The Art & Soul Yucatan REtreat

March 21-26, 2022 Merida, Mexico

Relax, Recharge, Reset with All the Details Taken Care of!

I tHE OVERVIEW

Enjoy an all inclusive tropical retreat in gorgeous Merida, Mexico and the Yucatan. Just get your plane ticket, assure your passport is up to date and leave the rest to us! This is a fantastico art retreat in Mexico’s lush, safe and friendly state of Yucatan. It’s perfect for the health-minded traveler who likes a bit of adventure, beautiful accommodations, boutique hotels, nature, yoga, art and culture.

Stay at the historic and charming Villa Merida. Step through a portal into vast verandas, courtyards, soothing sounds of the natural world and opulent landscaping. The pace is relaxed. Tranquility is nurtured. Meals are specially prepared and served outdoors with a few nights out and a special home meal experience in Celestun. Daily mindfulness/yoga classes kick off the day. Art workshops are geared for all levels with equal parts instruction and exploration. Also included: a massage, a half day excursion to nearby cenotes, a full day excursion to the Emerald Coast and a special Welcome Dinner. Who is ready for a tropical winter retreat ?! If YOU are, check out the details below and email Maggie to sign up! maggiestandley@gmail.com. 3 more spots as of 2.26.22! Vamos!

If you haven’t experienced a cenote - get ready to be exhilarated! Cenotes are natural deep-water wells, which are fed by the filtration of rain and by the currents of underground rivers. They also held/hold spiritual meaning for the Maya and visitors who get to experience them. Cenotes can be found throughout the state of Yucatan and are an adventurer’s must experience. This art retreat is as much about nature and self-care as anything else. I mean, who doesn’t need a little self-care break after the last few years!

Covid of course is top of mind for all and our guests’ safety as well as those we will interact with. You will be happy to hear that precautions are clearly outlined by the Mexican government, protocols are carefully followed by businesses and a mask mandate is in place for public spaces, especially indoors. As well, most of our activities are outdoors. Merida, the vibrant capital of the state of Yucatan, is warm and friendly. You can safely and confidently relax into you!

After a challenging couple of years, treat yourself to an extraordinary experience.

ii HIGHLIGHTS

• Our tropical retreat is a great match for artists & non-artists alike who value beauty, culture, wellness, nature and adventure. Beginners welcome as we are always beginning again!

• Flexibility is a great trait to have as things may and do change when traveling abroad. Travel in the time of covid requires more steps and the journey will make the retreat all the more worth it!

• Especially planned for those wanting a relaxing experience where all the details are taken care of. Sara Renshaw of The Green Maya Project is our daily retreat guru on the ground with years of experience in the Yucatan.

• Three meals a day are provided and include healthy, delicious, locally sourced food, a home visit/meal and restaurants. Merida is a culinary capital as well as an arts and historical center of Mayan civilization.

• A vast kitchen is at your disposal, unlimited filtered water provided.

• Art workshops focus on creativity, painting, drawing, and collage. This is a special art retreat in Mexico to tap into your sanctuary of creativity.

• These are led by professional artist/owner of Wingspan Studio, Maggie Standley, who has been called a gifted teacher.

• Visit stunning cenotes and spend a day exploring the Emerald Coast of Celestun.

• Wake up to daily morning yoga/mindfulness or sleep in. Yoga classes are led by an experienced teacher who ties in mindfulness through sound therapy, aromatherapy and gentle movements in our art and wellness retreat unlike any other.

• A unique experience, part retreat, part vacation with plenty of room for diverse folx in Yucatan, Mexico.

• Maggie and Sara are carefully planning an itinerary with equal parts inspiration and relaxation. 

• All the details are tended to so YOU CAN RELAX, RESET, REJUVENATE.

• Time for connecting and reflecting. Time for fun and rest. Time for you to nourish your soul.

