The goodworld Experience

Part restorative retreat, part cultural journey, part old-fashioned conversation salon, GoodWorld Journeys gathers creative people and celebrated Guest Artists together in beautiful places. Our alchemy is holding sacred and creative space for writers and musicians, readers and listeners to share soulful food for thought, stirring music, culinary delights, and craft-oriented wisdom.

What Is A Salon?

A GoodWorld Journey Salon is an intentional eight to ten day gathering where people come together for deep, engaging wisdom sharing and discussions on curated topics in inspiring landscapes.

With a balance of thoughtfully curated programming and spacious free time, our Salons offer a chance to step away from everyday life, encounter new thoughts and perspectives, and connect deeply with place and one another. Accomplished Guest Artists co-lead our salons, providing craft-focused “master-class” sessions and joining participants in intimate conversations, readings, performances, and Q&As.

While a GoodWorld Journeys Salon shares elements of a creative retreat, cultural journey, and traditional literary or artistic salon—it isn’t an intensive workshop or artist residency. Participants should not expect one-on-one coaching, manuscript critiques, or personal feedback from Guest Artists. Participants can expect to gain enduring and practical insights about artistic craft and living a creative life in a well-curated community that endures long after the program ends.

The Daily Flow

Designed for Depth and Discovery

Morning Salons

Morning Salons are designed around craft-focused talks and conversations, including small-group exercises, voluntary participant sharing of creative work, and experiential learning.

Afternoon Exploration

Afternoons and free days are intentionally left unscheduled for you to wander through Patmos island’s villages, or explore the art galleries and culinary delights on San Miguel de Allende…basically, to spend spacious time however you so wish.

Evening Salons

Our evening Salons, set in relaxed and scenic settings, engage our guest artists in conversations about their creative life journeys, combined with Q & A and often readings and music.

“Sometimes you do something totally beyond your zone of comfort and it leads to experiences that transform you wholly. The salon changed who I am as a person. It created a community that remains strong more than 5 years later.”

— Shamima Khan, salon participant

“What an amazing ten days filled with heartfelt inspiration, creativity, music, and friendship! Exceeded all expectations. Dan and Jenny are superb organizers. "

— Lori Horvitz, salon participant

“Spending time in the presence of great artists I admire - where else could something like that happen? You guys are really doing something good in the world! Thank you. "

— Michael Kauffman, salon participant

“Words alone cannot adequately describe the experience of participating in a GoodWorld Journey. These salons bring back to life every sense imaginable. I have experienced two GoodWorld salons in my lifetime and already thinking about attending a third.”

— Jennifer Margiotta, salon participant

“GoodWorld journeys provided me with a lifeline during a time of transition, unrest, and burnout in my life. The combination of luminous attendees and presenters, stunning landscape, and time for rest and delight nourished my soul.”

— Jacob Grant, salon participant

What to Expect

Morning & Evening Sessions

Each Salon day is anchored by two core gatherings. Three-hour morning sessions blend craft-focused talks, small-group exercises, and creative exploration with our Guest Artists. Two-hour evening conversations feature life journey interviews, readings, music, and participant questions.

Opening & Closing Dinners

Salons begin and end around the table. Over celebratory meals paired with live music, you’ll connect with fellow participants and guest artists. Menus highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, with thoughtful attention to dietary preferences.

Local Excursions/Activities

Beyond the Salon sessions, each destination offers rich opportunities to explore. You might join a cooking class or gallery walk in San Miguel, or board a small boat in Patmos for lunch & a swim at a nearby isle—experiences that immerse you in the rhythms of local life.

Salon Commons

Salon participants bring a wealth of talent, interests, and ideas to the Salon experience. Outside of morning and evening Salon programming, optional self-organized sessions are made possible. From Shut Up and Write sessions to hikes and open mics, there’s no shortage of Salon Commons activities.

Spacious Time

We intentionally leave generous stretches of each day unscheduled. They’re yours to swim, write, explore, nap, join Salon Commons activities, share a meal, continue a conversation, or do absolutely nothing. Some of the most meaningful experiences at a Salon happen in the spaces between what’s on the schedule.

A Remarkable & Enduring Community

Our team invests time and energy to curate a cohort that brings a wealth of knowledge and diversity of experience to be shared. While people may initially come for the Guest Artists, they soon realize they’re part of a special circle of remarkable humans. As part of our alumni network, you’ll stay linked to a thoughtful group of creative peers, with space for continued dialogue, support, and collaboration.

FAQs

What criteria are used for selecting Salon applicants to participate?

We aim to bring together a vibrant and inclusive mix of participants for each Salon. This includes diversity across nationality, age, gender, race, lived experience, professional background, and creative interests.

We welcome both accomplished and emerging voices—writers, storytellers, songwriters, cultural creatives—as well as passionate readers, music lovers, curious travelers, and changemakers. You do not need to identify as an artist or writer to participate.

Each Salon is enriched by the presence of thoughtful, engaged individuals who value meaningful conversation, shared inspiration, and intentional retreat time.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we offer a limited number of partial scholarships for each Salon, awarded based on both need and merit. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000 and apply only to the Salon program fee. They do not cover international travel to or from Greece or Mexico.

When completing your Salon application, you’ll be asked if your attendance is dependent upon scholarship assistance. If eligible, you may receive a separate scholarship application form via email after the initial review of your materials.

How many participants typically attend each Salon?

Salons typically include 40-60 participants, with a maximum cap of 60.

We’ve found this size enables the ideal balance: intimate enough to foster meaningful connection and community, yet large enough to offer a rich shared experience.

How does the application process work?

We receive more applications than we have available spots for each Salon. To help us get to know you, we ask that you answer a few questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and will be notified of your acceptance decision within 10–30 days. Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist.

If you’re accepted, you’ll be required to make a deposit within 10 days to secure your spot, followed by a final payment.

Upcoming Journeys

June 2026

Living An Examined Life

Join a creative pilgrimage into music, memoir, & myth with Neko Case, Ani DiFranco, Anaïs Mitchell, and Ann Powers.