The cost: It’s $4,199 for a private room. If you're coming with a friend or your spouse and choose to share a room, the cost is $3,699 each. Same experience. Same workshops. Same meals. Same massage. Just a little easier on the wallet.

What’s included: Everything but your plane ticket. Seriously. Your registration covers the whole experience, so you can simply focus on your book.

• Your airport transfers to and from Guatemala City (no figuring out taxis or rideshares).

• Your six nights of lodging in a beautiful, comfortable space (Sept. 28–Oct. 3).

• Daily meals and snacks keeping in mind any dietary restrictions you might have.

• The curated workshop sessions and all your materials, so you're not scrambling to buy books or print handouts.

• A private tour to a local coffee farm, because understanding the culture and stories of a place matters.

• Morning stretching with a professional trainer (should you wish to participate)

• A complementary massage, because if you're going to write a book, your shoulders might as well feel good doing it.

What’s not included? Your airfare to Guatemala, and any purchases you personally make.

Life happens. We get it. Here's the deal:

More than 8 weeks out: You get your money back, minus a $500 admin fee.

6 to 8 weeks before: You get 50% back. We're already locked into commitments with chefs, lodging, and staff, so we can't refund the full amount. But we'll give you half. If we can fill the spot with someone from the waiting list, you get your money back, minus a $500 admin fee.

Less than 6 weeks before: No refund, except if we can fill the spot with someone from the waiting list, in which you get your money back, minus a $500 admin fee.

Here's what we recommend: If you're worried about something coming up that might force you to cancel, purchase travel insurance. It's not expensive, and it's worth the peace of mind.

Short answer: Adéle and Tara know what they're doing. And they actually care.

The longer answer: You could go to a lot of writing workshops. You could do an online course. You could hire a coach. But when you spend time with your coaches rather than schedule Zoom calls, you cut the planning time by a lot!

Adéle and Tara worked together in the magazine industry in Taiwan 30 years ago. They know how to collaborate. They know how to push each other. And more importantly, they know how to push you—in the way you actually need.

For the past six years, they’ve been collaborating in coaching writers through the messy, beautiful, terrifying process of actually finishing a book.

Both of them are deeply relational. And they genuinely care whether your book gets written. When you sit down for your one-on-one time with them, you're not just getting feedback. You're getting someone in your corner.

Tara recently completed a certification in using AI in editing. She's not some theorist talking about what AI could do. She's been in the trenches, figuring out how to use these tools smartly in the editing process. She'll be leading a workshop on it, and then sticking around during breakout times for one-on-one sessions if you want to dig deeper.

As for Adéle, she lives in Antigua. This is her hometown. That's not a small detail. It means she and her team have spent time scoping out the best lodging, finding the best chefs, and working with their favorite people around town to make your visit special. She knows where the energy is. She knows where the quiet is. And she knows how to create a space where you can actually think and write and grow.

This isn't a workshop that got dropped into a beautiful location. It's a workshop created by the location, shaped by people who know it intimately and want to share it with you.

They'll tell you the same thing we do: Adéle and Tara are collaborative, honest, and straightforward.

They're not here to be the expert in the room barking orders. They're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving. That means you get real feedback—not polished platitudes. It means they'll push you when you need pushing, and support you when you need support. And it means you're not just a client; you're a partner in this.

Want to hear it from people who've actually worked with them? Head over to www.bluethreadcoaching.com/clients and read the reviews. You'll hear directly from writers who've been in your shoes—people who started with doubts and ended with drafts (and then books).

When the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially recognizes a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's basically saying, "This matters. Not just to your country—to all of us. To humanity."

It's a declaration that a location possesses cultural, historical, or natural significance so profound, so irreplaceable, that it transcends borders and belongs to everyone.

These are the treasures we protect and preserve not just for ourselves, but for the generations who come after us.

Why Antigua Guatemala Got the Nod

In 1979, Antigua Guatemala earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation—and it earned it fair and square. The city's exceptional colonial architecture and urban planning tell the story of Spanish colonial design in the Americas.

From the 16th to the 18th centuries, this was Guatemala's capital, and what it left behind is remarkable: churches, convents, palaces, residential buildings—all dressed in the ornate Baroque style of the era.

