# Luminous Layers of Nature - Botanical Mixed-Media Retreat with Artist Mindy Lighthipe in Portugal

Join artist Mindy Lighthipe for a week of botanical mixed-media painting on a traditional Portuguese estate, set among the orchards and open countryside of the Ribatejo. Through careful observation, structured drawing, and hands-on experimentation with watercolor, gouache, ink, and colored pencils, you'll build the skills to create botanical paintings with real dimension and life.

This retreat suits anyone drawn to the natural world and eager to capture it on paper. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll learn new techniques, gain confidence, and find inspiration in nature.

Bring the surrounding landscape into your work through two art trips: a full day in Óbidos, one of Portugal's most enchanting medieval towns, and a half-day at Almourol Castle on the Tagus River, framed by wild olives and agave. The week also includes a wine tasting at the venue and a regional liqueur tasting on the riverbank, paired with local cheese, bread, and sausages.

Your creative haven is a 150-year-old traditional Quinta, with a dedicated art studio, swimming pool, and tranquil gardens. Savor chef-prepared meals from local ingredients, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the company of 16 other fellow artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** April 24 - May 1, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,700
- **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, and demonstrations with artist Mindy Lighthipe
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
3. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, orchards, gardens, and stables
4. Spacious and bright indoor art studio (1300 sq. ft./120 sq. m.)
5. 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chef; mainly vegan and vegetarian dishes
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, and tea available throughout the day
8. Afternoon snacks
9. Delicious wine served with dinner every day
10. Wine tasting experience at the venue
11. Full-day trip to Óbidos (with entrance to Óbidos Castle and its gardens), historic center visit, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
12. Half-day trip to Almourol Castle, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
13. Liqueur tasting experience with cheese, bread, and traditional sausages during the Almourol trip
14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned activities
15. Round-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged times
16. All local tourist taxes and fees
17. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
19. Access to a private Facebook group with Mindy Lighthipe and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials - a list of art materials recommended by artist Mindy Lighthipe will be provided five months before the retreat
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Óbidos
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Portugal
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Botanical Mixed-Media Art Retreat
Set in the Ribatejo region of Portugal during the height of spring, this mixed-media botanical retreat with artist Mindy Lighthipe explores the vibrant flowers, fruits, vegetables, cacti, and natural forms found throughout your surroundings. Working from these living subjects, you'll learn to create dimensional botanical artwork through armature drawing, light on form, and thoughtful composition. Mindy's structured, step-by-step approach will give your paintings genuine depth and presence.

Mindy will guide you through techniques that build on one another across the week. You'll work with a limited watercolor palette to develop a deeper understanding of color mixing, creating your own color wheel. You'll explore granulating pigments for natural organic textures, soft atmospheric fades using wet-into-wet washes, and the creative layering of watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, and ink.

Designed for artists who enjoy both structure and experimentation, the week blends the discipline of observational drawing with the expressive possibilities of mixed media.

Beyond the studio, two day trips take you into the landscape of central Portugal: a full day in the medieval walled town of Óbidos, with its castle, cobbled streets, and walls draped in bougainvillea and climbing vines, and a half-day at Almourol Castle, rising dramatically from an islet in the Tagus River, surrounded by wild olives, sculptural cacti, and river reeds.

**Topics covered in your classes include:**

- Developing accurate observational drawing skills
- Measuring, proportion, and armature construction techniques
- Understanding light on form to create dimensional botanical subjects
- Giving your artwork realistic depth and volume
- Building confidence with a limited watercolor palette
- Learning foundational color mixing principles
- Creating atmospheric watercolor effects using layered washes, soft transitions, and controlled fades
- Exploring granulating pigments and texture techniques
- Capturing organic botanical surfaces and natural detail
- Experimenting with mixed-media layering using watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, ink, and colored pencils
- Strengthening compositional design skills through thoughtful arrangement of botanical subjects, texture, and negative space
- Completing a series of finished mixed-media botanical paintings inspired by the flowers, fruits, vegetables, and gardens of Portugal
- ...and many more!

