Artful Lifestyle Retreat
Mayan Riviera 2025

Experience an easygoing artist lifestyle in the
Mayan Riviera

Collage of travel and art-themed images resembling a film strip.

I’m delighted to announce I am hosting another exclusive, intimate art
get-away in the
culture-rich
Mexican Riviera

Longing to take time for yourself, connect and re-charge as you get immersed in an art lifestyle?  

Learn and play with beautiful chalk pastels, allow yourself to be pampered with delicious, wholesome meals by private chef Susie Osness, while staying in a gorgeous, spacious villa; Hacienda Las Palmas, in the quaint gated marina community of Puerto Aventuras in the Mexican Riviera.

  • Person in a swimming pool with palm trees in the background

    Relax

    by the private pool - sketching, getting some sun or take a dip

  • Woman smiling, wearing apron with "Art by Fran" near pool, art supplies on table, lush greenery in background.

    Create


    participate in chalk pastel classes each morning with Fran instructing in a fun, no-pressure atmosphere 

  • Woman reading on a patio couch, wearing a blue dress, with sunglasses on the cushion, tropical setting in the background.

    Recline

    in one of several lounging areas to read a book or work on your own art project

Join the Waitlist

Chalk Pastel Instruction

Artist drawing a Dia de los Muertos themed portrait with pastel colors near a pool

Beginner, novice and advanced artists welcome! Instruction incudes exploration of botanicals from a photo reference, moving on to painting a still life of florals. Choice of Frida Kahlo or other model is the subject of a portrait study from a photo and finally we move into a “paint from life” demo, participation is, of course, optional. Always, no pressure – play and muck with the pastels, create, get absorbed for the day or just observe. Access to Fran’s knowledge for the duration of your stay, for all skill levels.
*art supplies included

What Previous Participants Had to Say:

  • "..never thought I could do two portraits in 2 days let alone in pastel.. I'm hooked!  Learning soooo much.. totally recommend ANY class with Fran. Thank-you Fran, this was more fun than I could have imagined."
    - Ellen 

  • "The Artist Lifestyle Retreat in Mexico was a Dream! It gave me much needed time to relax, dive deep into creative practice and learn new techniques. The stunning villa with pool and tranquil environment was peaceful and restorative. Creative mornings and the easy strolls to the beach were a highlight for me.

    Highly recommend!"
    - Hilary

Collage featuring a woman cooking, cheesy baked dish, taco with toppings, and a hand holding a coffee cup. Text: "Private Chef Susie Osness" and "But first coffee!".

Private Chef Susie Osness

Treats us with fantastic food starting with a welcome charcuterie board upon arrival.

We will awaken to fresh coffee and breakfast every morning. Lunches will be served daily as we finish our morning art class.

Evening dinners will be served at our casa. Vegetarian options available.

Authentic culture and free time to relax or explore

Relax in the many leisure areas at our casa, explore the abundant amenities of Puerto Aventuras, take in an amazing Night Show at Xcaret, or see the amazing sights of nearby Playa Del Carmen's 5th Ave - a 'walking only' city length street

  • Three women sitting on benches in a colorful, outdoor courtyard with mosaic tile floor, surrounded by trees and plants, featuring vibrant artwork on walls.

    Experience 5th Ave

    in nearby Playa Del Carmen - walking, shopping, dining, poking around, discovering nooks, seeing the sights. 

  • Marina with boats docked at sunset, calm water reflecting the sky, palm trees and buildings in the background.

    Puerto Aventuras


    Take photos as you amble around the quaint downtown and marina. Grab a gelato or a snack, or head to the beach to dig your toes into the pristine white sand or take a dip in the exquisite turquoise waters of the Caribbean Ocean.

  • Mexican cultural performance with dancers in traditional costumes, musicians, and a person on horseback holding a flag, colorful attire and feathers in a large indoor arena.

    Be Entertained


    at the Xcaret Espectacular Night Show - a a mesmerizing history of the rich culture of Mexico though dance.

Join the Waitlist

Casa Hacienda
Las Palmas

Luxury villa with palm trees in front, featuring a large wooden garage door and decorative stone facade, set against a clear blue sky.

4 private rooms with a king bed and private bath $3400 CAD
(bring your sister or bestie to share for an extra $1600) 


*VIP early bird special $3200, and shared room an extra $1400 CAD


*multi pay options available upon request

*art supplies, instruction and all meals included
*alcohol extra
*flights & transfers from airport extra

Only Four Rooms Available

Choose your room

  • Luxurious bedroom with a carved wooden bed, vibrant pillows, green walls, abstract ocean-themed artwork, sliding glass doors leading to patio, and marble flooring.
  • Bedroom with wood bed, colorful artwork, ceiling fan, and sliding glass doors.
  • Bedroom with a large bed, colorful pillows, wooden furniture, vibrant frog painting, blue walls, ceiling fan, and sliding doors leading outside.
  • Bedroom with wood furniture, panda painting, and sliding glass doors to patio with greenery.
View More of the Casa
Two women engaged in drawing and painting with various art supplies on a table next to a pool, with colorful pencils and pastels visible.

Join the waitlist

And be the first to choose your room!

I’d love to see you there!