# The Anatomy of Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Kristin Van Leuven in Spain

Join renowned watercolor artist Kristin Van Leuven for an inspiring retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Each day offers space to paint, explore, and reconnect with your creativity. Through engaging classes and one-on-one guidance, Kristin will help you grow your skills with clarity and ease. Her lessons break down watercolor techniques into simple, approachable steps that allow you to build confidence while enjoying the process. Whether you’re just starting out or have been painting for years, Kristin will meet you where you are and support your progress with warmth and insight.You’ll spend time sketching on location throughout the park, capturing the colors and forms of its unique landscape. Gather reference photos of cove beaches, volcanic cliffs, and the soft, coastal light that shifts through the day. In Almería, walk through the Alcazaba, sketching from its layered gardens and fortress walls. Along the coast near San José, observe how the sunlight moves over rock, water, and earth, using these scenes to inspire textures and backgrounds for your studio work.Relax in your private room surrounded by cacti, tiled paths, and sweeping views of the horizon. Share chef-prepared meals each day and unwind with dinner and conversation after studio hours. By the end of the week, you’ll return home with a collection of paintings shaped by the light and atmosphere of Cabo de Gata and a renewed sense of joy and confidence in your creative practice.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 12 - 19, 2026
- **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain
- **Starting Price:** $5,150
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Kristin Van LeuvenWatercolor paper for the workshop component7 nights of accommodation at a countryside Spanish estateExclusive use of the entire country estate with indoor and outdoor workshop spaces, vast gardens, swimming pool, common areas, and accommodation spacesAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinnersAll meals carefully prepared by your private chef, all diets catered for, including pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-freeDelicious local wine and non-alcoholic alternatives during dinner serviceSnack bar with coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks available throughout the dayFull-day trip to Almería with La Alcazaba visit and English-speaking guide, and opportunities for sketching and painting on locationDrinks at a well-known special establishment in AlmeríaLunch included at a local restaurant during the trip to AlmeríaHalf-day trip to the Cabo de Gata natural park coastline with English-speaking guide, and opportunities for sketching and painting on locationLunch included in the San José village during the trip to Cabo de GataPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesPrivate round-trip transfers from/to Almería Airport (LEI) and the retreat venue at prearranged timesExperienced UpTrek host available throughout the day, fully-staffed venueAll local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Kristin Van Leuven and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials - a list of art materials recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreatTips for staff (tipping is customary in Spain)Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### The Anatomy of Watercolor Retreat
Join artist Kristin Van Leuven for a watercolor retreat in Cabo de Gata Natural Park, where rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and soft Mediterranean light create endless inspiration for painters. This weeklong experience offers time to slow down, reconnect with your creativity, and rediscover the joy of watercolor in a setting that feels both peaceful and invigorating. With Kristin’s warm and encouraging guidance, you’ll explore essential watercolor techniques in a way that feels clear and approachable. Complex methods will be broken into simple steps that help you paint with ease and confidence. Brushwork, water control, and layering will unfold naturally as you capture the beauty of Spain’s southern coast.Each class invites curiosity and play, with hands-on demonstrations and thoughtful feedback. Whether you’re holding a brush for the first time or returning to painting after years away, you’ll be supported as you find your rhythm and develop a deeper connection with your medium.Inspiration will come not only from the classes but also from the stunning surroundings. Throughout the week, enjoy trips designed to spark your creativity, including a visit to the vibrant city of Almería with its historic Alcazaba fortress and a day along the Cabo de Gata coastline, where you can sketch, relax by the sea, and share drinks at a local seaside restaurant. These experiences will fill your sketchbook with ideas and impressions to bring back to the studio.By the end of the retreat, you’ll carry home a meaningful collection of work inspired by the light and landscapes of Andalusia along with renewed confidence, creative energy, and the motivation to keep painting long after the week is over.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Introduction to color theoryMastering water controlMaintaining color valueUsing white space to your advantageWorking with watercolor instead of forcing itAchieving organic strokesBreaking down landscape and botanical subjects into essential partsThe basics of plein-airHow to begin your artworkThe basics of sketching...and many more!Nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, your retreat venue is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the region's dramatic natural beauty. With its rustic charm, gardens brimming with native plants, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain, the finca offers endless sources of inspiration. Whether exploring its tranquil pathways or relaxing in the welcoming common areas, you’ll find the perfect setting to immerse yourself in your art and connect with your surroundings.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Almería Airport (LEI) and catch your 3:30 PM transfer to the retreat venue, a short 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to relax, and get ready to meet Kristin and your retreat group. Join an orientation tour to explore the bright studio, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and the refreshing pool. Over a fabulous welcoming dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of regional wine.

