Island Scribe

Writing Retreats

Register for Barbados & Dominica 2025

New dates available for 2025!

An Invitation

Island Scribe is a destination writing retreat in the Caribbean curated for Black and women of colour writers.

Writing is an act of liberation. It draws from our deepest selves, craves attention, requires vulnerability and grace.

This is why we believe in the Island Scribe ethos:

  • Rest: Shift self-care and self-compassion to the top of your agenda.
  • Reflect: Be curious about the writer you are and the stories you must tell.
  • Rejuvenate: Refresh your creative practice with moments of joy.
  • Write: Find flow and focus in a community curated just for you.

We believe in creating spaces where women writers of colour are truly free to discover their craft. Our retreats honour these writers, their lived experiences, and their practices, by centering them and their stories.

Have a project waiting to be liberated?

Bring your story and come.

Your Muse

Audre Lorde. Paule Marshall. Jamaica Kincaid. Merle Collins. Dionne Brand. Edwidge Danticat. These Black women writers have forged new literary landscapes and set the world ablaze with stories born out of the same muse. The Caribbean.

Steeped in language, image, rhythm, and folklore, the literary tradition of the Caribbean and its diaspora is vast, varied, and vibrant. While the region continues to captivate with its geography, it is not to be reduced to this single story.

An Island Scribe Writing Retreat

Bring your story and come

Meet yourself rising with the sun over the sea before you set an intention for the day. Meditating in nature or through moving your body. Be nourished throughout the day by wholesome food prepared by local chefs. Feed your curiosity and be inspired with an occasional excursion beyond your island writing studio. Do all of this as you attend to your craft at your pace from the comfort of your well-appointed room (or the beach), knowing that you are in a writing community where you belong.

Explore Writing Packages

Island Scribe writing retreats are designed to support writers who are building or experimenting with their practice and/or craft, and provide writers who are established in their practice time, space, and care to attend to their craft.

While the writing retreats are as unique as the islands we visit, you can expect:

  • Ample time to write, on your own terms and in community;
  • Movement of body, mind, and spirit through wellness activities, a nature/cultural excursion, daily group reflection, and facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions;
  • Unique, eco-conscious accommodations nestled in flora and fauna;
  • Wholesome meals showcasing local flavours of the island.

Rest, Reflect, Rejuvenate, Write

July 14 - 19, 2025, in Dominica

Rest in a private/shared cottage for 6 days/5 nights, with a view of the ocean or garden, ample writing space, and kitchenette. Ceiling fans and screened windows/doors are available for added comfort.

Reflect during our daily signature Rise & Write sessions.

Rejuvenate with a dip in a natural wonder, where the river meets the sea.

Write in community and with the freedom to attend to your craft at your own pace.

Feast on a full meal plan of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with plant-based, vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Celebrate with your writing community at the closing night dinner.

Breathe into your writing practice with a sunrise nature walk, yoga sessions, guided meditation.

Included:

  • Monthly pre-retreat motivational messages and a special digital chapbook
  • 1 hour virtual pre-retreat intention setting group call with writers selected for the writing retreat
  • Daily group reflection and facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions
  • 30 minute virtual post-retreat writing one-on-one coaching call
  • Meeting and sharing words with a local writer
  • Your Island Moment, half-day excursion and exploration
  • An Island Scribe welcome tote with writing materials and inspiration
  • Airport transfer to/from accommodation on retreat start and end dates

Rest, Reflect, Rejuvenate, Write

April 18 - 23, 2025, in Barbados

Rest in a private room, complete with a writing desk, balcony, hammock, en-suite bathroom, and kitchenette. A/C and ceiling fans are available.

Reflect during our daily signature Rise & Write sessions.

Rejuvenate with a dip in the famous pools of Bathsheba Beach or the replicas right in your backyard, then visit the sauna or journal in the Zen gully.

Write in community and with the freedom to attend to your craft at your own pace.

Feast on a full meal plan of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with sea-to-table, plant-based, vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Celebrate with your writing community at the closing night dinner.

Breathe into your writing practice with a sunrise nature walk-and-write, yoga sessions, guided meditation.

Included:

  • Monthly pre-retreat motivational messages and a special digital chapbook
  • 1 hour virtual pre-retreat intention setting group call with writers selected for the writing retreat
  • Daily group reflection and facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions
  • 30 minute virtual post-retreat writing one-on-one coaching call
  • Meeting and sharing words with a local writer
  • Your Island Moment, half-day excursion and exploration
  • An Island Scribe welcome tote with writing materials and inspiration
  • Airport transfer to/from accommodation on retreat start and end dates

FAQs

Island Scribe writing retreats offer a joyful combination of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation.

We believe that all three serve the reason we are gathering as a community: to write.

And best of all, you get to attend to your craft with a beautiful, off the beaten path, Caribbean location as your backdrop. Our writing retreats include time to explore the island on your own and on a tour.*

So leave the concerns of your day-to-day needs behind, find a soft place to land with a lightly scheduled daily routine, and dream up the stories you were born to tell.

* The island tour may include time in a boat or driving by bus. Do consider this before booking or get in touch, if you have questions.

