Now accepting applications for our 2023 writers retreat
About our retreat:
Each day begins with an optional yoga practice specifically sequenced to invite creative expression and quiet the chatter of the mind. This is followed by nutritious seasonal breakfasts prepared by our chef Matt Brill formerly of New York's Esme, a delicious eatery in Brooklyn. We then enter 6 hours of silence in all common areas of the property. Perhaps one day you choose to work on the large deck, contemplating views of Dome Mountain or the Yellowstone River; another day, you wander over and write in the apple orchard, or in the privacy of your room.
For those who are ready for adventure, we offer optional daily excursions (for example: guided hikes, touring Yellowstone, hot springs soaks). Each night after dinner there's the option to share your work if you feel inclined, or just sit by the campfire listening to some good mountain music.
What we offer:
6 hours of silence/day
3 beautifully prepared meals per day from chef Matt Brill
optional morning yoga practice with Kendra Potter (beginner to advanced levels welcome)
optional excursions
private or shared rooms with a shared bath
community of other creatives from around the country
the gift of unscheduled and unstructured TIME
1600 / PRIVATE ROOM
800 / SHARED ROOM
(includes 5 nights lodging, 3 meals/day, yoga, some excursions)
Price does not include transportation to or from the retreat. Please note that some of the optional excursions may involve an extra fee. If your application is accepted, payment is non-refundable and must be received upon acceptance to hold your space.
request an Application below
Questions? please Contact us
mtnyccollaborative@gmail.com
Past Retreats
2019 Gardiner Montana
WRITERS RETREAT
“ MT & NYC Collaborative created a magical space for creativity to flourish. From the moment we arrived, Ciara & Kendra made it clear that this retreat was for our work, and they would do everything they could to support our processes to the best of their abilities. The community this retreat formed, is one I’ll forever cherish.”
All Artists Retreat
“The retreat exceeded my expectations. The six hours of silence was exactly what I needed to make substantial strides towards completing the memoir I've been working on. Yoga in the morning was the perfect start of the day. The unbelievably delicious food and the beauty of the surroundings nourished body and soul.” -Judith padow, writer
2018 Gardiner Montana
“MT+NYC Writers Retreat was one of the most unique and restorative writing experiences I've had…I left the retreat feeling restored and whole in a way I had not thought was possible. From the first yoga class that was focused on voice and creativity to the soak in the Boiling river, to impromptu conversations with other incredible women who are committed to their work, I was enchanted, engaged and taken care of…the accommodations are fantastic: the rooms are warm and cozy, the bathrooms are clean and heated, the food is so good, you'll think about it for weeks afterwards and wonder where to find hummus that tastes like that.”
- maryam A. Ansari Writer, illustrator
2017 Gardiner Montana
“This retreat was a writer and artist’s dream. I could not have dreamt of a better location- Montana was simply epic and majestic. The retreat was truly curated to meet the needs of every writer present, offering a environment that is both supportive and freeing. Ciara and Kendra took us on gorgeous hikes, showing us the beauty of Montana whilst guaranteeing guidance and productive writing time.”
“The MT+NYC Collaborative’s Writer’s Retreat has been instrumental in giving me a dedicated time and space to focus on my writing projects. During the past two years, I have written a TV pilot, a feature profile article, and set the groundwork for several future projects. To do this in a comfortable lodging space surrounded by the Montana mountains with elaborate meals provided for me has made this retreat a highlight of my year.”
“My time at the MT + NYC Collaborative Writer’s Retreat was a profound homecoming...The backdrop of Yellowstone Park mixed with hot springs and hiking, yoga and nutritious, delicious meals complimented the creative process in a way I have never fully experienced (or allowed myself to). The words “fully integrated” come to mind. In a stillness and beauty unique to Montana, I was able to quiet my mind and unearth a short film for the first time as a solo writer. It gave me a new found confidence in myself. You couldn’t be in better hands than with Ciara and Kendra.”
2016 bozeman montana
“I had SUCH a great time on this writing retreat. I felt so at peace in the stunning wooded surroundings and was able to write without any self-criticism. Who knew that a clear mind and high elevation could elicit such an outpouring? I really enjoyed the silent writing time, then had beautiful experiences with the other writers once it was time to chat, and took stunning walks every day. It was amazing...yoga classes with Kendra...extraordinary snacks and meals...I feel very grateful for this idyllic and creatively fruitful retreat.
I miss having such a soft brain. LA is intense and it’s hard to be as free in my thoughts as I was out there. I had a really, really good time, and I loved prioritizing writing, which I rarely get to do.”
“The yoga in the morning was a real high point. As was the quiet time for writing. The food was incredible - healthy, delicious. I loved the way we shared the work in the evenings. It felt very safe and special. It was really entertaining, too. Everyone really tuned into each other’s work in a caring and insightful way. On top of all this, we did sightseeing in Butte, hiking, and hot springs. Amazing. There was also a great feeling of camaraderie. What a great and inspiring group of people you brought together. ”
“I ended up writing from scratch a first draft a play—something I had not intended to do. The house, the only sounds others rhythmically typing, everyone energized from the morning’s vigorous yoga session, was the perfect environment in which to start something new, too tired from the previous evening’s hike to be overly self-critical. Also, having the constant fear that a bear will barge in at any time does help you write a little faster and be less precious about each word choice...the other attendees couldn’t have been smarter and I couldn’t feel luckier to now have them in my life...The experience is something I will never forget. PS... There’s a boiling river. A BOILING RIVER.””