Colorful Yucatan culture | Abundant natural beauty | Escape to Discover

Magical Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

March 21-26, 2022

3 More Spots as of 2/19

All welcome! Neurodiversity attuned! Just as some of us have dietary restrictions, food allergies- others have sensory differences. There will be time, space and room for all to get the nourishment, relaxation and inspiration they need and want, and dare I say, deserve! Our Mexican art retreat this year of 2022 will surely be welcome and well deserved!

III OUR TEAM

Art & Soul Wellness Experiences sprung from a vision Maggie had to create soul-soothing, sensory soothing and creative experiences in beautiful settings for diverse folx to recharge and reconnect, while experiencing diverse cultures & giving back to the community.  Her first international art retreat was held in Mahahual, Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. It took place early March 2020, fortunately right before covid quarantine lock-downs hit the US! This special art and wellness retreat, takes place in the state of Yucatan. Merida is a fascinating and friendly city.

Meet Maggie Standley-the founder of Art & Soul Experiences. Maggie is a professional artist, educator and life long learner. She owns Wingspan Studio, working art studio, education center, at-promise youth hub based in Burlington, Vermont. During winters she spends some time in the Yucatan and creates art, teaches, works on her Spanish and volunteers with street dogs. Last winter with friends, a special project was born: Angeles de Quatro Patas, (Angels with Four Paws). Opportunities exist to participate if you'd like to give a dog a new leash on life from donating for medication or helping to organize our next spay/neuter clinic. You can even take one home! 

Maggie’s sidekick is Espuma! He adopted Maggie last January in Celestun. He is one lucky dog and she is one lucky person!

Wingspan is super excited to be working with The Green Maya Project led by Sara Renshaw who is based in Merida full time.

Sara has vast experience in the Yucatan and the eco-tourism sector. She creates and leads unique and custom travel adventures in the Yucatan, Mexico. Her passion for the natural world, mindfulness and sustainability makes for a great collaboration. We look forward to welcoming YOU! Sara will be steering the daily flow of activities and is available for all questions that may arise during the retreat. Her expertise and knowledge of the area will enrich the experience and assure all have a splendid time.

In Celestun, Casa Tia Jaqui of the fabulous Jaqui & Francisco Chan, will welcome us late afternoon for a cooking lesson of fresh ceviche and home made tortillas. We’ll then gather for a Setting Sun Ceremony on the beach, led by Jaqui, a traditional healer and small business owner. We return to their open air kitchen for a lovely dinner.

Enjoy a full day here departing the Villa early. Get to take a boat tour to view pink flamingos and mangrove forests, kick back during beach time, swim in the gorgeous sea, get creative with plein air art, eat lunch at a seaside restaurant with feet in the sand.

The Gulf Coast of the Yucatan, is known as the Emerald Coast for the gorgeous green/blue color of it’s water this time of year.

IV MEALS / ACCOMMODATIONS / eXTRAS

ART & SOUL includes:

• 5 nights accommodation – 3 different options available to suit your needs/budget (See details below).

• 3 Meals/day, snacks, filtered water (Meals both on site and in restaurants are included).

• Environmentally friendly sunscreen and bug spray to protect the ecosystem.

• Yoga/mindfulness classes, art workshops daily, a massage, group transport for excursions

• Meals consist of healthy, locally sourced food, delicious tropical fruit and local dishes

• Dietary preferences can be accommodated if notified in advance. Let us know any allergies, special needs.

• Sensory management taken into consideration. Let us know any allergies, special needs.

• A spectacular Welcome Dinner awaits prepared by a local chef at Villa Merida who will share some local culinary tips

• Welcome Dinner includes 3 courses, wine/mezcal, and is a chance to meet, settle in and go over the experience ahead!

• The modern & airy kitchen is available 24/7 as well as the gorgeous pool!

• Sara is available throughout the retreat to help with concerns/questions and will be on site as well as available by phone 24/7

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Your Plane Ticket

• Transportation to Villa Merida from airport (approximately $30 from airport in Merida)

• Travel Insurance-super highly recommended!