Your schedule will look different depending on your location, package, and writing needs, but here is a sample day:

7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Yoga
10:00 Writing
1:00 Lunch
2:00 Writing
6:00 Reflection and Sharing
7:00 Dinner

Free time for activities such as a dip in the ocean or a village walk is available at your discretion.

One day of the writing retreat is reserved for a group activity on the island.

No. However, you are encouraged to share your work when we come together in the evenings for group reflection before dinner.

All writers will be invited to read before our final dinner together on Day 5. Think of this as a gift to your future writer self and your writing community.

Our writing retreats are intimate and we offer 6 – 10 spots, depending on the location.

No. You are responsible for your own flight costs.

We totally understand that everyone has different financial situations. We want to make this opportunity for you to invest in yourself and your writing as attainable as possible.

We offer two payment options:

  • Full payment – Rest knowing that you’ve made your investment and now it’s time to plan and prepare.
  • Multi-payment plan – Spread the cost over multiple months. After providing a downpayment to secure your registration, the balance owed will be divided into equal monthly payments.

Your total payments must be received no later than 2 months prior to your retreat start date.

Please note that registration is only considered complete after receipt of either the full payment or the initial downpayment.

Your retreat deposit is non-refundable.

If you have to cancel your retreat we offer you a credit, less your non-refundable deposit, but do not offer refunds. You may notify us of your cancellation via email. You may use your credit towards any future retreat that happens within 24 months of cancellation.

No credit or refund is available within 65 days prior to the retreat. No credit or refund is available if you do not attend the retreat, arrive late or leave early.

You will receive a suggested packing list when you book, but here are some recommendations:

  • Passport
  • Flight itinerary
  • Credit/Bank cards
  • Cash
  • Travel Insurance documents
  • Plug adapter (if applicable)
  • Small, day bag
  • Toiletries
  • Sunblock and a hat
  • Bug and mosquito repellant
  • Swimwear
  • Light, comfortable clothing
  • Yoga clothing (as needed)
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Water-ready shoes
  • Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
  • Medications

And, of course, your writing materials!

Another woman of colour writer!

Island Scribe is dedicated to creating welcoming writing spaces for those who identify as women of colour. This is an adult-only retreat. As such, non-writers, non-people of colour, people who identify as men, and children are not included in these spaces unless expressly invited.

In order for us to know if we can accommodate your needs, please send us a note at hello@islandscriberetreats.com. Only share what you’re comfortable sharing.

We are working towards offering a variety of accessible options in our inventory.

If you have any food allergies and sensitivities (peanuts, soy, dairy, etc.), please let us know immediately after booking. It is your responsibility to provide this information to us as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

We still recommend taking the added self-care responsibility of reconfirming during meals that ingredients that you are allergic or sensitive to have not been used. Human error does occur, so please always re-confirm and be aware for your own well-being.

Good news! Airport transfers are included in all packages. Transportation will be provided to get you to the retreat from the airport upon arrival, and back to the airport on departure.

You will need to provide your arrival and departure details ahead of time so that we may book these transfers for you.

If other writers are arriving or leaving at the same time, transportation may be shared.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the retreat, including in your accommodation. However, we do hope that you will take this retreat as an opportunity to disconnect.

You can contact us via hello@islandscriberetreats.com.

An Experience that Feeds My Whole Self

The Island Scribe retreat experience is proof that God-the universe-gives us everything and everyone we need in rightful and divine order. For me, writing is only a portion of the creative process. I must feel free and supported to feed my whole self. When my spirit is fed, I can feed others-with my love, my words, and whatever gifts I am required to use for the betterment of someone or something on this side of the journey. The Island Scribe retreat is another experience that feeds my whole self, and for that I am eternally grateful.

– Nicole Carr, Emmy-award winning investigative journalist and journalism professor (USA)

July 15, 2024

A Transformative Experience

This was a transformative experience for me as a Black Caribbean writer in the diaspora. I’ve felt very disconnected from the region where my story and my heart live. Having the space to build community, to rest and create, is exactly what I needed. I’m deeply grateful for this.

– Kari Cobham, journalist and author (USA/Trinidad)

May 6, 2023

The Creative Community You Need

Island Scribe is the creative community you need to support your writing goals, affirm your writer’s identity, and help you create a daily writing practice. Our thoughtful leader, Simone, ensures you leave with words on the page and a new set of tools for your writer’s toolbox. The trip is a perfect balance of creative work and play. The beautiful community of femmes who attended and supported the production of this trip is an extension and reflection of Simone’s spirit and how she shows up in the world. Give yourself this gift and go on an Island Scribe retreat. It is just what you need and right on time!

– Lauren Brown, writer/poet, professor, gerontologist (USA)

July 15, 2024

The Confirmation I Never Knew I Needed

Island Scribe was the confirmation I never knew I needed that I was on the right track. Being in a beautiful locale where my only focus was writing was gamechanging. Being among likeminded writers who are all so brilliant in their own ways was comforting. Being led by Simone was fulfilling and nothing short of an honour. I was able to focus on my creative output in a way I hadn’t before, and I’m eternally grateful for what this experience has done for me as a writer and a woman.

