Come Write Beneath The Home Tree
Home Tree Creative Retreats at Apothefinca · Southern Nicaragua
Come for the project you're working on. Come for the one you haven't begun yet. Or come because you miss the part of yourself that makes things.
Home Tree retreats offer a rare combination of creative companionship and spaciousness: enough structure to help you return to your work, and enough freedom to follow wherever it leads.
You don't have to arrive with a plan. You don't have to produce anything while you're here.
The hope is simply that you leave with something you can carry home: a renewed creative practice of your own.
A Different Kind of Creative Retreat - a note from Lucy Lowes Paget
Apothefinca is the off-grid farm in southern Nicaragua where I wrote much of The Home Tree. At its centre stands the great Guanacaste tree that gave the book its name.
I know what it is to lose the thread of my own creative life — and what it is to find it again. Often it hasn't happened through trying harder. It has happened by changing the conditions.
Walking outside. Sitting beneath a tree. Moving my body. Following something that makes no logical sense. Becoming interested again.
That understanding is at the heart of these retreats. There is guidance here, but there is also freedom. I won't fill your days.
Instead, I'll help you create the conditions in which your own work can find you again.
Apothefinca
Apothefinca is not a retreat centre in the conventional sense.
It is a living farm, garden and creative landscape shaped over many years of listening to place.
It is a home. It is a writers sanctuary. It is an artists paradise.
And it is where The Home Tree by Lucy Paget, came into being.
The retreat takes its rhythm from this environment—slow, attentive, and grounded in the natural world.
You will leave with
A deeper connection to your own voice
Time and progress with your writing or creative work
A quieter, more attentive internal rhythm
A renewed relationship with nature and place
A sense of clarity about what you want to say next
The Practical Things
Accommodation: Guests stay on the farm in simple, beautiful private or shared spaces surrounded by the garden and forest.
Food: Meals are fresh, generous and largely plant-forward, using ingredients from the farm and surrounding area whenever possible.
Getting Here: Apothefinca is in southern Nicaragua, near San Juan del Sur and the Pacific coast. The closest airports are Liberia or Managua.
“The absolute best experience! Lucy and her team are the most wonderful hosts and the property is lovely. It's the perfect place to escape the intensity of city life and experience the Nicaraguan lifestyle..”
— Jamie Pearl, Photographer
Your Days Here
There is a rhythm to our days, but not a rigid timetable.
We might begin together beneath the Home Tree with a short practice, a piece of writing, a question or an invitation.
After that, the day opens.
Write in the Canopy Studio. Take your notebook beneath the tree. Paint. Read. Sleep. Walk through the orchard. Talk through something you're stuck on with me. Go to the beach. Follow the butterflies. Do absolutely nothing for a while.
We come back together at different points during the week for creative sessions, shared meals, movement, conversation and time on the land.
You are welcome to join in.
You are also allowed to disappear into your work.
The structure is there to hold you, not to crowd you.
“To say that my time at Apothefinca was transformative is not nearly substantive enough. I was able to heal with intentional time and the supportive framework Lucy provided. Not to mention the divine cuisine, nurturing, daily massages and safeguarding provided by all the beautiful local people that she engages. It had just the right mix of adventure, seclusion, peace and community. All in mi casita tranquila. I have every intention of making it an annual pilgrimage to rest, reflect and process all that life presents.” — Julie Brown, Osteopath
The Practical Things
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Accommodation
Guests stay on the farm in simple, beautiful private or shared spaces surrounded by the garden and jungle.
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Food
Meals are fresh, generous and largely plant-forward, using ingredients from the farm and surrounding area whenever possible.
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What's Included
Your stay includes accommodation at Apothefinca, nourishing meals, dedicated creative time and gentle wellness practices throughout the week.
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Getting Here
Apothefinca is in southern Nicaragua, near San Juan del Sur and the Pacific coast. The closest airports are Liberia and Managua.
“I would recommend Apothefinca for anyone up for adventuring off the beaten path. I loved the holistic approach of this retreat: meditation, chi gong, art, visits to the ocean, music and lots of space for rest and integration. I focused on writing during my stay, to progress on the book I’ve been writing for a number of years. I knew having dedicated time and space, with built in support and guidance from a writing coach would help me gain clarity and establish a foundation for writing after I returned home. The grounds are beautiful. The land is supportive and nurturing. I loved being able to walk out my door and pick herbal medicine. The chefs food was local, fresh and amazing. I began to feel an overall sense of wellness as soon as I arrived. ”
— Dawn Deguire, consultant, coach & yoga teacher
Retreat Cost
Retreats are intentionally small, with a limited number of guests at any one time.
Prices range from $1500 –$1,800 USD per week, depending on accommodation and meal plan.
To enquire or plan your stay, please email Lucy directly and she will help you find the best fit.
“Thank you for the opportunity to create in this wonderful environment.” - Land artist, Andre Boisvert
FAQs
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Not at all. This residency is for anyone who feels called to create, heal and explore—whether it’s your first time putting words or colour on paper, or you're deep into a project. What matters most is your willingness to show up for your creative process.
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Yes - This is a small group retreat with a light structure. You’ll have the freedom to gather for writing and art circles or to find your own space to be creative. It’s a supportive environment, not a rigid program.
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You’ll get to gather for writing and art circles and creative meditations and movement medicine led by Lucy Paget and other co-hosts, access to a shared co-writing space, and a nourishing environment designed to support focused creative work. One-on-one mentorship is given based on your need for support.
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You’ll stay in a private, eco-bohemian room with an ensuite bathroom and writing desk. The property is off-grid but designed for comfort—expect peace, beauty, and the essentials for creative living. There is hot water, a living and a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. If you are part of the scholarship program your accommodation is a little more rustic but beautiful.
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You’ll be served farm-to-table breakfast and lunch five days a week, with plenty of leftovers for easy dinners. Meals are made from organic produce grown onsite or locally sourced. All food grown on site is organic and not treated with chemicals.
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We can help arrange travel logistics and connect you with a trusted local driver for a smooth arrival. You'll receive a full packing list and travel guide once your booking is confirmed. The best airports to fly into are Managua and Liberia, Costa Rica, but all will be explained in depth upon acceptance.
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Yes, there is stable Wi-Fi available in your room and in the co-working areas. Many residents balance remote work with creative time while here.
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Yes, Apothefinca is located in a peaceful, rural area and has a trusted local team on site. Nicaragua is full of kind people and natural beauty. We’ll provide all the info you need to feel confident and prepared for your stay.
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Yes. A $500 deposit secures your spot, and the remainder can be split into 2–3 payments. We’re happy to discuss a plan that works for you—just ask.
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Once booked, you’ll receive a complete packing guide tailored to the season. In general: light breathable clothes, comfortable shoes, swimwear, natural bug spray, and anything you need for your writing or wellness practices. The environment is simple, natural, and supportive.
