# Painting the Essence of Andalusia Retreat with Artist Joan Fullerton in Spain Join artist Joan Fullerton for a retreat in the breathtaking Cabo de Gata Natural Park, southern Spain. Paint freely and authentically, build your confidence, and learn how to put more of yourself into your art. Explore your personal aesthetic and find the visual language that best expresses your story and your experience. Learn from your art and rediscover yourself in a calm and supportive environment, surrounded by like-minded artists. Joan’s teaching approach has at its core the upliftment of others, blending playful creation, specific techniques for intuitive painting and abstract compositions, discussions, and collage, as well as exchanging ideas and learning from each other. Practice journaling and collect ephemera during trips to the vibrant town of Almería, with its renowned landmark, the impressive Alcazaba Fortress, and the mesmerizing coast of Cabo de Gata. During your trips, enjoy delightful lunches at a local restaurant in San José and a local Andalusian establishment in Almería. Relax in your private room surrounded by cacti, tiled paths, and sweeping views of the horizon. Share chef-prepared meals each day and unwind with dinner and conversation after studio hours. Create alongside a group of supportive and encouraging like-minded souls in a gentle environment! ## Details - **Dates:** May 17 - 24, 2027 - **Location:** Níjar, Almería, Spain - **Starting Price:** $5,050 - **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 Joan Fullerton 2. Art studio equipped with: tables and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer–scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, professional studio lights, water cups, paper towels, easels, and plein-air artist stools 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a charming countryside Spanish estate 4. Exclusive use of the entire country estate with three indoor workshop spaces, vast gardens, outdoor spaces (that can be used for workshops), a swimming pool, common areas, and accommodation spaces 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 6. All diets catered for, including pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Fragrant, local wine and non-alcoholic alternatives served during dinner service every day 8. Snack bar with coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Full-day art trip to Almería and the Alcazaba Fortress, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 10. Lunch and drinks at a well-known special establishment during the trip to Almería 11. Entrance ticket and guided tour of the Alcazaba of Almería with and English-speaking guide 12. Half-day art trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Lunch at a local restaurant in San José during the trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park 14. Knowledgeable English-speaking guide for all planned trips and activities 15. Private transportation for all planned trips and activities 16. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Almería Airport (LEI) at prearranged times 17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 18. Fully staffed venue with lovely hosts, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. All local tourist taxes and fees 20. Access to a private Facebook group with Joan Fullerton 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 Joan Fullerton will be provided five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Spain - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Painting the Essence of Andalusia Embark on a transformative journey with artist Joan Fullerton in the heart of southern Spain. Learn how to intuitively paint and translate your story and experience into visual language. Together with your instructor and 15 like-minded individuals, you will free your creative process from any hesitation or indecisiveness as you playfully create a series of paintings. This retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics and mixed media, as well as Joan Fullerton's work and style of teaching. The classes will be a combination of demonstrations from Joan, creating new paintings almost each session, working with general prompts, group feedback sessions, discussions, note taking, and journaling. Complement your art session with adventures into the vibrant city of Almería with its historic Alcazaba fortress and the Cabo de Gata coastline, where turquoise waters and frothy waves will inspire your next creations. During your trips, enjoy delicious meals at a seaside restaurant in San José and a local Andalusian establishment in Almería. Each trip offers a new palette of colors, shapes, and stories to bring back to the studio and weave into your artwork. **Some of the topics covered in your classes with Joan include:** - Making soul-satisfying art - Being bold in your vulnerability - Learning new techniques for expression - Trusting your intuitive knowledge - Creating a meaningful ritual for your imagination - How to utilize contrasts for visual interest - How to integrate local ephemera into your composition - Designing visual elements into a dynamic abstract composition - How to induce hints of realism into an abstract composition - …and many more! Nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, your retreat venue is a peaceful oasis surrounded by the region's dramatic natural beauty. With its rustic charm, gardens brimming with native plants, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain, the estate offers endless sources of inspiration. Whether exploring its tranquil pathways or relaxing in the welcoming common areas, you’ll find the perfect setting to immerse yourself in your art and connect with your surroundings. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Almería Airport (LEI) and catch your 3:30 PM transfer to the retreat venue, a short 30-minute journey. Settle into your comfortable room, take some time to relax, and get ready to meet the lovely artist Joan Fullerton, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. Join an orientation tour to explore the bright studio, peaceful gardens, inviting terraces, and refreshing pool. Over a delightful welcome dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week that’s ahead while savoring local Spanish flavors and a glass of fragrant wine. