MENORCA: ART AND CULTURAL RETREAT

TEN DAYS IN MENORCA: A CURATED “INSIDERS” ART AND CULTURAL RETREAT

MAY 11-21 , 2024

Dates for the 2024 edition of the art and cultural retreat have been set, and the schedule has been updated! We’ve made some changes to the flow of the days, while maintaining the magic and serendipity of Mediterranean life.

Registration will be limited to 10, to maintain the intimate nature of our retreat.

New this year: Option for an extended stay residency. Details at bottom!

WHY MENORCA?

My family has been visiting the island since I was a child. Each of us has been inspired by the creative tenor of the island community. I’ve dreamed for years of sharing this wonderful place with fellow creatives and wanderers. I’ve put together a ten-day “insider’s experience” with a focus on creative experiences I hope will spark a renewed vitality in your own creative journey. I’ll be supported by a team of dear friends, who I will introduce below. Together we will enjoy visits to artist’s studios, markets, and museums, and access to exclusive opportunities.

SCHEDULE

Sample days noted below. A complete schedule can be found at the link, below

Day 2 (May 12th)— Discover Mahon, or Mao as the locals call it. We will explore the island’s beautiful capital as a jumping off point for getting to know the history and feel of the island. Suggested cultural attractions: The Museo de Menorca, Ca n’Oliver, Iglesia del Carmen, Teatro Principal de Mahon, Xoriguer Gin Factory, Mercat de Pescados, portal de Sant Roc. Mahon features lots of great shops and cafes. The day will mostly be self-directed (participants will be provided with maps and list of suggested places to visit), but our team will be on-hand to offer advice and direction. We’ll enjoy a tapas lunch at the old Fish Market and an evening meal back at Casa Mariposas.

Day 7 (May 17th)—Hauser Wirth on Isla del Rey. We will take the ferry boat across Mahon harbor to the internationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Isla del Rey. We’ll see the galleries and the Piet Oudolf garden, as well as explore the isla’s rich maritime history with old restored medical buildings and medicinal gardens. Lunch at the Hauser Wirth Cantina. Optional afternoon shopping trip in Mahon.  Participants are on their own for dinner. Retreat team will make suggestions and provide transportation as needed. 

Day 9 (May 19th) — Studio visit with Carlos Mascaro.  A magical look into the studio of the artist considered the Menorcan Vermeer. He will share his materials, techniques, inspirations all under the watchful of eye of Suzy the studio cat. See more on Carlos Mascaro here.   

Lunchtime visit to Subaida, a rural cheese factory for a delightful tasting of local cheese and traditional “embutidos”.  Participants on their own for dinner. Retreat team will make suggestions and provide transportation as needed.

This should be considered a general overview and may be subject to change due to weather and other considerations.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Accommodation:  We have secured a terrific group rate at the Hotel Xuroy on the beach at Alcaufar. Ten nights accommodation with breakfast.  This family run hotel since 1954 offers delightful views of the Alcaufar bay and is a five minute walk from Casa Mariposas, our creative base.

• Art workshops and materials.

• Wine Tour & Tasting

• Cheese Tour & Tasting

• Museum entrance fees

• Transportation to and from the airport and for all scheduled activities.

• Meals: Three group meals at restaurants of note, three family-style dinners at the Casa, three picnic style lunches and one farewell Paella party. Breakfasts of course are included with the hotel.

Travel expenses, travel insurance, flights, and meals not expressly noted in the schedule are not included. 

GETTING TO MENORCA

Depending on where your port of departure is, there are several options. If you are flying from the USA, your best bet is to fly either to Barcelona or London.  You may want to spend a few days in either of these great cities before heading to Menorca. That way you will be over the jet lag and ready to go when you hit the island!!!

WHERE WLL I STAY?

Our creative base will be my family home Casa Mariposas in Alcaufar. For accommodations, we’ll have a block of rooms available within walking distance. 

Hotel Xuroy on the Beach at Alcaufar (family run hotel since 1954) 5 min walk to the Casa

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Upon registration and deposit, I will send a suggested list of art materials you may want to bring with you. There are good art stores and textile stores on the island.  May in Menorca is a lovely time on the island.  Weather is typically good, although occasionally rainy. The island is gearing up for the summer season so places are open but not crowded. For clothing, I suggest layers.  Pack a swim suit and beach towel if you plan to swim in either the pool or the ocean. Good walking shoes are a must. Some of the archeological sites we will visit are rocky and require walking some distance. 

DO I NEED TO BE AN ARTIST?

This retreat will be ideal for people on a creative journey: artists, writers, or simply those who enjoy art and creative community.

WHO IS THE RETREAT TEAM?

Vicky and Nigel Horner are dear friends of mine who have been to Menorca many times. Like so many others, they have fallen under the island’s spell. Vicky is a holistic health practitioner and teacher. She and I co-created the Creative Art Deck that we will use during the retreat; each day we will pull a card to set our artistic intention, and Vicky will lead us in a meditation. She is also a fabulous cook and will be preparing the most delicious group meals that we will enjoy at the Casa. Her partner Nigel is a retired UK police detective and will be our driver.  We couldn’t be in safer hands!! 

FEES

Ten Nights/Eleven Days

Retreat fees: $3200 Non-refundable $700 deposit due by January 15, 2024, or until spaces are filled.

The retreat includes all planned cultural and creative activities, accommodations, on-island transportation while attending scheduled events, transportation to and from the airport, meals as noted in the schedule, and most art supplies. As noted above, travel expenses, travel insurance, flights, and some meals are not included. 

Payment of $1,250 due by February 15th

Final Payment of $1,250 due by April 1st

INTERESTED?

Please link through below to pay by PayPal, or e-mail me for Zelle, Venmo, or check!

Optional Extension: 10 Day Self-Directed Residency

May 21 – 31, 2024

This is an ideal opportunity for artists wishing to further explore the island and create a body of work inspired by their experiences.  Three places available. 

What is included?

• Room in a charming shared apartment

• Access to studio space

• Support from retreat team (assistance with car hire, bus schedules, suggestions on further areas to explore, troubleshooting, etc…)

• Transportation to Airport on Leaving Day

• Opportunity to have work created in or inspired by Menorca curated into a group show. (Dates and location of show to be determined)

Cost: $1,000, to be paid with final installment