– Bee Quammie, writer and multimedia storyteller (Canada)

The Book of Possibilities (forthcoming)

May 6, 2023

The Best

I cannot sum up my retreat experience. It is bigger than words. One week post-return and I am writing daily, communicating with my fellow Scribers, and have a writing submission in the works. Simone and Danielle curated the space I truly needed. A space where I and my fellow scribers were encouraged to write from a place of unconditional acceptance and belief in the value of our personhood and our words. I have attended dozens of retreats in my life so far, this one has been, without question, the best.

– Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell, writer, book reviewer and lawyer (Canada)

July 15, 2024

One of the Most Generous Gifts I've Given Myself

I sincerely believe that this retreat has been one of the most generous gifts I’ve given myself, as a writer, but as a human being. It was a gift in that it was a blessing. I also think that all women of colour writers deserve this experience, should have access to this kind of sacred time and community.

The retreat emphasizes being in the present moment through dedicated writing time, yoga, and communing in the ocean and the neighbouring waterfalls. At the same time, the retreat challenged me to be forward-looking. To imagine what is possible not just in a week, but in a lifetime of learning and dedication to a writing practice.

– Sahar Golshan, author and filmmaker (Canada)

So Loud!

May 27, 2023

A Magical and Holistic Experience for BIPOC Women and Nonbinary Writers

With Island Scribe Retreats, Simone has created a magical and holistic experience for BIPOC women and nonbinary writers. I highly recommend this gift and investment in your creative life.

– Thet Shein Win, artist, writer and educator (USA)

July 15, 2024

I Spent a Lot of Time Thinking About the [Writing] Process

I spent a lot of time thinking about the process actually, that’s probably what I reflected on the most. You know, what is my process for going to the page and starting my writing. Thinking a lot about the mantra. Not just saying a mantra or doing a mantra but thinking about how my writing day should start. Or how I want to think about myself as I go towards my writing.

– Jael Richardson, author, founder and festival director (Canada)

Gutter Child

May 27, 2023

I Am A Guava

I laughed, I swam, I FELT the earth tremble (LITERALLY), I swam in a sulphurous pool, I gazed at volcanoes from a distance and bathed in a waterfall, I was bitten by insects five hundred times and scratched at the raw skin and tiny volcanoes forming on it (avoiding the two-sized blister that continued to grow, filled with concentric glistening lines). I bit into starfuit, guavacherries, mangoes, passion fruit, wild passion fruit, and guavas. I am a guava. After I caught up on a month of e-mail and wrote a story, I cast my TO-DO list. I LOST my Rise and Write journal. I traversed the Kalinago territory, the first peoples of this island, of this region where my ancestors called home. I traced the iron rusted ruins of a sugar mill and visited the corpse of a ruined, possibly haunted, slave plantation and stood in silence, mind full of the sorrow they carried. I know the lushness of tropical rain once, sometimes every hour, and the nocturnal symphony of a rainforest.

– Nadia Hohn, award-winning author, educator and artivist (Canada)

Getting Us to Grandma's

July 15, 2024

Nature Here is Rejuvenating

…the nature here is rejuvenating. After lunch, we got caught in a storm and I remember looking down and there were thousands of dime-sized frogs, just leaping from our shoes, trying to get out of the way. Or, thousands of snails, just clinging to rocks at the waterfall. Being pushed over by the sea. You know, eating mangoes and losing the skin in the water. That kind of thing rejuvenated me. I’m in the city … you know, running down concrete, trying to make sure I make deadlines all the time. I haven’t had the chance to just listen to nature’s roar.

– Jacquinn Sinclair, poet and journalist (USA)

May 27, 2023

A Life Altering Experience

This retreat was a life altering experience for me, from giving me needed clarity and direction to meeting and being inspired by the amazing and awe-inspiring women in our group. I do feel what I take away is a road map I will use to guide me forward.

– Cheryl Phillips, writer/screenwriter and healthcare professional (Canada)

July 15, 2024

I Felt Safe, Considered...Taken Care Of

I really enjoyed attending a retreat that gave me time to write as well as showed me around the islands. I felt safe, considered, and taken care of.

– Terese Mason Pierre, writer and editor (Canada)

Manifest

May 6, 2023

Your Host

Meet Simone

A self-described “island scribe,” Simone Dalton is a Trinidad-born, Toronto-based author, teaching artist, and writing coach. After 12 years as a public relations professional, Simone now writes solely for her love of language.

Simone has worked with writers, ages 14 to 80+, in Canada and the United States, and most recently served as an Adjunct Professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is one of the inaugural Black Teaching Fellows of the creative arts center GrubStreet. Recipient of the 2020 RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Prize for nonfiction, she holds an MFA from the University of Guelph. Her work is anthologized in Watch Your Head; Black Writers Matter; The Unpublished City: Volume I, a finalist for the 2018 Toronto Book Awards; and ARC Poetry Magazine’s Islands of Influence issue. In 2019, her play “VOWS’’ was produced for RARE Theatre Company’s, Welcome to My Underworld. Simone is working on her first memoir.