Is this art retreat available to all levels?

The art retreat with artist Marc Dalessio is suitable for painters of all levels.

When is the art retreat available?

The art retreat with artist Marc Dalessio in Almería, Spain, takes place between May 5 - 12, 2025.

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 May 5. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the art retreat, on May 12.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

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

Yes. Regular, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are catered for. Please get in touch in advance to discuss your dietary requirements.

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 May?

The weather in Almería, Spain in May is generally sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 16°C / 60°F at night. The Almería region enjoys very mild winters and warm summers, without excesses, and very little rain throughout the year. May is an excellent time to stay in the Almería as the temperatures are pleasant without being too hot and sunshine abounds.

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 Marc Dalessio will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat. Paper towels, portable field easels, professional studio lights, appropriate disposal bins, 6 primed linen canvases per person, mineral spirits, and glass jars are included.

How many people are to be expected on the art 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.

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 art 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 art workshop and other activities?

The art retreat is available in English.

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.

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.