Before we begin with our planned activities, a note applicable to the entire trip:
Each day of this itinerary lists organized activities, group meals, and the like, but keep in mind that your writing retreat remains, fundamentally, your retreat! If you choose to skip any of the activities we've listed below, that is entirely your prerogative, and we will not take offense.
To be sure, we'd love to have you join us for all of these activities, and you are absolutely welcome to do so, of course, but we fully understand that not every single activity is necessarily of acute interest to every single person, so feel free to make the retreat your own!
If it helps to think of it this way, consider pretty much every item on this itinerary as optional for you, based on what will result in you having the best and most enjoyable experience possible! :-)
Departure day!
Woohoo! It's time to depart the U.S. and head to Mexico! Remember that you can review departure logistics and other important information on our Writing Retreat Guest Portal.
Above all, remember to bring your passport!
Departure
Shuttle from the airport to the hotel
Once your plane has arrived at Cancun Airport and you have cleared customs, retrieved your luggage, etc., remember that your private shuttle to the resort can be found OUTSIDE the airport -- find the Nexus Tours staff.
Keep in mind that as soon as you leave the secure baggage area, you'll be in a hallway full of people trying to sell you transfers and timeshares. Just keep walking and ignore everyone inside the building. THESE ARE NOT YOUR PEOPLE! YOUR PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE! (Click to enlarge the image below of the route you'll take to reach your shuttle.)
Once outside, you'll see a number of transit companies. Look for Nexus Tours, in their signature orange shirts and straw hats (click to enlarge the image below of Nexus staff). You'll check in with the Nexus folks, and they'll call your driver. There may be a short wait, depending on how many other people are arriving at the same time. Once you are en route, the ride from Cancun Airport to Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort is typically just over an hour.
Arriving at the resort before 3:00 p.m.?
Check-in time at Catalonia Royal Tulum is 3:00 p.m. If you arrive prior to this time and your room is not yet ready, no worries -- resort staff can store your luggage for you, and you can begin exploring the resort! Be aware, however, that depending on just how early you arrive, you may not be able to immediately enjoy the resort's all-inclusive services (such as having a drink or a meal at the on-site restaurants).
Check in at Catalonia Royal Tulum
Privileged Deluxe Room
Along the Caribbean coastline. the resort is surrounded by native jungle trees, local plants, mangroves, and cenotes - water springs where a diverse variety of flora and fauna can be found in an unspoiled habitat.
Your "Privileged Deluxe" room features a balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar, coffeemaker, bathrobes, and more!
Join us in the "Chillout Area" adjacent to the resort's outdoor pool for a private welcome reception from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Enjoy some drinks and snacks while getting to know your fellow writers!
MondayMar 11
Various times: Your One-on-One Meeting with Julie or Jessica
Dear Writers,
As the days squirrel away, we’re getting ever closer to our retreat in Mexico. We can’t wait to meet you! It’s special to bring writers together and we anticipate a great blooming of creative thought and true connection. But we also want time for personal growth, especially around your publishing journey.
With a small group of this sort, we’d love to offer you plenty of one-on-one time with both of us. Jessica will lead the charge on not only your specific publishing questions but also helping get work submission ready. Julie, after twenty-five years of teaching experience, can often help figure out best strategies to allow your story to shine. As a team, we’ll do the best we can to help you meet your dreams.
You can arrange a time to meet with us once we are together at the retreat; no need to do advance sign-ups with a group of this size.
We’re so looking forward,
Julie & Jessica
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. -- Beach Brainstorm
Having trouble figuring out that pivotal plot point? Struggling to develop a strategy for your writing practice? Or, do you want to help others who are? Find inspiration as you soak up the beautiful beaches of Xpu Há!
If you're interested in taking part, meet outside the resort's BLoved restaurant, right on the beach, for some time to brainstorm and talk through ideas with your fellow writers! We will be there to be sure you find your people, whether you prefer to chat with others on a lovely seaside stroll on the beach, or to gather some beach chairs to sit and talk while enjoying some refreshments.