Your home for the week is a traditional Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate set in the quiet village of Casével, with lush gardens, a swimming pool, orchards, stables, and a beautifully converted art studio. Delight in chef prepared meals every day, crafted with fresh local ingredients and paired with a glass of wine. Discover the flavors of the region with two bespoke experiences: a wine tasting event at the venue, and a liqueur tasting event (paired with cheese, traditional sausages, and fresh bread) on the banks of the Tagus River.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the venue around 4:00 PM after a transfer from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 3:00 PM. Settle into your cozy room and take some time to unwind. Once you're refreshed, meet artist Mindy Lighthipe and gather with your art group for a welcoming orientation tour. Explore the beautiful accommodations, the spacious art studio within the barn, the inviting pool, and the surrounding gardens. To kick off the retreat, enjoy a delightful dinner crafted by the in-house chef, and share a toast with local wine as you discuss the week ahead with your fellow artists.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start the day with a nourishing breakfast, then meet your group over coffee to go over the day’s plan with Mindy.

Your creative journey begins with the foundation every good botanical painting is built on: accurate observation. In the morning session, Mindy will introduce her approach to simplifying flowers, fruits, vegetables, and cacti into essential forms, guiding you through measuring, proportion, and armature drawings that help you capture a subject with confidence. You'll work from reference botanicals laid out in the studio, focusing on seeing before reaching for your brush.

After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for your afternoon class. You'll explore how light transforms a flat drawing into something with dimension and realism. Mindy will walk you through highlights, midtones, shadows, reflected light, and cast shadows (the full vocabulary of light on form) with demonstrations designed to make these principles feel intuitive.

In the late afternoon, explore Portugal's famous wines with a wine tasting event right at the venue. The day ends with a delicious chef-made dinner.

### Day 3: Trip to Óbidos
After a nourishing breakfast, get ready for a day of adventure and exploration. A short drive along the rolling Ribatejo countryside brings you to Óbidos, one of Portugal's finest medieval towns, and for a botanical artist, an extraordinary place to spend a day.

During the morning, you'll visit Óbidos castle and its grounds, a striking 12th-century landmark with sweeping views over the town and surrounding landscape. Mindy will guide a sketching and painting session on location, sharing tips on working quickly from observation, selecting what to record, and how to take reference photos that will genuinely help you back in the studio.

After a lunch on your own at one of the town's charming cafés, spend the afternoon exploring Óbidos' historic center. This is where the botanical richness of the place really comes into its own: narrow stone streets lined with classic Mediterranean flora, vibrant cascades of magenta and orange bougainvillea, climbing ivy, and terracotta pots of geraniums set against whitewashed walls. Keep your sketchbook and camera ready! Some of the best reference material from a day like this comes from quick impressions rather than anything fully finished.

Return to the venue in the evening in time to freshen up before another delightful dinner and talk about your impressions from the trip with your fellow artists.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off a peaceful morning with a delicious breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee.

Return to the studio with Mindy, where your attention turns to color. You'll come to learn how much is possible with very little. In the morning session, Mindy will guide you through building a watercolor color wheel using a limited palette, demonstrating how to mix luminous neutrals, vibrant secondaries, and soft, atmospheric natural hues. Understanding these relationships will make every color decision that follows feel more purposeful.

Enjoy a peaceful lunch, then dive right into the afternoon session. With Mindy's help, explore atmospheric watercolor effects. Working wet-into-wet, you'll develop glowing backgrounds and gentle transitions, experimenting with layered washes, soft fades, and the subtle blending that gives botanical watercolor its characteristic warmth and depth. Mindy will give a couple of demonstrations and give you some tailored feedback if needed.

In the late afternoon, find a spot to relax (whether that's the pool, the gardens, or a quiet corner of the studio) before gathering again for dinner in the evening.

