Meet me in Costa Rica, and let's PAINT!

SOLD OUT!

If you would like to put your name on a waiting list, please contact us and let us know: send an email with your name, email address, and phone number, and a request to go on the waiting list. We will let you know if a space becomes available.
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WHEN: January 4 to 11, 2025
WHERE: Costa Rica
WHAT: Enjoy a fabulous painting and eco-tourism retreat with artist Claire Desjardins
WHO: All levels of experience are invited to join me - seasoned artists as well as those who have never held a paintbrush!

I am excited to announce that I will be leading an art-centric/eco-tourism retreat in the breathtaking scenery of Costa Rica! Join me and immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich culture of this beautiful country. This small, exclusive group will explore, create, and connect in an inspiring and supportive environment. It is a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Costa Rica's wildlife, birds, and botanical wonders, drawing creative inspiration directly from nature!

WHERE WE WILL STAY AND PLAY

We'll begin our adventure at the Barceló San José, where we’ll gather for a welcome supper to get acquainted. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with amenities like a pool and restaurant, setting the tone for our creative journey.

The next day, we'll head to our favorite hotel in the world, the luxurious El Castillo, where we'll be surrounded by comfort, beauty, and wildlife for the remainder of our stay. This worry-free holiday includes all meals and transportation for group activities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

We'll have the entire hotel to ourselves, where there are only 9 rooms available for guests: 8 ocean views, 1 garden view (which actually has a view of the ocean too!). Scroll down to book!

WHAT WE WILL DO

Painting workshop with Claire Desjardins

Join me for an inspiring painting workshop at the luxurious El Castillo, where the stunning Costa Rican scenery will fuel our creativity. Most mornings, we'll gather to explore and express the beauty around us through our art.

During this workshop, we'll delve into the intricacies of color and form, learning how to apply them confidently to our paintings. I'll guide you in making free and bold marks on your substrate, helping you create compelling abstract artworks.

With individual attention for each participant, you'll work at your own pace, making this workshop suitable for all levels of painters. Bring an open mind and a willingness to push your personal boundaries. We'll focus on expressive abstract painting techniques, combining freedom of expression with thoughtful planning, color, and design compositions to achieve successful paintings.

Every day will be a sensory feast, providing endless inspiration. We'll paint together on canvas boards (sized for easy travel), using acrylic paints, collage, and found objects to create artworks you'll be proud to take home. Just remember to leave enough room in your luggage for your creations!

  • All art materials are provided. 
  • Approximate total number of workshop hours: 12 hours

Other exciting activities:

  • A full-day guided hike in Corcovado National Park with picnic lunch, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Bring good walking shoes for the uneven ground!
  • A chocolate-making tour, where we’ll indulge in the sweet process from bean to bar.
  • A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, exploring its unique flora and fauna.
  • A refreshing swim at a local waterfall, embracing the natural beauty around us.

Let us celebrate the vibrant colors of Costa Rica and inspire our creativity together. Space is limited to keep the experience intimate, so register early to secure your spot and avoid disappointment!

Looking forward to creating beautiful memories and art with you!

MORE ABOUT THE

ACCOMODATIONS

The Barcelo San José, January 4th-5th: 
All bookings at Barcelo San José hotel are Superior Rooms, and include a group dinner on the 4th and buffet breakfast on the 5th.

  • Bright rooms equipped to make guests feel at home.
  • Bathtub
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • King bed
  • Free shuttle from SJO airport (guests need to arrange their pickup times directly with the hotel at least 3 days in advance)
  • Swimming pools, tennis courts, pickleball, fitness center, beauty salon and massages (some are extra cost)

The El Castillo Boutique Luxury Hotel, January 5th to 11th:
We'll have the entire “castillo” (castle) to ourselves, where there are 9 rooms available for guests: 

  • The “Owner’s Suite” has two rooms, each with a king-sized bed. This suite is for a minimum of two guests.
  • There are four more suites that each have a king-sized bed as well as a full-sized sofa bed.
  • Another four rooms have king-sized beds in them.

Select your room at El Castillo!

Reserve your spot on this incredible art/eco retreat with a $1000 USD deposit on the room package of your choice. We have reserved the entire El Castillo Boutique Luxury Hotel for six nights of this retreat, so must have all 9 rooms booked in order to run our trip. In the rare case that we would need to cancel the trip, we will refund whatever you have paid us. Once all 9 rooms have been sold, we will send you a payment link for the balance of your reservation. Payment will be due within 2 weeks/no less than 90 days prior to the retreat start date.

Scroll down to select your room by clicking on the thumbnail images below.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • If you are coming with friends, you can add them to your room by purchasing the “Add a person” option below.
  • The price of the "Owner's Suite" includes the costs for two guests. The suite can accommodate up to 4 people (Add a person” to your room for each additional person, for each individual over two people). There are 2 king-sized beds, so additional people over 2 would be sharing the beds.
  • Lunch and dinner at El Castillo will be a set menu. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions when you purchase your trip, and we will try to accommodate.

View the full terms and conditions here!

  • RETREAT PRICE INCLUDES:

    • Shuttle from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Barceló San José hotel
    • Transportation from Barceló San José to El Castillo
    • Admission to all organized group field trips
    • All meals: January 4 dinner, January 5 to 10 breakfasts, lunch, dinner, and January 11 breakfast.
    • A complementary glass of wine with every supper at El Castillo
    • A complementary welcome drink, upon arrival at El Castillo
    • Lodging: 1 night at Barcelo San José and 6 nights at El Castillo
    • Art supplies
    • Return transportation from El Castillo to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) on January 11

  • RETREAT PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

    • Airfare
    • Alcoholic beverages (except as noted)
    • Travel insurance
    • Spa treatments
    • Tips
    • Other personal expenses