About the Residency

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oranjestad, House of Mosaic Aruba Boutique Hotel & Art Gallery offers a serene retreat where creativity flourishes. Our literary residency provides writers, artists, and digital nomads the dedicated time and inspiring space to immerse themselves in their craft. Here, amidst the rich tapestry of Aruban culture, the tranquil ambiance of our boutique hotel and art gallery, and the warmth of the Caribbean, your creative journey finds its perfect backdrop.

A Unique Partnership with Hudson Valley Writers Residency

House of Mosaic Aruba is proud to partner with Hudson Valley Writers Residency (HVWR), a prestigious literary residency program based in the Upper Hudson Valley, New York, USA. HVWR provides dedicated spaces for writers, fostering artistic development and cultural exchange. Through this partnership, we extend the creative bridge between the Caribbean and the Hudson Valley, offering writers the opportunity to experience both inspirational landscapes—the artistic energy of New York and the laid-back, colorful charm of Aruba.

📍 Hudson Valley Writers Residency
Located in Coxsackie, NY, HVWR offers a retreat for writers seeking solitude, inspiration, and community. Their program hosts emerging and established writers in a quiet, historic setting, allowing them to focus on their craft.

Learn more about HVWR: www.hudsonvalleywriters.org

​Book your residency in Aruba through House of Mosaic: Apply below and secure your place in this tropical literary retreat!

What to Expect

  • Inspiring Accommodations: Choose from uniquely designed rooms, each thoughtfully curated to foster creativity and comfort.
  • Artistic Community: Engage with fellow residents and local artists through collaborative events and workshops.
  • Cultural Immersion: Explore Aruba's rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque landscapes that serve as endless sources of inspiration.
  • Dedicated Workspaces: Access serene areas designed to enhance focus and productivity, allowing your creative projects to thrive.
  • Exclusive Kitchen Access – Select residency rooms offer a private kitchenette or access to a shared kitchen.

Discover Oranjestad

Immerse yourself in the eclectic blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy that defines downtown Oranjestad. From charming cafés, art galleries, and bookstores to bustling markets and scenic coastal views, the city offers a culturally rich experience that complements your residency.

Join Our Creative Community

Embark on a transformative writing retreat at House of Mosaic Aruba, where your creative aspirations are nurtured in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you are working on your next novel, screenplay, or collection of poetry, let the warmth of Aruba fuel your inspiration.
📍 Apply today to reserve your residency in Aruba!

✒️ BLOG

​WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HUDSON VALLEY WRITERS RESIDENCY

Mollie Glazer (Fall '23) with her viola da gamba, spent her residency composing a musical about the founding of Nantucket based on the book Half-Share Man by Clarence King. Mollie debuted her musical, a collaboration with playwright, Joan Bigwood, at The Atheneum Library on Nantucket in January of last year.

Launching the HVWR Blog – First Dispatch from the Hudson Valley

Posted May 14, 2025 by the House of Mosaic Aruba Team

We are proud to introduce the first entry in our Hudson Valley Writers Residency (HVWR) blog collaboration. HVWR is a creative retreat founded by Bjorn Thorstad — the college roommate of the owner of House of Mosaic Aruba Boutique Hotel & Art Gallery. This inspiring initiative supports writers of all levels in a serene, focused environment nestled in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley.

This newsletter shares the latest insights from HVWR, its mission, and the inspiration behind its community of storytellers. As a partner in creativity, House of Mosaic is honored to present these features as part of our ongoing cultural dialogue.

Learn more about the Hudson Valley Writers Residency

Why Writers Choose HVWR – A Personal Word from Founder Bjorn Thorstad

Posted May 14, 2025 by the House of Mosaic Aruba Team

In this short video message, Bjorn Thorstad — founder of the Hudson Valley Writers Residency and the college roommate of the owner of House of Mosaic Aruba Boutique Hotel & Art Gallery — shares what makes HVWR so unique.

