Is the art retreat available to all levels?

The art retreat with Kristy Rice is open to all levels of experience.

When is the art retreat available?

The art retreat with artist Kristy Rice in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between August 22 - 29, 2026.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on August 22, 2026. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, August 29, 2026, after breakfast.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

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?

Please arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Scotland a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour. For more details, please see the Location tab.

What should I pack?

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a jacket for chilly weather, comfortable shoes, 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 for free during your stay.

What art supplies do I need for the workshops?

Art materials for this retreat are included: The Art for Joy’s Sake Watercolor Palette, The Free from Fear and Art for Joy’s Sake Brush Collections (12 Brushes), collapsible painter’s pot, additional water containers, paper towels, and a block of Legion watercolor paper.

What’s the weather like in Scotland in late August?

The weather in late August in Scotland is usually mild and moderately chilly, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 18°C / 64°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°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 art retreat and to pack accordingly.

How many people are to be expected at the retreat?

Maximum 16 participants.

Do I need a visa?

Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, and other visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. For more information on the ETA, including eligibility and application steps, please visit the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Please contact us for further guidance.

Are there any age restrictions?

The art retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.

What language is used during the art 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 art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

Is the art retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

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

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 artist'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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.