These aren't just old buildings. They're a living textbook of architectural history, impeccably preserved.

The Real-World Payoff (and Responsibility)

That designation isn't just ceremonial. It comes with actual, tangible implications:

Global recognition and protection: The site gains visibility on the world stage and legal safeguards under international agreements.

A conservation commitment: Guatemala promises to protect the site's integrity and authenticity—no shortcuts.

Tourism and cultural capital: The status draws visitors worldwide and generates funding for preservation.

Building restrictions: New construction and modifications are regulated to keep the historic character intact.

Walk those cobblestone streets. Look up at the colorful colonial facades. Take in the volcanic landscape surrounding the city.

Antigua Guatemala isn't just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it's one of the most visually distinctive ones in the entire Americas.

Sure! Hacienda Belén is an 18th-century estate at the edge of downtown Antigua.

In its former glory it used to be a working stable and a coffee farm. Look closely and you'll still see the evidence of what it was—carved feeding troughs. Old iron rings to tie horses to. Old stone basins. Walls built thick enough to hold time itself steady.

That's the thing about spaces like this. They don't just exist in the past. They live in it.

The Torres family purchased the estate in 1928, and the last two years, they gave it a new purpose as a private, luxury home for groups.

There are nine rooms. Lush gardens. A pool. Generous indoor-outdoor spaces designed for the moments that matter—weddings, retreats, family gatherings.

It's the kind of place where history whispers in the architecture and comfort wraps around you like a well-worn embrace.

What makes it special isn't just the luxury. It's the intimacy. The private-estate feeling paired with the thoughtfulness and care you'd expect from a boutique hotel. It's history and hospitality in conversation with each other.

Here’s a link to their Instagram.

Yes. And here's why we can say that with confidence.

Guatemala has a complicated past, and sure, there are travel advisories out there. We get why that might give you pause. But here's the reality: We prioritize your safety, and we've got real experience to back that up.

Adéle has been living in Antigua for 8 years. In that time, no Blue Thread guest or visitor has experienced safety issues. We employ standard safety practices—the kind of smart, common-sense stuff you'd do anywhere you travel. Be mindful of your valuables. Stay aware of your surroundings. Enjoy the place.

Antigua is genuinely beautiful, genuinely welcoming, and genuinely worth the trip. Thousands of tourists visit every year. You'll be in good hands—and in a place where the creative energy, the culture, and the mountain views will remind you why you came to write your book in the first place.

If you have specific safety concerns, reach out to us at admin@bluethread.life. We're happy to talk through them.

Yes, we’re surrounded by volcanoes. And yes, it's amazing.

Antigua sits between three—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.

Agua is the closest to the hacienda, and it's been dormant since 1541. So you're safe—very safe.

Acatenango last erupted in 1972. People hike up to its crater every single day. There's no sign of activity. It's stunning, not scary.

Fuego is the showstopper. It erupts every 15 to 30 minutes—which sounds alarming until you understand the geography. We're at a very safe distance. Close enough to be in absolute awe, especially at night when you can see the glow from the rooftop terrace. Far enough away that you're perfectly safe.

This isn't a risk. It's a reminder of the power and beauty of the place you're writing in. You'll be sitting there with your coffee or your dinner, watching a volcano light up the sky, and thinking about why you came here to write your book.

Pretty hard to beat that view.

You'll be doing some walking. Maybe more than you do at home. Pack comfortable walking shoes. Seriously. Your feet will thank you.

Antigua's cobblestone streets are made for exploring on foot—though if your legs need a break, tuk-tuks are always available. The hacienda itself has stairs to get to your bedroom and up to the terrace. Nothing steep or treacherous, but it's not flat either.

You don't need to be in peak physical condition. But you should be comfortable with daily walking and a few stairs. If you have mobility concerns, let us know when you register and we'll work with you to make sure you can fully enjoy the experience.

A trained professional will be on site each morning offering stretching exercises if you want to participate. Low-key, restorative, the kind of thing that feels good after you've been writing for hours. And the hacienda has a climatized pool—perfect for a swim, a cool-off, or some gentle exercise if that's your thing.

