Imagine painting surrounded by lush mountains, the soothing sound of a flowing river, warm tropical days, and breathtaking natural beauty. This is more than an art retreat. It's an invitation to awaken all of your senses, reconnect with your creativity, and let Costa Rica inspire both your art and your spirit.

UNLEASH

YOUR 

CREATIVITY

Join award-winning pastel artist and instructor Nancie King Mertz for an unforgettable painting retreat in the lush mountains of Costa Rica.

Through daily demonstrations, personalized instruction, and the joy of painting together, Nancie will share her approach to plein air pastel painting while helping you strengthen your skills, build confidence, and discover fresh inspiration.

Whether you're an experienced pastel artist or simply looking to grow creatively, you'll enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment where artists of all levels can learn, explore, and create.

Our home for the week is a peaceful mountain lodge nestled at the foot of Costa Rica's highest peak. Surrounded by lush forests, tropical gardens, rivers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, it is a place where artists naturally slow down, observe, and create.

Warm sunny days.
Cool comfortable evenings.
Fresh mountain air.
Endless natural beauty.

Every turn offers a new composition, a new play of light, and a new source of inspiration.

Each day offers a beautiful balance of painting, exploration, relaxation, and meaningful connection. Between demonstrations and painting sessions, you'll discover some of Costa Rica's most inspiring landscapes while enjoying time to simply slow down and soak it all in.

Imagine...

If you wish, you'll also have the opportunity to join us for an optional day on Costa Rica's spectacular Pacific Coast, where you can stroll the beach, sketch or paint overlooking the ocean, feel the warm sea breeze, and simply take in the beauty of this remarkable coastline.

Paint. Explore. Relax. Create.

Nestled between forested hills and the gentle flow of the Chirripó River, our charming mountain lodge invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and settle into the peaceful rhythm of mountain life.

Choose from shared or private accommodations, with Deluxe room upgrades available for those looking for a little extra space and comfort.

Between painting sessions, relax in the natural hot tubs, cool off in the pool, stroll the gardens, or simply find a quiet place to read, sketch, or take in the view. Optional spa treatments are also available.

Fresh, garden-to-table meals featuring locally sourced ingredients and authentic Costa Rican flavours complete the experience.

✔ Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in San José
✔ First and last night accommodations in San José (double occupancy)
✔ Private group transportation to and from Río Chirripó
✔ Seven nights at our mountain lodge (double occupancy, staff gratuity included)
✔ Three fresh, nourishing meals each day at the lodge
✔ Daily painting demonstrations and personalized instruction with Nancie
✔ Guided excursions showcasing Costa Rica's natural beauty
✔ Full retreat hosting and personalized concierge support throughout your stay.

• International airfare (we're happy to provide flight guidance)
• Travel insurance (required)
• Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks
• Optional spa treatments
• Optional excursions and activities beyond those included
• Personal expenses and additional gratuities

Have questions? We'd be delighted to share the complete itinerary, answer your questions, and help you decide if this one of kind painting retreat is the perfect fit for you.

April 17 to 26, 2027

9 nights / 10 unforgettable days

US$3,190 per person 
Double occupancy

Regular Price: US$3,490 per person 

Private room upgrades are available for those who prefer their own room. Single supplements apply. Please reach out for details and pricing.

Reserve by September 15, 2026 to take advantage of Early Bird pricing.

Your spouse, partner, or friend is warmly welcome to join you, whether they choose to paint or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica. In fact, this retreat is just as enjoyable for those who simply want to relax, explore, and experience the beauty of Costa Rica.

Non-painter savings: US$200 per person

You'll return home with far more than beautiful paintings. Along the way, you'll discover:

• Time to slow down and create
• Inspiration around every corner
• New confidence in your painting
• Lasting friendships with fellow artists
• A renewed sense of creativity

And, of course, a collection of creative work that captures your experience and the memories you created in Costa Rica.

The mountains are waiting.
Your easel has a place.
New friendships, fresh inspiration, and unforgettable memories await.

We'd love to welcome you to Costa Rica.

Reach out to learn more or to reserve your place.

I'd love for you to join me as we paint some of Costa Rica's most beautiful landscapes while I share my favourite plein air pastel techniques through daily demonstrations and personal guidance. You'll return home with new skills, meaningful memories, and a collection of artwork inspired by this extraordinary place.

Will you consider joining me? Your spouse, partner, or friend is warmly welcome to come along too, whether they paint or simply want to experience the beauty of Costa Rica. It's a place that's simply too beautiful not to share.

- Nancie

Find more info about Nancie here.