WE WILL BE STAYING AT THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE...a private lagoon front resort & holistic center in Bacalar, Mexico.

NESTLED IN ITS OWN PRIVATE GARDEN OASIS, THE PRIVATE VILLA IS A STYLISH, CHARMING AND HOME-LIKE RETREAT THAT IS LOCATED WITHIN THE HEART OF SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, IT IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE TOWN OF SAN MIGUEL ON FOOT. THREE GUEST ROOMS ARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY, OTHER GUEST ROOMS ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.

THIS LUXURIOUS PRIVATE VILLA IS BUILT IN THE COLONIAL STYLE AROUND A CENTRAL GARDEN WITH SPANISH ARCHED COLUMN DETAILS AND SUITES OF REFINED ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL. IT COMBINES AUTHENTIC CHARM & DISCREET LUXURY IN A CONTEMPORARY ATMOSPHERE. THE VILLA OFFERS MANY DIFFERENT RELAXATION SPACES TO ENJOY. FROM THE ROOF TOP TERRACE TAKE IN BREATH-TAKING VIEWS OF THE TOWN AND SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS. THE LARGE CENTRAL COURTYARD IS EQUIPPED WITH LOUNGE CHAIRS & TOWELS, GIVING YOU THE OPTION TO UNWIND IN THE SUN, IN THE PRIVATE POOL, OR IN THE SHADE OF A PARASOL. IN ADDITION TO THE SPACIOUS LOUNGE AREAS, THERE ARE TWO DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY, AND THREE SINGLE OCCUPANCY, GUEST BEDROOMS EACH WITH SPACIOUS EN-SUITE TILED BATHROOMS. THE ROOF TOP AND OTHER COMMON AREAS WILL ACT AS OUR CENTRAL MEETING SPACE FOR RELAXING, GATHERING, ART MAKING OR EATING. THE CARVED STUCCO AND MULTIPLE BALCONIES THROUGHOUT, CREATES A BEAUTIFUL EXOTIC ATMOSPHERE WITHIN THE INTERNAL COURTYARD AND CENTRALLY LOCATED PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL.
THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL FORMAL DINING ROOM AND LIVING ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR IN THE MEXICAN TRADITION WITH LOUNGE AND FIREPLACE.

THE LARGE ROOF TOP TERRACE WITH 360 DEGREE VIEWS OF THE TOWN OF SAN MIGUEL AND SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS WILL BE OUR MAIN PAINTING SPACE FOR THE WEEK, PROVIDING US WITH SO MUCH GLORIOUS INSPIRATION!

Cost: $3600 (double occupancy) - $5000 (single occupancy) airfare not included

$900 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR SPOT. TOTAL BALANCE IS DUE OCTOBER 15TH, 2018. PAYMENTS PLANS ARE AVAILABLE, PLEASE SEE FAQ'S BELOW FOR DETAILS.

DUE TO HIGH AMOUNT OF INTEREST, WE EXPECT THIS RETREAT TO SELL OUT QUICKLY.  WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT YOUR DEPOSIT DOWN EARLY, THAT WAY YOU'LL HAVE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMFORTABLY SPACE OUT YOUR PAYMENTS. 

ONCE WE RECEIVE YOUR DEPOSIT WE WILL BE IN TOUCH AND SEND YOU TIMELY UPDATES AND TRAVEL TIPS AS NEEDED.

Registration for this Retreat will open on May 30, 2018

OUR LUXURIOUS 7-DAY ITINERARY:

monday, january 28 (day 1)- arrival and orientation

Arrive in Mexico. We suggest you plan your landing arrival time no later than 3pm local time. Transportation from the airport to our Villa will be provided. You'll have a chance to refresh yourself and settle into your beautiful home away from home , take a dip in the pool, relax on the roof top terrace, or explore the neighborhood. The Retreat will begin with an Opening Circle at 6pm, followed by a three course catered welcome dinner at the villa.

tuesday, january 29 (day 2)- painting workshop & walking tour of san miguel

Breakfast at the Villa, along with an inspirational workshop on Watercolor Painting. Then it's off for some adventuring. Guided tours of San Miguel will be taking place, along with excellent guided shopping. We'll have lunch at a magical restaurant in town. Dinner will be enjoyed on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town. 

wednesday, january 30 (day 3) - painting workshop, art galleries and shopping the artisan markets

Breakfast at the Villa, followed by the continuation of our Watercolor Workshop.