From the peaceful atmosphere of upstate New York to the clarity of purpose offered to every writer who visits, HVWR is a place where creativity is nurtured and voices are honored.

Visit the Hudson Valley Writers Residency website

Write on Aruba: Residency Terms & Conditions – Cancellation & Refund Policy

​At House of Mosaic Aruba, we are honored to host writers-in-residence through our Write on Aruba creative program. This residency offers a peaceful sanctuary for artists, authors, and creatives to focus on their work in an environment that inspires, restores, and uplifts.
Due to the long-stay nature of the program and the curated rooms reserved exclusively for this initiative, the following terms and conditions apply to all direct residency bookings.

Reservation & Payment Policy
  • Deposit Requirement: A $500 USD deposit is required to confirm your residency.
  • Balance Payment: The remaining balance is due no later than 7 days prior to arrival. For stays over 30 days, monthly payments may be arranged upon request.

Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • Cancellations 14 days or more before check-in:
    50% of the total booking amount will be refunded, minus non-recoverable transaction fees (e.g., bank, credit card, or PayPal).
  • Cancellations less than 14 days before check-in:
    No refunds will be issued. The full amount will be retained as a cancellation fee.
  • No-Shows:
    Failure to check in without prior notice forfeits the full amount paid.
  • Early Departures:
    No refunds or credits will be issued for shortened stays or unused nights after check-in.
Refund Process:
  • Refunds (when applicable) will be processed within 10 business days.
  • All refunds are subject to deduction of transaction fees.
Modifying Dates:
  • Date changes must be requested at least 14 days in advance.
  • Changes are subject to availability and any applicable rate differences.

Maximum Length of Stay
  • The maximum stay per writer is 3 consecutive months.
  • Extensions beyond this period are not guaranteed and must be approved in writing based on availability and conduct.

Code of Conduct
House of Mosaic is a tranquil creative sanctuary. We ask that all writers-in-residence uphold a respectful, harmonious environment:
  • Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
  • Respect the peace of other residents and hotel guests.
  • Keep shared areas (hallways, garden, kitchen) clean and organized.
  • Respect all furnishings, artwork, and property of House of Mosaic.
  • Aggressive behavior, harassment, property damage, or violations of house rules will result in immediate eviction without refund.

Kitchen & Laundry AccessKitchen Access (Optional Add-On):
  • Available for a flat rate of $75/month or $2.50/day (pro-rated).
  • Access to shared kitchen space between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
  • Includes communal cookware, utensils, and refrigerator storage.
  • Residents must clean up after themselves immediately after use.
  • Hotel guests are not permitted to use the residency kitchen.
Laundry Service:
  • Available for $10 USD per load (includes wash and dry).
  • Must be scheduled in advance with staff or concierge.
  • Personal use of hotel machines is not permitted.

Indemnity Agreement
By participating in the residency, all guests agree to:
  • Accept full responsibility for their personal belongings.
  • Release House of Mosaic Aruba, its owner, and staff from liability in case of accident, illness, injury, theft, or damage.
  • Acknowledge that no mail can be received on-site. Writers must use a personal P.O. Box or local pickup arrangement.
  • Accept that interruptions due to unforeseen events (e.g., power outages, natural disasters, government restrictions) will not warrant compensation or liability from the hotel.

Strict Policy Justification
The Write on Aruba program is intentionally small, highly curated, and discounted compared to standard rates. Last-minute cancellations, no-shows, or behavioral issues prevent other writers from accessing the space and create real financial and operational challenges for our small team.
These policies protect the integrity of the program, ensure fairness to fellow residents, and preserve the artistic nature of House of Mosaic.

Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly encourage all residents to purchase travel insurance to protect against illness, cancellations, airline delays, or emergencies that may interrupt your plans. As a boutique hotel, we are unable to cover such losses once booked.

Agreement
​By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms listed in this policy.
We welcome you to Write on Aruba and look forward to seeing your story unfold.

We thank you for honoring the spirit of this creative residency and contributing to the peaceful mosaic we’re building, one story at a time.