DPaC Writing Retreat 2027
DPAC Writing Retreat: Cat Island
The Bahamas | [Insert Dates], 2026 Led by The Africanist, Bamba Ndiaye, PhD | Hosted by DPAC
Silence the noise. Find your frequency. Finish the story.
For scholars, creators, and professionals, the greatest barrier to progress is a lack of sustained, uninterrupted time. To produce work that moves the culture, you must physically and mentally distance yourself from the demands of your daily environment.
Welcome to Cat Island. This is not a tourist destination; it is a dedicated space for deep intellectual and creative labor. Whether you are finalizing a manuscript, structuring a thesis, or launching a new project, this retreat provides the environment you need to execute your vision.
What You Will Experience
The Cat Island Residency is a curated program for thinkers and storytellers. We provide the structure and the space; you bring the work.
The Daily Flow
Our schedule is designed around your productivity, not a rigid clock. We prioritize these core blocks to ensure you maximize your creative output:
The Dawn Session (Early Morning)
Dedicated quiet hours for focused writing. Use the first light to tackle your most challenging drafts or conceptual outlines.
The Core Workday
Structured deep-work sessions, peer collaboration, and guided feedback. We incorporate intentional off-site excursions designed to clear mental blocks and provide a necessary change in environment.
The Evening Session (Late Night)
A dedicated block for continued writing solitude. Whether you find clarity under the stars or in the silence of the evening, this time is reserved for your final push of the day.
Retreat Highlights
Focused Environment
Private villas situated far from urban distractions, specifically selected for deep work.
Intellectual Community
Daily opportunities for peer feedback, soul-stirring dialogue, and collaborative strategy with fellow writers.
Strategic Resets
We integrate local culture and nature—including scenic walks and historical site visits—to help you reset your creative focus.
Intentional Nourishment
Group meals featuring local cuisine, designed to facilitate connection without breaking your creative momentum.
Optional: The Nassau Reintegration Extension
Recommended for those transitioning back to professional life.
Extend your residency with a 2–3 day curated experience in Nassau. While Cat Island is focused on Deep Dive Solitude, the Nassau extension is designed for Strategic Reintegration.
This is a flexible transition period tailored to your needs. We handle all logistics—including inter-island flight coordination and premium accommodations—allowing you to move from the quiet of the island back into your professional life seamlessly.
Claim Your Seat
To ensure a sanctuary of deep focus and intimate connection, applications are limited to [Number] participants. This is not just a retreat; it is a professional reclamation of your voice and your time.
Are you ready to write? [Apply Now / Submit Your Deposit]
Write with ancestry. Create with purpose. Join us on the island where your work can finally breathe.
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Included
Airport TransfersBreakfastCelebration & Special MomentsEntry FeesExpert GuideWellness & Relaxation
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Not Included
5 Star AccommodationBoutique Hotel StayCustom Add-On ExperiencesExtended Stay OptionsGuided ExcursionsPrivate TransportationSignature Dining ExperiencesSmall Group Experience
Day 1: Alignment (Arrival)
Arrival Period: Check-in and settling into accommodations.
Orientation: Formal welcome, review of retreat objectives, and participant introductions.
Group Dinner: A time to connect before the work begins.
Night Owl Session: Optional independent writing time for those looking to begin their project immediately.
Day 2: Focused Writing
Dawn Session: Focused writing block.
Core Workday: Morning deep-work session, lunch, afternoon writing block, and the "Scholar Salon" for peer feedback/progress review.
Night Owl Session: Focused writing block.
Day 3: Work & Local Context
Early Morning (Optional): Time for independent writing or exercise.
Morning Session: Dedicated silent writing block.
Afternoon Session: Group offsite excursion (Mt. Alvernia / The Hermitage).
Evening Session: Strategy discussion (Group talk on publishing, research, or career path).
Dinner: Group meal.
Night Owl Session: Extended focused writing block.
Day 4: Review & Departure
Morning Session: Final writing block and wrap-up.
Closing Session: Goal review, feedback on the retreat, and departure planning.
Departure: Check-out and airport transfers.
We provide additional information on the hotel, amenities, accommodations, and other important travel information in the section below.
Rollezz Villas & Beach Resort



OPTION 1: PAY IN FULL
Secure your reservation with ease by paying the full trip cost at the time of booking.
This option is ideal for guests who prefer a seamless, one-time payment experience without the need to track multiple deadlines. Paying in full allows for immediate confirmation of your space and enables our team to finalize all travel arrangements on your behalf without delay.
OPTION 2: PAYMENT PLAN
To make planning your journey easier, we offer a structured payment schedule for most curated trips.
Payment Schedule
- Payment 1 (Deposit at Booking): A deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your space on the trip and confirm all reservations.
- Payment 2: The second payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure date.
- Payment 3: The remaining balance is due 40 days before departure.
All payments must be received by the listed deadlines to maintain your reservation. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of previously paid amounts according to the cancellation policy.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the advance planning required for accommodations, experiences, and services, all payments made toward this trip are non-refundable. Deposits and payments secure your reservation and are used to confirm arrangements with our travel partners.
If you are unable to attend after booking, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible. In certain cases, reservations may be transferred to another traveler or dates can be moved, subject to approval and any applicable change fees.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellation, delays, or medical emergencies.
Please review all trip details carefully before booking. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and agree to this cancellation policy.