### Day 5: Trip to Almourol Castle
Following breakfast, pack your materials and get ready for another inspiring art trip.

A 30-minute drive brings you to one of Portugal's most dramatic settings: Almourol Castle. Rising from a small rocky islet in the middle of the Tagus River, the castle is surrounded by wild olive trees, sculptural cacti, agave plants, and river reeds. The landscape here is truly striking, the kind of place where the plants themselves feel like subjects worth stopping for. This 12th-century landmark is rich in myths and the romantic spirit of the Templar Knights. Wander through the castle grounds, taking in the dramatic towers, shifting light, and reflections on the water.

Mindy will lead a sketching and painting session on location, with guidance on working from the natural forms around you and gathering reference photos. Take your time with the cacti and agave, as their surfaces will come back to you in the afternoon's session. The trip ends with a delightful tasting event of regional liqueur, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages, before making your way back to the venue for lunch.

Back in the studio, the afternoon session will introduce granulating watercolor pigments. Mindy will show you how these pigments settle and separate on the paper to create rich, organic textures. These are ideal for cactus surfaces, leaves, weathered vegetables, petals, and the kind of irregular natural detail that is difficult to achieve with a brush alone. Review your photos and sketches from the trip to the castle and rework them into finished paintings.

Later, gather once more for dinner and a glass of wine. Reflect on the insights of the day and enjoy the company of your fellow artists beneath the evening sky.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Fuel up with breakfast then gather in the studio for another insightful art session.

With your foundational skills firmly in place, today's workshops will encourage you to get experimental. The morning is dedicated to mixed-media layering: combining watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, ink, and colored pencils in ways that build depth, texture, and expressive surface into botanical compositions. Mindy will show you how each medium can be used to push a painting further, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the materials you've been working with all week.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch outdoors, then resume your work in the studio.

The afternoon turns to the art of arrangement and design. Composition is the key to transforming scattered subjects into a painting with impact, and Mindy will walk you through each step. Think about the placement of botanical subjects, the use of negative space, the interplay of textures, and the position of the focal point. There's room here for free experimentation. Try out combinations, make unexpected choices, and discover your own compositional style.

The late afternoon is yours to enjoy: extra studio time, a walk through the orchards and gardens, or simply sitting by the pool with a glass of something cold. Dinner in the evening brings the group together once more for a meal carefully crafted by the private chef.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Join your fellow artists for a refreshing breakfast, then get ready for the last workshops of the retreat.

This final day will bring everything you've learned together. Throughout your morning and afternoon sessions, Mindy will guide you through completing a finished mixed-media botanical painting that draws on all of the skills of the past week. All of your new tools (observational drawing, light and form, color mixing, atmospheric washes, granulation, layering, and composition) will help you create a stunning tableau of the local flora. Whether it was flowers, fruit, vegetables, or the gardens in general, you'll craft a snapshot of Portugal in bloom. Mindy will be available throughout for individual feedback and encouragement.

As the afternoon light softens, gather for a relaxed mini-exhibition. This is your chance to set out your work from the week and see what everyone else has made. Take some time to acknowledge how far you've come since that first session.

In the evening, gather for one last shared dinner and a glass of wine. Sit together, celebrate the connections built throughout the retreat, and toast to your creative adventure.

### Day 8: Departure
After sharing a final breakfast with your group and exchanging contact details, prepare for your transfer to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Check-out is scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an expected arrival at the airport around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Mindy Lighthipe](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/mindy-lighthipe) — Nature artist, educator, and author

## Accommodation

### Portuguese Quinta
Your retreat venue is a gorgeous Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate. The family-owned farm offers a tranquil and holistic retreat experience, with everything from organic food to stunning natural beauty well accounted for. The expansive grounds feature a lush meditation garden, a refreshing pool bordered by pine trees, a pond, a spacious art studio, orchards, vegetable gardens, and an outdoor arena.

