Frequently Asked Questions

None at all — or twenty years. Our retreats welcome painters at every stage of their journey. Beginners find the small group size and individual attention create a safe, encouraging environment to take first steps. Experienced painters discover new approaches and perspectives that deepen their practice. What matters is not where you are, but that you want to be here.

Each retreat is anchored in the practice of its lead artist. Nikolas Antoniou teaches the expressive portrait, rooted in emotion and gesture. Larry Madrigal leads a figurative, narrative practice — building observational work into paintings with real presence and story. Edwige Fouvry focuses on seascape — capturing the movement and light of the Mediterranean. Whatever the style, the approach is generous, rigorous, and free of dogma. You will be taught how to see, not what to paint.

All sessions are conducted in English. The lead artist and MART team are fluent English speakers, and all materials, instructions, and group conversations take place in English. We regularly welcome participants from across Europe and beyond, and English serves as our shared creative language.

A maximum of fifteen. This is deliberate. Fifteen is small enough that everyone receives individual attention from the artist — and large enough that the group generates its own creative energy. It is the number we believe produces the richest experience for everyone involved.

Everything that matters. Five days of painting tuition with the lead artist. Six nights of accommodation at Finca Es Cabàs. All meals, wine, and aperitivos — the food is Mediterranean, seasonal, and excellent. Airport and station transfers are available upon request. VAT. What is not included: flights, travel insurance, painting materials, and personal expenses. Please confirm with us which painting materials are provided and which you should bring. At least 3 months before the retreat we will send you an information pack with the full materials list and more details about the retreat.

Finca Es Cabàs offers a variety of accommodations — double rooms, suites with private terraces, an apartment, and a shared room for small groups. Every room is simple, considered, and designed for rest. Cool stone walls, linen bedding, the sound of the countryside at night. Specific room configurations and pricing details are available on each retreat page.

Booking begins with an enquiry. Use the contact form on our website or message us on WhatsApp — tell us which retreat interests you and a little about yourself. We will respond within 48 hours with availability, pricing, and next steps. Payment is by bank transfer. A non-refundable €1200 deposit secures your place, with the balance due 12 weeks before the retreat begins.

To be discussed between us. When you enquire, let us know your preference and we will work out a schedule that suits you.

Our cancellation policy is set out in our General Terms and Conditions. You may cancel within 14 days of your booking confirmation and receive a full refund, less the administrative costs incurred by us, within 14 working days. After that 14-day period, if you cancel more than 12 weeks before the retreat start date, we refund the full balance — excluding the non-refundable €1200 deposit — within 14 working days. If you cancel less than 12 weeks before, no refunds are issued, so we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation. All cancellations must be sent to us in writing by email. If we cancel a retreat for any reason, your full payment including the deposit is refunded 100% within 14 working days; our liability is limited to our own retreat fees and does not extend to airfares or other third-party costs. We may make reasonable changes to the programme where necessary, and if a scheduled instructor is unable to attend, we will make every effort to provide a qualified replacement.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) serves the island with direct flights from most major European cities — London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Zürich, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, New York, and Abu Dhabi all offer direct or connecting routes. Once you land, Finca Es Cabàs is a short drive through the Mallorcan countryside. Airport transfer service on arrival and departure days is available upon request. If you prefer to travel by rail and ferry via Barcelona, that is a beautiful, slower option — and we are happy to advise.

The retreat is designed as an immersive experience for painters, and the group dynamic depends on shared creative focus. Non-painting partners may be accommodated — please enquire about availability and additional costs. Mallorca is a wonderful place to visit independently, with exceptional hotels, restaurants, and galleries within easy reach.

Most people do. Around eighty percent of our participants arrive solo. The retreat is intentionally designed to foster connection — by the second day, the group feels like old friends. Shared meals, painting side by side, evening conversations under olive trees. You will be among people who share your passion. You will not feel alone unless you choose to be.

We provide a full painting set-up: easels, palettes, solvents, and mediums. Please confirm with us before packing whether canvases, paints, and brushes are included for your retreat, or whether you should bring your own. At least 3 months before the retreat we will send you an information pack with the full materials list and more details about the retreat. What to bring: comfortable clothes you can paint in, a hat for outdoor sessions, sunscreen, a journal if you keep one, and a favourite brush if you have one you love. The Mediterranean spring and autumn are mild, but evenings can be cool — bring a light jacket or shawl.

We require a minimum of eight participants to run a retreat. In the unlikely event that a retreat does not reach this number, we will inform you at least 30 days before the start date and offer a full refund or transfer to an alternative retreat. In practice, our retreats typically fill — many sell out — but we want you to book with confidence.