# Creativity Lab Art Retreat with Artist Carla Sonheim in Scotland

Join a whimsical art retreat with artist Carla Sonheim in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Reconnect with your childlike curiosity and reinvent your artmaking process through Carla’s daily classes, one-on-one guidance, and a treasure trove of playful creative exercises. Experiment with mixed-media materials, explore your unique artistic voice, and complete at least three unique mini artist books by the end of the retreat.

Carla’s teaching blends structure with spontaneity, helping you approach art with joy and curiosity. The retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced artists who wish to loosen up, explore new techniques, and rediscover the fun of making art.

Your stay will be in a welcoming country house set among rolling hills, with nourishing meals prepared with care. Between studio sessions and shared meals, you will experience Scotland’s beauty and culture: wander the storied streets of Stirling, paint along the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, and sketch in the village of Buchlyvie with its surrounding countryside walks.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 26 - July 3, 2027
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,800
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 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, and demonstrations with artist Carla Sonheim
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estate
4. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardens
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 mid-morning power juices, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Special welcome and farewell dinner
8. Water, coffee, herbal tea, and snacks available throughout the day
9. Delicious wine served during dinner service every day
10. An in-house gin-tasting experience
11. Half-day art trip to Loch Lomond, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
12. Full-day art trip to Stirling, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location and a visit to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument
13. Entrance ticket and guided tour of Striling Castle
14. Half-day trip to Buchlyvie village and the surrounding countryside (optional & at your leisure - 15-minute walk away)
15. Campfire with Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music after the farewell dinner
16. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities (except for the trip to Buchlyvie village)
17. Round-trip transfers from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at prearranged times
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. All local tourist taxes and fees
21. Access to a private Facebook group with Carla Sonheim and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling
- Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Carla Sonheim will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Creativity Lab Art Retreat
Join artist Carla Sonheim on a magical art retreat in the breathtaking Scottish countryside. Together with Carla and 15 other like-minded artists, you’ll rediscover a sense of play in your creative process, explore a joyful mix of mixed-media materials, and infuse your artwork with a touch of whimsy. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have completed a wonderful project: a series of small artist books that reflect your time spent exploring and creating in Scotland.

This retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced artists who want to reconnect with curiosity, loosen up their process, and find new joy in making art. You’ll enjoy daily classes, inspiring demonstrations, playful creative exercises, and group discussions, balanced with individual feedback to help you grow at your own pace. Carla will guide you in discovering your own artistic voice, developing confidence in your decisions, and experimenting with materials such as collage, ink, watercolor, acrylics and gel plate printmaking. Her imaginative and unconventional teaching style ensures that each day brings fresh ideas, laughter, and delightful surprises.

Beyond the studio, immerse yourself in Scotland’s natural beauty as you sketch and paint on location. Capture the timeless atmosphere of Stirling’s historic streets, the stillness of Loch Lomond’s shores, and the charm of Buchlyvie and its surrounding countryside walks. Deepen your connection to place and expand the ways you see and translate the world into your artists books! Each trip offers a new palette of colors, shapes, and stories to bring back to the studio and weave into your artwork.

**The topics covered during your lessons will include:**

- An arsenal of drawing and creativity exercises to help you recover your child-like freedom
- Layered watercolor and gel plate techniques
- Adding mixed media: crayons, ink, collage, watercolor, acrylics, and more
- "Blob-hunting" - using your environment as inspiration in unexpected ways
- Lots of one-on-one instructor time to help you figure out what you like to make and how you like to make it
- Painting what's authentic to you
- And above all else, how to have a lot of fun when making art!

Your home for the week is a beautiful farm estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside and surrounded by rustic scenery and tranquil gardens. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped art studio, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the landscape. Throughout the week, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow artists over a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, a special gin-tasting experience featuring local varieties, and a memorable campfire night with Scottish music and dancing beneath the open sky. Embark on a week of creativity, nature, and connections, and leave with memories to last a lifetime!

