MEET ME IN MERIDA
MEET ME IN MERIDA
Join me this October for my 10th painting retreat taking place in Mérida, Mexico.
OCTOBER 16th - 22nd, 2026
6 nights, 5 full days of painting and exploring this colourful, cultural and historic town.
6 SPOTS SOLD. 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE. This retreat is now confirmed.
BOOKINGS CLOSE AUGUST 1st.
If you would like a shared room at Casa Escuela, please let me know. I have 1 double room with 2 queen beds, at a slightly lower rate)
PRIVATE ROOM WITH ENSUITE - $6000.00 USD. Deposit of half now secures your spot. Balance of $3000.00 USD will be due August 1st.
Guests will either be staying at Casa Escuela and/or Hotel Sevilla.
CASA ESCUELA
Built in 1919, Casa Escuela (school house) was originally designed as a private residence for a local family in Mérida, Yucatan. In 1965, it was converted to a co-ed school but closed its doors in 2011. It was purchased by it's current owners in 2018 and renovated in keeping with its original architectural elements and feel.
We will spend our days there, painting, creating and learning in the various rooms and spaces available. There is a pool, kitchen, living space and cenote too!
There are 5 rooms here, and one could be a shared room for two. Each room has its own private bathroom.
HOTEL SEVILLA
An even older building, Hotel Sevilla was built in the 16th century. It has been re-invisioned embracing all its beautiful imperfect history with a balance of contemporary design. It is very close to Casa Escuela and just as unique. It too has a pool and spa.
NOTE: If you want to arrive earlier and leave later than the start date, please let me know and I will arrange it with the hotels at your own expense.
We will be painting everyday, mornings and afternoons, unless we are on our excursion. I have a full schedule planned with 9 painting lessons, a demo for each one with guided hands on instruction.
A full daily painting schedule is planned ranging from colour mixing and techniques to flowers, fruit, cake, collage, landscape and new techniques doing collage landscape and Hanji Mulberry paper abstracts. We'll also do a collaborative painting at the end which is super fun and a beautiful bonding experience.
MEALS
We will have all meals at Casa Escuela except for a special dinner out at a local restaurant. All dietary requirements will be addressed including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. The menu will be more plant forward but will cater to those who need a chicken or fish option.
EXCURSIONS
OPTION 1 - CENOTE KANKIRIXCHE
Kankirixche Cenote is a beautiful and natural swimming hole located 1 hour away in Abalá, Yucatan. In Mayan culture, Kankirixche means "tree of yellow fruit". It is a semi-open cenote with cristalline waters for swimming and snorkelling or diving! It is surrounded by lush vegetation, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
OPTION 2 - MÉRIDA ENGLISH LIBRARY TOUR
The Mérida English Library offers a highly popular guided walking tour showcasing the spectacular historic homes and secret gardens of Mérida's Centro Histórico. The tour provides insightful introduction to local colonial architecture where you will take a guided stroll to three or four private homes within a 15–20 minute walk of the library. Step behind colonial facades to explore restored courtyards, remodelled interiors and stunning gardens while chatting with the homeowners.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES
The closest airport is Mérida Airport. MID. We will have a window upon arrival day where we will have a private driver escort you to your accommodation with other guests. Upon leaving, we will provide the same service. If you want to arrive earlier than the start date, you will have to make your own arrival transport arrangements.
INSURANCE
You will need travel insurance and medical insurance.
Flexible tickets that can be changed or cancelled and medical insurance in case of a medical emergency.
CANCELLATION POLICY
A refund can only be issued 1 month or earlier after you have booked and paid your deposit. In such a case, it gives me time to resell your spot. If I have to cancel the retreat due to illness, family emergency, the retreat will be re-scheduled to a later date whereby all signed and paid participants can make it. If the retreat has to be cancelled due to environmental emergencies or force majeure, it will be re-scheduled to a later date whereby all participants are able to make it.
INCLUDED IN THIS RETREAT
6 nights accommodation, 5 days of painting instruction. All meals including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners with 1 dinner out at a local restaurant. Wine with dinner. One half day trip to either a Cenote or a walking tour of the local houses and gardens. Transfers to and from the airport. All tipping and taxes.
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RETREAT
Your airfare to and from Merida. Art materials except for Mulberry paper which I will supply for my new collage process. Insurance - Medical, travel and ticket flexibility.
VISA, PASSPORT, CURRENCY
To enter Mexico you need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, a round trip air ticket and travel insurance. No visa is required at this time but please double check this.
QUESTIONS AND DETAILS
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out via email or we can hop a call too. - Carolyn xx
PS. Check out the bottom of my retreats page for testimonials of previous guests who have participated in retreats with me.
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