Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres or “Island of Women” is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, calm clear turquoise water, delicious food, and friendly people. It is a small island just off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Cancun.
Isla Mujeres is proud to boast some of the top-ranked beaches in the world, and the #1 ranked beach in all of Mexico. Between the crystal clear water and the bright white sand, the ocean appears turquoise close to shore, fading to a beautiful inky sapphire farther off the coast where the seagrass begins.
If you’re craving a soulful, creative, thoughtfully curated, and fully inclusive way to experience the captivating culture, art, and landscapes of Isla Mujeres- Mexico, this retreat is for you!
COME PREPARED FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ART ADVENTURE!
We'll take over a lush secluded retreat for 7 days & 6 nights of making art, nurturing relationships with other women, and adventuring on the island. Our group will lodge in a private villa compound with our own swimming pool and secret path to the beach surrounded by lush green tropical landscape and falling asleep to the sound of the surf. Each morning, after a delicious breakfast served by our in-house chef, there will be optional yoga/guided meditation, and exploration into your watercolor journals or beach time to begin our day. Then we'll dive into art projects under our gigantic open air palapa, where tables and chairs overlooking the ocean will be ready for us to paint on. Other days we will enjoy private tours of the island including food & culture, boat tour and surroundings :) Art Explorations will include acrylic painting, collage, watercolors, pastels, and more! No art experience needed as we will be there to guide you. At the end of our time together you'll leave refreshed & restored, with tons of new skills under your belt to invigorate your painting practice back home!
Art Explorations with Erna & Lucia
Steps from our magical lodging is the Caribbean ocean,
the most gorgeous view to wake up to....
Surrounded by spectacular views is Casa Bonita,
a beach house located towards Punta Sur in Isla Mujeres
CASA BONITA - Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Nestled in its own private garden oasis the house is ideal for a group retreat. One big house with a total of 6 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, there is also a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room areas. Walled-in for privacy with flowering gardens and pathways. This hidden gem is located just outside the busy center, closer to Punta Sur. The location is perfect for relaxation but close enough to explore. All of the rooms are double occupancy. We have our own private beach & swimming pool! This is a large tropical property and iguanas may welcome you into each day. The primary gathering area is outside under a thatched roof palapa, built in the traditional local style. It has an outdoor kitchen where our private chef will prepare our meals, and we will dine al-fresco! This area will act as our meeting space as well. There is another large open air palapa next to it that will become our studio space for the length of our stay. Yoga/meditation time will be right on the beach. This Casa offers us a beautiful exotic atmosphere in which to create art in paradise.
Your 7-Day Art Retreat ITINERARY:
Day 1: Sunday December 4, 2022
Arrivals (after 3pm), Tour of the house, settle in (rooms & luggage), Enjoy pool & cocktails (as we wait for all participants to arrive),
Art: setting intentions, sharing circle, intro to art journals & goodie bags, Cocktails & Welcome dinner by our private chef (included).
Day 2: Monday December 5, 2022
Breakfast (included), Yoga/meditation (optional), Tour of Isla Mujeres: On the first day we will tour the island via golf carts to give you a sense of where everything is, and will stop in various spots to see the art, architecture, culture and try delicious local food (food not-included), Then we'll find our way back to Casa for Art PM: Mixed media workshop, Dinner/cocktails (included).
Day 3: Tuesday December 6, 2022
Breakfast (included), Yoga/meditation (optional), Art AM: Journal, Mixed media painting workshop, Lunch & cocktails (included), Art PM: Mixed media workshop (continued), free time to relax by the pool or Golf cart available for cocktails & dinner in town (dinner not-included)
Day 4: Wednesday December 7, 2022
Breakfast (included), Yoga/meditation (optional), Art AM: Journals, Watercolors workshop, Light Lunch (included), Boat Tour: We will tour the turquoise Caribbean waters around the island and stop in beautiful spots for Snorkeling (optional) and sight seeing. Then we will return to Casa for Relax time by the pool or continue with art journaling or Golf cart available for cocktails & dinner in town (dinner not included)
Day 5: Thursday December 8, 2022
Breakfast (included), Yoga/meditation (optional), Art AM: Journals, Watercolors workshop, Nature & Sand Mandalas, Lunch (included),
Tour: Beach Club, Dinner (dinner not-included), Ride to Punta Sur for an amazing sunset, Back to Casa for relax time by the pool or continue
with art journaling.
Day 6: Friday December 9, 2022
Breakfast (included), Yoga /meditation (optional), Art AM : Journals, Mixed media painting workshop, Tour: Enjoy Isla, shopping at your own pace, free time, Lunch in down town (lunch not-included), Back to Casa for pool time and last night Dinner & Cocktails (included).
