Breaking the Story Retreat with Kristin Dwyer - Costa Rica

This year, Kristin Dwyer's highly popular

BREAKING THE STORY retreat is heading to Costa Rica!

Breaking The Story is an intimate retreat experience focused on developing and strengthening your story’s world, characters, and structure.

Each participant will have two hours of dedicated story breaking time led by Kristin.

Previous attendees have come away with drafting and revision plans, solutions to plot problems,

solved character motivations, and fully developed outlines.

Yes, you can come with only VIBES and leave with a STORY!

Kristin’s clients have gone on to land agents and book deals. This is a unique opportunity to get an inside look into her process of diagnosing and fixing story problems, and evenings will include discussions on industry and craft in the pool, on the beach, or under the oceanfront palapa. Attendees will also have the opportunity to add on Kristin’s manuscript reading services at a special discounted price following the retreat.

Wait - - Did somebody say beach?

YES. For the first time, the Breaking the Story retreat is going international! Kristin Dwyer is partnering with

Mountain to Sea Retreats to bring you an experience straight out of a bestselling fantasy,

with prices remaining comparable to previous retreats!

What does the M2S Breaking The Story Retreat with Kristin Dwyer include?

- Five nights lodging at the incomparable Encantada ocean cottages of Esterillos, Costa Rica. 

- Three healthy meals each day, traditional Costa rican cuisine sprinkled with American favorites. Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.

- Two hour session to BREAK YOUR STORY led by Kristin Dwyer

- Beach-side 60 minute massage

- Guided meditation beach walk

- Somatic breathwork

- Surfing lessons

- Cacao ceremony

- Daily yoga practice in an open air pavilion facing the ocean

- Transportation to and from San Jose International Airport

Price includes almost everything you'll need apart from your flight to SJO, bar tab, and souvenirs.

*Alcohol is not included. If you choose to consume alcohol, the legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18 years.

American dollars are accepted everywhere and can be used for souvenirs or to tip surf instructor/masseuse/driver.

Breaking the Story Investment: $3500

$500 deposit + 8 payments of $375 (May-Dec)

Deposit secures your spot. You will receive a link to fulfill your next payment by May 13th, 2026.

A monthly payment will automatically be deducted each month thereafter until December.

Connect and Develop Investment: $2900

Don't have a story to break but still want to join us? Our Connect & Develop guest option allows writers to participate in as much or as little of the retreat's itinerary as they choose, leaving them ample time to write in a hammock by the sea while still enjoying meals, wellness offerings, and connecting with like-minded people in the book world.

$500 deposit + 8 payments of $300.00 (May-Dec)

Deposit secures your spot. You will receive a link to fulfill your next payment by May 13th, 2026.

A monthly payment will automatically be deducted each month thereafter until December.

Encantada is a boutique oceanfront resort that we will have all to ourselves. It consists of seven unique cottages,

each containing 3-5 beds. You will be placed in a shared cottage but will have your own bed if desired.

Please contact us with roommate requests -- we will do our best to honor them.

Note that there is one private suite with king bed that can be booked for an additional fee.

We cannot wait to host you for this unique opportunity!

Spots are extremely limited, secure yours today.

Cancellation Policy: 

Deposit ($500) is due at time of booking. Deposit is 100% refundable until May 13th, 2026, and is nonrefundable thereafter. Monthly payments will be withdrawn each month from May to December, 2026, for a total of 8 additional payments. Full payment is due on or before 30 days prior to first day of event. M2S retains the right to offer your seat to another guest if invoices are not paid on time. Cancellations between 60 and 30 days prior to event will receive a 50% refund of total cost. Nonrefundable credit toward a future Mountain to Sea Retreats program (within four years following the date of issue) will be available if you give notice between 29 days and 1 day before your event. ​No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day; if you do not show up; or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

Mountain to Sea Retreats reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If M2S cancels a program, you will receive a full refund.