Embodied Memoir Writers Retreat
A 5-day writing, movement, and creative restoration retreat on Martha’s Vineyard
September 30 – October 4, 2026
Join Sherry Sidoti for an intimate gathering of writers on Martha’s Vineyard for daily memoir workshops, story sharing, yoga, meditation, and spacious time to write, reflect, and restore.
About the Retreat
This retreat is a cozy, immersive five days designed for writers who want dedicated time for memoir, creative community, and embodied practice. Across five days, we’ll gather for craft workshops, guided writing prompts, story sharing, feedback circles, yoga, meditation, and restorative time in nature.
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, this experience offers time to write, gather, rest, and enjoy the beauty of the island.
What’s Included
Your retreat package includes daily programming, shared experiences, and full access to our retreat homebase.
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Daily memoir craft workshops
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Guided writing prompts
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Open craft Q&A sessions
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Story sharing and feedback circles
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Daily yoga, movement, and meditation
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Healthy snacks, beverages, and coffee/tea throughout the day
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One lunch + two group dinners with wine
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Full use of shared indoor and outdoor spaces during program, including writing spaces, pool, sauna, hot tub, and communal areas
Retreat package does not include travel, island transportation, some meals on your own, or lodging (see accommodation options below).
A Peaceful Island Setting
for creativity, rest, and connection
Where We’ll Gather
We’ll gather in a beautiful private setting on Martha’s Vineyard, nestled beside the State Forest. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for writing and conversation, gardens to wander, and shared areas for rest and connection, including a pool, sauna, hot tub, and outdoor firepit.
Please note: chickens and cats live on the property. Let us know if you have allergies.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for you if you’re craving both creative depth and spaciousness.
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You’re working on memoir, personal essays, or life writing
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You want guided structure plus time to write on your own
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You value community, feedback, and meaningful conversation
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You’re drawn to yoga, movement + meditation to support the creative process
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You want a retreat that feels intimate, restorative, and creatively alive
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You don’t need to be “finished” or have a polished project to attend
Rhythm of the Weekend
Our days will have a gentle shape, with time for writing, rest, conversation, and being together.
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Morning: Yoga/movement, meditation, or slow personal writing time
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Late Morning: Memoir craft workshop + guided prompt
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Afternoon: Lunch, free writing, rest, optional outings, or time at the property
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Late Afternoon: Story sharing + feedback sessions
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Evening: Group dinner, social gathering, or free evening on your own.
This is a collaborative gathering, with costs shared to make the experience possible for everyone.
The contribution of $800 per person* covers the collective retreat expenses — meals, programming, and group activities.
(*Based on current participation numbers.)
What’s Included
Food & Drinks-
Daily breakfasts (4 mornings)
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Welcome snacks & dinner on arrival day
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Base grocery stock to start the retreat
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Shared bar: wine, beer, spirits, mixers, and non-alcoholic drinks
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House supplies: coffee/tea station, paper goods, and cleaning products
Programming & Activities
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Writing workshops + feedback sessions
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Free writing time + dedicated writing spaces
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Two yoga classes at MV Yoga Barn (1 free community class, 1 generously covered by Sherry)
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Group offerings from attendees: meditation, cooking class, art, circle, etc.
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Island trips + spontaneous fun
Retreat Prep & Support
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Group space setup and preparation
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Professional cleaning (before & after the retreat)
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Laundry services (before, during, and after)
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Miscellaneous supplies to keep the retreat running smoothly
Sleeping Arrangements
For those traveling from off-island, rooms and beds will be available at no extra cost (shared rooms & beds; linens and towels provided). Island-based participants will sleep at home and join fully for meals, programming, and retreat activities.
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A sample weekend itinerary will be shared as we get closer, so everyone knows what to expect but with plenty of spacious free writing and unscheduled time.
Offerings can include anything you feel inspired to share: meditation, cooking classes, art, yoga, group circles, or creative workshops. We’ll have a sign-up sheet closer to the retreat for offerings, meals, and light housekeeping roles.
A base grocery and beverage shop will be done ahead of time to stock the house. Any additional groceries, snacks, or drinks can be replenished as needed from the shared group pool during the weekend. Meals are as follows:
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Breakfasts each day and a welcome dinner on the first night are included.
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3 lunches and 3 dinners will be a mix of potlucks and meals out together.
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We’ll organize meal prep and potluck sign-ups once the group is finalized.
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The closest major airport is Logan Airport (BOS). There are also direct flight options to the Vineyard from New York.
Option 1: Fly into Boston Logan (BOS), then travel to Woods Hole, where you will take the Steamship Authority ferry
From Boston Logan, it’s approximately a 90–100 minute drive to the Woods Hole ferry terminal.
