# Watercolor Explorations Retreat with Artist Jenna Rainey in Greece

Join artist Jenna Rainey for a harmonious and inspiring art retreat on the sun-kissed island of Zakynthos, "The Flower of the East." Dive into exciting watercolor explorations and let your creativity flow, breaking away from your inner critic. From floral and landscape workshops to plein-air sessions, immerse yourself in mindful artistry while also learning how to digitize your work and strengthen your approach to color mixing, composition, and layout.

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Jenna Rainey’s work and style of teaching. Jenna’s attentive guidance will help you deepen your practice whether you are discovering watercolor for the first time or refining your skills.

Your venue for the retreat will be a Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, with a spacious sea-facing art studio, an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, a wooden gazebo, and terraced gardens overlooking the coastline. Beyond the studio, board a boat to the iconic Shipwreck Beach and take in the dramatic white limestone cliffs, visit an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890 for an olive oil tasting experience, and explore the island's capital, Zante Town, bringing the colors and textures of each trip into your sketchbook.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 16 - 23, 2027
- **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece
- **Starting Price:** $4,750
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 17 students
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Art classes, individual tuition, demonstrations with artist Jenna Rainey
2. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars
3. 7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villa
4. Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, spa area, and beautiful terraces
5. 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day
8. Special welcome and farewell dinner
9. Delicious local wine during dinner service every day
10. Spacious sea-facing Shala art studio
11. Half-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
12. Half-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included
13. Half-day art trip to an award-winning olive oil farm (est.1890), home to olive trees over 1500 years old, with an olive oil tasting experience and opportunities for painting and sketching on location
14. Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner
15. Private transportation and guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities
16. Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times
17. All local tourist taxes and fees
18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
20. Access to a private Facebook group with Jenna Rainey and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials - a list of art materials recommended by artist Jenna Rainey will be provided five months before the retreat
- Tips for staff - tipping is customary in Greece
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Watercolor Harmony Retreat
Experience a transformative art retreat with artist Jenna Rainey on the sunny island of Zakynthos. Break free from your inner critic and find your own artistic voice, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. With Jenna’s personalized classes, one-on-one guidance, and live demonstrations, you will elevate your watercolor skills and creative process in a warm and supportive environment.

Outside of the studio, immerse yourself in Zakynthos’s ephemeral beauty and capture the crystal-clear waters and white-capped waves in your paintings. Complement your creative session with several art trips. Draw inspiration from the Venetian and Byzantine influences of Zante (the island’s capital city) or from the timeless Shipwreck Beach, reached by a scenic boat ride to where the rusting hull of a wrecked vessel has remained frozen in time. Visit an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, home to olive trees over 1,500 years old, for an olive oil tasting and time to translate your experience into watercolor sketches.

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Jenna Rainey’s work and style of teaching.

**Some topics covered in your classes with Jenna include:**

- Crafting loose florals and landscapes
- Applying mindfulness to creative processes
- Color theory and palette selection
- Using hue, contrast, and consistency to your advantage
- Creating a cohesive composition
- Engaging in plein-air painting sessions inspired by various scenic backdrops
- One-to-one tuition and support that fits your artistic needs
- Letting go of your inner critic and developing your artistic identity
- Capturing striking reference photos
- Digitizing your artwork and boosting your social media presence
- ...and many more!

The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work in and relax. Savor authentic Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and bond with an intimate group of fellow artists over a glass of local wine.

Please note: the retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. Getting to the nearby beach also requires descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet), and there will be plenty of walking during the trips. Therefore, this retreat is not suitable for individuals with low or limited mobility.

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch your 3:30 PM transfer from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) or Solomos Square to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the sea.

Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to unwind before joining a guided tour of the venue grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the Shala art studio, and the inviting common areas. Meet your instructor for the retreat, Jenna Rainey, as well as your fellow artists.

As the evening winds down, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in a warm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine with Jenna and the group and make plans for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Join a brief check-in with Jenna and the venue hosts, then get ready for the first class of the retreat.

