Oaxaca Writing and Art Retreat December 12-19, 2026

 

 

We had fabulous shared experiences and also ample time to work alone. My writing project developed in deeper ways than I expected. What a joy! What a treat! — Audrey W.

 

Dear writers, artists, friends and collegues…

Join me.  Let’s write and make art…

…in community

…in a lush oasis

…in the middle of the vibrant city of Oaxaca.

Meet me at the Casa Colonial for a 7-night retreat December 12-19, 2026

 

 

Come create with me in Oaxaca, a legendary music, dance, and food-filled city of vibrantly colored buildings, murals and graffiti, delicious flavors, cobblestone streets, bustling markets, artisans, dancers, parades, and revolutionary art!

 

 

We will live and work at Oaxaca’s warm and welcoming Casa Colonial Bed and Breakfast, a private art center and urban oasis with mature lush gardens, soaring trees, birdsong, and inspiration.

This retreat is for 6-12 participants.

 

 

Ericka is a warm, caring, and generous facilitator, with decades of craft experience and an open heart and mind. She provided thoughtful prompts and space to play, explore, and create. The retreat provided structure along with ample free time to enjoy the beautiful city, to rest/nap, and, of course, to write. The location at Casa Colonial is truly special. The staff is helpful and hard-working, the breakfasts and cenas were delicious, and the lush tropical garden courtyard was enchanting. The Casa is close enough to the Oaxaca city center that we could easily partake in the rich cultural activities Oaxaca offers, while far enough away (~20 min walk) to provide a tranquil respite. I am SO glad I gave myself the gift of this retreat, and I’m so grateful to Ericka for creating such a wonderful, nourishing experience. — Shimi R.

 

 

 

What does it cost?

The retreat fee is $1,875 per person (in a shared room) or $2,150 per person (in a single occupancy room).

 

 

What’s included?

  • Seven nights at the beautiful Casa Colonial.
  • Shared rooms have a king or double + twin. Single occupancy rooms have a double bed.
  • Seven full breakfasts, plus coffee/tea/Mexican hot chocolate
  • Three family-style dinners (cenas) at the Casa
  • One festive group dinner at one of Oaxaca’s most delicious restaurants
  • Daily guided generative writing and art-making sessions with author, editor, and writing coach Ericka Lutz
  • Create in community or in solitude in our private studio stocked with art supplies (also… bring your own!)
  • Relaxing, reading, watching the birds, fish, butterflies in the gardens and art-filled library
  • Late afternoon check-ins on the patio (try a mezcal margarita!)
  • Optional 1-on-1 with Ericka to discuss craft, creative process, etc.
  • Offsite printmaking workshop at Subterraneos
  • Group reading and open studio (with delicious snacks in the garden!)
  • Celebrating Oaxaca’s holiday season with parades, carnivals, fireworks, music, and dancing.
  • Travel and restaurant advice
  • Companionship. Fun!

All activities are optional.

 

Not included in the registration fee:

  • Airfare to Oaxaca, transportation to and from the airport, taxis around town
  • Daily lunches and three dinners (explore Oaxaca’s legendary food scene)
  • Not-to-be-missed FULL DAY Oaxacan cooking class at the famed Seasons of My Heart (add $130 )
  • Additional alcohol
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Manuscript review session with Ericka (schedule ahead of time)
  • Laundry
  • Gratuities for the Casa Colonial staff educational fund
  • …anything else not specifically stated above

 

Registration and FAQ

 

 

Sample (tentative) Retreat Schedule

Saturday 12/12 – 3-6pm retreat check-in at Casa Colonial, patio gathering and opening circle (with juice or a margarita), 7:00 welcome cena (dinner)

Sunday 12/13 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:30-11:30 generative session, lunch on your own,  6:00 patio check-in (with juice or a margarita), 7:00 cena

Monday 12/14 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:30-11:30 generative session, lunch on your own, 1:30-5:00 printmaking workshop at Subterraneos, dinner on your own.

Tuesday 12/15 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:30-11:30 generative session, lunch on your own. 3:30 salon (participant reading and open studio) with snacks, dinner on your own.

Wednesday 12/16 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:00 all-day Oaxacan cooking lesson and meal at Seasons of My Heart  (optional: add $150), dinner on your own  

Thursday 12/17 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:30-11:30 generative session, lunch on your own, 7:00 group dinner (Levadura de Olla)

Friday, 12/18 – 8:00 breakfast, 9:30-11:30 generative session, lunch on your own, 6:00 patio check-in (with juice or a margarita), 7:00 goodbye cena at Casa Colonial.

Saturday, 12/19 – 8:00 breakfast, goodbyes, participant departure.  

A few more details…

  • 6-12 participants
  • A non-refundable deposit of $400 books your place.
  • Balance due by October 1, 2026 (ask about payment plans).
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended, all participants must sign a liability waiver.
  • We have a covid policy.
  • We reserve the right to cancel if the minimum don’t sign up (if we do so, you’ll receive a full refund.)

   

I have participated in “big” conferences and none comes close to Ericka’s transformative magic, which advances the very soul of one’s creative being. Ericka recognizes the special uniqueness of each participant and skillfully aids them in the care and feeding of their words. Ericka is a writer’s “philosophical mercury,” performing alchemy on muses. Talk about the creative spark, Ericka sets her group on fire every day of the retreat. — Camille C.

 

For more information AND TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

 

See you in Oaxaca? xo Ericka