Art Retreat.
Immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Girona, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, while engaging in daily art workshops, is a perfect way to expand creativity and perception. The combination of art and travel allows for a deeper connection with both the environment and the cultural heritage of the area. Paul Klee’s quote “Art should be like a holiday: something to give a man the opportunity to see things differently and to change his point of view" captures the essence of art perfectly — it provides an opportunity to see the world through a different lens, to step outside your usual perspective, and to embrace new ideas and experiences.
Embark on a creative journey through the Province of Girona, Spain, where nature and history come together in a stunning landscape. Explore the region’s breathtaking beauty, from the tranquil mountain rivers and volcanic national parks to the pristine aquifer-fed Lake Banyoles, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Pyrenees. In Serinyà, delve into the origins of the Iberian civilization by exploring ancient prehistoric caves. Discover the charm of medieval villages like Besalú, and wander the historic streets of Girona, where you can experience the city's renowned Flower Festival in May. Through daily art workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to capture these unforgettable moments in an art journal. This is more than just a trip—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the essence of Girona, creating lasting memories through your art.
Join us in discovering Girona like never before and let your creativity flow amidst this inspiring natural and cultural paradise!
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Girona airport or Girona train station to Hotel Mas Pelegri. Welcome drink & sketching in nature.
Day 2: After breakfast, we'll begin our first session on the top terrace of Hotel Mas Pelegri, offering stunning views of the volcanic national park. Today, we'll dive into the world of art journaling, learning how to use art to capture the essence of our day. This session will focus on exploring different mediums, giving you the tools and confidence to create throughout the week.
Day 3: In May, we’ll have the unique opportunity to experience the Girona Flower Festival, where we can peek behind the usual closed doors of the historic Jewish Quarter. This special event showcases the beauty and charm of the city, offering a rare glimpse into its hidden, flower-adorned spaces. Alternatively, we will visit the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, immersing ourselves in the surreal world of one of Spain's most iconic artists, or enjoy a breathtaking waterfall hike, surrounded by nature’s beauty and tranquillity.
Day 4:Today, we’ll explore the medieval town of Besalú and enjoy an art session with a stunning view of its iconic bridge. The afternoon is yours to unwind—whether you choose to swim in the 25m onsite pool, relax in the surrounding nature, or continue creating more art at your leisure.
Day 5: On Wednesday morning, you'll visit the Banyoles market, dating back to the 13th century, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Lunch will be a picnic by the stunning aquifer-fed Lake of Banyoles, offering a perfect spot to relax, create more art, and swim in the natural waters during the afternoon.
Day 6: Enjoy a scenic hike along a river valley into the Pyrenees, where you’ll discover refreshing waterfall-fed pools perfect for a swim. Pause for a relaxing picnic before capturing the beauty of the day through sketching, painting, or photography—setting the stage for tomorrow’s more formal art session.
Day 7: Start your day with a morning art session at the hotel, where you’ll have the opportunity to transform one of your favourite sketches or photographs from the week into an atmospheric piece that captures the essence of your time here in Catalonia. After a leisurely picnic lunch, you’ll have the option to continue working on your art piece or simply unwind by the pool. In the evening, we’ll head to a local restaurant to savour authentic Catalan cuisine, indulging in the flavours of the region.
Day 8: After breakfast, we’ll gather for one final session, offering tips to help you put the finishing touches on your artwork. Following the session, you’ll be transferred back to Girona airport or the train station for your journey home. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable retreat and leave with lasting memories and inspiration.
Details
Price: €1,399 excluding flights. Single supplement 300€
Includes: 7 nights B&B stay at Hotel Mas Pelegri. Return transfers Girona airport or Girona train station, 6 picnic lunches, 6 evening dinners. 18 hours art sessions with instructor during the 8 days. Transfers to locations for external art sessions.
Dates: 10 May 2025, 28 June 2025, 23 August 2025, 8 November 2025
Art Therapy
A Personal Journey of Healing and Discovery.
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Catalonia, where nature, creativity, and personal growth meet. Our art therapy retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore your inner self through the power of creative expression, guided by professional art therapist and visual artist. Art therapy with an integrative approach enhancing the lives of individuals and families by combining active art-making with a therapeutic process, within a safe and nurturing natural space, you will engage in creative activities that facilitate personal healing and self-discovery. No previous experience is necessary, you do not need to be an artist—just an open mind and a willingness to explore.
You will engage in daily art workshops in nature, each designed to help you uncover new solutions to problems and develop the skills to accomplish personal goals. Art therapy is a powerful tool for cultivating self-esteem, promoting insight, enhancing social skills, and resolving conflicts. It helps you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, navigate challenges, and find ways to create positive change in your life. This week is a transformative holiday. You will also get the chance to relax, walk in nature, swim in the onsite 25m pool or even go wild swimming! This retreat is open to anyone, regardless of artistic skill or experience.
Your journey starts here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Hotel Mas Pelegri. Relaxed welcome session in nature in the grounds of the hotel. Evening dinner at the Hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast, enjoy a therapist led walk in nature collecting natural items for your collage. We will then return and with the help of the therapist create our own expressive piece of art. The importance is in the thinking and creating.
Day 3: Morning walk to waterfalls. You can take your time, taking photos or journaling with water colours, or pencil drawings, anything that moves you on the walk. It is an out and back walk away from the modern world, so you can decide the length of the walk. Chance to wild swim in a mountain river. Picnic lunch.
Day 4: Today we will use yesterday's images and feelings to create an artwork that helps to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions.
Day 5: Now that you have grown in confidence in your abilities, today we will use the creative process to connect with our inner self and explore our emotional world. You can enjoy clay and sculpture, collages, painting, sketching, which feels more natural for you.
Day 6: Visit the lake of banyoles, a pristine acquifer fed lake. You can walk there or we can transfer you. Enjoy a therapist led creative session exploring your place in the world and your goals. Picnic lunch by the lake and a chance to swim and relax by the lake.
Day 7: Explore yourself creating art in a different medium. Let art therapy guide you to new insights, solutions, and emotional healing. Afternoon relax by the pool or enjoy a hike in nature. Evening out in medieval Besalu.
Day 8: After a relaxing breakfast, you will enjoy your final session of the retreat, before departing home with new insights in how we can create positive changes to our lives, even when life sends us challenges.
Details
Price: €1,199 excluding flights. Single supplement 300€
Includes: 7 nights B&B stay at Hotel Mas Pelegri. Return transfers Girona airport or Girona train station, 6 picnic lunches, 6 evening dinners. 8 days becoming more intune, positive and confident with art therapist led sessions. Transfers to locations for external art sessions.
Dates: 7 June 2025, 5 July 2025, 25 October 2025