Options to get from Logan to Woods Hole include:
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Peter Pan Bus (or Plymouth Brockton bus): Approximately $40 one way.
This is the easiest, and most common option. The bus departs directly from Logan Airport terminals and drops you off right at the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole. -
Rental car (from Logan): Please note: if you plan to bring the rental car on the ferry, you’ll need to book a car ferry reservation well in advance.
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Optional: share a private car service /Lyft/ Uber
Once in Woods Hole, you'll embark on the Steamship Authority ferry to the island.-
Ferry (passenger only): $21 round trip.
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Ferry (with car): Approximately $245 round trip (for the vehicle + driver)
We will coordinate ride shares, ferry schedules, and car rentals together as a group as the retreat gets closer.
Option 2: Fly directly to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY)
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From Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Year-round service is available through Cape Air and Jetblue (seasonal)
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From New York area: some airlines offer seasonal services directly to MVY airport through fall.
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Once on island, the house is a short 10-15 minute from the airport. We’ll coordinate rides as we get closer.
All transportation details will be coordinated together in the WhatsApp group as we get closer.
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For participants traveling from off-island, shared rooms and beds will be provided at no additional cost. We’ll do our best to make the sleeping arrangements as comfortable as possible for everyone. A finalized schedule for accommodations will be shared once we have the full list of attendees.
Island-based participants will return home each night and fully join us for meals, programming, and retreat activities.
Just bring what you need to be comfy for 4-5 days of writing, hanging out, and soaking in fall Vineyard vibes. The weather should be mild during the day (60s) and cooler in the mornings and evenings (40s–50s). Layers are your friend.
The vibe on the Vineyard is casual and easy.
Clothing:
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3–4 casual tops (mix of t-shirts and long sleeves)
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2–3 sweaters or fleeces for layering
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1 light jacket or rain jacket
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2–3 pairs of comfy pants (jeans, leggings, joggers, etc.)
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Walking shoes (comfortable for taking walks, sneakers are fine)
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Easy slip-on shoes for around the house (flip flops, slides, or clogs work great)
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Cozy extras: light scarf/ beanie (optional but nice for chilly mornings)
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1 "nicer" outfit for any dinners out (still casual)
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Swimsuit (for sauna & hot tub)
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PJs / loungewear
Personal items:
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Toiletries & any medications you need (we have sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of extras)
Writing & downtime:
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Laptop, chargers, notebook
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Reusable water bottle
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Daypack or tote bag
No need to bring:
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No need for anything fancy, anything goes
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Heels (walking pair + slip-ons is all you need)
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Hair dryer — the house has ONE blowdryer (bring if you need your own!)
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Towels / bedding — provided
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Don't bring: Work, deadlines, or obligations — this is your time to write, relax, and unplug
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TBA
Please let us know if you have any allergies, sensitivities, or health concerns we should be aware of.
Note: There are 3 friendly indoor/outdoor cats at the house — just a heads-up for anyone with cat allergies. Also, Sherry has a peanut allergy — please don't bring any peanut products into the house, or prepare anything with peanuts. Thank you!
Retreat Investment
Retreat Package: $1570
This retreat fee includes all daily programming, workshops, yoga and meditation practices, story sharing sessions, snacks and drinks, one group lunch, two group dinners with wine, and access to the shared gathering spaces and amenities throughout the retreat.
Accommodations are booked separately based on your preferred lodging option.
Choose Your Stay
Stay on-site where most gatherings take place, with shared baths, outdoor showers, communal living areas, and easy access to gathering spaces throughout the weekend.
Options for 4-night stay with breakfast:
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Shared room / shared bed: $800 per person
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Private bedroom: $1300
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Studio apartment shared: $900 per person
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Studio apartment private: $1500
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Private loft: $800
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A contemporary home in a quiet area, offered as a separate lodging option about 12 minutes from the main retreat site, with nearby beach access, shared living space, outdoor areas, and breakfast provided each morning at our retreat location from 7:30-8:30am.
Options for 4-night stay with breakfast:
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Shared room: $800 per person
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Private bedroom / bath options: $1300
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Finished basement option: $800
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You’re welcome to book your own lodging nearby and join us each day for retreat programming at the main gathering location.
Interested in joining us?
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Email us to confirm availability and your lodging preference.
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Your spot is secured with an $800 non-refundable deposit.
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After reserving, you’ll receive a short participant form to complete with your contact details, lodging plans, and any food restrictions.
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The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat.
For shared rooms, please arrange your roommate in advance and include their name when booking. Shared pricing can only be guaranteed for guests booking together.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Sherry Sidoti.