Day 7: Saturday December 10, 2022
Breakfast (included), Farewell, goodbyes. Check-out is by 11am.
Transportation from Casa Bonita to Puerto Juarez/ferry is included (bring your ferry ticket).
FAQs
The total cost is $1950
-Payment option 1: Pay in full
-Payment option 2: A non-refundable deposit of $975 will be charged when you register. Second installment of $975 will be charged 2-weeks after you register.
WHAT DOES THE COST COVER?
-7-days, 6- nights accommodation in a private beach front house (double occupancy)
-Transportation from and to Puerto Juarez (ferry port) via golf cart to Casa Bonita
- 4 Group tours: 1 Isla Mujeres cultural & food tour, 1 Boat tour (snorkeling, sight seeing), 1 tour of downtown for shopping and out & about, 1 tour to a Beach club (food & drinks not-included)
-6 group breakfasts by private in-house chef
-3 group lunches by private in-house chef
-3 group dinners by private in-house chef
-Gift bag full of goodies for your art making
-Daily gentle flow yoga/meditation (optional)
-Art workshops taught by Lucia & Erna, including mixed media painting, art journal, nature mandalas, watercolor painting, and other art inspired by our surroundings. The lessons will be guided and full of inspiration. We will explore a variety of art techniques and materials including acrylics, watercolors, water-soluble pastels, collage, charcoal, and guided imagery
-All art supplies are included (but feel free to bring your favorite brushes and other materials - list provided via email)
-Private swimming pool and private beach (beach towels available)
-Access to the open air studio space anytime.
-Golf carts and/or a driver are available to take you around the island during free time, and to enjoy the fantastic restaurants and bars in downtown, perhaps a massage with ocean view, sight seeing and shopping.
WHAT ISN'T COVERED IN THE COST?
-Airfare tickets to/from Cancun
-Transportation from Cancun airport to Puerto Juarez (ferry port) and back, approx. $40 each way (we can provide recommendations upon request)
-Ferry ticket from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres and back, approx. $20 round trip (you can purchase the ferry ticket right at the Puerto Juarez port)
-2 lunches, 3 dinners (please review the itinerary above)
-Snacks in-between meals
-BYO Sunblock :)
-Anything you purchase such as market shopping, massage.
-TIPS for services and transportation are not included.
*You can expect to pay about $15-$25 for a nice meal, additional for alcohol beverages
DO I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM?
The house is a luscious and intimate retreat space, we will have the entire property at our disposal. Each of their rooms are unique and are double occupancy with two beds, 1 bathroom per room. Every room also has an AC unit. 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?
We will provide a curated daily menu of fresh and local ingredients. This menu may include fresh fruits, eggs, fresh breads, juices and coffee for breakfast, and a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner that may include fresh fish, chicken, vegetables, salads and other.
For dietary restrictions and/or allergies please send us an email.
WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
When booking your flight please fly into Cancun International Airport.
Please keep us updated regarding your arrival time at the Cancun airport... send us an email as soon as you book your flights, so we can arrange the golf cart pick-up at Isla Mujeres..
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Usually, the temperature can be anything from 75F and higher. It is hot, humid and usually sunny with a possible passing shower. The house is located on the beach so there is always an ocean breeze, however plan for hot weather! Bring sunblock! We may take breaks often to jump in the pool or the ocean... pack a swimming suit (or 3 or 4)! It is expected to be a bit cooler in the evenings with highs in the 70's and low 80's.
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I NEED TO BRING?
We also recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffle) or backpack to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. Don't forget to pack a bathing suit and sarong or summer dresses, that might be all you want to wear! Sunblock! Perhaps mosquito repellent. Maybe a rain poncho/jacket!
HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I BRING?
Most places in the island accept credit cards, but for local market/street vendors and tips we suggest $100-$300. You can keep small U.S dollar bills, or exchange dollar to pesos at the ferry port.
DO I NEED TRAVELERS INSURANCE?
We encourage everyone attending the retreat to get travel insurance that will cover unexpected situations prior to departure.
DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS?
There will be no refunds for the deposit or total payment for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about traveling to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
IS THIS RETREAT TRANSFERABLE?
Yes! If for some reason you cannot join the retreat, you may transfer your registration to someone else. You must let us know via email at least 2-weeks before the retreat.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Isla Mujeres, Mexico Overnight Agreement & Waiver 2022: At registration you will be asked to fill out and sign an online registration, agreement & waiver. In order to reserve your spot on our retreat you will be required to sign this. We rely on your feedback to make this art retreat a memorable experience for all. We look forward to welcoming you!
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE POLICIES, AGREEMENT & WAIVER
