San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
January 25 to 30, 2025
Join us for 5 nights and 6 days on this trip of a lifetime! Deposit is due at registration. Balances must be paid by October 1, 2024, registration after that must be paid in full.
Dive into 2025 with us on a beautiful adventure in the heart of Mexico!
Are you ready to step into the New Year of 2025 renewing your soul and heart with adventure & creativity? Are you ready to dive into your painting practice and methods on a deeper level? Us too. This is for you.
Join Mati & Faith for 6 days of going all in, its all about pure creativity and filling your inspiration cup. It will be an enriching retreat of cultural exploration in the heart of colonial Mexico, wandering colorful streets, enjoying delicious food and creating in workshops bursting with watercolor goodness as we journey in this historic land full of beauty.
This will be a time to nurture the whole self, to slow down and soak in the environment with all of your senses. Mati & Faith will lead you through workshops on capturing inspiration with watercolor and mixed media, providing you with the opportunity to meet the projects wherever you are in your art practice.
You will practice showing up for yourself and learning how to use new techniques to ignite the fire within. Faith & Mati will guide you through different exercises working in a fun, playful, yet meaningful way to not only allow life changing shifts, but also a beautiful time in San Miguel de Allende, one of their favorite cities in the world!
"The work we do will bring us closer and more intimate with the longest relationship we will ever have. The one with ourselves."
Consider this your invitation to join us on this trip of a lifetime in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!
Located in Central Mexico with a temperate climate, interesting art scene and historic architecture, San Miguel de Allende is a favorite among expats looking for a low key and charming existence. Known for its "eternal springtime" weather, sunny skies and walls dripping with Bougainvillea, San Miguel is the ideal mid-winter escape. Mati & Faith have each traveled to San Miguel a few times over the years, having fallen head over heels in love with San Miguel's vibrant culture and colors! We can't wait to slow down and share the inspiration with a small group of kindred creative women. Nicknamed "El Corazon de Mexico" or the heart of Mexico, San Miguel is the perfect place to step out of our busy lives and refresh our spirits together.
Inspiration Gathering with Watercolor & Mixed Media will be our jumping off point as together we'll delight each of our senses with fresh food, walking tours, amazing shopping, field trips down secret alleys, natural dyeing workshop and so much more.
FAITH & MATI ARE NURTURING AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING, THEY ARE GENEROUS AND THOUGHTFUL WITH THEIR INSIGHT AND TEACHING.
"I have had the privilege of participating in two Painting the Sacred Within retreats with Faith Evans-Sills and Mati Rose McDonough. Each retreat has been unique unto itself with the common theme being ‘you are most welcome here’. Faith and Mati understand that students are at all different levels and that we each have strengths and weaknesses. They are nurturing and confidence building and meet each student where they are rather than trying to force us all into one mold. The lesson materials for each class are very detailed and complete. Everything is spelled out and there is no need to try and guess how to achieve a certain technique. They are both generous and thoughtful with their insight and teaching. What’s most special about the experience is that their love for their craft and sharing it is most evident. There is no short supply of engaging activities and of course coming back to paint is welcomed. Every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully curated and each location has inspiring, wonderful qualities to offer. I would highly recommend a retreat with Faith and Mati, to get a taste of adventure, learn painting techniques, create beautiful art and celebrate friendship and womanhood."
Myriam – Omega Institute 2018 | San Miguel, Mexico 2019
See more Testimonials.
Come take a peek and immerse yourself in the experience of being on our San Miguel de Allende, Mexico retreat
Click the play below to go on a virtual journey with us!
We will be staying at the most magical place...a private historic hotel in the heart of the cultural center of San Miguel.
NESTLED IN ITS OWN PRIVATE GARDEN OASIS, CASA DE LA NOCHE IS A STYLISH, CHARMING AND HOME-LIKE RETREAT THAT IS LOCATED WITHIN THE HEART OF SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, IT IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE TOWN OF SAN MIGUEL ON FOOT, JUST A 5 MINUTE WALK TO THE MAIN SQUARE WITH SO MANY FANTASTIC SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS AT OUR FINGER TIPS! THREE GUEST ROOMS ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND TWELVE GUEST ROOMS ARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY.
Casa de la Noche Boutique Hotel is a charming, multi-award winning bed and breakfast located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This property offers guests a true taste of Mexico, with colorful and authentic accommodations, warm and personalized service, and a central location that puts guests right in the heart of the city's historic centro district.
Originally built in the 1930s, Casa de la Noche has been carefully restored and decorated to reflect the beauty and culture of Mexico. It has its own spacious gardens and grounds, guest kitchen, superb location, project studio, and original art throughout the property.
IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO SPEND THE WEEK WITH YOU, TO WITNESS AND BE WITNESSED, TO CREATE BEAUTY, TO FILL THE INSPIRATION WELL!