### Day 2: Art at the Finca
Enjoy a delicious breakfast as sunlight spills across the finca.Begin your watercolor practice with a playful, hands-on warm-up designed to reconnect you with the core techniques of the medium. Kristin will guide you through expressive brushstrokes, loose mark-making, and exercises that invite you to paint with more flow and confidence. Work on building soft watercolor textures and patterns, watching as pigment moves across the paper. Explore how different amounts of water shift value and consistency, building control through intuition and repetition. As the morning unfolds, Kristin will guide you into the world of color theory and limited palettes, encouraging bold but balanced combinations that reflect the natural beauty around you.After lunch, return to the studio to see your earlier lessons in action. Use a grayscale reference image to better understand contrast and structure, mapping out light and shadow before adding color. Once your tonal sketch feels solid, bring the scene to life with layered washes, using your palette with purpose and precision. Slow down and make creative choices that add both harmony and depth.As the light softens, pause to reflect or rest. In the evening, gather once more for a shared dinner, good company, and the gentle satisfaction of a full creative day.

### Day 3: Trip to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Wake up to a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore the striking wilds of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This protected UNESCO Geopark unfolds in soft, earthy tones, where rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and flowering shrubs create an ever-changing palette of color and light.Follow sandy paths bordered by wind-shaped stone and clusters of coastal blooms. Pause often to take in the shifting forms, the quiet rhythm of waves, and the graceful balance between land and sea. Photograph the textures of rock, sketch the silhouettes of distant headlands, or simply stand still and let the scenery sink in. The day’s route includes a visit to San José, a small whitewashed town nestled by the sea, and its vivid coastline framed by turquoise water and wild vegetation.Pause midday for lunch at a local Andalusian spot. Once back at the finca, choose a calm corner to work and spread out your notes, photos, and sketches from the morning. With Kristin’s guidance, look through everything you’ve gathered, selecting shapes, colors, and details that stand out. Use them as inspiration for floral or landscape watercolor studies, or as a way to develop earlier paintings. Kristin will be nearby for feedback and support as you refine your work.In the evening, gather for a warm, chef-prepared dinner paired with a glass of local wine, ending the day in good company and golden light.

### Day 4: Art at the Finca
Kick off the day with another delicious breakfast, then join Kristin and the group for a relaxed morning check-in before heading into the studio.The day begins with a deep dive into expressive florals. Kristin will guide you through painting soft, layered blooms using a loose and intuitive approach. Start by breaking down the shapes of flowers and exploring how color values bring them to life. Learn to use gentle washes and implied lines to suggest form without overworking your brushstrokes. Kristin will walk you through a simple step-by-step method, using a cone-shaped guide to build each flower from light to dark. You’ll also experiment with negative space to shape the petals and leaves in ways that feel balanced and airy.After a satisfying lunch, return to the studio to keep building on the ideas from the morning. Take your time refining each floral piece, adding vibrancy and depth as you layer color and adjust your compositions. Kristin will be nearby to offer support, whether you're troubleshooting a tricky area or just feeling your way through a new idea. This is a time to explore freely, follow your instincts, and enjoy the rhythm of painting.As the day closes, gather for a shared dinner made with care. Reflect on what found its way into your art as the evening unfolds around you.