The accommodation spaces are spread across four units, whose interiors combine traditional design with modern elegance. Ranging from restored farmhouses with wooden beams to reconstructed barns with a regal feel or cozy garden villas, each space exudes charm and personality. The main villa where meals will be served features welcoming common spaces, such as a bright lounge, a cafe, and a dining room with a large fireplace.

The rooms can be shared or single, with ensuite or shared bathrooms. The meticulous attention to detail makes each room a cocoon of comfort, offering gorgeous views over the pool, gardens, or scenic countryside stretching beyond.

Your classes with Mindy Lighthipe will take place in the well-lit, spacious art studio located in a reconverted barn. The expansive gardens of the estate provide endless inspiration for your botanical studies. Surrounded by the nearby countryside, peaceful gardens, and small woodland, you'll have endless subjects to choose from.

### Shared standard ensuite room
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Found on the second floor of the main villa, the shared standard ensuite room comes with two comfortable single beds, bespoke design, and quality fabrics and bedding. The room benefits from access to an ensuite bathroom with a tub and overhead shower, shared between the two occupants of the room.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Shared superior ensuite room - private veranda
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The three shared superior rooms are located in two of the garden villas.

The rooms include comfortable twin beds, premium linen and towels, and coffee and tea facilities. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower or tub and access to a private veranda with outdoor seating. The rooms have views of the blooming courtyard or the shimmering pool.

### Shared bathroom - single room
You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. Equipped with comfortable double beds, these four single rooms feature beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. Two rooms are located in the main villa on the second floor, while the other two are located in one of the garden villas on the first floor. The rooms in the garden villa also feature private verandas. The spacious bathrooms shared between each two rooms feature a tub or a shower.

### Single standard ensuite room
One single room with an ensuite shower bathroom is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the main villa on the second floor, featuring a comfortable double bed and cozy décor. All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Single superior ensuite room - private veranda
Three single superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a tub or shower, a comfortable double bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located within one of the garden villas, on the 1st floor. Each room also benefits from access to a private veranda, with views towards the gardens or the countryside beyond.

### Single deluxe ensuite room
One single deluxe ensuite room in main villa is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the second floor, and features a spacious ensuite bathroom (with tub and shower), bespoke décor reminiscent of the vast blue ocean, and wide windows overlooking the gardens. The large double bed ensures a restful sleep, and the air conditioning will guarantee you remain comfortable even on the hottest of days.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

## Food

During your art retreat with Mindy Lighthipe, you'll delight in delicious meals prepared by the private chef. The dishes are mainly vegan or vegetarian, crafted with fresh ingredients, grown organically at the farm or sourced locally.

Start your morning with a nutritious breakfast buffet, featuring yogurt, muesli, seeds and nuts, fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, sweet jams, and a selection of juices, coffee, and tea. Lunches include a starter (like a variety of soups or salads) and a main course. Dinners are a three-course feast (starter, main course, and dessert).

Your selection of drinks includes delicious wine served with dinner, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day. If you need a quick bite, refuel with a mid-afternoon snack.

You'll also enjoy a wine tasting event at the venue. During your trip to Almourol, discover the flavors of the region with a traditional liqueur tasting experience, paired with fresh bread, cheese, and sausages.

All meals are included, except one lunch, during the full-day trip to Óbidos. The exact menu will depend on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

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

The retreat takes place in the serene Ribatejo region of Portugal, next to the quiet village of Casével. The surroundings reflect the traditional Portuguese countryside, with its swaying fields, sprawling vineyards, and cork oak forests typical of the Tagus Valley. Lisbon, the country's capital, is one hour away by car and will also serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for the transfers. During your retreat, you'll embark on several art trips, visiting the historic town of Óbidos (one hour away from the venue) as well as the Almourol Castle (30 minutes away).

The region is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. The valley's vivid, ever-changing palettes of greens and browns, as well as the Tagus River itself, make for stunning scenes. Ribatejo's culture was influenced by many civilizations across the ages (the Celts, Romans, and Moors, for example), and it was favored by many Portuguese nobles throughout the medieval era. As such, the region features incredibly well-preserved medieval castles and towns.