5:30 p.m. -- Pre-Dinner Drink at the Margarita Bar
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Margarita Bar (the bar in the lobby) for a pre-dinner drink! The bar is right next to Adelita, where we have a group dinner reservation at 6:00 p.m.!
6:00 p.m. -- Dinner at Adelita
Meet us at the resort's Adelita restaurant, specializing in authentic Mexican fare, where we have a table reserved for a group dinner! Continue to get to know your fellow writers while exchanging ideas and insights about your writing!
TuesdayMar 12
11:00 a.m. -- Small Group Activities
For today's activities, you will be divided approximately in half, by age group of your intended audience. Those of you who primarily write YA, MG, and younger will be in Group A, and those of you who primarily write for adults will be in Group B.*
Each smaller group will then join either Julie or Jessica today, as indicated below. Then, tomorrow, the groups will switch.
We will meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there the separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
*We know some of you write both, and you'll be allowed to self-select for which group you'd like to join.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Read, Share, Discuss with Julie (Group B)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Today, those in Group B (those who write for adults) will be led by Julie in a group reading. You can read a page of your own work, receive feedback from others, and provide your own thoughts on the pages of your fellow writers!
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Writing Talk with Jessica (Group A)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Group A (those who write for children and teens) will meet with Jessica today for some discussion and writing exercises.
3:00-4:00 p.m. -- Writing Circle
Do you find it easier to write in an atmosphere of casual sociability? Feel free to meet us in the resort's lobby to sit and work side-by-side on your query, your manuscript, or whatever you choose! No pressure, and no rules!
WednesdayMar 13
11:00 a.m. -- Small Group Activities
For today's activities, you will be divided approximately in half, by age group of your intended audience. Those of you who primarily write YA, MG, and younger will be in Group A, and those of you who primarily write for adults will be in Group B.*
Each smaller group will then join either Julie or Jessica today, as indicated below, to do the activity you didn't do yesterday.
We will meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there the separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
*We know some of you write both, and you'll be allowed to self-select for which group you'd like to join.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Read, Share, Discuss with Julie (Group A)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Today, those in Group A (those who write for children and teens) will be led by Julie in a group reading. You can read a page of your own work, receive feedback from others, and provide your own thoughts on the pages of your fellow writers!
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Writing Talk with Jessica (Group B)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Group B (those who write for adults) will meet with Jessica today for some discussion and writing exercises.
3:00-5:00 p.m. -- Happy Hour at the Terrace
Join us at the resort's Terrace Tapas Lounge and Bar for snacks and drinks at a private Happy Hour for our group! Find out what your fellow writers have been working on, and share your own progress and challenges!
ThursdayMar 14
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. -- Writing Circle
Feeling some FOMO after missing Tuesday's Writing Circle? Not to worry -- drop by the resort's lobby today for another round. We will be there to meet you; drop in whenever you'd like, and stay as long as you please! As on Tuesday: no pressure, and no rules!
5:30 p.m. -- Pre-Dinner Drink at the Margarita Bar
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Margarita Bar (the bar in the lobby) for a pre-dinner drink! The bar is right next to Adelita, where we have a group dinner reservation at 6:00 p.m.!
6:00 p.m. -- Farewell Dinner at Adelita
Wait, it's already the final night of the retreat?! Really??!! Sadly, yes, it's true.
We'll be sorry to part ways tomorrow, but before that moment arrives, let's get together once more at the resort's Adelita restaurant, where we had our first group dinner a few nights ago, for a farewell group dinner! Celebrate your breakthroughs and successes, and share the memories we've made on this year's retreat!
FridayMar 15
Check out of Catalonia Royal Tulum
Check-out time is noon, though we know a lot of you will be leaving earlier than that to board your shuttle back to Cancun Airport for your flight home.
Departure to the Airport
Whenever you leave the resort today, Liz and Adam will be there to see you off and make sure you're squared away. We're so glad you've traveled with us on the 2024 Manuscript Academy Writing Retreat! Thanks again!
