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

MAY 10-20, 2025

I’m offering a general overview of our schedule for flavor, and so you can get a sense of the rhythm of the days. The details may be subject to change 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 additional surprises in the works for 2025 and will share them with participants who book. I’m also available for questions if you’d like more details before joining us!

One of the hugely popular practices we added in 2024 was integrating the Hand / Mind Connection Creative Deck and a daily meditation into each day’s activities. These art cards were created by me and Vicky Horner; they are a wonderful vehicle to introduce a mindfulness to each day’s practice. Each participant will receive a deck in their welcome package. Each evening the participants will be sent an audio meditation by Vicky for the next day. Please link through here to read more about the cards.

We’ve built in free afternoons on some days, for time to work on your own projects. Meals will be a balance between group meals at my family home or in the city when we’re out, and some meals on your own. Don’t fear! I’ll provide recommendations for everywhere we visit! We’ll have a few opportunities to experience local cheeses and wines. The final evening we’ll enjoy a paella party at Casa Mariposas.

Arrival Day — Bienvenidos Artistas! Everyone should plan to arrive on May 10th. 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! Creative Card and Meditation:  Collaborations

Hiking the Ancient Trails — Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a hike along the ancient Cami de Cavalls, a 186km path that encircles the island of Menorca. We won’t walk the entire length! Creative Card and Meditation: Plants and Flowers

Workshop Days — We'll enjoy artist studio visits and workshops with local artists of note. The Mediterranean is the wellspring of many artists’ inspirations, and many international and local creatives have made the Island of Menorca their home. The natural surroundings—the unspoiled countryside, the beaches, the mysterious ruins—all inform their design and creative practice. One of our workshops will be working with up cycled fishing nets. Others may include working with local wool, natural dyeing, cyanotypes and studio visits with local painters and artisans. Creative Card and Meditation:  Up-Cycled Material Creative Card & Meditation:  Limited Palette. 

Galleries and Museums — We’ll take the ferry 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. Another day we will stay in the city to explore a wonderful collection of Spanish and International modern art including works by Joan Miro, Miquel Barcelo, Antonio Laura, Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and Sir William Kentridge, to name but a few.    Creative Card and Meditation:  Inspiration and Creative Card and Meditation:  Abstraction

Mahon or Mao as the locals call it. We’ll explore this beautiful capital of the island. A great way to get 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.  Lots of great shops and cafes. Another day we will visit Cuitadella, the beautiful old capital of Menorca with its gothic streets, quaint port, and historic architecture.

Creative Card & Meditation: Art Mapping

Quarry — We’ll visit a beautiful old quarry with botanical gardens and art spaces, and take time to wander the gardens for inspiration and plein aire sketching or photography.  Creative Card & Meditation: Repetition

Tailaotic Ruins — These ancient areas have been designated National Heritage sites by UNESCO. The sites offer opportunities for exploration, photography and sketching.  Creative Card and Meditation: Historical Reference

Leaving Day — May 20th. Airport runs. Hasta la proxima!