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on April 24, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 1, 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.**

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).**

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 Portugal 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 on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.**

**How to get from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at prearranged times are included. The transfer to the retreat venue typically takes about one hour.

- **Arrival Transfer: April 24, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: May 1, 2027—10:00 AM** (departure from the retreat venue, arriving at Lisbon Airport (LIS) around 11:00 AM)

**If the pre-set transfer times do not align with your travel plans, please consider the following alternatives:**

- Extend your stay in Lisbon before and/or after the retreat and utilize the prearranged shuttles to/from Lisbon Airport (LIS).
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Quinta Carvalhas, Rua José Ferreira Fazenda, 2000-466 Casével, Portugal) at an additional cost of approximately 205 EUR / 220 USD each way. Please note that taxi fares may vary and are subject to change.

## Reviews

**Reviews of the venue from past UpTrek retreats:**

- "Oh, how do I even begin...The Quinta could not be more perfect for our artsy retreat! The staff was absolutely amazing and made me feel special and valued. I feel energized, motivated and walked away with new friendships and memories I will cherish forever. Thank you!!"

- "The retreat was lovely. The food was absolutely wonderful and all of the staff treated me kindly. Every time I turned around they were asking if any of us needed help. The other ladies that joined the retreat were absolutely wonderful and I look forward to keeping in contact with my new friends."

- "So beautiful and serene. Truly a respite from the world’s cares."

- "This was a life-changing experience! The venue, setting, cleanliness, and service were outstanding—superb, five stars. Our host, Gerhard, anticipated our every need and made us feel pampered like queens."

- "The retreat was truly an amazing experience. The location was magical and Gerhard and Dani did an exceptional job taking care of everything and everyone with smiles on their faces each and every day. Our chef made vegetarian meals that were delightful and creative. UpTrek took all of the planning and details to the next level. I didn't have to think and could just enjoy each moment!"

- "Beautifully manicured property with attentive staff and excellent cuisine. The art studio is spacious and light filled with lovely views."

- "Danielle and Gerhard were amazing hosts at the Quinta. We were very spoiled by them. The flow of the whole retreat was perfect. It didn’t feel like we were cramming in things - we truly had a chance to relax and do what we came to do - paint."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this art retreat available to all levels?**

All skill levels are welcome, and Mindy’s step-by-step instruction will make the experience approachable to all students.

**When is the art retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Mindy Lighthipe in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between April 24 - May 1, 2027.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on April 24, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 1, 2027. **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?**

WiFi is available in all areas at no additional cost.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art 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. The venue mainly serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please plan to arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in Portugal a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at pre-arranged times are included. Refer to the [Location](https://uptrek.com/retreat/luminous-layers-of-nature-botanical-mixed-media-retreat-artist-mindy-lighthipe-portugal#location) tab for further details. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

**What’s the weather like in Ribatejo, Portugal, in late April?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in late April, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 19°C (66°F) during the day that drop to around 12°C (54°F) at night. The climate of the Ribatejo area is generally mild, without excesses, with plenty of sunshine, and very little rain throughout the year.

**What should I pack?**

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

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

Laundry facilities are not available at the retreat venue.

**What art supplies do I need for the workshop?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Mindy Lighthipe will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables with protective covers, chairs, professional studio lights, projector, printer-scanner, Bluetooth speaker, field easels, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, paper towels, and flowers for reference material during the workshop are available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?**

There is a maximum number of 17 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter Portugal for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Lisbon. You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary in Portugal). The retreat venue accepts payments with both cash and card.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

**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 and trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility, as the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.

**What language is used during the art workshop and other activities?**

The art 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](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](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 and your payment method is charged, 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/luminous-layers-of-nature-botanical-mixed-media-retreat-artist-mindy-lighthipe-portugal#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:** 2026-06-10