Lunch at the Villa will be served family style on the poolside terrace. There will also be free time at the Villa to enjoy the grounds and pool and an afternoon trip to local art galleries, group shopping trip to a local art supply store and the famous Mercado de Artesanias.

We'll meet for sunset drinks & amazing views at The Rosewood Hotel. Dinner will be on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.

thursday, january 31 (day 4)- free day to explore the area as you wish! Individual mentoring sessions with Faith & Mati

Breakfast at the Villa, followed by a free day for you to enjoy as you like. Sink deeply into relaxation with a massage, try an adventurous hot air balloon ride or take a day trip to explore an ancient pyramid archeological site, wander the streets & re-visit favorite shopping and dining spots that you've already explored. There is so much to explore in San Miguel, you'll have the chance to go deeper and enjoy everything that this beautiful location offers.

In the afternoon Faith and Mati will schedule (optional) individual portfolio review sessions with each participant. This is your chance to get our personalized feedback and direction on your work, pick our brains for insight on career direction and come away with new understanding of your art and process.

friday, february 1 (day 5) - half day trip to the thermal hot springs & sunset painting workshop

Breakfast at the Villa, followed by an adventure to La Gruta Hot Springs and Spa where we'll soak in the natural thermal hot springs and enjoy lunch on the grounds there. The afternoon will be yours to explore San Miguel as you wish with free time for additional shopping and sightseeing in town. In the evening we'll reconvene at the Villa for wine and painting at sunset on the rooftop terrace. You'll enjoy dinner on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.

saturday, february 2 (day 6) - workshop, free time & closing circle

Breakfast at the Villa, followed by a continuation of our Watercolor Workshop: Harnessing Local Inspiration with Watercolor. Lunch will be on your own in town. In the afternoon we will have the option for a final walk around town or another shopping trip to the artisan market, ending in the central square at dusk. In the evening, we will have a beautiful closing circle, art viewing of our work from the week and celebration of our time together over a 3 course farewell dinner at the Villa.

sunday, february 3 (day 7)- farewell & departure

Breakfast at the Villa followed by check-out and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY. SMALL CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO WEATHER, DESIRES OF THE GROUP AND UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES. 

:: FAQ'S ::

Are there payment plans?

Yes! Upon receipt of your $900 non-refundable deposit you may divide your remaining total into up to 2 separate payments. Total balance is due on or before December 15th, 2018.

What does the cost cover?

• 6 night stay at our own private lagoon front resort
• intimate group limited to 12-15 women
• All meals, vegetarian options available
• One massage treatment on site at the Resort's Holistic Center Spa.
• A Welcome Gift Bag full of goodies upon your arrival.
• Sinking into Color with Local Inspiration: 4 Watercolor Painting Workshops with Faith & Mati
• One Personal Portfolio Review & Mentoring session with Faith & Mati (45 minutes)

What isn't covered in the cost?

Your airfare is not included in the cost. Any meals eaten off of the Resort grounds, any beverages including alcohol, that you choose to purchase. Anything you buy in the markets or on various trips will not be covered as well as any extra tours or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go.

Do I need travelers insurance?

We highly recommend it.

How much money should I bring for spending?

That is totally personal and depends on how much shopping you plan to do. ATM's are available to you and credit cards are taken at some major retailers.

Do I need immunizations?

Please see the CDC recommendations here. 

Do I have to share a room?

Our private Villa is a luscious and intimate retreat space, we will have the entire property at our disposal. Each of their rooms are uniquely beautiful with en-suite bathrooms. Three of the rooms are single occupancy with one king bed which will be given on a first come first served basis. Bed sharing is optional for these King bedrooms, if you choose to share a bed with someone you know & love you will each pay the double room rate, saving $400. The other 2 rooms are double occupancy with two twin beds per room. We will do our best to pair you up with someone we think you'll match well with. On our retreats the sharing of rooms has fostered close bonds of friendship within the group.