Spend the morning in the captivating Shala studio, with the sea as your backdrop, and get familiar with your materials. Jenna will walk you through the basics of watercolor paintings with a live demonstration. Learn how to play with different brushstrokes, combine colors, and create loose, vibrant floral paintings. The forgiving nature of watercolors is ideal for experimenting with your art style and finding what feels right for you.

After a refreshing lunch, continue the afternoon with another art workshop. Under Jenna’s step-by-step guidance, explore new techniques and gradually move from practice into a more personal artistic expression.

As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take a quick dip in the pool, wander the estate grounds, or socialize with your fellow creatives on one of the sea-facing terraces. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fragrant, local wine.

### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
After a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, prepare for the first trip of the retreat and welcome the spirit of adventure as you head towards the sea.

Spend the morning exploring the Zakynthian coast aboard a boat taxi. Depart from Porto Vromi and ride across crystalline waters, passing silent caves and jagged cliffs that echo with ancient stillness. Let the rhythm of the boat, the salt in the air, and the colors of the sea awaken your senses. You'll soon arrive at Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where the bones of an old shipwreck rest in the sand, rusted and storied. Take reference photos or make quick sketches from your boat as you hear more about the vessel's past as a (rumored) smuggling ship for the Italian mafia back in the 1980s.

After returning by boat to Porto Vromi, enjoy a nourishing lunch at the venue and some time to rest and reset before returning to the studio.

In the afternoon, go through the reference photos and sketches you collected earlier and use them as inspiration for new watercolor pieces. Jenna will be by your side with guidance and advice, helping you bring your artistic vision to life.

As the class ends, take some time to recharge after a day filled with exploration and creativity. Relax by the pool, bathe in the sun, or go for a short walk on the nearby beach. Gather with Jenna and the group for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast, letting the peaceful rhythm of the morning ground you.

Join Jenna and your fellow artists in the sunlit outdoor spaces and take part in a plein-air morning session. Jenna will guide you in arranging the elements of your surroundings within your artwork and offer strategies for overcoming challenges posed by your inner critic.

Pause midday for a light lunch, then return to the charming Shala art studio for another painting session. Create vintage-inspired floral pieces and play with subtle details and layered colors, bringing a sense of timeless beauty to your artwork. Work at your own pace, asking Jenna for one-on-one feedback if needed.

Spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Wander the venue grounds, take a swim in the pool, catch the sunset on the nearby beach, or take a moment to reflect on your experience on the retreat so far. Enjoy a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, complemented by aromatic wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Zante Town
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then jump into your next adventure: a trip to the town of Zante, the lively capital of Zakynthos.

Wander the streets lined with Venetian arches, sunlit balconies, and shifting shadows. Collect inspiration in the form of quick sketches or reference photos for your later studies. Capture the tranquil turquoise sea, the colorful traditional Greek houses, and the sun-drenched beaches. Scribble, gather color inspiration, or simply shop for a souvenir as you explore Zante.

Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then continue working on your pieces in the afternoon class. Experiment with the sketches and photos you collected, allowing the colors, textures, and light of Zante to inspire your brushstrokes. Share ideas with your fellow artists, ask Jenna for one-on-one feedback, and discover new ways to bring the town’s charm to life on your canvas.

The evening will offer some time to rest, swim, or simply just be. As the day ends, gather with Jenna and the group for a nourishing dinner and a pleasant atmosphere, paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to an olive oil farm with olive oil tasting
Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Gather your sketchbook and art supplies and prepare for another half-day trip to one of the island's most storied olive oil farms.

Established in 1890 and home to olive trees over 1,500 years old, this award-winning olive oil estate will surprise you. Wander among ancient groves, taking in the earthy colors and textures around you, making quick sketches or gathering reference photos that will fuel your work. You will finish the morning with an olive oil tasting experience, connecting you to the local landscape through its flavors.

Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then head into the studio for another afternoon class. With Jenna’s insights, learn how to use hue, contrast, and consistency to your advantage, and craft a fluid and cohesive floral composition inspired by the morning. Feel free to apply the new techniques you’ve learned to elevate your composition!

Unwind with some spare time in the afternoon, then gather for a freshly made dinner, enjoying the lovely company of Jenna and your fellow artists.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast and a comforting morning coffee before attending another art workshop with Jenna and the group.

