Let Mexico’s charming calm your soul and inspire you, while discovering its cultural heritage
You are invited to experience
March 9th-14th, 2025
Registration is Now Open!
Join a soul-searching cultural art retreat in Mexico, under the guidance of a professional and international artist, Elena Parau. Discover the soothing nature of watercolour, identify yourself with different styles of painting and create an art journal to reflect on your exciting adventures.
All levels of experience are welcome!
At our immersive retreat in the Lake Chapala area, nearby the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, each day invites you to new adventures in creativity, connection, and discovery! Art retreats aren’t just for some. They’re a profound spiritual journey every person deserves. Why? Because retreats are a powerful way to grow you as a person and your artistic abilities, creativity and connections, to heal your mind and your soul.
Being surrounded by a new country’s landscape and culture can radically transform how you see the world. It’s the kind of change that sparks major breakthroughs in your life.
Let your creativity run wild as you draw inspiration from this Mexican’s natural beauty. Stay at a lakeside Mexican property and enjoy the breeze.
Delight in the Lake Chapala, the largest lake in the country, laid-back way of life and nourish your body and soul with local cuisine and paired with fresh juices and local wine.
Enjoy visiting the city of Guadalajara , the artisan village of Tlaquepaque, the world famous Tequila town and the archaeological site of Guachimontones with its circular pyramids in three inspiring art tours.
Also explore the tranquillity of the charming town of Ajijic after painting classes.
DATES: SUNDAY MARCH 9TH – FRIDAY MARCH 14TH 2025
Pack your bags, your favorite paints and brushes and spend 6 days, 5 nights, 2 days painting, 2 days of touring, eating, swimming, creating and exploring the beautiful Guadalajara area with me!
Early Spring in Guadalajara sees warm days, breezy country air, new growth and slightly cooler nights as we emerge from the depths of winter. Escape and refresh your soul in this exquisite beauty.
It is the perfect time to visit without the hot summer temperatures and crowds of the high season.
Scroll down to register your spot!
PRICES ARE IN USD.
- Shared room per person. Double occupancy (2 per room only) – $2999.00 per person
Deposit of $1999 is required upon registration to secure your spot
- Private room. Single occupancy (this if for a single person only) – $3499.00 per person
Deposit of $2499 is required upon registration to secure your spot
- Private room. Double occupancy (this if for a couple only) – $5199 per couple
Deposit of 4199 is required upon registration to secure your spot
Once you have signed and submitted your registration, I will send you payment information.
Six Inspiring Days in Mexico
March 9th-14th, 2025
Surrounded by the beauty of nature and guided by a professional artist you’ll create art inspired by natural surroundings, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and connect with fellow artists under sunny skies.
This is the ideal season to relax in a stunning mountain and lake views, with warm, sunny days and luxurious accommodations waiting for you.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mexico at an idyllic lake-front resort —the perfect winter escape.
Paint and make lifelong friends in this serene, creative natural paradise.
Meet Your Host:
Elena Parau
Professional Artist, Host & Instructor
Elena has been a professional artist since 2008. She is from Romania living in Mexico.
She is a figurative impressionist abstract painter whose art revolves around states of mind, mental healing and femininity.
Elena Parau’s international demand for her colourful textured originals has been increasing every year. Her paintings are found in private collections on 5 continents in over 19 countries.
She speaks 4 languages fluently: English, Spanish, Italian and Romanian.
Elena’s work is well known for its sophisticated, elegant style and fresh color palette. She uses her brushes as a powerful tool of self-expressions. As an artist she translates the surrounding world into a language of colors, transforms the emotions into graceful forms and refined shapes. The use of brilliant color schemes and intriguing texture makes her artworks stand out and reflects the unique ability to create visual impact on the viewer.
She likes to immerse the viewer in unique and comfortable experiences of colors and textures. She likes art that is pretty, mysterious, interesting, feminine, sensual, and that expresses a special mood. She likes to paint in an abstract way and to combine different elements of flowers, human bodies, texture, but there are many other ideas she is trying to capture. Also, she likes to leave space for the fantasy of the viewer.
With a teaching approach that helps artists connect with their intuition, Elena loves guiding retreats where creativity flourishes.
PAINTING:
We’ll be doing watercolors, acrylics, mixed media techniques, drawing, collage, and photography for future projects. Exploring florals, collage, landscape, still life, figures and abstract in a variety of styles, techniques and mediums.
We’ll be doing a much-loved art journal with detailed one-on-one instruction.
The final piece is a group collaborative painting on the last day with a theme of our choice!
All levels are welcome!
SCENIC EXCURSIONS/DAY-TRIPS:
There are three tours included with a professional awarded local guide.
We will visit the city of Guadalajara, one of the oldest in the Americas with a rich and cultural legacy. Then continuing the tour visiting the artisan town of Tlaquepaque with its beautiful galleries and fine restaurants.
Then we will have a trip to the famous and unique Guachimontones archaeological site with the mysterious pyramids. We will visit also the World-Famous Tequila town, having the opportunity to taste the spirit of the country of Mexico.