• Some art supplies of which a list will be sent upon registration, though many will be provided

• The required departure covid test to return to the US (though we will arrange them to come to The Villa to administer)

• Individual transport by taxi/uber during the retreat during free times and to go out for dinners

• Any extras you may want/need such as souvenirs, personal items, drinks, entrances to museums/clubs etc

• A large grocery store across the street carries food, drink, personal items for you to purchase

• Additional spa treatments or a traditional healing/reading session you may wish to schedule, which we can arrange to occur at The Villa

• Personal items such as sunglasses, etc… (A list of must have items will be emailed upon registration to help prepare).

More about where you stay - Villa Merida is a restored mansion that has won architectural accolades for its spectacular renovation, design and attention to detail. It is intimate and expansive at once. It is located in Centro Merida in a neighborhood called Santiago.

Upon entering its vast front doors, you step into another world with sweeping verandas, a lovely pool, abundant flowers/trees, fountains, hammocks and nooks of privacy as well as places to gather. When I discovered it last year, and read the sign on the front door - “Please don't ring the bell as you will disturb our guests.  Please text Patrick, Manager,” I had a hunch this would be a peaceful sanctuary.  Patrick is fabulous and will be on site with his sidekick, cute dog Poppy, to welcome you as well.

RESERVATIONS, PAYMENT, ROOM OPTIONS- 3 Spots Available as of 2/19! Reserve today!

How this works:

• Choose your room preference - See below | Grab a friend or book solo

• Room pricing options are per person. If you book with someone at the same time, there is a discount. See details.

• If registering solo, we can match you up with someone compatible if you'd like, for a double occupancy room.

• We are happy to work out a payment plan with you if that would be of assistance.

1. Celestial Rooms ~ 3 Rooms for 1 or 2 guests each room -

Large Rooms with King beds and ensuite private bathroom

Regular pp if solo $2,485.  If two people $2,285 each

2. Angel Rooms ~ 3 Rooms for 2 guests each room

Medium Rooms with King Bed or with 2 Queen Beds or with King Bed and pull out Sofa, with ensuite private bathroom

Regular pp if solo $2,285. If two people $2,085 each

3. Star Suite ~ Shared Suite for 3-4 guests

Two room suite with one shared ensuite bathroom. One room has 2 Twins/other has 1 King bed.

Per Person $2,095. If two people $1,895 each

IV  TO REGISTER

• Email maggiestandley@gmail.com and tell her how many in your reservation, full names and, which category of room you are interested in.

• In Subject Line-be sure to write Art & Soul - Save my Spot!

• Maggie will get back to you within 24 hours with availability and next steps to begin your Art & Soul journey.

• She will be able to answer all questions and if she cannot, will find the answer and/or direct you to Sara, our On Site Expert.

V  POLICIES / SAFETY FIRST - Please read this Carefully before Booking

• The safety and well being of our guests and the locals is of utmost importance.  Proof of vaccination is required to participate and will be requested upon registering.

• Before leaving Mexico, you need to get/have proof of a negative Covid test to return to the United States. We have arranged for a clinic to come to The Villa to facilitate this process within the required timeline.

• Merida and Mexico are taking the covid pandemic precautions very seriously.  Most activities take place outdoors!

• Travel Insurance is highly recommended for you to purchase! Click on link to read article to find out the ins and outs of travel insurance. There are NOW Special policies that cover COVID related circumstances.

• Will send you more information upon registering to get the best coverage to cover your vacation.

• Cancellation-Refund Policy:  If you need to cancel, please do so in writing.

• The refund policy applies for ANY circumstance (thus Travel Insurance would reimburse you if LESS than 3 months.  

• If canceled 3 months before the start date, by Dec. 21, 2021 you will receive a full refund minus $125 for processing.

• If canceled 2 months before the start date, by Jan. 21, 2022, you will receive a 50% refund minus $125 for processing.

• If canceled anytime on or after January 22, 2022, you will not receive a refund.