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Wake up your senses with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join Joan and the group for a quick morning check-in, easing into the rhythm of the day. During the first workshop of the retreat, Joan will introduce and demonstrate her specific painting techniques, aimed at teaching students how to set free and paint more expressively, uncensored, and intuitively. Joan will also reveal the philosophy behind her techniques, immersing you into the realm of intuitive painting and abstraction. You will get a general prompt from Joan and create a painting based on it. The goal of this exercise is to bring your subjective understanding of the world to the forefront. Pause midday for a relaxed lunch, then continue the day with an afternoon workshop. Dive into work and create another painting, using the same materials from the morning. Engage in a group feedback and discussion of the works you have realized so far, sharing your personal interpretation and appreciating the various interpretations of your fellow artists. Exchange ideas, learn from each other, and see all the variations of how human beings communicate visually. This inspiring first day of art ends with a delicious three-course dinner and the chance for you to connect more deeply with your fellow creatives over a glass of Spanish wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Prepare for today’s adventure: an exploration of the striking wilds of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This protected UNESCO Geopark unfolds in soft, earthy tones, where rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and flowering shrubs create an ever-changing palette of color and light. Stroll around the sandy paths bordered by wind-shaped stone and clusters of coastal blooms, taking in the gentle shifts in colors, shapes, and textures. Joan will guide you on how to journal when exploring a new place, preparing a handout with what to consider for journal entries. Do some journaling, take reference photos, and collect ephemera that you can use later as inspiration. The day’s route continues with a visit to San José, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Andalusian spot, nestled by the vivid coastline framed by turquoise waters and wild vegetation. Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class. Joan will demonstrate how to integrate the observations, feelings, and experiences from your trip into visual language. Create a new painting inspired by the timeless elegance of Issigeac and learn how to incorporate the ephemera you have collected, as Joan will introduce you to collage. If time permits, engage in another short group feedback session, sharing and learning with your fellow artists from today’s adventures. As the day comes to a close, take some time to unwind. Enjoy a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of aromatic Spanish wine. Share reflections of the day’s adventure and connect with your fellow artists. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Join Joan and the group for a quick morning check-in and settle into the rhythm of the day. Today’s workshops are about building your confidence and showing yourself in your art. Take some time to share some things about yourself and your story. Listen to everyone’s experiences in a supportive environment, as you build a sense of community with your art group. Listen to the experiences of your fellow artists in a supportive atmosphere as you develop a bond with one another and foster a sense of community. Departing from this intimate sharing moment, create a symbolic self-portrait, integrating your experience into the composition and learning how to put more of yourself into your art. This exercise is meant to teach you how to have greater appreciation for your point of view. Learn how to validate yourself and value your own experience and story through your art. Break for lunch, then join Joan and the group for another studio session. Continue working on the self-portrait from the morning if you haven’t finalized it yet, and engage in a discussion about personal preferences and aesthetics. Take notes on what kind of paintings you respond to, what paintings evoke your emotions, and what types of paintings you like. Reflect on why you like a particular kind of painting. What do you resonate with and why? Now, it is time to explore your personal aesthetic and discuss how to reach your personal preferences, as well as learn how to understand when a painting is finished. Reflect on your experience so far during the afternoon leisure time, by taking a meditative stroll through the gardens or lounging by the pool. End the day with a scrumptious three-course dinner, and enjoy meaningful conversations with your like-minded fellow artists over a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Art trip to Almería & drinks at a special establishment Begin the day with a filling breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Then, pack your sketching supplies and prepare for the second adventure of the retreat: a trip to the beautiful city of Almería, where stone walls hold centuries of stories and sea air weaves through the town’s rhythm. A guided walk through Almería’s historic heart will immerse you in the dialogue between past and present. Visit the city’s most renowned landmark: the impressive La Alcazaba de Almería. This fortified citadel is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortresses in Europe, housing gorgeous gardens, imposing towers (such as the Tower of Mirrors), and intricate gates, as well as showcasing impressive Moorish architecture. From its stone walls, which hold centuries of history, you can enjoy sweeping views of Almería and its port. As you explore the Alcazaba, Joan will guide you on different ways of sketching and on how to later use these sketches in your paintings. Enjoy a refreshing lunch and drinks at a local Andalusian spot, then continue your day exploring the town of Almería. As you move through the city, interact with your environment, and stop to make quick sketches or write in your journal. Notice how light grazes weathered walls, how flowers trace delicate patterns across stucco, and how the sky shifts its hues above the rooftops. As evening approaches, make your way back to the venue and take some leisure time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of wine. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Wake up to the scent of freshly made coffee and fuel up with a satisfying breakfast, followed by a quick morning check-in with Joan and your fellow artists. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful grounds of the finca. Walk along the quiet paths, taking in the vibrant gardens, the rustic architecture, and the warm morning light. Find a peaceful spot to settle in and continue developing the sketchbook pages you started earlier in the week. Journal and make quick sketches of whatever piques your interest around the property. Engage with your tranquil surroundings and collect visual notes. You can explore the venue and work at your leisure, taking the morning entirely at your own pace. Head back inside the venue for a light lunch, then continue the day with another studio workshop. Choose how you want to use this time, whether that means pushing your ongoing drawings further or quickly starting something new. Learn how to integrate some architectural or natural elements inspired by the finca and the trips into your pieces. Joan will guide you on how to create a symbolic landscape, a suggestive composition that integrates one real element and leaves the rest to the interpretation of the viewer. After the class, recharge by the pool, have a walk around the venue or simply take the time to reconnect with your fellow artists. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with wine, shared with your fellow creatives! ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, followed by a quick morning check-in with Joan and the group, before jumping into the last full day at the retreat. Today will be about discussing and addressing any remaining questions you may have for Joan or your fellow artists. Ask any curiosities, share some insights from your artistic journey so far, or share what you have learned about yourself throughout the retreat. Make another quick painting if you feel like it and the time permits, starting from a general prompt given by Joan. Finish up any remaining pieces, refining details and adding final touch-ups. Pause for a relaxed lunch, then continue the afternoon with a mini-exhibition of the artworks you have done throughout the retreat. Celebrate your progress, exchange ideas with your fellow artists, and soak in the creative energy that has surrounded you over the past week. As the celebration comes to an end, take some spare time to freshen up and unwind before dinner. Gather with your fellow artists one more time for a delicious three-course farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with fragrant local wine. Let the bonds you have created during this retreat and the joyful air warm you and recharge you for your future artistic journeys! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a light breakfast, bid farewell to Joan and your fellow artists, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Almería Airport (LEI). You'll reach your destination at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Joan Fullerton](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/joan-fullerton) — Award-winning educator, abstract-intuitive painter ## Accommodation ### Spanish countryside estate Your venue for the retreat with artist Joan Fullerton is an astonishing countryside estate, located in the south of Spain, in a unique nature reserve named Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This elegantly restored property, a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern comfort, sits amidst an otherworldly landscape. The natural beauty of the Andalusian panoramas is the estate's most breathtaking feature, with vistas that stretch out from the spacious terraces. You'll be treated to a visual symphony of fiery sunsets descending over rugged cliffs and the untamed wilderness of valleys. The accommodation itself is a seamless fusion of regional charm and modern elegance, with rooms that blend Andalusian artistry and Balinese tranquility. All the rooms at this venue are designed for single occupancy, each outfitted with orthopedic mattresses, soft cotton linens, 100% cotton American Curl towels, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The single rooms themselves are located in clusters of casitas (small typical Spanish houses), and all feature ensuite bathrooms. Other amenities of the venue include the swimming pool, vast gardens, airy terraces, and well-appointed common spaces. Your classes with Joan will take place across three dedicated workshop spaces: one spacious 4000 sq. ft. (375 sq. m.) charming tent reconverted into a studio, one intimate 430 sq. ft. (40 sq. m.) indoor workshop space adjacent to the main studio, and another small circular studio indoors. In your spare time, you can relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy leisurely strolls through the estate’s gardens while socializing with your fellow artists. Please note that a short 3- to 5-minute walk connects the accommodation areas, the studios, and the main building for meals. The terrain across the property is gently hilly, which may present challenges for those with low and limited mobility. Furthermore, since the venue is located in the middle of a natural park, you may encounter some insects during your stay. The Finca embraces a design philosophy that harmonizes with its surroundings, and as such, the rooms are not equipped with window screens in order to preserve unobstructed, panoramic views of the landscape. It is recommended to keep doors and windows closed throughout the day and night to avoid insects entering your room. Rest assured, there are no dangerous insects in the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve. ### Hilltop single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated along the peaceful edge of the estate grounds, each room includes a private bathroom and essential amenities, such as a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, toiletries, a hairdryer, bath and hand towels, a smart TV, and an outdoor terrace. The comfortable double bed is outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and soft cotton linens. All rooms also feature air conditioning, heating controlled via a thermostat, and Wi-Fi. Unwind after a day filled with creativity and connection by stepping out onto your charming private terrace. Take a moment to relax and reflect while enjoying the stunning scenery of Gabo de Gata Natural Park. ### Single standard ensuite room Three standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated closer