Spending a month at Casa Mismac was one of the best decisions that I made while writing my dissertation. I got more done in one month in Casa Mismac than I had done during the 3 months prior to getting there! Everything at Casa Mismac is designed in service of one purpose: letting the world drop away so you can drop into your project and write deeply. You will have your usual struggles with your project. No one can take those creative struggles away from you! However, between your wrestling rounds you will have a wonderful supportive community of writers, a creative and attentive host who is a writer herself, beautiful nature walks, delicious meals, cute dogs, a swimming pool, and the magic of Casa Mismac! I think every writer should experience this kind of magic!

Sara Parhizgari, Minnesota, USA

I felt like I had arrived to my new ‘home’ from the moment I walked in the door – the view of the San Jose valley, the openness of the main living room and in particular my lovely blue room with attached tiled bathroom. I had planned to stay two weeks but by the time I found my rhythm of unbroken writing time, I requested to stay an extra week. As my first retreat, beautiful Casa Mismac gave me the peacefulness to settle down and focus on making progress with a fiction piece. With the other writers, there were friendly (short) visits during the day as we made our own breakfasts and lunches in the spacious kitchen and then looked forward to gathering each night for delicious dinners. Otherwise, we worked hard which I really appreciated – a good balance between solo writing time and companionship. Whenever I needed a change of scene to stretch but keep thinking, there was the pool, 40 acres to walk, yoga mats, endless bird watching and verandahs with comfortable chairs. Thank you to Cheryl for providing such excellent support to writers.

Ann Parkinson, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

I’m writing this on the final evening of my month-long stay at Casa Mismac.
Situated in the picturesque and mountainous region of Puriscal, the views you see here are nothing less than extraordinary.
The retreat is ran by Cheryl MacLean – a writer herself, who recently relocated from Canada. From day one, Cheryl went out of her way to make me feel welcome and at home during my stay. She goes the extra mile at every opportunity, cooks amazing meals, and makes sure you’re fully looked after while you’re here. She has also has quite a few interesting stories to share if you ask!
If you’re working on a book, and want to immerse yourself in the writing process, while at the same time being in an awe-inspiring setting, then look no further than Casa Mismac. Superb experience all round – thank you Cheryl! : )

Niall McKeever, Ireland

Casa Mismac in Costa Rica is the perfect getaway for writers looking for a contemplative space in a picturesque mountain setting to rest, rejuvenate, and write! Cheryl MacLean Misurka, thank you for following through on your vision to create and share your slice of paradise with other aficionados of the pen. And I can’t say enough about how you sliced, diced, cubed, and spiralized veggies and fruits into healthy, wholesome meals for us all to enjoy.

Dale Synnett-Caron, Canada

Very much missing the peace and quiet that Casa Mismac has afforded me, and that you have been so incredibly generous in sharing. It was a precious and affirming alternate reality in which I could be attuned with the Muse, who guided me in the discipline and channeled herself through my writing. Everything felt cared for, I was comfy and it allowed me to sink deeper into the inner dialogue. The mountain winds were an invigorating song and the dogs were spirit animals. I can’t wait to return.

Shiri, Costa Rica