A WARM WELCOME TO ARTSISTERS!

I wanted to create a home base for all the details of the retreat. As we move closer to our time together, I’ll be sending small invitations and gentle prompts to help you begin tuning into what’s ready to unfold creatively — along with practical details as they arise. For now, there’s nothing to prepare or figure out yet. Just an invitation to start noticing what’s stirring creatively, and how your inner voice is asking to be heard.

More to come soon, but in the meantime, if you have any questions, always feel free to reach out! Maybe someone else is wondering the same, so don’t hesitate and I can add it here for all of us to benefit from your curiosities.

Can’t wait to be with you all soon!
Elizabeth

RETREAT OVERVIEW

Date: May 24-30, 2026

Start/end time: We will begin our journey late afternoon (meeting at airport around 4pm) on May 24, and end late morning on May 30th (arriving back at airport around 12pm).

Location / Venue: We will be staying at a wonderful place named Casa Colab, which is located near Aldeia do Meco, just 45 minutes south of Lisbon. If you need to navigate here, PLEASE USE THESE INSTRUCTIONS (there is a road closure, these instructions will get you here more effectively). The address is Quinta das Salamandras, R. Fonte da Barrada, Aldeia do Meco, 2970-072.

Getting here: I’ve just sent out a survey asking you to fill me in on your arrival and departure plans so that we can coordinate the transfers from Lisbon to the venue (provided in the cost). I’ll be confirming details about 10 days before the retreat.

What to Bring

For Creativity

  • Any art supplies you love or feel curious to explore

  • A journal

  • A favourite sketchbook and pen

  • Photos or objects that inspire you or connect you to your younger / creative self (optional, but special)

  • A collection of images (could be your own creations) that are currently lighting you up — just anything that you see that makes you feel, I wish I had time to explore that, or things that delight your eyes — for me, this is often in the form of a moodboard. It’s not essential but perhaps there are things you’ve been drawn to that could inspire you during our week together.

Clothing & Comfort

  • Comfortable clothes you can move in, and make art in

  • Layers: sweaters / long pants (it can be hot during the day, but then often gets windy and cool in the evenings)

  • A dress-up outfit for a special evening!

Pool & Outdoor

  • Swimsuit

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat / sun protection

  • Flip flops or sandals

  • Reusable water bottle

  • (Towels will be provided)

Personal Care

  • Personal toiletries

  • Any medication you may need

  • Allergy medication (the property is surrounded by lush nature and we’ll be in a remote location, so bring what you need with you)

  • Insect repellent + soothing cream

  • We’ll have a small first-aid kit on hand, but if there’s anything specific you rely on, it’s best to bring it with you

Little Comforts

  • Earplugs (if you’re a light sleeper)

  • A small amount of cash (euros) for local outings

  • A book if you just want to take some down time

Practical Bits

  • Plug adapter (Portugal uses EU plugs)

  • Chargers / power bank

Before you come:

You don’t need to bring everything perfectly. What matters most is arriving as you are, with a willingness to explore, rest, and create. But here are a few small things to take care of ahead of time:

  • Arrange travel insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Check your passport validity (many countries require 6 months validity beyond your travel dates)

  • Review your airline baggage allowance

  • Notify your bank that you’ll be using your card in Portugal

A note on tech

This is an analogue-leaning retreat, with an emphasis on working with our hands and being present.

You’re welcome to bring an iPad or computer if you feel called — but we gently encourage stepping away from screens where possible and letting yourself get a little messy in the process.

A Note on Art Supplies

We’ll have a shared selection of art materials available throughout the retreat — enough to explore, play, and create freely during our sessions.

That said, the emphasis is on variety and accessibility rather than high-end materials, so if you have supplies you already love working with, or know you’d like to work with, I’d really encourage you to bring them along.

You might also consider bringing anything you’ve been curious to experiment with but haven’t made time for — this is a beautiful space to finally explore those impulses.

If you arrive with nothing, you’ll absolutely be able to participate fully. But if there are tools or materials that feel especially you, having them with you can make the experience even more personal.

If there’s something particular you’re wondering about, you’re welcome to reach out to me to ask — and I’ll do my best to let you know what will be available. In some cases, it may be possible to source additional materials in advance if helpful and reimbursed if needed.

A note on alcohol

Alcohol will be present in a light and intentional way throughout the retreat — think a glass of wine with dinner or the occasional sunset cocktail.

This isn’t a party-focused environment, but rather a space to feel present, connected, and nourished. You’re always welcome to enjoy (or not) in whatever way feels best for you.

We’ll also have plenty of non-alcoholic options available throughout.

a note on the rhythm of our days

I won’t be sharing a detailed schedule ahead of time — this is intentional.
My hope is that you can arrive without too many expectations, and allow the experience to unfold in a more present, intuitive way.

That said, our days will hold a gentle rhythm. We’ll move between shared creative sessions, movement, time in nature, nourishing meals, moments of connection, and space for rest or solo exploration.

There will be pockets of free time each day — to relax, wander, create, or follow whatever is calling you in the moment. And a few special elements that will reveal themselves once we’re together.

You don’t need to prepare anything specific — but you’re welcome to bring anything that might support your creative process, your rest, or your personal time.

FAQs

Is there anything I should do to prepare for the retreat?
I sent a little survey for you to fill out! And the final payment links have been sent too. I will be offering a few gentle prompts to explore what your creative heart might be calling for during the retreat, but they’re optional. Otherwise, just enjoy the fact that you’ve signed up and are gifting yourself this experience.

What are the start and end times for the retreat?
We will gather in Lisbon in the late afternoon on May 24 around 4pm, and arrive back in Lisbon around 12pm on May 30. Exact times will be confirmed as we get closer and determine the pickup points for the transfers from Lisbon to Meco.

How will we get from Lisbon to the venue?
I will be organizing a few group transfers from Lisbon to the venue on May 24, and for the return on May 30. Please fill out the survey with your travel information so we can finalize the plan for the transfers.

I’d love to spend a few days before or after in Portugal, any tips?
It’s a wonderful idea! I’ve got a blog post on my website that shares my thoughts on this, but feel free to shoot me questions after you read it.

When is the next payment due?
April 15! You should have received your payment information by now, please let me know if you didn’t!

A Few Local Notes

  • Portugal has a slightly more relaxed sense of time — part of the charm

  • Outside of main towns, businesses may have irregular hours

  • Most places accept cards, but some smaller spots are cash-only

  • Tipping isn’t as formal as in North America, but it is appreciated

  • English is widely spoken

  • Smoking is still allowed in some outdoor/public spaces

Weather in Late May

Late May in this region is typically warm, bright, and sunny during the day, with temperatures around 22–26°C.

Evenings — especially near the ocean — can become cooler and windy,
so having a few layers will make things much more comfortable.