Next Paradise Writers' Retreat - October 2-9, 2027
If you're interested in joining us for the next retreat...
We'll be sailing the Greek Islands with Star Clippers on board the clipper ship Star Flyer. It will be seven days and seven nights with daily writing workshops, small group activities, and lots of time for solitary writing, enjoying shipboard amenities, and island exploring.
If you'd like more information or are ready to book, visit Gin & Tonic Travel.
Paradise Writers' Retreats
A Look Back
In 2013, the inaugural Paradise Writers' Retreat was held in Phuket Thailand. There began a popular interactive retreat, which was held for three years in a row in Thailand and then shifted to Nova Scotia where the retreat has continued, led by author and publisher, Anne Louise O'Connell. The retreat includes daily workshops, sharing and critiques, and solitary writing time. The retreats in years 2017-2023 were held at the beautiful Oceanstone Seaside Resort and in 2024 at the idyllic Smithrock Chalets. We took a break and are now planning the 2027 Paradise Writers' retreat that will be held on board a clipper ship sailing the Greek Islands. No matter where it is, there's always a paradise to be found. Contact us for more details or visit the booking page at Gin & Tonic Travel!
The first Paradise Writers in Phuket, Thailand in 2013.
Past Retreats...
The first years in Thailand, 2013-15!
The first years in Thailand, 2013-15!
In the first year, the retreat was held at the Baan Chan Resort in Bang Tao, Phuket, Thailand.
The first years in Thailand, 2013-15!
The second year, we were still in Phuket and the retreat was held at the Royal Embassy in Surin Beach.
The group grows.
As the word spread, the groups got larger. This is the 2014 Paradise Writers group.
2015
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
The 3rd Paradise Retreat was again held at Embassy Suites in Phuket and we had some returnees!
2017
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
In 2016, Anne relocated back to Canada and the retreat took a year's pause. In 2017, it resumed and was held at Oceanstone Seaside Resort near Peggy's Cove.
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
Oceanstone Seaside Resort
Oceanstone Seaside Resort became the home for the Paradise Writers' Retreat from 2017-2023 and they were amazing!
...and the fun continued!
2019
In 2019, the fun at Oceanstone continued and a "core group" of Paradise Writers started to form :)
2020
In 2020 the pandemic hit but by October (the month the retreat is usually held) we were allowed to gather but we wore masks...except for this quick reveal for the photo.
2021
As the pandemic raged on the next year people were still being cautious so our group was a small but fun-loving and hard-working one!
2022
2022
Back to almost normal in 2022, the group expands! Still at Oceanstone in Indian Harbour, in gorgeous surroundings. So inspirational.
2023
2022
2023
Our 2023 retreat was a banner year with a full class and special guest speakers as an added bonus.
2024
2022
2023
In 2024, we thought it might be time for a change and found the wonderful Smithrock Chalets in Scotsburn, NS overlooking the stunning Northumberland Straight. Here's the group pausing for a photo in the sunroom.