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for a 3:00 PM pickup and enjoy a scenic drive to your destination, a stunning countryside estate, where you’ll arrive around 4:00 PM. Once there, settle into your comfortable room, take a moment to unwind, and meet your instructor for the week, artist Carla Sonheim.

Join your fellow artists for a relaxed orientation tour of the property, exploring the charming accommodations, the spacious studio, and the expansive gardens. The evening kicks off with a delightful welcome dinner prepared by the estate’s in-house chef, paired with a glass of wine. Enjoy lively conversations with your art group as you discuss the inspiring plans for the retreat.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Fuel up with breakfast, then meet Carla and the group over coffee. Learn more about the course schedule and set some objectives for the day.

Dive right in with a series of exciting drawing exercises. These warm-ups are designed by Carla to reintroduce playfulness into your creative process. You'll create lots of drawings in a short amount of time; the goal is to focus less on getting it right and simply letting your imagination fly. Brainstorm ideas for future drawings as you fill the first few pages of your sketchbook. The morning ends with a watercolor demonstration from Carla, where you'll learn her unique, "fail-proof" way of working with the medium.

Enjoy a refreshing lunch, then join Carla for the second art class of the day. In the afternoon, you'll receive your first creative assignment. Work on your first artist book by adding color to your morning drawings as well as working with collage, colored pencils, crayons, and more!

As the day softens into the evening and golden light settles across the farm, gather with your fellow artists for a relaxed three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine. Share stories, reflect on your creative discoveries, and soak in the warm atmosphere filled with laughter and lively conversation.

### Day 3: Art trip to Loch Lomond
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Carla and the venue hosts. Then, prepare for another inspiring day ahead, amid the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Set out for Loch Lomond, nestled within the sweeping Trossachs National Park. After a scenic drive through rolling hills and forests, you will arrive at the peaceful shores of the loch, its glassy water mirroring shifting clouds, distant peaks, and clusters of native heather and Scots pine. Explore the area: wander along the paths, pause at overlooks, or breathe in the crisp, earthy air. Take part in a whimsical blob-hunting exercise; as you explore, find intriguing shapes in your environment and write down observations in your sketchbook. Capture the "blobs" with your camera or in your drawings.

After lunch, return to the studio and take your art further. Work from the natural references you gathered at the loch. You'll explore collage under Carla's guidance, trying out different materials and arrangements with a series of fun exercises. You'll also further develop your blob sketches, trying to find patterns and subjects among the shapes. An oddly shaped stone could become a cat or a hedgehog, leaf shapes can turn into butterflies, and so on; the sky's the limit!

As the afternoon comes to an end, unwind at your own pace. Take a walk around the gardens, soak in the hot tub, journal with a cup of tea, or enjoy a lively conversation with your fellow artists. As the evening approaches, join Carla and the group for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast before settling in with coffee and conversation as Carla gathers you into the rhythm of creative play.

This day is all about experimentation and letting your creativity loose! With a true smorgasbord of materials to choose from, you'll learn a wide variety of mixed-media techniques. Follow along with Carla's demonstrations and try these methods out for yourself. Using alcohol inks, watercolor, gel plate printmaking, and acrylics, you'll create a stack of collage materials and pages that you will incorporate into your second artist book project.

Break for a refreshing lunch, then continue your art classes in the studio. You'll spend the rest of the afternoon developing your artist book prototype. Carla will show you examples of her artwork to get you started and explain her process of creating an artist book. Follow along with her explanation and have fun playing with different concepts. Carla will guide you in discovering what draws you to a certain subject or theme, and how to depict it in your style.

As the afternoon winds down, take some time to unwind before dinner. Perhaps take a peaceful walk through the estate gardens or relax in the heated hot tub. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Stirling
Day five begins with a warm and satisfying breakfast before setting off for Stirling, a historic town just a short 30-minute drive away. Known for its rich past and picturesque charm, Stirling is surrounded by gardens, green spaces, and rolling hills that capture the essence of Scotland.

