Retreat - Thrive Institutes for Professional Development

Writing Well Retreat
for Researchers

Reflect | Renew | Reconnect
Placencia, Belize | July 17 - 22
The Writing Well Retreat for Researchers is an immersive experience rooted in the belief that self-awareness, a nurturing community, and intentional rest are vital for thriving careers in academia. Our transformative program is thoughtfully designed to empower researchers like you to overcome career-related stress and anxiety, reignite your passion for impactful work, and enhance your writing practice. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, restoration, and rejuvenation, as we help you pave the way to a more fulfilling and productive academic life.
"This space was especially curated for rest, restoration, and writing."
Ijeoma Opara, PhD
Associate Professor, Yale University
"I was burnt out, tired, anxious...unhappy. I was not at my best...[but] this retreat was EVERYTHING. Thank you for this gift including giving us the space to write, brainstorm, plan, and rest (also the massages and gourmet meals). I had a successful NIH presentation, developed an action plan for three projects, and submitted an R&R!"
Juan Rios, DSW, LCSW
Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University
"This has been phenomenal... amazing! The way we were able to engage as intellectuals as well as...gaining more insight regarding what we truly need to take our careers to the next level. And the rejuvenation piece is just so fantastic... it... cultivates our brains and minds to be in a space for our creative juices to start flowing... We really don't have spaces like this... It's been absolutely transformative."
Ashley Stewart, PhD
Assistant Professor, Georgia State University
"Burnout is so real... I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and depressed...[but] This space was especially curated for rest, restoration, and writing. I did all those things and received ... peer mentorship [and] resource-sharing... This experience was invaluable. I checked off one of my writing goals and drafted/submitted my first... grant proposal...I'm so excited for all 2022 will bring now that my mind is clear. "
The Experience
Transformative Professional Experience
Immerse yourself in a life-changing journey, designed to elevate your academic career and enhance your overall well-being.
Personalized Career Coaching
Benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced mentors, tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Professional Development Workshops
Engage in interactive workshops to improve your opportunities for success in research, writing, and beyond.
Access to Resource Library for Research Opportunities
Explore our comprehensive resource library offering valuable insights, tools, and opportunities to propel your work forward.

Protected Writing Time
Over 30 hours of protected writing time! Enjoy dedicated writing sessions free from distractions, allowing you to make significant progress on your research projects.
Writers Support Circles
Form meaningful connections with like-minded researchers, participating in supportive writing circles that foster feedback and camaraderie.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with a diverse community of researchers, expanding your professional network and creating potential collaborations.
Optional Wellness Sessions
Rejuvenate your mind and body with daily mindfulness meditations, yoga sessions, and fitness activities, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling retreat experience.
The Benefits

Progress on Stagnant Goals
Finally you can make progress on that manuscript that has been "in progress" for the last few months and that grant that always gets pushed to next month's to-do list. The retreat empowers you to break free from the stagnation and disappointment of unmet goals, providing the conditions and motivation needed to make substantial progress on your writing projects.
Career Advancement
You will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned academics in workshops and personalized coaching meetings to help you discover the "hidden curriculum" of academia. The things most academics spend years of their career learning about writing strategies, productivity, work-life balance, and personal branding, you will learn in just a few days during the retreat.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
At the Writing Well Retreat, you are relieved of everything that is depleting you and refilled through activities that are intentionally designed to help you embrace the changes needed for you to do your best work and be the best version of yourself. This is an opportunity to escape the daily pressures and immerse yourself in a rejuvinating environment to help you overcome career related stress and anxiety.
Supportive Community & New Connections
Given the structure of the Writing Well Retreat, you will have ample time to work in supportive community on your writing projects and are likely to complete a few. You start with goals but leave with accomplishments. Moreover, while experiencing the strength of a supportive community of like-minded researchers, you can form connections that go beyond the retreat to offer you continuous encouragement, accountability, and collaboration in your academic journey.
Long Term Impact
This retreat is designed to be a catalyst for transformation of your career and life. You will leave the retreat with mindset shifts that reverberate positive change in your daily wellness habits and long-term planning for professional success. We are invested in seeing you level up your life and step into your greatness.
The Location
Itzana Residences | Placencia, Belize
Praise for the Writing Well Retreat:
Retreat Attendee Testimonials
Retreat Registration
Note: Each registration includes daily retreat meals (breakfast, dinner, and snacks), networking opportunities, and ground transportation to and from retreat center. Pricing is based on accomodation type. If you are interested in a payment plan, contact us at info@thriveinstitutes.org
Deluxe Room
$4,700.00
The Deluxe Room is an oasis for solace seekers. Edging the sparkling pool, these thoughtfully designed rooms feature luxurious amenities and a private terrace with a daybed. Write and relax in your own private refuge.