• You can apply part of this to a future Art & Soul Experience

• For this reason as well as unforeseen illnesses, circumstances, accidents, travel insurance is highly recommended! 

VI ACTIVITIES/FREE TIME

Time is precious. You are precious. We are preparing a wonderful itinerary for you.  This is your Art & Soul Retreat and you can join in every planned activity or do your own thing as you desire. We want this to be relaxing, what you need to nurture your tranquility. Fun and easy peasy. So sign up today for an art retreat in Mexico’s gorgeous state of Yucatan. Based in magical Merida, this all-inclusive vacation and retreat is sure to fulfill travel dreams and provide a healthy diet of not only food, but culture, art and adventure.

RHYTHM OF EACH DAY:

• Yoga/mindfulness class led by professional teacher at Villa Merida – approx 7:30 am-9 am. 

• Healthy breakfast follows - 9:15 am-10 am. Exotic fruit, granola, yogurt, and more.

• A short break to change, shower and/or take a dip in the pool is up next. 10-10:30.

• Art Workshop convenes - 10:30 am-1 pm. In this art retreat you will explore, create and learn techniques and exercises to tap into your inner creativity.

• Details re Art Workshops - Each day focuses on a different Mayan symbol. Symbols reflect the soul of diverse cultures, their essence, and are an apt jumping off point. Workshops are geared for all levels. Beginners welcome for our art retreat as we are all beginning every single day.

• Maggie will lead creativity exercises, offer individual input, provide demonstrations and technical tips along the way. This is a judgment free zone and happy accidents are encouraged! You will be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. This is where breakthroughs happens. Art concepts we'll cover include color mixing, value, composition and visual anchors to bring all into focus!

• Delicious lunch served on site – 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm, with a different menu each day

• Mid afternoon to early evening is free time - Relax poolside, visit museums, shop the markets, get a massage, take a siesta or whatever you desire. Approx 2 pm - 5 pm.

• Meet up early evening to venture out for dinner at one of Merida's delicious restaurants 2-3 nights, perhaps preceded by a stop at a fabulous gallery or to watch a local dance performance. Approx 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm or beyond

• If you prefer a night in at the Villa, that’s all good too! We may all do that depending on the mood.

• Following dinner, return to Villa or if inspiration strikes, you may continue on to catch live jazz or traditional music. 

Please note this itinerary / times /activities are subject to shift as needed. That said, this will be the general flow!

As well, one day, we will depart early for a full-day excursion to Celestun. Another afternoon, a ½ day excursion is available to visit nearby cenotes and a spa service will be available to schedule another afternoon (all included!)

VII  TRANSPORTATION / ARRIVING / dEPARTING

• You are responsible for purchasing your own plane ticket and arriving to Villa Merida on March 21, 2021

• Arrive by 4 pm to settle in, unwind and join the Welcome Dinner at 6 pm. Maggie and Sara will be on site to greet you.

• Upon reserving your Art & Soul Experience, you will be asked to email a copy of proof of vaccination. We are available to help with booking airline tips and queries, although everyone is responsible for arriving at Villa Merida.

• If you would like to arrive a few days or a day early, nearby hotels and air bnbs are plentiful.

• You can fly into Merida, Mexico City, or Cancun.  

• If arriving in Merida, Villa Merida is 20 minutes from the airport and taxi drivers are at the airport, waiting.

• If you arrive in Mexico City, a short domestic flight is recommended on Aeromexico into Merida Airport.

• If you arrive in Cancun, a short domestic flight is recommended OR we can arrange private transport by car to Merida at an extra charge. This is approximately a 4 hour trip and if time permits, a stop in Valladolid might be nice!

• To travel to Mexico from the United States, you need a valid Passport with at least 6 months until it expires.

• During the trip, excursion group transportation is included.

• A taxi driver, Alberto, and helper extraordinaire is available for solo jaunts around Merida during the trip.

• Uber is popular and there are many taxistas at a very reasonable rate.

Plein air painting in Oaxaca by Maggie