The morning takes you to Stirling Castle, where the grounds are alive with seasonal flowers, wild heather, and carefully tended beds that burst with color. Carla will guide you in gathering inspiration, taking reference photos, and picking up small pieces of ephemera. Notice textures in the walls, shifting light across steps, and details that draw your attention. Fill your senses with fragments of place and memory that can be carried back into your work. From there, wander into town to explore its streets and hidden corners, stopping for lunch at a local café or pub of your choice.

In the afternoon, visit the Wallace Monument, set high above meadows filled with native plants and wildflowers. If something captures you, sketch it into your book as a memento. Carla will encourage you to mark down what feels alive. You will gather images and impressions that can later grow into more complex pieces.

As evening falls, return to the retreat for a well-earned dinner. Gather with Jenna and the group around the table for a freshly prepared three-course meal paired with wine. The night unfolds with lively conversation and laughter, a warm end to a day filled with history, beauty, and the spirit of Scotland!

### Day 6: Walk to Buchlyvie & surrounding countryside
Wake up your senses with a delicious breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Get ready for another inspiring day of creation together with your fellow artists.

Set out on a gentle walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie. The path winds through open fields and offers wide, peaceful views of the hills around it. Take photos, pick up small bits to use later in your collage, and hold on to what draws your attention. Move at your own pace, breathing in the fresh Scottish air as the countryside opens around you.

Once in the village, take some time to wander around. You might step into a small pottery shop, visit a local café, or follow one of the tranquil side lanes that lead back toward the meadows. Focus on the energy of the place and sketch if inspired. Collect small papers, packaging, or textures to use later in your sketchbook. Pick up anything interesting that tells the story of the place!

Return to the venue and enjoy a relaxed lunch, then spread everything out in the studio. Carla will demo one more artist book structure, and then you are free to dive back in to your artist books. You'll be able to put all of the week's drawings and techniques to good use as you work on your final series under Carla's guidance. As you paint and draw, your instructor will be available for one-on-one feedback and advice, helping you become looser in your artwork, defeat that pesky inner critic, and see your vision come to life. She'll also touch on elements of composition, design, color, and adding surprise elements to your project.

As the afternoon transitions into evening, unwind in whatever way feels right. Later, gather your fellow artists for a special gin tasting experience featuring local varieties that express the character of the region. Enjoy a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, accompanied by a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
After a hearty breakfast on the last full day of the retreat, you'll have the chance to put the finishing touches on your artist books. Carla will help you practice any areas you feel could use some more work.

Get ready for an important event after a brief break with a light lunch. In a show-and-tell, you'll get to share your thoughts on the class's most memorable works and projects, as well as your takeaways and plans for the future. You are not required to participate in this mini-exhibition, but doing so will allow you to showcase your work and get encouraging feedback from your fellow artists.

The retreat ends in style with a delicious farewell dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of delicious wine. Raise a toast to your achievements and chat the night away!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Carla and your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Carla Sonheim](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/carla-sonheim) — Artist, illustrator, author, designer

## Accommodation

### Scottish Farm estate
The art retreat with Carla Sonheim will be held at a serene countryside estate located in the peaceful village of Buchlyvie, amidst the wild beauty of Scotland. This exquisitely restored farmhouse perfectly blends traditional Scottish architecture with modern elegance. The boutique-style venue, featuring tasteful amenities and décor, offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and the surrounding countryside.

The estate comprises six distinct accommodations, each with its own unique charm. The Farmhouse, serving as the main villa, contains four beautiful rooms and an elegant dining area where all meals will be served. The other units include The Lodge, offering four bedrooms with selected wallpaper and spacious common areas; The Stables, a two-bedroom unit with views of the Trossachs; The Coach House, a beautifully restored three-bedroom home; The Cottage, a cozy 200-year-old suite with a single bedroom; and The Barn, which houses the dedicated art studio.

Rooms can be booked as shared or single, with options for ensuite, adjacent, or shared bathrooms. Interiors are tastefully decorated with bespoke furnishings, exquisite designer fabrics, and 100% Egyptian cotton linens and towels.

Each accommodation unit boasts spacious and inviting common areas, featuring amenities such as the fireplaces in the Farmhouse, as well as fully equipped kitchens for a homely feel. The five electrically heated outdoor hot tubs, shared between guests in the same accommodation unit, provide the perfect spot to relax after a full day.