### Day 5: Trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment
With sunlight rising over the hills, begin the day with a nourishing breakfast before setting out toward Almería, where stone walls hold centuries of stories and sea air weaves through the city’s rhythm.A guided walk will carry you through Almería’s historic center, where past and present meet in the curve of streets and the color of old facades. Cafés open onto leafy plazas, and vines spill from balconies above. Pause to notice the details that might inspire later paintings, such as the interplay of light on weathered stone, the delicate patterns of flowers against stucco, and the shifting tones of the sky beyond the rooftops.Pause midday for lunch at a local Andalusian spot named after the Sacromonte region of Granada, long associated with flamenco, caves, and creative tradition. Though far from those hills, this tavern is known for its Andalusian cuisine and enduring charm, serving as a favorite gathering place for artists, writers, and locals.In the afternoon, continue your exploration at the Alcazaba, where the walk ascends through gardens and archways framed by climbing vines. Roman ruins, Moorish walls, and later Christian restorations reveal how time has reshaped the same ground again and again. As you move through its courtyards, towers, and pathways, layers of history reveal themselves through light and texture. Sketch as you go or take reference photos to bring back to the studio, observing how shadow defines the structure and how blossoms or trailing greenery soften the stone.As evening settles, gather for a chef-prepared dinner and a glass of local Spanish wine, sharing stories from the day while the last light fades across the hills.

### Day 6: Art at the Finca
Begin the day with a satisfying breakfast and a relaxed coffee chat with Kristin and your fellow artists before settling in to paint.The morning begins with a focused watercolor class led by Kristin, using reference photos and sketches gathered throughout the week. Work on building expressive landscapes with softness and depth. Explore composition, perspective, and subtle shifts in color value while experimenting with wet-on-wet, layering, and dry brush techniques. A creative warm-up will invite you to divide your watercolor paper into smaller studies, allowing you to explore movement, color, and form in a looser, more playful way.After lunch, step outside and let the landscape draw you in. Wander the gardens, take in the light, and notice how the trees and hills fall into place. Sketch small moments that stand out. Look for color combinations that echo what you painted earlier. Return to your work with fresh inspiration and apply what you observed to your next piece, weaving together instinct and structure. Kristin will be there to guide you, helping you connect the morning’s practice with the beauty that surrounds you.As the afternoon fades, unwind with a stroll around the venue, a refreshing dip in the pool, or continue painting if inspiration still flows. Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Art at the Finca
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before getting ready for your last painting morning with Kristin.Spend these final hours adding finishing touches, adjusting details, and looking back on everything you’ve created during the retreat. Kristin will move around the space offering guidance, answering questions, and sharing final tips for anything you want to revisit. Whether you’re adjusting a composition or talking through ways to keep painting at home, this is time to tie everything together at your own pace.After a relaxed lunch, the group will gather for an informal exhibition to celebrate the week’s work. Lay out your paintings, walk through each collection, and take in the variety of styles, stories, and discoveries. Conversations unfold naturally as you share what surprised you, what challenged you, and what you’re taking with you. Kristin will be there too, offering encouragement and celebrating each creative path.Gather for a farewell dinner among your own work and the energy of others doing the same. Celebrate what you created, what surprised you, and how far your hand has come.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Kristin and your art group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM.

## Instructors

- [Kristin Van Leuven](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kristin-van-leuven) — Artist and author