Bring together everything you have worked on through the week, polish any last details, and define your own unique artistic identity. Jenna will offer personal guidance if needed, as well as some tips and tricks on photographing and digitizing your paintings, a practice that you can take home with you.

After a simple lunch, join Jenna and the group in the Shala art studio for an intimate exhibition to celebrate what you have created. Show your work, listen to the stories behind each painting, and reflect on the progress you have made throughout the week.

As the evening approaches, enjoy some spare time to reset before dinner. Come together one more time for a generous farewell dinner, accompanied by a Greek dance show and band. Soak in the pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by delicious food, Greek music, and lively conversations.

Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life, the friendships you have forged, and the unforgettable memories you have made!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Jenna and your fellow artists, then get ready for your transfer. The private departure shuttle departs at 9:15 AM, drops off guests with evening flights in Zante Town, and arrives at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) at around 10:30 AM.

## Instructors

- [Jenna Rainey](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jenna-rainey) — Illustrator, Watercolorist, Surface Designer

## Accommodation

### Stunning Greek Estate
Your creative haven for the art retreat with artist Jenna Rainey is a seaside estate overlooking the shores of Zakynthos and the vast Ionian Sea. Just a 10-minute walk away, the calm Bouka Beach beckons, accessible via a stairway that winds down the hillside.

This boutique venue offers a stately six-bedroom villa alongside a six-bedroom stone tower. All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, shared or single, exclusively booked for you and your art group.

Every room is a cocoon of comfort, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a handy fridge, all complemented by chic boho décor. Large glass doors frame captivating views, whether of the venue terraces, the gleaming infinity pool, or the boundless sea. Please note that there are no window screens in the rooms.

During your leisure time, you can revel in the stunning infinity pool or unwind in the soothing embrace of a jacuzzi. Adding to the charm is a wooden gazebo, perfectly positioned for basking in the Grecian sun.

Your art classes will take place in the Shala art studio, dramatically poised with the sea as its backdrop. While it is walled on three sides, the studio's face opens generously to the sea, with chairs and tables available for you and your art group. Other workshop spaces include the spacious terraces right next to the infinity pool.

Please note that the venue is not suitable for participants with limited mobility as it is positioned over terraced grounds. To traverse its spaces, you would need to go across some small stairways, and all rooms are accessed via stairs. The steps to the beach are steep and descend about 50 m (164 feet); the beach is a 10-minute walk away from the venue.

### Shared standard ensuite room
One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. The room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

Tucked away in the stone towers, this shared ensuite room located on the first floor marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25 m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features twin beds and a modern ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower shared between the two guests staying in the room.

The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking sunrise views.

### Shared superior ensuite room
One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. The room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

The shared superior ensuite room is located in the main villa. Covering a generous 35 m² on the first floor, it's known as the villa's quietest room, featuring comfortable twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom. The room has access to a private patio presenting serene vistas of the venue's terrace and garden. Take in the smell of freshly bloomed flowers and the soft breeze of salty air as you step outside the secluded patio.

### Shared penthouse
Two penthouses are available for shared occupancy. Each penthouse and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

Perched atop the main villa, the shared penthouses boast twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy. Located on the second floor, the rooms are accessible via a stairway. Private balconies extend from each penthouse, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and terraces.

Enjoy your morning coffee on the bright balcony surrounded by palm trees, endless skies, and the deep blue sea in the horizon.

### Shared bathroom - single standard room
One standard ensuite room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom of this room with another single room occupied by a same-gender participant, while having the bedroom all to yourself.

Located in the main villa, on the first floor, the room is outfitted with a comfortable double bed and an ensuite shower bathroom. The room elegantly blends traditional Zakynthian charm with boho elements, creating a cozy and private space for you to relax in.

### Shared bathroom - single superior room
One superior ensuite room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom of this room with another single room occupied by a same-gender participant, while having the bedroom all to yourself.

Located on the first floor of the main villa, the room is outfitted with a comfortable double bed and an ensuite shower bathroom. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio of the main villa, overlooking the infinity pool and the stunning sea. Step outside the sun-drenched patio and enjoy your morning coffee next to sweeping views of the deep blue sea.

