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

MAY 11-21, 2024

This is a general overview and may be subject to changes due to weather and other considerations. Closer to the retreat date we will know which galleries are showing works of interest and these will be woven into the schedule. We have lots of exciting experiences in the works for you.

Day 1 (May 11th)—Arrival Day: Bienvenidos Artistas! Everyone should plan to arrive on May 11th. We are flexible with arrival schedules and will do our best to meet you at the airport and get you settled in your accommodations. Plan on a relaxing evening meal at Casa Mariposas (our creative base), an overview of the program, and a good night’s sleep. Menorca is called the isle of dreams so you will for sure have refreshing sleep and delightful dreams. Bona Nit!

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 3 (May 13th) — Cami de Cavalls, an ancient path of 186 km that encircles the island of Menorca. We are fortunate to have stages of this restored historic path near our base in Alcaufar.  We will take an easy hike to the Alcaufar Tower with spectacular sea views and beautiful Cala Rafalet.  Picnic style lunch at the Casa.  Free afternoon for personal projects or guided art activity at the casa based on our hiking experiences.  Dinner at Clementina Gastro Bar in San Lluis, our local prefecture.

Day 4 (May 14th) — We'll enjoy an artist studio visit and Wabi Sabi Cyanotype workshop in Alaior with Susan Unger. The Mediterranean has long been the wellspring of Susan Unger’s inspirations. For over 50 years she has made the Island of Menorca her home. The nature around her—the unspoiled countryside, the beaches, the mysterious ruins—all inform her designs and creative practice. See more here.

Visit to Alaior Modern Art museum LOAC. A wonderful collection of Spanish and International  modern art including works by Joan Miro, Miquel Barcelo, Antonio Saura, Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, Sir William Kentridge to name but a few. 

Day 5 (May 15th) — Visit to local Winery Binifadet. Tour of vineyard, wine tasting and lunch. Free afternoon for personal creative projects or guided meditation and art discussion at the casa. Participants are on their own for dinner. Retreat team will make suggestions and provide transportation as needed

Day 6 (May 16th) — Artist studio/gallery visit with noted Menorcan painter Pol Marban. Pol is owner of the cutting edge gallery Atica in Mahon, known for its representation of contemporary Menorcan artists. Group dinner at the Casa. See more on Pol here.

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 8 (May 18th)— Relax into a free morning. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Lithica, a breathtaking old quarry with botanical gardens and art spaces. Time to wander and do Plein Air sketching or painting. Evening in the old capital city of Cuitadella, with its gothic streets, quaint port, and historic architecture. Tapas dinner in Cuitadella.

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.  

Day 10 (May 20th) — Morning visit to one of the many spectacular Talayotic Ruins, this year named a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Talati de Dalt offers opportunities for exploration and sketching. See details on our Menorca in the News page.

Farewell Paella Party at the casa. Last minute shopping & packing. 

Leaving Day — May 21st. Airport runs.