## Accommodation

### Spanish countryside estate
Your venue for the retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven is a sprawling countryside estate found in the embrace of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This beautifully restored property, a harmonious blend of traditional farmhouses and modern comforts, sits amidst an otherworldly landscape.The natural beauty of the Mediterranean panoramas is the estate's most breathtaking feature, with vistas that stretch out from the spacious terraces. You'll be treated to a visual symphony of fiery sunsets descending over rugged cliffs, and the untamed wilderness of valleys.The accommodation itself is a perfect fusion of regional charm and exotic elegance, with rooms that blend Andalusian artistry and Balinese tranquility. Each room offers orthopedic mattresses, soft cotton linens, plush towels, and contemporary amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The single rooms themselves are located in clusters of farmhouses, and all feature ensuite bathrooms. Other amenities include the swimming pool, vast gardens, airy terraces, and well-appointed common spaces.Your classes with Kristin will primarily take place across three dedicated workshop spaces: a spacious 4000 sq. ft. (375 sq. m.) studio filled, a more intimate 430 sq. ft. (40 sq. m.) indoor studio for smaller group work, and a small circular studio adjacent to the latter. All are located on the expansive grounds of the Finca, surrounded by nature’s stunning display.In your free time, you can relax by one of the outdoor pool, or enjoy leisurely strolls through lush gardens while mingling with fellow artists.Please note that a short walk connects accommodation areas, the studios, and the main building for meals. The terrain across the property is gently hilly, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Furthermore, since the venue is located in the middle of a natural park, you may encounter some insects during your stay. The Finca embraces a design philosophy that harmonizes with its surroundings, and as such, the rooms are not equipped with window screens, in order to preserve unobstructed, panoramic views of the landscape. We ask that you keep doors and windows closed throughout the day and night to avoid insects entering your room. Rest assured, there are no dangerous insects in the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve.

### Single standard ensuite room
Thirteen single standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are spread across the retreat venue. They have private bathrooms and terraces with gorgeous views of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. You'll benefit from a comfortable double bed.

### Single superior ensuite room
Three superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The single superior rooms are more spacious, have separate private bathrooms, and are located closer to the workshop space where art classes will take place. The rooms feature access to a shaded terrace with tables and chairs, as well as fantastic views of the Natural Park. You'll benefit from a comfortable double bed.

## Food

Embark on a Mediterranean culinary journey during your retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven. Each meal, prepared by a private chef, highlights the rich flavors of the region. Enjoy the finest Iberian meats, freshly caught seafood, and seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from local orchards and gardens.Traditional Mediterranean spices bring depth and warmth to every dish, reflecting the vibrant, healthy flavors that make this cuisine so celebrated. Iberian tradition is defined by a dance of spices: saffron's exotic fragrance, parsley's fresh, green zing, and paprika's smoky warmth.This retreat includes all meals, and refreshing beverages like water, coffee, and tea are readily available. You'll enjoy fragrant wine and non-alcoholic alternatives during your dinner service.

## Getting There

The art retreat takes place at a sprawling countryside estate, nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Just a 30-minute trip brings you to the area’s most iconic beaches, such as Genoveses and Mónsul, both known for their golden sands, turquoise waters, and cinematic history. The park is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, famous for its appearances in movies like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" or "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."Cabo de Gata Natural Park stretches over 38,000 hectares and is celebrated as one of Spain’s most pristine coastal reserves. Its rugged cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, framing stretches of unspoiled beaches, wild coves, and charming fishing villages where time seems to have slowed. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, nurtures an abundance of desert-adapted plants, including wild palms, agave, aloe, and hemp. In spring, the land comes alive with bursts of wildflowers that soften the arid terrain with color.The park is also a haven for wildlife. Turtles and lizards bask on warm rocks, while the skies are patrolled by kestrels and owls. Migratory birds find refuge here, and in summer, flocks of flamingos can be spotted wading in the salt flats of Las Salinas. This diversity of flora and fauna, paired with the park’s striking geology, creates an atmosphere that feels both raw and magical.Please arrive at Almería Airport (LEI).We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Spain a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat.How to get from Almería Airport to the retreat venue:Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Almería Airport (LEI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Almería, we recommend you fly to Madrid or Barcelona and fly domestically to Almería (local round trips starting from US$89, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 12, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on October 19, 2026, by 10:00 AM. Arrival transfer:October 12, 2026 — 3:30 PM (leaving from Almería Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)Departure transfer:October 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Almería Airport a little after 10:30 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days in Almería before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Almería Airport. Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Boca de Los Frailes, 04118 Níjar, Almería, Spain, 60 euros - approximately US$66 per way; please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