Art classes will be held in the well-lit and spacious art studio located in The Barn, featuring vaulted ceilings, or on the expansive grounds of the estate.

Please note that moving around the venue, including between accommodation spaces, the dining area, and the art studio, requires a short walk, and some rooms are only accessible by stairs. Therefore, the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility.

### Shared standard room
You will share this room with one other same-gender retreat participant. Located in the Coach House on the second floor, the shared standard room is accessible via a spiral stairway. It includes two comfortable double beds. Its adjacent bathroom (equipped with a tub) is accessible by descending a few steps.

Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Coach House, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)
You will share this room and its bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior room is located in the Lodge on the first floor and features an ensuite shower bathroom. It contains comfortable twin beds and has direct access to the shared terrace of the Lodge.

Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Lodge, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Single room - shared bathroom
You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. These single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. Equipped with comfortable king-size beds, the rooms feature large windows with beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. The rooms are located in The Farmhouse on the second floor.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terrace, and the hot tub of the Farmhouse, the main villa where all meals will be hosted.

### Single room - external bathroom
Two single rooms with private, external bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Lodge and The Stables. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, a private shower bathroom, and bespoke décor. Access to the private external bathroom of the room located in the Lodge requires climbing 6 steps.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single room - adjacent bathroom
Two single superior rooms with private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Farmhouse (main villa) and the Coach House. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Slightly larger than the single standard rooms with external bathrooms, they feature comfortable king-size beds, private shower bathrooms, and bespoke décor.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single standard ensuite room
Three standard single ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located in the Stables on the first floor, in the Coach House on the second floor, and in the Lodge on the first floor.

The rooms benefit from shared access to the common spaces of their respective buildings: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and an outdoor hot tub facing the surrounding countryside, treating you to breathtaking views.

### Single superior ensuite room
One single superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the Lodge, on the first floor. The bright and airy room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The single superior room is slightly larger than the single standard room, and it also features a private balcony.

You'll also benefit from access to the shared spaces of the Lodge: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, and the terrace with an outdoor hot tub.

### Deluxe ensuite room
One single deluxe ensuite room in The Farmhouse is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the first floor and features a spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, bespoke furnishings, and décor, as well as its own stately fireplace. The comfortable king-size bed ensures a restful sleep.

You'll benefit from access to the shared spaces of The Farmhouse - an outdoor hot tub on the terrace, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Deluxe private villa
One deluxe private villa (The Cottage) is available for single occupancy. This beautifully renovated, 200-year-old building offers the ultimate cocoon of peace and tranquility. It features stunning design and tasteful amenities through its incredible cathedral ceiling in the main room, exposed beams, the ensuite bathroom, and the free-standing hot tub in the bedroom. The bedroom of The Cottage comes with a comfortable king-size bed.

The Cottage also has its own fully-equipped kitchen, private terrace, and private outdoor hot tub.

## Food

During your art retreat, indulge in meals prepared by a private chef, using the freshest ingredients. The thoughtfully curated menu combines traditional Scottish dishes with international flavors, complemented by daily beverages and snacks.

Start each day with a choice of egg dishes or a continental breakfast, featuring buttery pastries, fresh fruit, toast, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For lunch, enjoy a single course with options like a goat cheese tart served with rocket salad, a hearty chicken Caesar salad with crusty bread, or homemade soup accompanied by homemade focaccia.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with selections such as Scottish trout with seasonal veggies, miso aubergine served with bowls of steaming jasmine rice or harissa spiced meatballs with flatbreads scooping. Conclude on a sweet note with desserts like lemon pots with homemade shortbread, warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, Scottish rhubarb crumble with fresh custard, or a selection of homemade sorbets.

Throughout the retreat, enjoy fresh power juices during morning art classes and wine served with dinner. Coffee, tea, herbal teas, and mineral water will be readily available all day. Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon snack or grab some fruit from the snack bar for a quick pick-me-up.

Experience authentic Scottish hospitality with three-course welcome and farewell dinners, an in-house gin tasting, and a night of traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing in the barn.

