Costa Rica
Join Us
THE ART OF WRITING
August 21-24, 2025
Playa Azul | Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Escape to the stunning North Pacific shores of Playa Azul, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for The Art of Writing retreat! Led by award-winning author Lisa Clifford, this retreat is your opportunity to nurture your creative soul while surrounded by Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes.
This retreat is perfect for:
Non-fiction and memoir writers
Creative non-fiction writers
Fiction writers of all genres
Travel writers
Journalists or corporate writers seeking to pivot into creative writing
Those who simply love writing and want to explore their creative potential
Whether you're focused on memoir writing or crafting fictional stories, this retreat offers the tools, inspiration, and guidance to bring your unique voice to life on the page. Guided by Lisa’s expert hand, you will dive into the art of storytelling with engaging workshops that explore:
The Essentials of Storytelling
How to Make Your Characters Sing From the Page
How to Add Authenticity to Your Settings and Cultivate a Sense of Place & Atmosphere
How to Tell Your Unique Story and Master the Art of Memoir
The Path to Publishing Your Work - Interview with a New York Literary Agent!
From inspiring classroom sessions and creativity meditations to New York agent meetings and scenic walks immersing you in Costa Rica’s vibrant beauty, every moment is designed to drive you forward on your writing journey and awaken your creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just beginning your journey, this retreat offers the perfect blend of professional guidance, inspiration, and breathtaking scenery.
Let the peaceful rhythm of the ocean and the lush surroundings of Playa Azul spark your creativity and unlock the stories waiting within you!
The Details
Interested in joining us? Book a clarity call below:
The investment
Included in the retreat is the following:
Four days of writing workshops with world renowned author Lisa Clifford
Daily Lunch & Cafesito (coffee and snacks)
Group meeting with an NYC Literary Agent
Creativity Meditation Session with Clinical Hypnotherapist Dana Shalit
Closing Night Dinner, Indigenous Story Telling & Concert (August 24)
Not included:
Flights and transfer to and from the hotel (we can support you in your bookings).
Accommodation, Breakfast, or Dinner (except for on the final night August 24)
Pre post extensions (although we can support you with your bookings).
Additional Spa Services or free time excursions
Turtle Watching Excursion (Playa Azul is near a turtle nesting ground where, every few weeks, turtles nest, and baby turtles hatch. Depending on nature's timing, we may have the opportunity to organize an excursion before workshops one day).
The Investment:
The retreat investment is $1800 USD plus accommodation. Accommodation options are available in the surrounding area or onsite at Hotel Azul for $230 USD per night plus applicable taxes. Ocean view rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.
Ready to join us?
The Facilitators
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Lisa Clifford
Lisa Clifford grew up in Sydney. She moved to Italy when she was sixteen years old and returned to Australia after winning a scholarship to the Australian, Film, Television and Radio School. Following a career in journalism that includes reporting for 2GB, KIIS FM and Channel 10 news, Lisa was associate producer of the Channel 10 Late News.
Throughout her career, she continued to travel to Italy, corresponding for 2UE, the ABC’s Radio National and the Voice of America News Service. Lisa contributes opinion pieces, guides and lifestyle articles on Italy to The Australian, The Australian Financial review, Gourmet Traveler and a range of other international magazines and newspapers. She is the author of Walking Sydney (Pan Macmillan 1998), The Promise - an Italian Romance (Pan Macmillan 2004), Death in the Mountains (Pan Macmillan 2008) and Naples, A Way of Love (Penguin 2013), awarded the Australian Illustrated Book of the Year. Lisa won the 2009 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for writing about Italians with Death in the Mountains. In 2013 Lisa founded The Art of Writing; Tuscan based international writers retreats for emerging and established writers.
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Dana Shalit
As Founder of the Nature of Living Retreats, Dana Shalit is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, spiritual facilitator, and philanthropist with an expert ability to connect others to authentic peace, purpose and power. After running an event production company and charity for over a decade, she became a top sales leader with a global brand, where she excelled as a coach and speaker. Despite reaching that coveted 1%, speaking on stages, and traveling the world, she was grieving, suffering, and feeling utterly disconnected. She set out on a quest for peace and became fascinated by the subconscious mind and the inner workings of our nervous system. With certifications in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Rapid Transformation Therapy, Past Life Regression Therapy, and trauma-informed Somatics, Dana uses conscious coaching and subconscious therapy to curate sessions, workshops, programs and retreats that help others find peace, purpose and prosperity in every area of their lives.