Elizabeth Holden
Tour Guide and Travel Agent
Leaping Hound Travel
Mar 10, 2024 - Mar 15, 2024
2024 Manuscript Academy Writing Retreat!
Sunday Mar 10
NOTE FOR THE DURATION OF OUR TRIP
Before we begin with our planned activities, a note applicable to the entire trip:
Each day of this itinerary lists organized activities, group meals, and the like, but keep in mind that your writing retreat remains, fundamentally, your retreat! If you choose to skip any of the activities we've listed below, that is entirely your prerogative, and we will not take offense.
To be sure, we'd love to have you join us for all of these activities, and you are absolutely welcome to do so, of course, but we fully understand that not every single activity is necessarily of acute interest to every single person, so feel free to make the retreat your own!
If it helps to think of it this way, consider pretty much every item on this itinerary as optional for you, based on what will result in you having the best and most enjoyable experience possible! :-)
Departure day!
Woohoo! It's time to depart the U.S. and head to Mexico! Remember that you can review departure logistics and other important information on our Writing Retreat Guest Portal.
Above all, remember to bring your passport!
Shuttle from the airport to the hotel
Once your plane has arrived at Cancun Airport and you have cleared customs, retrieved your luggage, etc., remember that your private shuttle to the resort can be found OUTSIDE the airport -- find the Nexus Tours staff.
Keep in mind that as soon as you leave the secure baggage area, you'll be in a hallway full of people trying to sell you transfers and timeshares. Just keep walking and ignore everyone inside the building. THESE ARE NOT YOUR PEOPLE! YOUR PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE! (Click to enlarge the image below of the route you'll take to reach your shuttle.)
Once outside, you'll see a number of transit companies. Look for Nexus Tours, in their signature orange shirts and straw hats (click to enlarge the image below of Nexus staff). You'll check in with the Nexus folks, and they'll call your driver. There may be a short wait, depending on how many other people are arriving at the same time. Once you are en route, the ride from Cancun Airport to Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort is typically just over an hour.
Arriving at the resort before 3:00 p.m.?
Check-in time at Catalonia Royal Tulum is 3:00 p.m. If you arrive prior to this time and your room is not yet ready, no worries -- resort staff can store your luggage for you, and you can begin exploring the resort! Be aware, however, that depending on just how early you arrive, you may not be able to immediately enjoy the resort's all-inclusive services (such as having a drink or a meal at the on-site restaurants).
Check in at Catalonia Royal Tulum
Along the Caribbean coastline. the resort is surrounded by native jungle trees, local plants, mangroves, and cenotes - water springs where a diverse variety of flora and fauna can be found in an unspoiled habitat.
Your "Privileged Deluxe" room features a balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar, coffeemaker, bathrobes, and more!
6:00-8:00 p.m. -- Welcome Reception Happy Hour
Join us in the "Chillout Area" adjacent to the resort's outdoor pool for a private welcome reception from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Enjoy some drinks and snacks while getting to know your fellow writers!
Monday Mar 11
Various times: Your One-on-One Meeting with Julie or Jessica
Dear Writers,
As the days squirrel away, we’re getting ever closer to our retreat in Mexico. We can’t wait to meet you! It’s special to bring writers together and we anticipate a great blooming of creative thought and true connection. But we also want time for personal growth, especially around your publishing journey.
With a small group of this sort, we’d love to offer you plenty of one-on-one time with both of us. Jessica will lead the charge on not only your specific publishing questions but also helping get work submission ready. Julie, after twenty-five years of teaching experience, can often help figure out best strategies to allow your story to shine. As a team, we’ll do the best we can to help you meet your dreams.
You can arrange a time to meet with us once we are together at the retreat; no need to do advance sign-ups with a group of this size.
We’re so looking forward,
Julie & Jessica
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. -- Beach Brainstorm
Having trouble figuring out that pivotal plot point? Struggling to develop a strategy for your writing practice? Or, do you want to help others who are? Find inspiration as you soak up the beautiful beaches of Xpu Há!
If you're interested in taking part, meet outside the resort's BLoved restaurant, right on the beach, for some time to brainstorm and talk through ideas with your fellow writers! We will be there to be sure you find your people, whether you prefer to chat with others on a lovely seaside stroll on the beach, or to gather some beach chairs to sit and talk while enjoying some refreshments.