All the three trips are full-day tours, transportation included and professional guided included.
A visual dream for anyone!
ALL DAYS:
We will wake up every day in this amazing paradise with a lovely lake view. We might have early morning walks.
During those two days of painting, you can have a massage/relaxing time of your own.
Every day we can enjoy thermal waters and swimming pool.
Also, we could visit, after painting, in the afternoon the city of Ajijic. How idyllic is that?
Accommodation Options:
The retreat will be held at Monte Coxala Luxury Lakefront Spa, a beautiful resort escape with lake views, elegant rooms, and serene spaces for relaxation.
This relaxing resort features exotic rooms where you can see the lake from your bedroom, a relaxing spa for massages, access to thermal waters and a group studio to create and connect with fellow artists.
The place works with natural resources channeling spring waters into their facilities, which conduct them to experiment with the force and benefits of these natural healing therapies. They facilitate and promote the integral well being of humans, allowing to balance our physical, mental and spiritual energy freely.
Each of theirs rooms and suites are designed in harmony with the nature that surrounds us and inspired by ancient Mexican architecture, with organic and natural tones.
Inspired by ancestral Mexican architecture, this environment offers a sacred space for therapies that nurture, align and take care of your health at all levels. Filling ourselves with a profound sense of integral well being.
A space for absolute relaxation to heal and reconnect with your soul that is using different natural therapies and treatments to recover our inner wisdom and realign ourselves with our spirit.
Retreat Dates:
March 9th-14th, 2025
Only 8 from 10 spots available to join us.
Monte Coxala suites and rooms are designed to create an atmosphere of peace and reconnection with incredible views of Lake Chapala and the mountains to make your staying unique and in tune with nature.
The decoration is of artistic quality, with white linens, natural and organic tones. It offers panoramic views of Lake Chapala to reconnect with nature.
The rooms are equipped with television and mini bar. They also have a balcony or panoramic terrace to Lake Chapala and Jacuzzi.
Shared Luxury Suite Room with Double Beds
$2,999
(Price in USD)
5 Nights/6 Days accommodation with Jacuzzi, stunning lake/mountain view
5 Breakfasts included
Everyday access of thermal waters and Infinity swimming pool
Shared Room
2 Art Workshops and Supplies
2 Lunches
5 Dinners
2 Day-Trips / Excursions
Share a cozy room with one other person, each with your own double bed. Perfect for connecting and enjoying the experience together.
(6 spots available, $2999)
Register now using the form below:
Private Luxury Suite Room with King Bed
$3,499 – $5,199
(Price in USD)
5 Nights/6 Days accommodation with Jacuzzi, stunning lake/mountain view
5 Breakfasts included
Everyday access of thermal waters and Infinity swimming pool
Private Room
2 Art Workshops and Supplies
2 Lunches
5 Dinners
2 Day Trips / Excursions
Enjoy a spacious room with a king bed, ideal for individuals or couples seeking a more private space.
(6 spots available, $3499 for individuals, $5199 for couple)
Register now using the form below:
INCLUDED:
– 5 nights/6 days accommodation with Jacuzzi at a premium resort with stunning views, Amazing Lakefront stay accommodations.
– Stay in serene rooms with jacuzzi, every day access of Infinity swimming pool and thermal waters. Experience true peace at Monte Coxala Luxury Spa.
– 5 breakfasts.
– 2 lunches and 5 dinners, delicious and healthy, carefully prepared with 2 refreshing drinks included.
– 2 days of guided art workshops, individual tuition and demonstrations with me, the artist.
– Beautiful open air studio.
– Provided art supplies required for your art workshops.
– Available in English and Spanish.
– 3 inspiring art trips, Scenic Excursions, exciting marketplaces, unique treasures, rich and cultural legacy, fine restaurants, beautiful galleries, mysterious pyramids, connection with the local culture.
– Services of private tour trip to the city of Guadalajara and the town of Tlaquepaque.
– Services of private tour trip to the Guachimontones archaeological site and Tequila town.
– Exclusive use of the venue’s living quarters and common areas, painting in a natural environment, pool, jacuzzi, thermal waters, beautiful terraces and views.
– Drinking water available at all times.
– Special welcome cocktail.
– Farewell dinner.
– Private group transportation for all planned activities.
– Transportation from and to the Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) will be scheduled according to arrivals and departures.
– All relevant taxes are included in the cost.
– Access to a private Whatsapp group with Elena Parau and the other retreat participants two months before the retreat.
NOT INCLUDED:
– Airfare to and from Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL).
– Alcohol drinks (except for the special welcome cocktail).
– 2 lunches (on our 2 full-days trips).
– Insurance – you will need travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
– Massage/SPA area services.
– Your favorite paints and brushes.
– Tips for staff, especially on our excursions, local lunches and for the person who services your room.
Payment Terms & Conditions:
DEPOSITS, REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS:
PRICE IN US DOLLARS:
- Shared room per person. Double occupancy (2 per room only) – $2999.00 per person
Deposit of $1999 is required upon registration to secure your spot.