What kind of food will be served?

The chef at the Villa never uses processed foods and all meals are prepared the old fashion way – from scratch.  Breakfast every day will be fresh and delicious, they provide a fixed daily menu that relies on local ingredients. Vegetarian options are available if we inform the chef before hand, other food sensitivities can not be accommodated, however in the town of San Miguel you will be able to find many dining options including gluten free and vegan.

How do I get to Bacalar from The airport and back again?

We will secure group transportation to and from using a transportation service. When booking flights please plan your landing arrival at Cancun International Airport as close to 2pm local time as possible. On our departure day all group shuttles will leave for the airport by 10:30am, earlier flights can be accommodated.

What airport do I fly into?

When booking your flight please fly into Cancun International Airport, which is about a 3 hour drive from Bacalar Lagoon. We recommend booking your flights at least 90 days before the beginning of the retreat.

What will the weather be like?

Bacalar, Mexico is known for having gorgeous tropical weather. Weather in January is likely to be in the 70's. It is expected to be a bit cooler in the evenings with highs in the 50's.

How should i expect to dress in Bacalar, Mexico?

This colonial city has an overall relaxed atmosphere and an interesting mix of people. San Miguel serves as a haven for retirees, a destination for artists (there is an art school & so many galleries) and is still a Mexican city at its core. The area also hosts many outdoor festivals & concerts. When planning what to wear in San Miguel think "casual city chic" with light layers for the changing mountain weather.  The city is best explored on foot, through the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets so opt for comfortable shoes, sneakers or sandals. San Miguel is a cultural city, most of our activities will center on the historic city center, exploring charming shops and markets, admiring the colonial architecture, visiting galleries and musuems. Plan outfits that will work for exploring but will also be nice enough for a relaxed dinner in town.

Is there anything special I need to bring?

We will send you a supply list two months before the start of the retreat. Art supplies will be minimal and will include two 8 x 10 cold-pressed watercolor paper pads, a travel watercolor set full of your favorite colors and a roll of watercolor brushes. We also recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffle) to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. San Miguel is known for its artisan markets and truly has some amazing shopping! The temperatures will vary, so don't forget layers, pack a bathing suit, sweater and a light jacket!

I'm not an artist is this retreat still for me?

Absolutely! This retreat is much more focused on adventure and gathering inspiration, taking notice of your surroundings and approaching your life from a creative and holistic point of view. Painting is just one of the tools we'll encourage you to explore on this retreat. It will be a mix of laid back down time, exploration, pampering and immersion into a vibrant, lively culture.

Do you offer refunds?

There will be no refunds for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about traveling to Mexico.

Registration for this Retreat will open on March 30, 2018

participants on our retreats share their experience:

"My recent trip to Morocco with Faith and Mati was the soulful healing I needed. I have been painting for years, and was in a bit of a creative lull.  I was looking forward to spending time with like-minded women and seeing a new area of the world...and hopefully leaving with some inspiration.  By painting with other women and delving into the creative process in such a spiritual place,  I ended up uncovering some deeper truths and returning home with a sense of creative wholeness.  My trip to Marrakesh was a gift in so many ways..... and Mati and Faith's guidance made it possible.  Not only did I have a wonderful experience, but I left having made some lifelong friendships." ~Daniela B., Artist and Teacher

"When people ask what my favorite memories are I can say it’s been traveling to beautiful destinations with Mati and Faith! I’ve gone to Costa Rica and Morocco with them and both trips have changed my life for the better!  Not only are you discovering new places, but also exploring parts of yourself through art making. Being able to travel and create colorful artwork while making new friendships have been the most transformative and joyful moments in my life. If you want to be nurtured and truly feel awakened, I suggest art retreats because it’s 100% happiness!"~Lily U., Artist, Teacher & Retreat Facilitator

take a look at our fine print here. have more questions?
feel free to shoot us an e-mail.
see you in mexico!