Artist Retreats

Expand your horizons,
find new inspiration for your art
and rejuvenate your creativity!
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An artist retreat aboard a sailing catamaran is the perfect way to take a break and find fresh inspiration. It provides the opportunity to fill your creative fount and obtain an amazing lightness of being.

We will share with you an in-depth exploration of islands, ocean and Bahamian culture in a magical corner of the world. You will be amazed by the kaleidoscopic, colorful patterns of coral reef and sea creatures observed in their natural habitat.

From sun up to sun up, the natural beauty above and below the water will inspire you. The early morning calm, colorful sunrise, and sea sounds make that first cup of coffee or tea taste like heaven.

Our art retreats are open to anyone in the creative realm; writers, photographers, artists both visual and performing, and art organizations. David is an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor, and Lori is a graphic designer and writer. Come join us and experience one of the most enriching trips of your life.

CREATE YOUR OWN GROUP

Choose from two styles:
Opt for a fully catered all-inclusive retreat
(for 3 - 4 artists)
Or be part of the crew for a reduced rate
(for 5 - 6 artists)

Call or email us to verify your preferred dates.
All inclusive except travel to and from the boat. 

Find inspiration through nature’s lens in the Bahamas! Book your flight into Nassau before 3 p.m. so that you arrive at Nassau Yacht Haven Marina by 4 p.m. Once we leave the dock in Nassau, we will explore several small islands, such as Athol, Green and Rose Island, and the beautiful surrounding coral reefs. Nassau itself presents options for exploring a rich Bahamian art culture. We include a trip to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas if time permits.

You will live aboard our catamaran, snorkel reefs, sail, and visit unique out-island communities, pristine beaches and tranquil anchorages.

Each day will present ample time to capture your singular perspective through photography, sketching, painting and journaling. Paint on deck or ashore. We provide acrylic paints and you bring your preferred media – paper or art boards, brushes, pens, drawing pencils, pastels, water colors, a journal and an underwater camera. You will discover amazing detail, nuance, color and emotive moments of beauty on-island and in the ocean.

Evenings are reserved for delicious meals ­followed by group discussions. We’ll explore the ­creative process and each artist’s goals while aboard and beyond.

Our program is collaborative, inclusive and relaxed. We aim to inspire, encourage and support you in your growth. 

 

NASSAU and MARSH HARBOUR 

We offer two different locations in the Bahamas, based on time of year. Nassau, on New Providence island, from December until mid-March, and Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco island, from late March until mid-July.

 Once we leave the dock in Nassau, we will explore several islands, including New Providence, Athol, Green and Rose Island and the beautiful surrounding coral reefs. Nassau presents options for exploring a rich Bahamian art culture including a visit to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.

Marsh Harbour is your airport destination on Great Abaco island from March until mid-July. From there we will sail and explore many of the out-islands that make up the Sea of Abaco. Little Harbour on Great Abaco is an artist colony and has a foundry and gallery. You will paint or sketch in some incredibly beautiful locations, including Hope Town on Elbow Cay.

As shipping liquids is restricted, we provide you with acrylic paints. Bring your own brushes, pens, charcoals, pastels, paper and canvas boards. A journal and underwater camera are highly recommended. Bring a small easel if you wish to paint en plain air. Contact David if you have any questions.

Rates

A fully catered, all-inclusive retreat. This small group size (4), guarantees you a very personal, enriching experience. You will receive guidance with snorkeling and underwater photography and will get to explore different islands. We prepare all meals and include an evening cocktail and wine with dinner. Evenings are reserved for group discussions on the creative process and each artist's goals while aboard and beyond.

You get to focus on your creative growth and endeavors, meet new friends or bring your friends along. Each cabin has a double berth, which is shared. If single and you prefer not sharing with another artist, you may bring a friend or spouse. There are also 2 berths available in our covered cockpit. 

7 nights  –  $9800 up to 4 guests

Contact us if you have a larger group. We can provide additional captained sail boats and/or an alternate length of charter.

There is a 4% Bahamian port tax added to the final total. A 15% rate increase from December 20 - January 10 applies.


Be part of the crew (6 artists) for a reduced rate. We provide the food provisions and you prepare meals and help keep the boat shipshape. Alcohol is not included (we can purchase it for you at cost prior to departure). Each cabin accommodates 2 adults sharing a double berth. There are 2 berths in our covered cockpit as well as two on the nets forward, under the stars.

7 nights  -  $10,500 up to 6 guests

Contact us if you have a larger group. We can provide additional captained sail boats and/or an alternate length of charter.

There is a 4% Bahamian port tax added to the final total. A 15% rate increase from December 20 - January 10 applies.

What Is Included

Provisioning is based on your feedback in the Ubuntu Preference Form and email communications. We include a selection of the freshest fruits and vegetables along with choice fish, cheese and meat (if desired). Enjoy fresh, healthy, flavorful cuisine – you won’t be disappointed. We are pescatarians, and the majority of our charter guests have enjoyed eating this way with us. We can cater to most dietary needs – just ask! Water, juices and ice are included. We have menu ideas if you choose the crew member option. Whichever choice of retreat you choose, we recommend you have one or two meals ashore to experience the local flavors and ambiance.

You will have access to quality snorkeling gear, 2 paddle boards, and water noodles for your enjoyment. We ferry you via our tender from our anchorages to snorkeling sites and land. During winter and early spring, we recommend you bring or rent a  shorty or full-length wetsuit. 

Be sure to read our Plan Your Trip page for more details. 

  • In December, January and February, your charter will begin and end in Nassau, New Providence, in the central Bahamas.
  • From March to July your charter begins and ends in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco, in the northern Bahamas.
  • An optional Abaco airport is at Treasure Cay. We can pick you up and drop you off at Treasure Cay Marina for an additional $300 fee.
  • Yacht, captain and 1st mate/chef are included.
  • Cruising permits, fishing permits, fuel, provisions, water, juices, ice, and final night’s dockage are included.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

  • This is an active program so you should be in good physical condition and health. 
  • You should be comfortable swimming if you plan to snorkel (we do provide inflatable snorkeling vests along with snorkel gear).
  • You will utilize a rigid swim ladder when getting back on the boat from in the water.
  • You will be stepping in and out of the rigid floor tender from the boat and shore.
  • For your safety, we cannot accept participants who weigh more than 300 lbs.
Payment & Cancellation Policy

INQUIRIES AND BOOKING: We will answer your questions within 24 hours unless unavailable due to lack of wifi connectivity while on a charter. You may also text or call our USA number: 360.224.9202.  

PAYMENT: We require a 50% deposit once dates are confirmed. Remember advance reservations guarantee your preferred dates. Full payment of the balance is due 60 days before your departure date. If reserving your trip less than 60 days prior to departure, we require that you pay in full.

CANCELLATION: Cancellations due to a hurricane or tropical storm will receive a full refund. All other cancellations are non-refundable unless there is sufficient time to rebook the dates for which the deposit was placed. A 10% booking and administration fee will apply. If there is uncertainty of any kind, trip insurance is a solution.