San Migùel de Allende
Join us for a Writers Retreat in the breathtaking San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE is a beautiful, old, walking city, nestled in the Bajía mountains of Central Mexico. Located in the state of Guanajuato, the town was founded in 1542 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You see mojigangas (giant, larger-than-life puppets) everywhere, as well as exquisite buildings from the Spanish Colonial era, intricately carved doors, cobblestone streets, and expats galore. The locals are welcoming and devoted to walking and “wellness.”
San Miguel de Allende was named after friar Juan de San Miguel, and Ignacio Allende, a martyr for Mexican independence.
San Miguel is also considered the patron saint of police, soldiers, grocers, radiologists, and children.
Why San Miguel for a Writers Retreat?
San Miguel is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. Home to writers, artists, art lovers and expats (among others), it is a charming, old, visually stimulating city that offers great views from almost everywhere you look. Writers, artists and academics have found sanctuary, inspiration and peaceful places to work here for decades. The food is fabulous, the people are friendly, and almost everyone you meet seems to have some creative impulse and wellness practice.
Read what we’re offering below.
Inclusions
Itinerary
Three, three-hour writing workshops after breakfast
One half-hour, one-on-one conference with Laura in the afternoons
Swimming, walking tours, and retreating
Writers can submit up to 40 pages (10,000 words) before the retreat begins and will receive line edits, written feedback, and a discussion of their work during the retreat.
Meals
Four breakfasts (Saturday-Tuesday)
Four dinners (Friday-Monday)
Three lunches (Saturday-Monday)
One “welcome” drink Friday night
Mexico is a gastronomical dream. Both contemporary and Indigenous Mexican cuisine are infused with complex and nuanced flavors that date back to early civilization. We’re ecstatic to partner with Salt Sweet Spice and offer two intimate meals at a private home. We will also eat two dinners at restaurants.
Transportation to and from Querétaro (QRO) Intercontinental airport
Transportation will be provided to and from the Querétaro (QRO) Intercontinental airport to the hotel. QRO is 1.5 hours from San Miguel (89.4 km).
Please plan to arrive on Friday afternoon, February 6, at QRO, and we will take you to the hotel.
Exclusions
Flights
If you fly into CDMX or Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) in León/Guanajuato, you are responsible for your transportation to and from San Miguel.
Note: CDMX is 3.5 hours from San Miguel.
Reservations
We’ll be staying at the beautiful NOMU hotel in San Miguel de Allende. NOMU is a Hyatt hotel. The rates are:
Queen standard room: $400 USD per night per room
King Bed Deluxe Room: $435 USD per night per room
Please book your reservation directly with NOMU hotel and send your 50% deposit to Laura by November 1 here, and by December 1 here.
If you would like to make other hotel or Airbnb arrangements, or live locally, please meet us at the NOMU for workshops and transportation to and from meals.
Exclusions
Flights, hotel rooms at NOMU
SIGHTS AND TOURISM 🔎
Walking Tours—Walk around Centro and see Jardin Allende (the central main square), Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel, galleries, and shops. Strolling through town is most people’s favorite activity in SMA.
El Charco del Ingenio—A beautiful desert-like botanical garden
Mercado Ignacio Ramírez—the main central market
Tianguis—The enormous twice-weekly market. While Tuesdays are the most popular day, Sundays are recommended because the market is less crowded.
Fabrica Aurora—An art gallery mall of sorts, located in what was a textile factory
Santuario de Atotonilco—Another church in the nearby town of Atotonilco, sometimes referred to as the Sistine Church of Mexico, for its frescoes
Dolores Hidalgo—An area where ceramics known as talavera are produced
Cañada de la Virgen