### Single standard ensuite room
Four standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy.

The single standard rooms are located on the second and third floors of the stone towers and are outfitted with comfortable double beds. Sitting at a cozy 16 m², the rooms are accessible via stairs. They feature private ensuite bathrooms with a shower enclosure. Each room benefits from access to a small, private terrace, treating you to breathtaking sunrise views.

### Single superior ensuite room
One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy.

Located on the first floor, in the stone towers, this room marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25 m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features a private ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower and has access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking sunrise views.

The space exudes warmth and character, adorned with thoughtfully chosen wooden furniture and wicker decorations that perfectly complement its bohemian style.

### Single ensuite room - shared villa (private pool)
Two ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These single ensuite rooms are located in a shared, separate villa with a private pool.

Found outside of the main villa, they offer privacy and tranquility. The shared villa features two single rooms, located on the second floor of the villa, with stairway access. The rooms are equipped with a comfortable double bed and an ensuite bathroom, complete with a spacious walk-in shower. The shared living areas on the first floor, namely a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy living room, offer a space to connect, converse, or simply unwind.

Conveniently, the single ensuite rooms in the villa are the nearest accommodations to the art workshop space. Outside, a private terrace presents spectacular views of the pool, the art studio, and the picturesque bay beyond. But the pièce de résistance is the exclusive private pool, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip under the Greek sunshine.

## Food

Experience the wealth of Ionian cuisine with tantalizing dishes prepared by a private chef. The venue earned its foodie destination moniker thanks to its family recipes passed down through generations and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets or grown on-site. Of course, your chef's passion for the traditions of Zakynthos is the driving force behind every feast.

Start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast spread consisting of freshly baked pastries and bread, yogurt, organic honey, jams, butter, cereal, and local fruit. Coffee, tea, milk, and fresh juices will be served with breakfast.

For lunch, refuel with a light salad, or opt for the traditional baked feta, various platters (with aubergine, tzatziki, and chickpea dips, saganaki, and grilled halloumi, all served with Pitta bread), pasta, and seafood courses.

Dinner is an elaborate three-course affair, starting with an appetizer such as Zante Bruschettas, followed by herbal oven lamb, rabbit stew with cheese, agalas stuffed chicken, moussaka with aubergines, stuffed tomatoes with herbs, ragout and pasta, grilled octopus, sea bream, or prawns. Top it off with a sweet treat and pair it with a crisp white. You'll enjoy plentiful, aromatic wine during dinner service.

Dinner on the last evening of the retreat will be an extraordinary event, as you'll complement your delicious meals with a traditional Greek dance and music show.

All meals are included. Between meals, you will have access to a snack bar with water, tea, juices, coffee, and homemade snacks.

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.

## Getting There

Located in the quiet beachside village of Planos, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, your retreat venue stands proud atop a rocky hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. The amazing views from this sunny haven provide a small taste of what Zakynthos has to offer: crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and the tranquil Greek village below. The capital of the island (Zante) and Zakynthos International Airport are only 30 minutes away by car, and the mysterious Navagio Beach with its history of shipwrecks and smugglers is one hour away.

**Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Greece a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**How to get from Zakynthos International Airport to the retreat venue:**

Private transfers at prearranged times are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly domestically to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. For the arrival, in order to best accommodate all travel plans, we offer two transfer options that you can choose from. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 16, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on September 23, 2027, right in time for your 9:15 AM departure transfer.

**Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Arrival Transfer:**

**September 16, 2027** **\- 3:30 PM.** We offer two complimentary pick-up shuttle options (arriving at the venue a little after 4:00 PM). **Please let us know which one you prefer:**

- **Option 1:** Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) – Meet the driver just outside the main exit doors of the Arrivals Hall.
- **Option 2:** [Solomos Square](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yKPaV3mRqWWq19No6) – Meet at the "Road Train Stop" (ideal if you are arriving very early or staying in Zante Town the night before).

If you experience any travel delays, please notify us in the WhatsApp group or contact your UpTrek host.

