_____Writing retreats can be fun. You get away from your normal surroundings for a length of time (weekend, week or more) and concentrate on writing. Retreats usually take place in a beautiful rural or natural setting and you may have a room with just a bed and a desk.
_____Our senses are bombarded on a daily basis, sometimes so much we can't hear our own creative voices. The goal of a writing retreat is to get you away from all of the distractions found in your every day life: no TV, no radio, no sidewalks bustling with activity, and no internet connection. Once all these things are silenced, the creative voice can be better heard.
_____Some writing retreats are like bed and breakfasts; the daily or weekly fee includes meals. Others function like a commune. You pay a smaller fee but you have chores to do in the morning (like pullings weeds or cooking breakfast for the group); however your afternoons are free for writing. For at least one women only retreat (Norcroft), you get a beautiful surrounding and lodging completely free.
_____Of course, most people can create a distraction free atmosphere in their own houses. Cutting off everything, forbid anyone to disturb you, and close the door. Want a natural setting? Take pen and paper to a park, sit/stroll, and just wait for your imagination to kick in.
_____Say being in such a place/state would make you bored? Well, without the world feeding you electronic visions and noise, your imagination has the chance to create its own images and sounds.