"My heart is full, thank you! Feeling very grateful for this amazing group of women. It was such an honor to spend the week with you, to witness and be witnessed, to create beauty, to fill the inspiration well, to adventure, and talk about all the real things that life holds. I’m coming home feeling so rejuvenated. Mati and Faith thank you for holding space and encouraging us to play! And for bringing us all together in such a sacred way & special place (where healthy breakfast magically appears, oh man I’ll miss that!). San Miguel is magic!"
Ginger – Mexico 2024
See more Testimonials.
What’s included in the retreat?
January 25th -30th, 2025
5 nights at a charming award winning boutique hotel in the heart of San Miguel! Located in the Centro district of historic San Miguel, our hotel is known for its beautiful colonial architecture built on a rose quartz crystal hillside. San Miguel is famous for its art colony atmosphere and focus on well-being and spiritual development.
What the cost includes:
Lodging for 5 nights at Casa De La Noche.
Fresh delicious Mexican Breakfast each morning at the hotel, 4 lunches and 1 dinner. Welcome and Closing cocktail/mocktail reception.
A gift bag when you arrive, full of goodies & gifts for you to use in your art making!
Daily Watercolor Painting lessons with Faith & Mati.
24 hour access to our gorgeous rooftop art studio surrounded by vines and flowers! Dive into your art and take all the time you need.
Natural Fabric Dyeing workshop led by local artist Elisa & lunch at Cabaña Azul.
Delicious guided Food tour stopping at local restaurants + including a fascinating historical walking tour around town.
A visit to the famous Mercado de Artesanias and local art galleries.
A printed guide including all of our favorite spots around town!
Welcome Dinner + Closing Celebration
Optional Activities:
Excursion to the local hot springs La Gruta.
Sunset photos and drinks on the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel.
Free afternoon for: visiting the San Miguel Botanical Gardens, take a cooking class, get a massage or book a session with our recommended local healers.
IT TURNS OUT THERE JUST AREN’T ENOUGH WORDS TO DESCRIBE SUCH A WONDROUS, AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I WOULD GO ANYWHERE WITH MATI AND FAITH.
"Mati and Faith, I’m still awash of memories. Never picking up a paintbrush nor participating in a retreat, I certainly didn’t know what to expect. But it turns out there just aren’t enough words to describe such a wondrous, amazing experience. My fellow retreaters were inspiring, accepting, encouraging and just plain fun. Mati and Faith seem to attract very special people. Wonderful experiences were planned by Mati and Faith but they made sure we had plenty of free time. San Miguel with its explosion of color is charming and lovely, as well as safe. Delicious restaurants, great shopping, cultural experiences and much more. Our accommodation, with its lovely sitting areas, beautiful courtyards, rooftop gardens and gallery quality artwork was an adventure into itself. Would I do it again? I would go anywhere with Mati and Faith."
Bev – Mexico 2024
Our Inspiring Daily Itinerary
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DAY 1: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
Arrive in Mexico. We suggest you plan your landing arrival time around 2pm local time. Casa de La Noche can help you set up your airport transfer, contact them once you have booked your flights. You'll have a chance to refresh yourself and settle into your beautiful home away from home, relax on the roof top terrace, or explore the neighborhood. The Retreat will begin with an Opening Circle at 6pm, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
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DAY 2: SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
PAINTING WORKSHOP & FOOD & WALKING TOUR OF SAN MIGUEL AND SHOPPING THE ARTISAN MARKETS
Delicious breakfast in the magical hotel courtyard and then an inspirational painting workshop in the art studio. Then it's off for some adventuring. Guided food and historic tours of San Miguel will be taking place filling our bellies as well as fun shopping at the markets. After the food tour there will be optional shopping at the famous Mercado de Artesanias. Dinner will be enjoyed on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.
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DAY 3: MONDAY, JANUARY 27
PAINTING WORKSHOP, NATURAL FABRIC DYEING WORKSHOP, ART GALLERIES AND SHOPPING
Breakfast at the Hotel, followed by the continuation of our Watercolor Workshop. Then it’s off to learn about the natural fabric dyeing process using materials like marigolds to create richly colored textiles. There will also be free time to explore an afternoon trip to local art galleries. Dinner will be on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.
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DAY 4: TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
PAINTING WORKSHOP, OPTIONAL HOT SPRINGS EXCURSION, SUNSET AT THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL
Breakfast at the Hotel followed by the continuation of our Watercolor Workshop. An optional excursion to the local hot springs La Gruta will be available to invigorate our afternoon. There will also be free time to explore, get a massage or paint! We'll meet for sunset drinks & amazing views at The Rosewood Hotel. Dinner will be on your own at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.
