# Watercolor and Waves Art Retreat with Artist Caroline Simas in Greece Join an unforgettable creative retreat with artist Caroline Simas on the stunning Greek island of Zakynthos! You will explore the art of watercolor inspired by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean with views from our luxury villa in a setting that invites creativity and growth. This week-long journey offers artists of all levels the time and space to slow down, tune into the incredible beauty of Greece, draw inspiration from nature, and discover/deepen your understanding and skills using watercolor. Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy inspirational art lessons in a breathtaking Mediterranean setting, learning from Caroline as she guides you step by step.Explore the historic streets of Zante, absorbing the charm and history of this lively Greek town, and visit the iconic Navagio Beach, where you’ll have the chance to reflect on and capture Greece’s beauty through your own artistic lens. Settle into a welcoming Greek villa with nourishing, chef-prepared meals and sweeping views of the sea. Connect with a group of wonderful women, sharing insights, reflections, and a shared love of creativity as you make a collection of art that tells the story of your incredible experience in Greece. ## Details - **Dates:** May 16 - 23, 2026 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,250 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Watercolor and Waves Art Retreat Join artist Caroline Simas for an inspiring art retreat on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos, Greece. Draw endless inspiration from the surrounding landscape and create a collection of artworks that reflect the beauty of the Mediterranean. Whether you've just picked up a brush or have painted for many years, Caroline's creative courses will prove invaluable in your evolution as an artist. During this weeklong adventure, you'll benefit from daily classes with your instructor, personalized instruction, feedback, and advice as you create. Caroline's gentle guidance will help you look at your environment through an artistic lens, experiment freely with your ideas, and become more confident in your creative practice. By the end of the retreat, you will have made lovely new friends, feel inspired, and return home with a personal collection of watercolor paintings and a boatload of memories to remember your incredible experience in Greece!Topics covered in your classes include:Experimenting with the wonderful world of watercolorCreating loose florals, landscapes, and abstracts using watercolorPursuing the magic of masking fluid & mixed media with watercolorColor Palette PlanningUnleashing the artist within through creative play and expressionGathering inspiration from the world around youDiscovering multiple ways to incorporate nature into your artEmbracing imperfection and silencing your inner criticDiscovering your creative voice and developing your unique style Creating dimensional works using watercolor Finding joy in creating “on the go” with watercolor in your travel sketchbook/journal...and many more.The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work and relax. You’ll enjoy two exciting trips—one to the historic Zante Town and another to the renowned Shipwreck Beach—both of which offer inspiring cultural experiences that you can translate into your artwork. Outside of your art sessions, unwind by the infinity pool, savor Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and share creative discussions with fellow artists over a glass of local wine.Please note: The retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. The beach can be reached by descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). Additionally, the trips involve moderate walking, so this retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean. Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to recharge before joining a guided tour of the grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and thoughtfully designed communal areas. In the evening, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in the lively company of your fellow artists. Enjoy a glass of wine as Caroline shares insights about the week’s plans, giving you a chance to connect with the group and look forward to the creative journey ahead.After dinner, if time permits, you'll receive your first creative assignment: a reflective journal prompt. Meditate upon your first meeting with your art group and your first impressions of Greece. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Start your day with a delightful breakfast, then meet Caroline and your art group over coffee for a relaxed morning check-in before diving into the first session.The morning class begins with reflective journaling, guided by Caroline’s creative prompts. Once you've gathered your thoughts, jump into your first artistic theme: Flower Power! Using fresh flowers and greenery, you’ll experiment with ink stamping and pressing onto watercolor paper, creating delicate floral patterns. Later, bring color to life by painting vibrant bookmarks with watercolor and masking fluid.After a well-earned lunch, return for the afternoon session with Caroline. Now that you're comfortable with ink stamping, you’ll take the technique further by decorating a canvas tote bag. Add your own flair with acrylic paint, making it a functional keepsake for carrying your art supplies. Caroline will also guide you through embellishing the cover of your art journal, making it a reflection of your creative journey.Before wrapping up, you’ll receive the next journaling prompt to spark inspiration. The late afternoon is yours to unwind by the pool, take a stroll to the beach, or chat with fellow artists.As the evening settles in, gather for a shared dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Over good food and a glass of wine, reflect on the day’s creative flow and enjoy the easy company of your art group. ### Day 3: Trip to Zante Town After a refreshing breakfast, ease into the day with a coffee check-in, centering yourself and setting intentions for the creative journey ahead. With sketchbooks and supplies in hand, head out for a short ride to Zante Town, the vibrant capital of Zakynthos.Once there, let the city’s charm fuel your inspiration. Stroll through St. Mark’s Square, where Venetian-style arches and balconies invite you to slow down and take in every intricate detail. Step inside frescoed Byzantine churches or admire the sun-washed hues of traditional Greek homes. For a quiet moment, wander down to the shoreline, letting the rhythm of the waves settle your thoughts. Throughout your time in town, follow Caroline’s creative scavenger hunt prompts, keeping an eye out for colors, textures, and details that spark ideas.Back at the venue in the afternoon, gather for another class with Caroline. After reflecting on the morning’s journaling and your time in Zante Town, explore new ways to build depth and texture in your work. Using mixed media techniques, you’ll create a series of layered backgrounds, setting the stage for an upcoming collage project. Before wrapping up, Caroline will leave you with a fresh creative prompt to carry into the evening.As the day winds down, take some time for yourself, whether that means a swim, a quiet walk, or lingering in conversation with fellow artists. Later, sit down for a relaxed dinner, sharing stories and reflections on the day’s creative discoveries. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before gathering with Caroline for a morning check-in, where you'll go over the day's plans and reflect on yesterday’s journal prompt.Today’s focus is on prints, patterns, and collage. In the morning, Caroline will introduce the art of cyanotype printing, a historic technique that uses UV-sensitive paper to capture delicate botanical impressions. If you’ve gathered flowers from the market, this is your chance to preserve them in striking blueprints. Next, experiment with printmaking using botanicals, gelli plates, brayers, and acrylic paint to create layered textures and organic designs.Pause for a light lunch before diving back into the afternoon session. Building on the mixed-media techniques from the previous day, you’ll transform your patterned backgrounds into expressive collage pieces. Let nature be your guide, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscapes, gardens, and organic textures. Before wrapping up, Caroline will share a new journal prompt to carry into the evening.As the day winds down, take some time for yourself. Head to Bouka Beach with a sketchbook, letting the waves set the rhythm of your lines, or simply relax by the pool and reflect on the creative process. The day ends with a laid-back dinner, a glass of wine, and lively conversation. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast, setting the tone for a day of creativity and discovery at Navagio Beach. Gather your art supplies and ease into the rhythm of the day, ready to take in the stunning coastal scenery.From Porto Vromi, step aboard and glide across calm, crystal-clear waters, passing hidden caves and towering rock formations along the way. The journey itself is an inspiration. Take reference photos, sketch quick impressions, or simply soak in the beauty around you. If the weather allows, take a swim in the cool, inviting sea. Your destination is the legendary Navagio Beach, home to the famed Panagiotis shipwreck, a rusting relic steeped in mystery, rumored to have ties to smuggling operations in the 1980s. Caroline will provide creative challenges to spark fresh ideas.After time spent exploring, sail back to Porto Vromi, where a shuttle will take you back to the venue for a well-earned lunch.In the afternoon, gather for an art session with Caroline, reflecting on the morning’s adventure and your latest journal prompt. Then, dive into a new creative exercise inspired by your time at the beach. Capture the essence of the sea, the weathered textures of the shipwreck, or the play of light on the cliffs.As evening falls, come together for a relaxed dinner, sharing stories from the day over a good meal and a glass of wine. Let the peaceful night settle in, a perfect close to a day filled with inspiration and creativity. ### Day 6: Art at the venue On the sixth day of your retreat in Greece, begin with a nourishing breakfast, followed by a quiet coffee check-in with fellow artists. Reflect on your latest journaling prompt and set your intentions for the creative day ahead.The morning session introduces a unique project inspired by local culture. Using maps, travel guides, and magazines from the region, you’ll create layered, mixed-media artwork that captures the essence of Greece. Cut, collage, and paint over these materials to craft a personal interpretation of the landscapes, architecture, or stories that have surrounded you throughout the retreat. If time allows, you can also revisit and refine any unfinished projects.After lunch, explore an unconventional approach to painting by using locally brewed Greek coffee as your medium. This rich, earthy pigment will bring a warm, natural tone to your artwork, encouraging experimentation with textures and washes you might not typically use. The afternoon wraps up with a surprise team-building activity led by Caroline, designed to spark creativity and connection. Before finishing, you'll receive a new journaling prompt to carry into the evening.As the day winds down, take time for yourself. Relax by the pool, go for a quiet walk, or continue working on your art. Later, gather for an easygoing dinner, sharing stories and laughter over a glass of wine, reflecting on another fulfilling day of creativity and inspiration. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Start your final day with a warm gathering over breakfast, sharing reflections on yesterday’s journaling prompt and setting the tone for a meaningful last day of art-making.The morning session brings a special collaborative project. Working alongside your fellow artists, you’ll create abstract landscapes and florals using an inverse technique that highlights the power of negative space. Follow Caroline’s guidance as you experiment with layering, contrast, and composition, then join forces to bring the final pieces to life—an artistic tribute to the creativity and camaraderie built over the week.After lunch, return for an afternoon filled with thoughtful creativity and celebration. Caroline has prepared a series of activities to close the retreat on a high note, from hand-painting notecards with watercolor and mixed media to a surprise reflection project that captures the essence of your journey in Greece. The session culminates in a mini-exhibition, where you’ll share favorite pieces, exchange insights, and celebrate the growth and inspiration sparked throughout the retreat.As the sun sets, gather one last time for a farewell dinner filled with laughter, music, and dancing. Enjoy the rhythms of live Greek music, savor the shared meal, and toast to a week of creativity, connection, and new friendships that will carry on beyond your time here. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with your art group and get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - **Caroline Simas** - Artist, mentor, creative business coach ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared penthouse ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single ensuite room - shared villa ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-waves-art-retreat-retreat-artist-caroline-simas-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-waves-art-retreat-retreat-artist-caroline-simas-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*