Fly into Guatemala City (GUA). That's your destination airport. There are direct flight options from several major US hubs, so depending on where you live, you might have a few choices.

You book your own flights—we leave that part to you. But once you land in Guatemala City, we handle the rest. We'll arrange your transport from the airport to Antigua (and back when it's time to go home). No figuring out taxis. No negotiating with strangers. No stress. You land, we pick you up, and you're on your way to your writing retreat.

Arrival: Check-in is at 3 p.m. on Monday, September 28. Plan for your flight to land in Guatemala City by noon at the latest. That gives you time to clear customs, grab your bag, and meet our driver without any rushing around.

Want to arrive early and explore Antigua on your own over the weekend? We've got you covered. We'll still pick you up from the airport, and we'll point you toward some great hotels and tour companies in town so you can make the most of your extra time.

Departure: We'll wrap up by 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. Plan your flight out for 4 p.m. or later to give yourself breathing room for weekend traffic heading back to the city. The last thing you want is to rush after a week of clarity and creative work.

Passport: You'll need one, and it needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Check it now—don't wait until the week before you leave.‍ Also, ‍make a photocopy of your passport's main page and keep it somewhere separate from the original. It’s merely a precaution in case you misplace your passport.

Vaccinations: No special immunizations are required for entry into Guatemala. You're good to go.

Travel declaration: The Guatemala government requires visitors to fill out a travel declaration ahead of time. Don't worry—we'll send you a link and clear directions on what to do with the form. It's straightforward, and we'll walk you through it.

Absolutely.

Your airport pickup? English speaker. The staff at the hacienda where you're staying? English speakers. During excursions around Antigua—whether you're wandering the cobblestone streets or exploring the coffee farm—you'll have retreat staff with you to help translate and guide you through the experience.

You're not going to feel lost or left out. We've thought this through so you can focus on what you came here to do: write your book and soak in the beauty of the place.

In and around Antigua, you can use your debit or credit card for any personal purchases. Most places take them.

But if you want to browse the markets or grab something from a roadside vendor while you're exploring, you'll need cash.

For cash, here's what we recommend: Don't bother exchanging USD cash before you go—it takes a long time and you'll get a terrible rate. Instead, we’ll tell you where to find a secure ATM when you land so you can withdraw local currency.

Antigua is known as the city of eternal spring. And honestly, it lives up to the name.

You'll get lovely sunny days with highs in the 70s—the kind of weather that makes you want to sit outside and write. It's warm, it's pleasant, it's exactly what you need when you're trying to think clearly.

Mornings and evenings dip into the 50s, though. Not freezing, but cool enough that you'll want a sweater or shawl.

You think of everything, don't you?

Good news: The outlets and electrical current in Guatemala are exactly like in the USA (110V). No adapters needed. Plug in your laptop, charge your phone, use your hair dryer—everything works just like it does at home.

One less thing to worry about.

Internet: You'll have good WiFi at the hacienda. You can stay connected, check email, handle any work that can't wait.

Phone calls home: You've got options.

• Option 1: Before you leave, check with your cell phone provider about roaming data. Many US providers offer it for around $10 per day. It's not free, but it gives you peace of mind knowing you're reachable if someone needs you.

• Option 2 (Free): Download WhatsApp or Signal before you travel. Both apps let you make free, secure voice and video calls over WiFi to anyone else on their networks. Your family and friends can download them too, and boom—you're connected without any extra charges.

Bottom line: You won't be cut off from the world. But you also won't be glued to your phone. You'll have the flexibility to stay in touch without the distraction.

The retreat site is less than a 5-minute drive from Vitalmed, an excellent hospital.

If you have specific health-care needs, please let us know when you register. We're not asking to pry. We're asking so we're aware and prepared, just in case.

Closer to your departure date, we'll ask for emergency contact numbers. That way, if something unexpected happens, we can reach your family. It's purely precautionary, but it matters.

You're in good hands. We've thought this through.

We'll send you a detailed packing list closer to your departure date. No need to stress about it now.

That’s easy! Reach out to our team at admin@bluethread.life and Becca on our team will get you scheduled for a Zoom call.

We're here to answer whatever you need to know—whether about logistics, your writing, your publishing questions, or just to talk through whether this retreat is the right move for you right now.