OVERVIEW

*NO PREVIOUS ART BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, non-intimidating and personal experience.

DUBROVNIK

Join us in the heart of the Croatian culture and one of the Adriatic Coast’s most desired locales. We thought this would be an excellent new adventure for our guests - to be inspired by this stunning landscape and architecture while we split our time between creative projects, painting and drawing on-site and plein-air, and also seeing the rich cultural sites on our daytrips.

We’ll spend time each day in our “studio” which will be between our beautiful Roman-style garden or terraces at the private villa, or we’ll take our supplies with us on daytrips where we’ll have a chance to create some travel journal sketching or plein-air paintings while we’re out and about.

Your creativity is sure to be stimulated by this landscape and the magical city of Dubrovnik which has been the inspiration for many films and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Robin Hood, and Star Wars.

LODGING

This art retreat will take place at the beautiful historic villa , named Zamagna in the bay of Zaton just outside of Dubrovnik. This 400-year-old stone summer house, was one of the first such homes of its kind in quiet Zaton Bay where the aristocracy of old Dubrovnik came to retreat for the summer months. For many years this particular villa has been passed down through the same family line and is opening its doors to receive guests. It's a unique look into the history of Dubrovnik and its beautiful people.

The venerable stone guest house at water's edge enjoys a peaceful location on the quiet bay against a backdrop of steep, rocky hills and cultivated terraces. The residence is set among an exquisite garden with vine-covered trellises, carefully designed to showcase a variety of colorful blooming flowers and fragrant herbs, fruits, and vegetables. A small chapel nearby is part of the residence, donated by the ancestors of the Zamagna family to the local community and still in use for church ceremonies.

Inside the villa the original design and look of the main rooms and salon were preserved, while the rest of the house was recently completely renovated, including all the guestrooms, to a more updated and simple style. Rooms are spacious, and enjoy views towards the garden or the bay, with wooden furniture, private bathrooms, and fresh linens.

CUISINE

Healthful, local food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as selected lunches. Enjoy cuisine which combines creativity and flavors with a special attention to creating balanced meals. Wholesome ingredients, freshness of the foods, traditional cooking methods and local ingredients are present in every meal you will enjoy at the villa. Meals will be enjoyed on the salon or in the shade of the outdoor veranda. We'll feast on traditional flavors of Croatia mixed with Mediterranean styles as well. Plus, throughout the week we'll have a chance to sample many regional wines, aperitifs, and other tastes such as cheeses and various other specialties.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the villa and encompassing estate, but also the beauty of the bay, ocean, and nearby towns including Dubrovnik.

Zaton Bay is a perfect location to retreat and get away from the day-to-day. Located just minutes away from the bustling excitement of the city of Dubrovnik and it's Old Town, the bay allows for a more quiet repose to enjoy the natural beauty, the waters, mountains, and vistas. Everyday we'll get to experience new sites, sounds, tastes, and experiences of the region and Croatian culture.

Day trips will allow guests to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. Trips include visits to towns and small villages in the region, as well as outdoor activities. We kick off the week in Dubronik’s old town as we enjoy lunch and a walking tour with free time to explore further, shop, or grab a drink at one of the city’s “secret” bars on the rocks just outside the seawalls. We will enjoy a private boat ride around the coastline and past the neighboring islands for a unique view back onto the city. One day out we’ll explore the nearby Peljesac Peninsula which is rich in agriculture and vineyards. Here we’ll make several stops - one at a modern winery where we’ll have a tour and tasting, then a seaside village stop to indulge in an afternoon ice-cream, before visiting an old fortified city for dinner. See smaller villages that few tourists go, and get a true education and taste of Croatia with various tastings of regional wines, aperitifs and cheeses.

ART

Daily art classes will be offered in a beautiful studio space in our private palazzo. The classes will tie in with all of our painting and drawing activities as we enjoy our excursions in the area during the day. Please note that all art materials needed will be supplied. Our courses are carefully designed for complete beginners with no previous experience as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills/techniques, and, of course, practicing artists looking for a new inspiration. Julian, the host and instructor, has nearly 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and always strives to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Read more about his story on the ABOUT page. These unique courses also reflect the culture, art, and history of the area and are interwoven with art-history excursions, providing inspiration, variety and interest throughout the week. Above all, this is a real opportunity for developing artists to work in small groups alongside an experienced teacher.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Sept 3-8, 2022)

• Regular Inclusive Retreat Price = £1,850 (shared room*) +£350 (single room supplement)

• Deposit to hold space = £600

• Max # Guests = 10
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Daily Dinner or Lunch

• Daily art classes

• Plein air classes

• Art materials

• Dubrovnik sites + guided walking tour

• Private wine tasting

• Aperitivo at panoramic bar overlooking city

• Boat tour of local island

• Daytrip to Peljesac Peninsula with wine tasting lunch

• City hotel tax

* airfare not included
**tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

• Location: Zaton Bay, Dubrovnik

• Nearest town: Dubrovnik

• Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (Cilipi) Airport, DBV

• Transfers between the villa and Dubrovnik airport on included on first and last day of retreat based on guests’ flight times.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• General art supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any specific materials that you prefer

• Smart phone with camera and/or digital camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adaptors / converter

• Hat, sunscreen, and a smile