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DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
PAINTING WORKSHOP, FREE TIME & CLOSING CIRCLE & CELEBRATION
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a continuation of our Watercolor Workshop. Lunch will be served on the fountain terrace for us to enjoy together. In the afternoon we will have the option for a final walk around town or another shopping trip to the artisan market. In the evening, we will have a beautiful art viewing of our work from the week and closing circle and celebration of our time together.
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DAY 6: THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Breakfast at the Hotel and goodbyes! xo
PLEASE NOTE: This is our prospective itinerary. Small changes may be made due to weather, desires of the group and unexpected opportunities.
MY HEART IS FULL! THANK YOU MATI AND FAITH FOR YOUR AMAZING GUIDANCE!
"What a week it's been. I feel so blessed to have been with such an amazing group of women artists during our Painting the Sacred Within retreat in San Miguel. We laughed, we cried, we shared our stories, we shared meals family style, we channeled Frida Kahlo, we explored the city, we painted alongside each other - some of us beginners, some of us masters, but all of us so supportive and so willing to lift each other up and hold each other sacred. Thank you Mati and Faith for your amazing guidance and truly inspirational talents. And - to my retreat sisters - I feel truly honored to have shared this time with you all and so grateful to have you as friends! My heart is full!"
Julia – San Miguel, Mexico 2019
See more Testimonials.
FAQs
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A $1500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
Your final balance payment, $1800 (double room), $2200 (small private room), $2500 (deluxe private room) will be due by OCTOBER 1, 2024.
You also have the option to pay in full upon reservation. -
-Lodging for 5 nights at Casa De La Noche.
-Fresh Mexican Breakfast each morning at the hotel, 4 lunches and 1 dinner. Welcome and Closing cocktail/mocktail reception.
-A gift bag when you arrive, full of goodies & gifts for you to use in your art making!
-Daily Watercolor Painting lessons with Faith & Mati.
-Natural Fabric Dying workshop led by local artist Elisa & lunch at Cabaña Azul.
-Delicious guided Food tour stopping at local restaurants + including a historic walk around town.
-A visit to the famous Mercado de Artesanias and local art galleries.
-24 hour access to our beautiful rooftop painting studio!
-a printed guide including all of our favorite spots around town!
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Your airfare is not included in the cost.
Your airport transfer is not included in the cost, Casa de la Noche can help you set this up, contact them once you have booked your flights. info@casadelanoche.com
Any meals not included in the retreat or alcoholic beverages (4 dinners). Expect to pay $30-$60 (depending on the restaurant) for dinner.
Tips for the hotel staff.
Anything you buy in the markets or on various trips will not be covered as well as any extra tours or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go. Along with anything that you choose to do before or after the retreat.
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Yes, proof of purchase for a travel insurance policy covering your trip is required in order for you to attend the retreat, we recommend a “cancel for any reason” policy.
Do your own research, compare policies HERE.
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That is totally personal and depends on how much shopping you plan to do. ATM's are available to you and credit cards are taken at some major retailers.
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Because the well being of our guests and the local communities to which we travel are our top priority, Covid-19 vaccinations are recommended. Please see the CDC recommendations here.
Mexico Entrance Requirement: It is your responsibility to find out about and comply with any Mexico entrance requirements. Please keep checking the US Embassy site here.
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Our private boutique hotel is a luscious and intimate retreat space. Each of their rooms are uniquely beautiful with en-suite bathrooms. Most of the rooms are single occupancy which will be given on a first come first served basis. There are a few rooms that are double occupancy with two beds per room. We will do our best to pair you up with someone we think you'll match well with or if you are traveling with a friend let us know so we can put you together. On our retreats the sharing of rooms has fostered close bonds of community & connection within the group.
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The chef at the hotel never uses processed foods and all meals are prepared the old fashion way – from scratch. Breakfast every day will be fresh and delicious, they provide a fixed daily menu that relies on local ingredients. Vegetarian options are available if we inform the chef before hand, other food sensitivities can not be accommodated, however in the town of San Miguel you will be able to find many dining options including gluten free and vegan.
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You will need to set up your airport transfer. Casa de la Noche can help you with this, please contact them once you have purchased your flights.
info@casadelanoche.com
When booking flights please plan your landing arrival as close to 2pm local time as possible. On our departure day all shuttles need to leave for the airport by 10:30am.
I you plan to arrive a few days early or stay a few days later, please contact the hotel directly at the above email.
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The closest airports are Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) and shuttles or private transportation can be arranged to meet and drive you to Casa de la Noche, a 75-minute drive. You can also fly into Mexico City, a 3 1/2 or 4-hour bus or shuttle ride.
