Is this retreat available to all levels?

The retreat with Jill Soukup is open to all levels.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat with artist Jill Soukup in Almería, Spain, takes place between November 3 - 10, 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 November 3, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM on the last day of the retreat, on November 10, 2025.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

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

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

How do I get to the retreat venue?

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 early November?

The weather in Almería, Spain in early November is generally sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°F at night. The Almería region enjoys very mild winters and warm summers, without excesses, and very little rain throughout the year. October 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 Jill Soukup will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat. Tables, chairs, easels, professional studio lights, metal buckets for appropriate water disposal, glass jars, and paper towels will be available on location.

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 art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic 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 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 workshops and other activities?

The 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.