- Private room. Single occupancy (this if for a single person only) – $3499.00 per person
Deposit of $2499 is required upon registration to secure your spot.
- Private room. Double occupancy (this if for a couple only) – $5199 per couple
Deposit of 4199 is required upon registration to secure your spot .
Once you have signed and submitted your registration, I will send you payment information.
Agreement(required):
A deposit is required after registration and signup. Details will be sent out to you after your registration form is submitted.
A refund for your deposit can only be issued within one month of signing up, not later than 30th of December 2024, if you have a change of plans.
Second and final payment is due 30th December, 2024.
All funds after that are non refundable due to planning and logistics.
If I have to cancel, due to sickness, family emergency or force majeure, a full refund will be issued OR I reserve the right to defer the retreat to such time as and when I can make it.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For this retreat to be guaranteed, we need to have a minimum of 4 signed guests.
An information package will be sent out soon after signup. The package will also include a suggested materials list, a full itinerary (subject to change) as well as more information on visiting Mexico, the hotel and a packing list.
In this package, you will need to fill out a form with your details, including any dietary restrictions, travel insurance and travel plans for arranging your transfers.
The retreat starts and ends exactly on the dates specified. Extra days prior and after are your own responsibly and not covered in the retreat cost.
I would be glad to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Please email me at: elena_parau@yahoo.com
TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR SPOT FILL OUT THIS FORM:
If you have any questions about this retreat, please contact us using the form below:
REFUND POLICY:
Deposit is due upon signup of this form. Full payment is due by 30 of December, 2024. Please note: deposits can be refunded within one month of signing up only, but not later than 30th of December 2024. After that deposits are non-refundable and no refunds will be given. This is due to planning and logistics.
Thanks for your understanding.
Congratulations and welcome to “Meaningful Luxury Cultural Painting Retreat in Mexico” with me!
Other questions:
Is airfare included?
No, you will need to purchase your own plane ticket that arrives and departs within the time frames that we provide for pickup/drop off. We will be responsible for all your transportation, including from and to airport. You will need to fly into the Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL).
Transportation from and to the Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) will be scheduled according to arrivals and departures.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you book your flights accordingly. If you know someone coming on the trip, we recommend that you arrange to travel together.
Which airport do I fly into?
You should get tickets to Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL).
Transportation from and to the Guadalajara International Airport Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) will be scheduled according to arrivals and departures.
What do I do if I unexpectedly have to cancel the trip? Can I get a refund?
We treat each case fairly, please send us an email explaining your situation. It can be transferable towards another trip in the future or another person that either you know or someone that is on our waiting list can go to your place.
We do not do refunds if you simply change your mind.
You cannot receive a refund three months prior to your trip, this is because most of our expenses are paid upfront.
What if I get sick?
If you need a doctor, our guides will assist you in finding one, but the cost of care is paid up front and you must bill your own insurance when you get home.
About insurance:
You will need travel (flight cancellation), medical (in case of an emergency or you get sick and need to see a doctor or go to the hospital) and any other insurance you have, and you will need to provide me with this information.
What if I’m not an artist but I want to go a retreat with you?
Of course! Anyone from anywhere is able to join us. This retreat is for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, hobby artist, or not experienced at all our art lessons will be beneficial and inspiring. You cannot skip any of the art classes (we encourage you to have fun and be a part of them!)
What will the art workshops be like on this trip?
Art will be integrated into all aspects of the trip. You will create many pieces of artwork throughout this magical experience. I will teach watercolors, acrylics, mixed media techniques, drawing, collage, and photography for future projects. There will be many chances for sharing artworks and constructive critiques.
We will have classes where we are staying as well as during excursions. The art journaling that you do on this trip will contribute to your future masterpieces!
Do I have to bring my own supplies?
I will provide all the supplies you will need; however, a favorite your favorite paints or set of pens, brushes or pencils is encouraged. You can bring anything else you want! This is YOUR trip.
What will you take home with you?
-An experience of deep connection, liberation and learning based on the balance between healing and creative expression.
-A positive and palpable change in one or more facets of your life: self-esteem, partner, work life, abundance.
-A close bond with other people committed to individual and collective expansion, with whom to share the journey.
-An accompaniment journal to continue realising your creations and to follow your growth.
-A deep knowledge about Mexico, its cultural values, history, colours, richness, delicious local cuisine, people.
-A disconnection from everyday problems and worries.
Is food included in this retreat?
Yes, all breakfasts and dinners and also three lunches are included throughout the retreat where we are staying (Those 2 lunches during the 2 day-trips are not included). Drinking water available at all times.
Any additional snacks or beverages can be purchased at your own expense.
Will I need to rent a car?
Transportation to and from the airport is provided as well as for the excursions, so you don’t need to rent a car.
Will there be free time?
Yes, there will be free time every day, where you can go out on your own, or stay back and relax.
Limited mobility?
Please note that this retreat is not suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. The resort is located on terraced grounds, and access to the studio, common spaces, and private accommodations requires the use of stairways. There will be plenty of walking during the art trips.