Reviews from the past UpTrek retreat with Kristin Van Leuven:"I loved everything about this retreat! Kristin is an amazing teacher who meets each individual at their level, she is patient, knowledgeable, and accepting. She is extremely open and welcoming, making you feel like you belong no matter what level you are on. She is simply amazing! 100% satisfied with this unforgettable trip!""It was a wonderful, awesome experience. Kristen was kind wonderful and knowledgeable teacher that gave great support and easy to talk to.""Kristin is an amazing teacher for students of all levels. She’s kind, encouraging and able to articulate theory and practice clearly. This experience was a real financial stretch for me and it was worth every penny.""Kristin is as excellent an instructor as she is charming human being. Her ability to tailor her lessons to all skill levels was impressive and she is just So much fun! And what a delightful bonus to have Kelly assisting. Sharing this week with so many talented, thoughtful, supportive women, who quickly became friends, was an unexpected gift.""Kristin is / was a wonderful teacher of watercolor painting, she taught the basics and was very knowledgeable in watercolor techniques. Overall was great experience."Reviews of the venue:"It was wonderful! I loved the venue and location. It was beautiful and peaceful. Staff were friendly and helpful. The weather was wonderful. Not too hot and there was usually a cool breeze.""Wonderful resort, excellent staff, great place to do art!!!! Met 15 new friends and a lovely cat. Food very good!""The venue was perfect, the accommodations very comfortable, the food delicious, and the staff friendly and helpful. Overall, the experience was perfect in every way.""The retreat was fantastic. The venue was perfect. The meals were excellent and I appreciated the care that went into making sure that I was able to have really good vegan meals. The side trips were well arranged and Emilio, the tour guide, was outstanding. It was a memorable trip and I could not have been more satisfied with all of Uptrek's arrangements.""It was great to have flexibility in the schedule from the venue. The staff were very attentive and responded to all requests. The venue and surrounding areas provided inspiration for creativity. Visiting San Jose was really enjoyable especially the lunch and having the opportunity to go in the sea and do some local shopping.""Beautiful spot, wonderful staff, good food, good space for working on our art. I loved my room with its patio overlooking the valley and the sunrises in the morning. Our guide, Emilio, was very knowledgeable and funny with a lot of energy.""The venue is very well-chosen. The staff all very helpful and friendly. I loved everything. Thank you so much everyone, also UpTrek for informing us friendly and constantly.""The venue and staff were wonderful. The 2 excursions really added to the experience.""My room was beautiful. The pool was fabulous. The food was amazing. Thank you Manuel, Juan, Jorge, and the rest of the team. You made it such a special time for me and the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.""This was not my first UpTrek workshop, and the one in Almería, Spain, proved to be just as exceptional as the previous ones. The overall program was, once again, nothing short of fantastic. Thank you, UpTrek, for consistently delivering wonderful experiences.""I cannot say enough good things! The staff at the venue were AMAZING-thoughtful and caring. The tour guide, Emilio was so knowledgeable and kind. Our Uptrek advisor, Andra, was on top of things and also so kind. Honestly, it was one of the best trips I've ever taken."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor and Kristin Van Leuven's work and style of teaching.When is the retreat available? The retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven in Almería, Spain, takes place between October 12 - 19, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the retreat venue after 4:00 PM on October 12, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the retreat, on October 19, 2026.Is Wi-Fi available?Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.How do I get to the retreat venue?Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Almería Airport (LEI) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Spain a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. For more information, see the Location tab. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.What’s the weather like in Almería, Spain in October?The weather in Almería, Spain in October is generally sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°F at night. The Almería region enjoys very mild winters and warm summers, without excesses, and very little rain throughout the year.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.What art supplies do I need for the workshop?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, and watercolor paper (Arches 7'' × 10'' cold pressed 300gsm, 20 sheets) for the workshop component are included.How many people are to be expected on the retreat?There is a maximum number of 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Spain for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport, in Almería, or in Níjar (the closest town to the retreat venue). You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary). The retreat venue doesn't have a card machine but accepts euros cash.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Are there any age restrictions?No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility. The art trips involve plenty of walking on uneven terrain across the nature reserve. You will also need to walk between the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the main building where meals are served.What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-anatomy-of-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-spain#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-03-10