This case study describes the use of Padlet to enhance writing skills among postgraduate students during online academic writing retreats amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Four online writing retreats were held at the University of Waikato providing uninterrupted writing time, mentorship, peer support networks, and question and answer sessions for students. Padlet was used as a collaborative tool, enabling students to engage with each other, share resources, and express their thoughts on a virtual bulletin board. The study reveals that Padlet facilitated collaboration, engagement, and the development of academic writing skills among students by fostering a supportive online learning community. Despite potential limitations such as interface clutter with large groups, overall Padlet proved to be a valuable asset in supporting student learning, collaboration, and community building in virtual environments during the writing retreats.