Features and Amenities: 360 square feet of interior space, air-conditioned, 140-square-foot private terrace with daybed, King bed, Sitting area, 49" LED TV, Electronic safe
Quantity
Coming soon
Villa: Private Room
$4,800.00
Experience beachfront Belize at its most luxurious in a Beach Villa. This cozy room is steps away from the beach and nestled within 4,825 square feet of shared living space - there is ample space for writing and relaxing in the interior garden or dining area. Enjoy a semi-private lap pool and an interior garden.

Features and Amenities: 4,825 square feet of shared living space, Private bathroom, interior garden with 22-foot lap pool, 49in LED TV, Electronic safe
Quantity
Coming soon
Villa: 1st Floor Private Master Room
$5,000.00
Experience beachfront Belize at its most luxurious in a Three Bedroom Beach Villa. Opening onto Placencia Beach, this spectacular room immerses you in the beauty that is Belize. Meticulously designed to be in harmony with nature, its 4,825 square feet of shared living space flow indoors and out, so there is ample space for writing and relaxing after a long day's work. Take in stunning views from the oceanfront master bedroom and enjoy a plunge pool and an interior garden.

Features and Amenities: 4,825 square feet of shared living space, Private bathroom, interior garden with 22-foot lap pool, beachfront plunge pool, 49" LED TV, Bose Bluetooth Wi-Fi speakers, Electronic safe
Quantity
Coming soon
Villa: 2nd Floor Master Suite
$5,000.00
Experience beachfront Belize at its most luxurious in a Beach Villa. Opening onto Placencia Beach, this second floor room affords amazing views and privacy. Meticulously designed to be in harmony with nature, its 4,825 square feet of shared living space flow indoors and out, so there is ample space for writing and relaxing after a long day of work and offers a private balcony with a plunge pool and ocean views.

Features and Amenities: 4,825 square feet of shared living space, Private bathroom, balcony plunge pool, 49in LED TV, Bose Bluetooth Wi-Fi speakers, Electronic safe
Quantity
Coming soon
"Thank you from my bottom of my heart for this mindset-shifting experience. It was beyond my expectations. I loved everything about it."
Jin Kim-Mozeleski, PhD | Previous Costa Rica Retreat Attendee
Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University
FAQs
If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us using the links at the bottom of the page.
What is included in the retreat cost?
Do I need to book my own flight?
Should I get travel insurance?
Is my purchase transferable? Can attendance be postponed to a future retreat?
Is my purchase refundable?
Can I arrive early and/or stay late?
Can I bring my child and/or partner?
Meet Your Hosts
Jasmine Abrams, PhD
As an international behavioral research scientist, Dr. Abrams conducts international research in collaboration with community-based and health service organizations and she is fiercely dedicated to sexual health promotion among women of African ancestry - with a focus on sexual and maternal health. She has secured numerous federal funding awards to support her work, including funding from NIMH, NIMHD, NHLBI, and Fogarty International Center.

Dr. Abrams has also founded 4 companies, including the Thrive Institute for Professional Development. The mission of the Thrive Institute is to offer transformative training and professional development experiences to advance productivity and well-being among researchers at research intensive institutions. In her downtime, Dr. Abrams enjoys yoga, dancing salsa, painting, and loving on her family.
Gretchen Fletcher
Gretchen initially began her career as an Executive Assistant. Her journey in the corporate world provided her with a unique perspective on organizational dynamics, an acute attention to detail, and the skills required to manage complex projects with precision. However, it was her passion for travel and her deep-seated love for connecting with people that eventually led her to chart a new course in her career. Recognizing the potential to merge her professional expertise with her personal passions, she made a bold move to establish her own consulting business. As the Founder and CEO of Upper Echelon Consulting Group, Gretchen has seamlessly transitioned her background in executive support and project management into the realm of retreat production and coordination. In addition to being a minority business owner, Gretchen is also tremendously grounded in her faith and a true advocate for the transformative power of retreats.
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