PAINTING IN PUGLIA WITH ME

DATES: TUESDAY APRIL 1ST - TUESDAY APRIL 8TH 2025.

Pack your bags, paints and brushes and spend 7 nights, 6 days painting, eating, swimming, creating and exploring beautiful Puglia with me!

Early Spring in Puglia sees warm days, breezy country air, new growth and slightly cooler nights as we emerge from the depths of winter. Escape and refresh your soul in this exquisite beauty. It is the perfect time to visit without the hot summer temperatures and crowds of the high season.

OUR HOTEL:

The villa is an original 16th century farmhouse that has been converted into a contemporary boutique hotel specifically designed for retreats and getaways. Carved into the landscape, it is surrounded by 20 hectares of exclusive private land, offereing a serene and tranquil escape, just minutes away from the enchanting shores of the Ionian Sea. To operate as sustainably as possible, the villa is run on solar power, minimizes the use of plastics and serves VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD.

Every winter they plant new trees to sequester carbon and restore wildlife. To conserve the land, they do not farm intensively but instead host bee hives and produce honey. The bees in turn, pollinate and are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

PAINTING:

We’ll be doing watercolour, gouache, acryla gouache and pen and ink. Exploring florals, collage, landscape, still life, figures and abstract in a variety of styles, techniques and mediums. I’ll be doing a much loved hands-on approach with detailed one-on-one instruction. The Pièce de résistance is a group collaborative painting on the last day with a theme of our choice! (or it can be a surprise) Bonding with like minded souls and making lasting friends. All levels are welcome!

TRIPS:

We have planned to visit the historic town of Grottaglie where we will do a 3 hour ceramics workshop, have lunch and stroll and sketch about town. The Quartiere della Ceramica  has been where it is since the middle ages so it is bursting with history, and full of artisans happy to let you watch them at work. There are about 50 factories and artisans’ workshops here.  All the classics of ceramica pugliese are here; the dot flower pattern, the rooster jugs, the large simple canisters waiting for a wooden spoon collection and the eponymous splatter ware. A visual dream for anyone!

EVERYDAY:

For those who love the beach, we could have early morning walks and swims. Or we could visit after painting in the later part of the day to unwind and enjoy. We also have 1 or 2 picnics on the beach planned too! How idyllic is that?

INCLUDED:

- 7 nights accommodation.

- 5 days of painting instruction.

- 1 day trip to Grottaglie and a ceramics workshop.

- Round trip transport from Brindisi Airport to and from our hotel.

- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.

NOT INCLUDED:

- Airfare to and from Brindisi.

- Art materials.

- Alcohol.

- Lunch on our day trip to Grottaglie.

- Insurance - you will need travel, medical and cancellation insurance.

- Massage.

DEPOSITS, REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS:

A deposit of half is required after registration and signup. Details will be sent out to you after your registration form is submitted. A refund for your deposit can only be issued within 1 month of signing up, if you have a change of plans.

Second and final payment is due 1st December, 2024. All funds after that are non refundable due to planning and logistics.

If I have to cancel, due to sickness, family emergency or force majeure, a full refund will be issued, OR I reserve the right to defer the retreat to such time as and when I can make it.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For this retreat to be guarranteed, we need to have a minimum of 8 signed guests.

The hotel has single and double rooms as well as separate villas for more people, or groups of 3 who want to share. Any configuration is possible. There is enough room for 17 guests.

An information packet will be sent out soon after signup. The packet will also include a suggested materials list, a full itinerary (subject to change) as well as more information on visiting Puglia, the hotel and a packing list. In this packet, you will need to fill out a form with your details, including any dietary restrictions and travel insurance. Travel plans will be sent directly to the hotel who will be arranging your transfers.

The retreat starts and ends exactly on the dates specified. Extra days prior and after are your own responsibly. You will be not be able to stay at Masseria Specula any days before or after. There are alternative stays in and around, of which will be included in the packet.

I’m happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Please email me at: carolyngavin@rogers.com

INSURANCE:

You will need travel (flight cancellation), medical (in case of an emergency or you get sick and need to see a doctor or go to the hospital) and any other insurance you have, and you will need to provide me with this information.

COVID:

All recommended immunizations are advised, as well as a covid 19 rapid test of proof of being covid free before commencement of the retreat. If you arrive and you're sick, you will need to quarantine in your room. We cannot afford to have anyone else sick or myself. If you get sick during the trip, please let everybody know as soon as you can, so we can keep everybody as healthy as possible. It is advised to bring some testing kits with you.

TAXES:

All relevant taxes are included in the cost.

TIPPING:

All tipping is included but you’re welcome to share the love, especially on our excursion, local lunches and for the person who services your room.

PRICE IN USD:

1. Shared room per person. Double occupancy (2 per room only) - $5200.00

Deposit of $2600 is required upon registration to secure your spot

2. Private room. Single occupancy (this if for a single person only) - $5600.00

Deposit of $2800 is required upon registration to secure your spot.

TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR SPOT FILL OUT THIS FORM AND SUBMIT.