The Journey Is
Your Story
August 1-9, 2026 • San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
A Creative Retreat in the High Desert
Join us in the enchanting mountain town of San Miguel de Allende for our first GoodWorld Journeys Salon in Mexico, featuring three accomplished authors and respected teachers: Hala Alyan, Ashley C. Ford, and Maggie Smith. Together, we will delve into the transformative power of storytelling, exploring memoirs, personal essays, poetry, and innovative narrative forms.
Through engaging talks, insightful conversations, and dynamic creative exercises, our talented guest artists will share their wisdom and techniques for uncovering your own stories—and those of others—to reveal universal truths about the human experience. They will unveil their writing processes, share how they crafted their narratives, and provide valuable guidance on the art and craft of storytelling.
The Craft of Transforming Life Into Story
This remarkable trio of literary guides will empower Salon participants to unlock new avenues for creativity and find their authentic voices. Together, we will ponder timeless and pressing questions, such as:
- Where do our stories come from?
- How can a writer transform life’s raw material into a meaningful narrative for readers?
- In these challenging times, how can we cultivate empathy and celebrate the goodness of humanity through our writing?
Find Your Voice in an Inspiring Landscape
Whether you’re an aspiring author, an established writer, or simply a curious reader, you’ll flourish in our morning sessions, while afternoons are yours to explore the charming streets of San Miguel, soaking up inspiration in the temperate August high desert climate. Evenings will bring us together on picturesque rooftops for intimate interviews with each Guest Artist, where we’ll discuss their creative life journeys.
Treat your storytelling spirit to a profound experience as you discover the historic and captivating beauty of San Miguel. Enjoy ample time to reflect on your learnings, connect with fellow writers and readers, participate in small group cultural excursions, stroll through artisan markets, relax at courtyard cafés, indulge in mountain mineral pools, and expand your vision for your own creative storytelling journey ahead.
Meet Our Salon Guest Artists
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books of poetry and prose, including You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, and Dear Writer. A Suit or a Suitcase: Poems will be published in March 2026. An NEA fellow and Pushcart Prize winner, Smith has been published in the New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Nation, and The Best American Poetry. In 2025 she was named the host of The Slowdown, a podcast by American Public Media.
“Words are not just a means to an end. They help me make the world.”
Ashley C. Ford
Ashley C. Ford is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Somebody’s Daughter, published by Flatiron Books. Ford is the former co-host of The HBO companion podcast Lovecraft Country Radio, and the current host of Ben & Jerry’s Into The Mix. She currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, poet and fiction writer Kelly Stacy, and their chocolate lab Astro Renegade Ford-Stacy.
“I believe in the power of story. I believe we can all tell our stories.”
Hala Alyan
Hala Alyan is a Palestinian American clinical psychologist and author of the novels Salt Houses — winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize — and The Arsonists’ City, a finalist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize. She is also the author of several acclaimed collections of poetry, most recently The Moon That Turns You Back. Her work has been published by The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Guardian, and elsewhere. Her debut memoir, I’ll Tell You When I’m Home, was recently published by Avid Reader Press.
“Our stories hold the power to shape and change our identities.”
Step Inside the Journey
Hear from past participants as they reflect on the Salon experience
*Note that this video features a GoodWorld Journeys Salon set in Greece. The Salon experience largely remains the same across locations.
8-Night
Stay & Program
$4,950 per person, double occupancy
- $1,750 for single room supplement.
- $150 discount per person, for friends/spouses sharing a room.
- A limited number of ‘non-participant’ fee options are offered for spouses/partners.
For more information on pricing options, visit this journey’s FAQs.
Application Process
We seek to curate a diverse and creative mix of Salon participants, and attendance is by application only. Once you submit your application, you’ll be notified of your acceptance decision within 10–30 days. Learn more about the application process in our FAQs below. GoodWorld Journey Salons typically sell out, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Includes:
8-Night hotel stay (with breakfast)
Opening Welcome Reception & Dinner
5 Morning Salons
4 Evening Salons
Music & dance party in the countryside
Guided walking tour
Closing Farewell Reception & Dinner
Transport to excursions
Optional coordinated activities (e.g., cooking or painting class, thermal hot springs excursion)
Does Not Include:
Airfare and transport to/from San Miguel de Allende
Tips to staff
Dinners/lunches off site
Taxis used on free time
FAq
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.
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.
What are the accommodation options and associated pricing?
For this particular Salon, participants will be accommodated between 2-3 boutique hotels, all within walking distance of the Salon venue. Once you’ve been accepted, we’ll share additional details about the specific hotel/bed and breakfast.
The standard Salon fee is $4,950, which includes a shared double room with another Salon participant.
If you prefer a private room, you may request a single room upgrade for an additional $1,750 (subject to limited availability).
Friends or spouses participating together and sharing a room are each eligible for a $150 discount off the Salon fee.
Rooms are assigned based on the date on which participants paid their deposit.
My partner/spouse wants to come but doesn’t wish to participate in the Salon programming. Is this allowed?
Yes, non-participating partners or spouses are welcome to join you, space permitting. A non-participant fee of $1,850 applies. This fee includes sharing your room at the Salon hotel, enjoying the daily hotel breakfast, participating in the welcome and farewell dinners, and joining a guided excursion.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes—payment options depend on when you’re accepted and whether you receive a scholarship.
If you’re accepted on or before March 15th, 2026:
You may pay in two installments:
A $1,450 deposit is due within 10 days of acceptance.
The remaining balance is due by April 1st, 2026.
If you’re accepted after March 15th, 2026:
The full payment is due within 10 days of acceptance.
If you receive a scholarship:
Installment payments are available. Details about your payment timeline will be included in your scholarship acceptance email.
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 $3,000 and apply only to the Salon program fee. They do not cover international/national travel to or from San Miguel de Allende. All scholarship award recipients are accommodated in a twin share w/ ensuite bathroom, along with another Salon participant.
When completing your Salon application, you’ll be asked if your attendance is dependent upon scholarship assistance. If eligible, you may receive a supplemental scholarship application form via email after the initial review of your materials.
For those pre-approved to submit a scholarship application, the supplemental scholarship application will be accepted until March 10, 2026. Scholarship awards will be announced by April 1, 2026.
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.
Can I arrive early/stay late?
Yes, you’re welcome to arrive in San Miguel de Allende before or after the Salon program dates. However, you’ll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your accommodations for any extended stay.
How do I get to San Miguel de Allende?
There are three main airports to access San Miguel de Allende:
Leon/Guanajuato (BJX): 1.5 hour drive to San Miguel de Allende
Queretaro (QRO): 1.5 hour drive to San Miguel de Allende
Mexico City (MEX): 3.5 hour drive to San Miguel de Allende
Taxis, group shuttles, and private drivers are available from each airport to San Miguel de Allende. Shuttle services and private drivers should be booked in advance.