All meals are included except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling.

The exact menu served will depend on the availability of the regional ingredients. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

Nestled near the charming village of Buchlyvie and close to Stirling in central Scotland, your retreat venue offers a serene setting amid breathtaking natural beauty. Situated at the edge of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, it provides distant views of the Trossachs, an area rich with lochs, glens, and mountains that are home to diverse wildlife. The local culture is steeped in Scottish heritage, from the evocative sound of bagpipes in the valleys to ancient castles that narrate Scotland's storied past. You'll have plenty of natural inspiration to draw from for your art, particularly the sweeping Scottish landscape.

Vibrant Edinburgh, the beating heart of the region, is an hour away by car. During your retreat, you'll embark on several art trips, visiting Loch Lomond (1 hour away), a wide expanse of crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains, along with Stirling (30 minutes away), a historic town known for its rich Gaelic heritage and the imposing Stirling Castle.

**Please arrive at** **Edinburgh Airport (EDI).**

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 Scotland 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. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.

**How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the retreat venue:**

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 (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 26, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on July 3, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **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:**

**June 26, 2027 - 3:00 PM** (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)

**Departure Transfer:**

**July 3, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Edinburgh Airport around 11:00 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

\- Spend extra days in Edinburgh before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Edinburgh Airport.

\- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Rachel's Farm, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, FK8 3NR, United Kingdom, 150 GBP - approximately US$195 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Carla Sonheim:**

- "The creative retreat with Carla Sonheim was a perfect mix of creative time, meeting new friends and exploring towns. I enjoyed learning new techniques that I am certain will be helpful in my art journey regardless of what medium I use or which subject I want to paint. I highly recommend this retreat to any person who needs a fresh approach to the creative process."

- "The instructor, Carla, the greatest and kept things moving. Great artist and teacher!"

- "Loved, loved, loved my time with Carla! Carla found the right balance of teaching techniques and demonstrations while allowing us time to work through our own creative process (read: art blocks!) and help us get unstuck!"

- "Unforgettable! I had the best time and would do it again in a heartbeat! Carla was amazing! I wish I could have stayed there forever!"

- "I have never had such a lovely experience doing creative work. Carla is an amazing teacher and I truly enjoyed all she taught us, the dynamics of our group and the overall atmosphere of play, fun, joy and learning."

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

- "The location of the retreat was beautiful. The accommodations were lovely. Our room was spacious, the bedding was comfortable, and the linens and bath supplies were appreciated. The art studio was spacious and well lit. My dietary needs were met, which I really appreciated. The variety of recipes offered was all delicious."

- "Very organized and things ran very smoothly. The food was superb and every request was met with immediate provision."

- "This is my second Uptrek retreat and hopefully not my last. The venue was outstanding. The hosts were so kind, friendly and really went out of their way to accommodate our needs. Our chef Carly was the best and I’m hoping she writes a cookbook someday. I loved my adventure in Scotland."

- "Great retreat! Awesome venue, good food, fantastic side trips, wonderful studio space..!"

- "The venue was a respite from our busy worlds and provided luxurious comfort and fabulous food for the week."

- "I had THE most luxurious and private quarters at the venue! It was worth every extra cost to sleep and rest there. The food so was very well prepared. I felt like we had a trained chef and dietitian feeding us."

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with mixed media, as well as Carla Sonheim's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Carla Sonheim in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between June 26 - July 3, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 26, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, July 3, 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. However, 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](https://uptrek.com/retreat/creativity-lab-art-retreat-artist-carla-sonheim-scotland#location).

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a coat 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 supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Carla Sonheim will be provided after booking, five months before the retreat begins.

Tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps 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 Buchlyvie in July?**

The weather in July in Buchlyvie is usually mild and pleasant, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 19°C / 66°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 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](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta)

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. Most accommodation spaces and main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the art 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 instructors or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructors' 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/creativity-lab-art-retreat-artist-carla-sonheim-scotland#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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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/creativity-lab-art-retreat-artist-carla-sonheim-scotland
**Last updated:** 2026-06-29