**Departure Transfer:**

**September 23, 2027 - 9:15 AM.** The shuttle leaves the retreat venue at 9:15 AM, includes a drop-off stop in Zante Town for guests with evening flights, and arrives at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) around 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 Zakynthos before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Zakynthos International Airport.

\- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: 63 Thesi Bouka, Gaidaros Tragaki, Tragaki 291 00, Greece, 40 euros - approximately US$45 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with Jenna Rainey:**

- "It was amazing! The whole experience was perfect! I wouldn’t change a thing! Jenna was amazing to work with, very personable, and fun!"

- "Jenna is an amazing teacher and offered all insights we asked for and more."

- "Participating in this retreat is the single greatest gift I've ever given myself. Jenna is an authentic and talented leader and her balance of active instruction, exploration of the area, and opportunity for us to have free time to paint, sing, and chat hit all the right notes."

- "I loved everything about this trip. Jenna, the instructor was amazing! She made herself available and was very approachable and helpful."

- "Jenna was amazing! She is a wonderful & generous teacher."

- "Jenna was the perfect teacher and had a wonderful inviting style. I learned a lot from her as well as the wonderful participants I was able to share the time with."

- "Teacher Jenna was excellent and exceeded my expectations."

- "It was an amazing, bucket list trip for me...absolutely loved it. Jenna was so willing to share her expertise and knowledge with us and we all loved that she spent so much time with us outside of teaching time."

- "If I could give 1,000 stars in all categories I would! Our group instantly bonded and felt we knew each other for years. Jenna Rainey was patient, kind, very informative in her teaching and super enjoyable to be with! I was so impressed she took the time to demonstrate a challenging technique I requested."

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "Well it was lovely in all aspects! David’s gourmet food was a dining extravaganza! The quaint villa & the nearby town were enormously refreshing. The love & care put into the service was above reproach! I would highly suggest this venue to anyone interested in seeing Greece!"

- "The hosts really made my trip special by their loving and kind hearts! They made me feel like family as well as all their staff! The estate was breathtaking and I hope to visit again soon! It was magical and I truly appreciate everything done for us while there, their openness and especially the hugs! I miss them and the warm generosity and kindness. It's true that I felt more at ease, comfortable and hugged being a stranger welcomed there, than I actually do coming back home...!!! That is saying a lot about the character and hearts of Karen and David! It reflected in everything and everyone whom works there. That is why it works so well, as David says, that's Living, doing what you love! Thank you to all for the fond memories ;)"

- "The venue is beautiful. Waking up to see the sunrise was a perfect way to start the day. Food was authentic and delicious. We had some hot days in the studio, but apparently, this was a heat wave, but otherwise, it worked well. Staff was genuinely sweet and accommodating, and hard working. It was interesting to experience the Greek way of life. Our hosts cared about every detail. I enjoyed it so much that I will return next year and bring my daughter. Uptrek, thank you for finding this gem!"

- "Beautiful location! There was a lovely mix of art classes at the retreat, and excursions to paint or take reference photos! Our hosts were warm, kind, and very talented in cooking and treating guest! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime!"

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is the retreat available to all levels?**

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Jenna Rainey's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Jenna Rainey in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between September 16 - 23, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 16, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, September 23, 2027, after breakfast. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Yes.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Yes. 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?**

Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend arriving in Greece a day early to adjust to the new time zone, but please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Complimentary scheduled transfers are included: a 3:30 PM arrival pick-up from either Zakynthos International Airport or Solomos Square, and a 9:15 AM departure shuttle that stops in Zante Town before continuing to the airport. If connecting flights to Zakynthos are limited, we recommend flying to Athens and taking a 1-hour domestic flight (round trips starting around US$150). The transfer journey to the venue takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-explorations-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-greece#location).

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them during your stay for an additional fee payable on-site.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art supplies recommended by artist Jenna Rainey will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in late September?**

The weather in late September in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 16°C / 61°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly.

**How many people are to be expected at the retreat?**

Maximum 17 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter Greece for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.

**What language is used during the retreat and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Accommodation spaces and most of the main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the trips.

**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](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/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.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

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](mailto: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 instructor 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/watercolor-explorations-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-greece#book)** — no deposit required.

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

---

**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-explorations-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-greece
**Last updated:** 2026-10-02