You work all year round for your clients because you really love what you do and care about each event you work on. Yet, you find yourself feeling tired and drained by the end of your event season. January rolls arounds and you realize you never booked anything for yourself. This is where we come in.

This seven-night trip to Guatemala--one night at a luxury boutique hotel in the lovely Spanish colonial city of Antigua, followed by six nights at Joyce’s home on the lake. Think of this as a time to explore a fascinating culture, relax in a hammock, get a massage or swim under a volcano, share great meals in a location of incomparable beauty, and every evening, or early morning, over coffee--engage in lively conversation (about writing, books, and more) with your hostess, Joyce. This is not a memoir writing retreat.

This memoir-writing workshop promises to deliver not only guidance in the art and craft of writing memoir, but also the healing to be found when a rare group of strong, adventuresome women come together to reconnect with nature and share the stories of their lives.

This seven-night trip to Guatemala--one night at a luxury boutique hotel in the lovely Spanish colonial city of Antigua, followed by six nights at Joyce’s home on the lake. Think of this as a time to explore a fascinating culture, relax in a hammock, get a massage or swim under a volcano, share great meals in a location of incomparable beauty, and every evening, or early morning, over coffee--engage in lively conversation (about writing, books, and more) with your hostess, Joyce. This is not a memoir writing retreat.

This memoir-writing workshop promises to deliver not only guidance in the art and craft of writing memoir, but also the healing to be found when a rare group of strong, adventuresome women come together to reconnect with nature and share the stories of their lives.

This memoir-writing workshop promises to deliver not only guidance in the art and craft of writing memoir, but also the healing to be found when a rare group of strong, adventuresome women come together to reconnect with nature and share the stories of their lives.

*The Writers’ Intensive will follow the same general format of Write By the Lake, with less group workshopping and more designated private writing time to focus on your work. Joyce will be available throughout the week for guidance and one-on-one discussion.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER: A weeklong immersion in Spanish study at any level—beginner to intermediate and beyond—one on one and in groups, with professional local teachers, along with daily excursions, yoga, swimming, quetzal-hike, shaman and more. ALL IN SPANISH. This will be a transformational Spanish immersion experience for all levels.

Come Explore with Us, April 10-18, 2025 in Guatemala! Join Heather Hogoboom & Melissa Winter on a guided trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlán.

This retreat includes 2 nights hotel accommodations in Antigua, 6 nights at the private Casa Paloma retreat center on Lake Atitlàn, plus meals and all transfers. Activities included in this all-inclusive experience: daily yoga, visits to historical sites, hiking opportunities, taking part in cultural ceremonies, exploring local villages, and nourishing your body & soul with chef prepared meals, rest and relaxation.