5:30 p.m. -- Pre-Dinner Drink at the Margarita Bar
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Margarita Bar (the bar in the lobby) for a pre-dinner drink! The bar is right next to Adelita, where we have a group dinner reservation at 6:00 p.m.!
6:00 p.m. -- Dinner at Adelita
Meet us at the resort's Adelita restaurant, specializing in authentic Mexican fare, where we have a table reserved for a group dinner! Continue to get to know your fellow writers while exchanging ideas and insights about your writing!
Tuesday Mar 12
11:00 a.m. -- Small Group Activities
For today's activities, you will be divided approximately in half, by age group of your intended audience. Those of you who primarily write YA, MG, and younger will be in Group A, and those of you who primarily write for adults will be in Group B.*
Each smaller group will then join either Julie or Jessica today, as indicated below. Then, tomorrow, the groups will switch.
We will meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there the separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
*We know some of you write both, and you'll be allowed to self-select for which group you'd like to join.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Read, Share, Discuss with Julie (Group B)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Today, those in Group B (those who write for adults) will be led by Julie in a group reading. You can read a page of your own work, receive feedback from others, and provide your own thoughts on the pages of your fellow writers!
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Writing Talk with Jessica (Group A)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Group A (those who write for children and teens) will meet with Jessica today for some discussion and writing exercises.
3:00-4:00 p.m. -- Writing Circle
Do you find it easier to write in an atmosphere of casual sociability? Feel free to meet us in the resort's lobby to sit and work side-by-side on your query, your manuscript, or whatever you choose! No pressure, and no rules!
Wednesday Mar 13
11:00 a.m. -- Small Group Activities
For today's activities, you will be divided approximately in half, by age group of your intended audience. Those of you who primarily write YA, MG, and younger will be in Group A, and those of you who primarily write for adults will be in Group B.*
Each smaller group will then join either Julie or Jessica today, as indicated below, to do the activity you didn't do yesterday.
We will meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there the separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
*We know some of you write both, and you'll be allowed to self-select for which group you'd like to join.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Read, Share, Discuss with Julie (Group A)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Today, those in Group A (those who write for children and teens) will be led by Julie in a group reading. You can read a page of your own work, receive feedback from others, and provide your own thoughts on the pages of your fellow writers!
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Writing Talk with Jessica (Group B)
Meet up in the resort's lobby at 11:00 a.m., and from there separate small groups can re-locate to a place of their choosing in the resort complex.
Group B (those who write for adults) will meet with Jessica today for some discussion and writing exercises.
3:00-5:00 p.m. -- Happy Hour at the Terrace
Join us at the resort's Terrace Tapas Lounge and Bar for snacks and drinks at a private Happy Hour for our group! Find out what your fellow writers have been working on, and share your own progress and challenges!
Thursday Mar 14
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. -- Writing Circle
Feeling some FOMO after missing Tuesday's Writing Circle? Not to worry -- drop by the resort's lobby today for another round. We will be there to meet you; drop in whenever you'd like, and stay as long as you please! As on Tuesday: no pressure, and no rules!
5:30 p.m. -- Pre-Dinner Drink at the Margarita Bar
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Margarita Bar (the bar in the lobby) for a pre-dinner drink! The bar is right next to Adelita, where we have a group dinner reservation at 6:00 p.m.!
6:00 p.m. -- Farewell Dinner at Adelita
Wait, it's already the final night of the retreat?! Really??!! Sadly, yes, it's true.
We'll be sorry to part ways tomorrow, but before that moment arrives, let's get together once more at the resort's Adelita restaurant, where we had our first group dinner a few nights ago, for a farewell group dinner! Celebrate your breakthroughs and successes, and share the memories we've made on this year's retreat!
Friday Mar 15
Check out of Catalonia Royal Tulum
Check-out time is noon, though we know a lot of you will be leaving earlier than that to board your shuttle back to Cancun Airport for your flight home.
Departure to the Airport
Whenever you leave the resort today, Liz and Adam will be there to see you off and make sure you're squared away. We're so glad you've traveled with us on the 2024 Manuscript Academy Writing Retreat! Thanks again!