You will need to set up your airport transfer. Casa de la Noche can help you with this, please contact them once you have purchased your flights.
info@casadelanoche.com -
San Miguel is known for having eternal spring-like weather. Weather in January is likely to be in the 70's. It is expected to be a bit cooler in the evenings with highs in the 50's.
Bring a bathing suit, and some warmer layers!
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We will send you a packing list & art supply list two months before the start of the retreat. Art supplies will be minimal and will include a journal, pens, two 8 x 10 cold-pressed watercolor paper pads, a travel watercolor set full of your favorite colors, acrylic paint markers and a roll of watercolor brushes. We also recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffel) to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. San Miguel is known for its artisan markets and handcrafts, it truly has some amazing shopping! The temperatures will vary, so don't forget layers, pack a bathing suit, sweater and a light jacket!
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This colonial city has an overall relaxed atmosphere and an interesting mix of people. San Miguel serves as a haven for retirees, a destination for artists (there is an art school & so many galleries) and is still a Mexican city at its core. The area also hosts many outdoor festivals & concerts. When planning what to wear in San Miguel think "casual city chic" with light layers for the changing mountain weather. The city is best explored on foot, through the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets so opt for comfortable shoes, sneakers or sandals. San Miguel is a cultural city, most of our activities will center on the historic city center, exploring charming shops and markets, a food tour around town, admiring the colonial architecture, visiting galleries and museums. Plan outfits that will work for exploring but will also be nice enough for a relaxed dinner in town.
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Absolutely! This retreat is much more focused on adventure and gathering inspiration, taking notice of your surroundings, finding your authentic voice and approaching your life from a creative and holistic point of view. Painting is just one of the tools we'll encourage you to explore on this retreat. It will be a mix of laid back down time, creativity, exploration, pampering and immersion into a vibrant, lively culture.
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We ask you to approach this trip with a sense of adventure in your heart. We think you are going to love this retreat! We encourage you to do a little research on the area and how to shop before you come. There are many articles available online to help with this. Our Retreat will be a mix of laid back down time, exploration, creativity and immersion into a vibrant, lively culture.
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There will be no refunds for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about traveling to Mexico.
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Illegal drugs are not permitted on the retreat grounds. We will not be providing any alcohol for the retreat, but if you are of age you can purchase alcohol for your own use. We ask that you drink in moderation.
You've got more questions, we've got answers.
View our extended Retreat FAQ.
THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVEL & LEARNING NEW TECHNIQUES ALL WHILE BEING A PART OF A SUPER SUPPORTIVE GROUP OF WOMEN WAS BEYOND PRICELESS!
"Faith and Mati’s retreats are truly magical! The experience of travel and learning new techniques all while being a part of a super supportive group of women was beyond priceless!"
Cassie – Mexico 2019
See more Testimonials.
Watch The Video!
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR RETREATS
(Click the play below to go on a virtual journey with us!)
What are you waiting for? Join us on this magical journey in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!
Your Investment
$1500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REQUIRED NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT. You also have the option to pay in full upon reservation. Once we receive your deposit we will be in touch and send you timely updates and travel tips as needed.
Double Occupancy
$3300 ~ 2 ROOMS LEFT
Deposit Only
$1500 (due now)
$1800 (due 10/1/2024)
Small Private Room
$3700 ~ SOLD OUT
Deposit Only
$1500 (due now)
$2200 (due 10/1/2024)
Deluxe Private Room
$4000
Deposit Only
$1500 (due now)
$2500 (due 10/1/2024)
NOTE: Due to the high amount of interest, we expect this retreat to sell out quickly. We encourage you to put your deposit down early, that way you’ll have the maximum amount of time to space out your payments.
Mexico Overnight Agreement & Waiver 2025: During registration, you will be prompted to fill out and sign an online registration, agreement & waiver. To download and view this document as a PDF, click here.
Please note:
READ THE FINE PRINT ABOUT OUR RETREATS HERE.
Have questions? See our Retreat FAQs. Have more questions? Feel free to shoot us an email. See you in Mexico!
COLOR AND NATURE HAS A DEEP BEAUTY TO HEAL AND REORIENT ME TOWARDS MY TRUTH WHICH I FEEL CLOSER TO UPON MY RETURN TO GRAY WINTER. SO GRATEFUL THAT I SAID YES AND WENT!
"At first it all felt frivolous. Leaving my family, with young children, to go on an art retreat in Mexico. Then it all felt brave. And by the time I left it all felt necessary. During the retreat I was immersed in painting and discovered treasures along the way: There is deep relief in being seen and in belonging. Its never too late to learn something new and it is a brave thing to do. Color and nature has a deep beauty to heal and reorient me towards my truth, which I feel closer to upon my return to gray winter. So grateful to Mati and Faith for leading this retreat and to all of the women that I got to be with, and the fact that I said YES and went!”
Leah – Mexico 2024