to the main venue spaces (such as the studios, dining areas, and common lounges), each room features a private bathroom and necessary amenities. The rooms are equipped with toiletries, a hairdryer, hand and bath towels, a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, a smart TV, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor terrace. Enjoy the tranquil scenery outside your quaint private terrace, or take a moment to rest on the comfortable double bed, outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and smooth cotton linens. ### Single superior ensuite room - open terrace Three superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated near the parking and outside reception, each room features access to a quaint open terrace, perfect for soaking in the tranquil nature of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. The rooms include necessary amenities, such as a private bathroom, a smart TV, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, Wi-Fi, and a double bed outfitted with smooth cotton linens and an orthopedic mattress. The bathroom is equipped with toiletries, bath and hand towels, and a hairdryer. Recharge between workshops and other activities in a space of comfort and peace, with a stunning private terrace in the front. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and take some time to reflect and relax. ### Single superior ensuite room - enclosed terrace Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located in close proximity to the studios, each room features access to a secluded, enclosed terrace. The rooms are equipped with essential amenities, such as a private bathroom, A/C, heating controlled via a thermostat, Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and a mini-fridge stocked with invigorating water. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer, bath and hand towels, and toiletries. Enjoy the privacy of your charming private terrace, situated in the rear, thus creating a peaceful space to relax and reflect. Unwind in-between sessions on the comfortable bed in your room, complete with an orthopedic mattress and delicate cotton linens. ### Single standard suite - open terrace Two standard suite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated in the heart of the estate, each room features a private bathroom and essential amenities, including a kitchenette (complete with a microwave, sink, and kitchen counter equipped with drawers, mugs, cutlery, and small plates), toiletries, a hairdryer, hand and bath towels, a smart TV, a mini-fridge stocked with invigorating water, and an idyllic open terrace. The comfortable double bed is outfitted with an orthopedic mattress and soft cotton linens. All rooms also feature air conditioning, heating controlled via a thermostat, and Wi-Fi. Relax in a comfortable and independent space after a full day of creativity and connection. Step outside onto the inviting private terrace, located in the rear, and take a moment to reflect in a peaceful spot or enjoy the gentle breeze and surrounding landscape. ### Single superior suite - enclosed terrace Two superior suite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the center of the estate grounds, each suite features a stunning enclosed terrace and necessary amenities, such as a private bathroom (providing toiletries, hand and bath towels, and a hairdryer), a mini-fridge stocked with refreshing water, heating controlled via thermostat, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a double bed complete with delicate cotton linens and an orthopedic mattress. All rooms also include a kitchenette fully equipped with a microwave, sink, kitchen counter, mugs, cutlery, and small plates. Unwind after your creative sessions in a calm and inviting environment that blends comfort with independence. Step outside onto the private, secluded terrace, situated at the rear, breathe in the fresh air, and take some time to reflect, or soak in the serene views of the estate and its natural surroundings. ## Food Embark on a Mediterranean culinary journey during Joan Fullerton’s art retreat, right in the heart of Andalusia. Each meal, prepared by a private chef, highlights the rich flavors of the region. Discover the flavor of Iberian meats, delicious seafood, and seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from local orchards and gardens. Traditional Mediterranean spices bring depth and warmth to every dish, reflecting the vibrant, healthy flavors that make this cuisine so celebrated. Iberian tradition is defined by a dance of spices: saffron's exotic fragrance, parsley's fresh, green zing, and paprika's smoky warmth. Breakfasts are served buffet-style and include a variety of sweet and savory items. Light lunches consist of a starter (such as seasonal soup) alongside a main course, and dinners include a starter, a hearty main course, and a dessert. Your retreat includes all meals, and refreshing beverages like water, coffee, and tea are readily available throughout the day. During your trips, lunches are served at some of the best local restaurants in the area, which are renowned for their warm hospitality, delicious local dishes, and pleasant atmosphere. Indulge in exquisitely cooked meals that showcase Spanish regional cuisine, accompanied by fragrant wines. The exact menu served may vary based on the availability of regional ingredients. ## Getting There The venue for your art retreat with Joan Fullerton is a sprawling countryside estate, nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, in the South of Spain. Just a 30-minute trip brings you to the area’s most iconic beaches, such as Genoveses and Mónsul, both known for their golden sands, turquoise waters, and cinematic history. The park is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, famous for its appearances in movies and TV series such as “Black Mirror”, "Game of Thrones" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. The uniqueness of the nature reserve also comes from the region’s rich history shaped by numerous cultures, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Moors. The Cabo de Gata Natural Park stretches over 38,000 hectares and is celebrated as one of Spain’s most pristine coastal reserves. Its rugged cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, framing stretches of unspoiled beaches, wild coves, and charming fishing villages where time seems to have slowed. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, nurtures an abundance of desert-adapted plants, including wild palms, agave, aloe, and hemp. In the spring, wildflowers bloom all over the land, adding color to the dry ground. The park is also a haven for wildlife. While kestrels and owls patrol the skies, turtles and lizards bask on warm rocks. In the summer, you can spot flocks of flamingos wading in the salt flats of Las Salinas, where migratory birds find refuge. This diversity of flora and fauna, paired with the park’s striking geology, creates an atmosphere that feels both raw and magical. **Please arrive at Almería Airport (LEI).** 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. **How to get from Almería Airpor**t **to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Almería Airport (LEI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to *Almería*, we recommend you fly to Madrid or Barcelona and fly domestically to Almería (local round trips starting from US$89, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 17, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 24, 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:** **May 17, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Almería Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **May 24, 2027 — 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at *Almería Airport* a little after 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 *Almería* before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to *Almería Airport*. - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Boca de Los Frailes, 04118 Níjar, Almería, Spain, 80 euros - approximately US$93 per way; please note that taxi fares may vary). ## Reviews **Reviews from past UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "It was wonderful! I loved the venue and location. It was beautiful and peaceful. Staff were friendly and helpful. The weather was wonderful. Not too hot and there was usually a cool breeze." - "Wonderful resort, excellent staff, great place to do art!!!! Met 15 new friends and a lovely cat. Food very good!" - "The venue was perfect, the accommodations very comfortable, the food delicious, and the staff friendly and helpful. Overall, the experience was perfect in every way." - "The retreat was fantastic. The venue was perfect. The meals were excellent and I appreciated the care that went into making sure that I was able to have really good vegan meals. The side trips were well arranged and Emilio, the tour guide, was outstanding. It was a memorable trip and I could not have been more satisfied with all of Uptrek's arrangements." - "It was great to have flexibility in the schedule from the venue. The staff were very attentive and responded to all requests. The venue and surrounding areas provided inspiration for creativity. Visiting San Jose was really enjoyable especially the lunch and having the opportunity to go in the sea and do some local shopping." - "Beautiful spot, wonderful staff, good food, good space for working on our art. I loved my room with its patio overlooking the valley and the sunrises in the morning. Our guide, Emilio, was very knowledgeable and funny with a lot of energy." - "The venue is very well-chosen. The staff all very helpful and friendly. I loved everything. Thank you so much everyone, also UpTrek for informing us friendly and constantly." - "The venue and staff were wonderful. The 2 excursions really added to the experience." - "My room was beautiful. The pool was fabulous. The food was amazing. Thank you Manuel, Juan, Jorge, and the rest of the team. You made it such a special time for me and the perfect way to celebrate my birthday." - "This was not my first UpTrek workshop, and the one in Almería, Spain, proved to be just as exceptional as the previous ones. The overall program was, once again, nothing short of fantastic. Thank you, UpTrek, for consistently delivering wonderful experiences." - "I cannot say enough good things! The staff at the venue were AMAZING-thoughtful and caring. The tour guide, Emilio was so knowledgeable and kind. Our Uptrek advisor, Andra, was on top of things and also so kind. Honestly, it was one of the best trips I've ever taken." ## 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 acrylics and mixed media, as well as Joan Fullerton's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Joan Fullerton in Almería, Spain, takes place between May 17 - 24, 2027. **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 17, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the retreat, on May 24, 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?** Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. **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?** 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](https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-the-essence-of-andalusia-retreat-artist-joan-fullerton-spain#location). 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 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 15°C / 59°F at night. The Almería region enjoys very mild winters and warm summers, without excesses, and very little rain throughout the year. **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 supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Joan Fullerton will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables (with protective covers) and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer–scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, professional studio lights, water cups, paper towels, easels, and plein-air artist stools are included and will be available at the venue. **Students will bring their own art supplies based on the instructor’s list of recommended materials.** **How many people are to be expected on the 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. **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. **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 retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility. The 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 workshops and other activities?** The 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](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/painting-the-essence-of-andalusia-retreat-artist-joan-fullerton-spain#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/painting-the-essence-of-andalusia-retreat-artist-joan-fullerton-spain **Last updated:** 2026-06-29