five nights at El Dorado Seaside Palms. This all-inclusive resort has a charming tropical ambience with lush gardens, traditional Mexican decor, and a beautiful beach. The serene, relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a writing retreat. 

Why should you attend this writing retreat?
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Consider this a gift to your writing practice. You'll get the time and space to write, think, reflect, collaborate, and learn alongside other creatives. Write pages by one of the pools, talk about plot details with your fellow writers at a beachside bar, or reflect on your work while strolling along the shore. This retreat will be a relaxing escape where you can immerse yourself in your writing, bond with your fellow writers, and create lifelong memories.

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How did this partnership come about?
Literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer and conference organizer, media professional, and writer Julie Kingsley are the creators of the Manuscript Academy. Liz Holden is the co-founder of Leaping Hound Travel. But Liz also writes fiction, and she got to know Julie and Jessica as a member of Manuscript Academy and a guest on their podcast. This collaboration was a perfect fit!

Manuscript Academy membership is not required to attend the retreat! (But members save $150!)

The Manuscript Academy's 2026 Writing Retreat Package: 

Included: 

• 5 nights at El Dorado Seaside Palms in Premium Junior Suites​
• ALL food and drinks (all-inclusive resort package)
• Round-trip private transfer from Cancun Airport 
• Travel protection through Arch Insurance Company
• A one-on-one meeting with Jessica or Julie of Manuscript Academy to discuss your work in detail
• Group gatherings with Julie, Jessica, and your fellow writers to workshop, brainstorm, socialize, and bond​
• Lots of indoor and outdoor spaces to write, write, write! (Spaces both quiet and private, and convivial for collaboration!)​
• Guidance, advice, and support from Liz and Adam of Leaping Hound Travel, before and during the retreat (when we say to hit us up with questions any time, we mean it!)
• A bonus excursion! If you'd like, choose to go on an included (no extra cost!) catamaran ride & snorkel experience, or cenote & underground cave expedition

Not Included: 

• Airfare to/from Cancun ​​
• Incidental expenses​​

Price information, shared room: 
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Early-Bird Price (apply by November 22, 2025):
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot: $395
​Remaining balance due January 3, 2026: $3930

Standard Price (apply between November 23, 2025, and December 20, 2025):
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot: $395
Remaining balance due January 3, 2026: $4630

Price information, single room:

Early-Bird Price (apply by November 22, 2025):
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot: $395
​Remaining balance due January 3, 2026: $4530

Standard Price (apply between November 23, 2025, and December 20, 2025):
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot: $395
Remaining balance due January 3, 2026: $5230

Manuscript Academy members save $150!
​(deducted from January 3 payment)

Cancellation Policy

• ​Your $395 deposit is non-refundable.
• If you choose to make additional payments before January 3, those are refundable through January 3, 2026. 
• If you need to cancel after January 3, 2026, your included travel insurance includes partial "cancel for any reason" coverage, up to $1400. You can also purchase additional travel insurance independently from a third party, for full coverage (we are happy to provide a quote--cost varies based on age, home state, and desired benefits). 

Also note that a minimum number of 13 attendees is required. If this minimum is not reached by the December 20 application date, all applicants will be refunded in full. 

Apply Now!

• The retreat spots are not meant to be super competitive; the application process is in place simply to make sure that the people going are interested in writing and have goals that make the retreat a good fit for them.
• After applying, you'll be informed of your acceptance within 48 hours, and will then have an additional 48 hours to put down your deposit and secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help me book my flights?

Absolutely! Whether you'd like to run your itinerary by us before you book it, or have us suggest a flight itinerary for you, we're happy to help!

I'd like to arrive a couple of days early, before the trip begins. Is that possible?

If the resort has availability, we can certainly arrange this! Just email us ([email protected]) to inquire about availability.

I would like to bring my partner along, too, who is not interested in attending the retreat. Can we make that happen?

Certainly! We can arrange for your significant other to tag along for a reduced price, while you attend a retreat. Just email us ([email protected]) to get more info. 

Vegan? Gluten free? Halal? Kosher? If you have any special dietary needs, just let us know--we'll be happy to help you research your options for your meals!

Questions about accessibility? Though there is a fair amount of optional walking (around the grounds of the resort, on the beach, etc.), it is not required, and we are happy to work with you in advance and discuss the possibility of alternate arrangements if you need them.

Need more time in Mexico? Want to extend your stay?  If you are interested in adding days to your trip on either end, we would be happy to arrange and book things for you, for no additional service fee.