We are so excited to be offering an Intuitive Painting Art Retreat in the beautiful town of Mijas Pueblo - Spain April 16th - 20th 2026.

Join us for a delicious five-day guided art retreat in the Spanish sunshine — this is a chance to step away from your daily life and immerse yourself in a relaxed and supportive creative environment.

Free flow creative practice will be interspersed with a series of guided sessions that will include demonstrations and creative exercises to support you in finding your creative direction and individual style, at your own pace without any pressure.

Gentle yoga and somatic movement is interwoven throughout the retreat to support the embodiment of the intuitive creative process.

Professional Deep Tissue Massage and Holistic Reflexology are also available throughout the week by appointment with our experts Vimmi Vatish and Sanna Ellis.

What to Expect

We'll work with mixed media on paper and large stretched canvas, practice experimentation, being playful and creating intuitively, building our work up in layers to develop narrative and depth.

We will explore colour, texture, pattern, mark-making and linework resulting in many pieces of work to take away, along with plenty of inspiration and a renewed sense of creative connection.

Each day includes gentle, accessible yoga and somatic movement led by Vimmi Vatish, helping you to feel both grounded and connected to your body to support the intuitive painting process.

As well as drawing inspiration from your own lives and memories, there will also be the opportunity to abstract inspiration from the beautiful surroundings of Mijas, the nature, the architecture and the nearby coast.

Open to all levels — this retreat is ideal for anyone wishing to begin, return to, or re-energise their creative journey.

The Retreat begins at 10.30am on Thursday 16th April and finishes at 7pm on Monday 20th April. With a varied start and end time each day based on the itinerary.

Your Hosts

Kate Bosence

Kate Bosence

Intuitive Painting Guide

I have been practicing intuitive abstract painting for over 10 years and hosting workshops for the past few years. I absolutely love sharing my approach to painting and creativity and I am so excited to be bringing this joyful experience to the warm and pretty town of Mijas in Spain.

I have experienced first hand how creativity can support wellbeing and enrich your life, especially when approached from a playful and intuitive place. 

Exploring colour and making marks in a fun, layered way with mixed media, while being present, has been central to my creative practice, an approach I wholeheartedly believe in and warmly recommend to any creative, whether you're a beginner or experienced.

Come and enjoy a five-day creative escape in beautiful Mijas, Spain

Vimmi Vatish

Vimmi Vatish

Yoga/Somatic Movement/Deep Tissue Massage

Vimmi has been practicing yoga since she was a teenager, inspired by her Indian heritage and return to roots. Originally trained in hatha, she has adapted her practice over the years, drawing on scaravelli, yin yoga and somatic experience.

The yoga she offers is very open, with full permission and encouragement to be with your body as it is. To listen, to sense, to notice how we move and respond.

Vimmi will include her knowledge of Somatic movement. This practice focuses on the internal experience of movement, rather than an external pose, goal or ambition. It is a practice of embodied presence, experiential and exploratory, with attention guided to quality not quantity. By focusing on the way not just the what, we can enrich every moment in life with Somatic practice.


The Workshop Includes

◆ Yoga/somatic movement and relaxation

◆ Fun mixed-media warm-up exercises

◆ Introduction to tools & colour mixing

◆ Mark making practice & exploring linework

◆ Creative experimentation and play

◆ Finding your own style using your intuition

◆ Painting large and small works

◆ Simple abstraction, pattern, motifs

◆ Sketching scenery and nature in and around Mijas

◆ Fun creativity in a held space

◆ All art materials, canvases, paper and a sketchbook provided

◆ Lunch is included as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the retreat

◆Optional massage and reflexology is on offer throughout the week for an extra fee.

What we are doing on each day...

Thursday 16th April from 10.30am...

Thursday 16th April - Having arrived on a previous day and settled into your accommodation, we look forward to warmly welcoming you at 10.30am at the lovely Iroko cafe/bar, where we can relax with a refreshing drink and enjoy meeting one another. 

I will share an overview of the 5 day creative adventure lying ahead of us. We will have a little bit of movement lead by Vimmi our yoga, somatics and movement expert and do a simple and fun drawing exercise to break the creative ice in our brand new sketch books that I will give to you for the week ahead.

Then at 12.15 we go on to enjoy a delicious and nourishing  welcome lunch at the stunning Opuntia courtyard restaurant amongst the lemon trees, just along the sweet little street from Iroko. 

After lunch we will stroll back along the street to the Arts centre,where we will orientate ourselves with the space and begin our art adventure. I will give demonstrations and guidance to support you. We will then enjoy some easeful creativity to warm us up for the week ahead.

From 4.30pm there will be free time for the rest of the day so you can enjoy a rest or explore  and get to know the small pretty town and the stunning far reaching views. 

An option to join for an evening meal at a chosen restaurant for those that would like to eat in company will be organised or do explore the many wonderful places to eat to suit your own rhythm and taste.

Friday 17th April from 10.30am...

Friday 17th April - We will meet outside Iroko at 10.30am prepared for  the short walk to the mountain that cradles the town of Mijas, with our comfy walking footwear and bag for a water bottle, sketchbooks and drawing materials. The walk takes us through the little streets leading up to the foot of the mountains and onto a path that leads up to the chapel on the hill. The views are spectacular and we can go at our own pace taking photographs sketching and gathering simple imagery,shapes and lines from the surrounding nature, rocks, views of the rooftops and down to the sea in the distance. 

Taking our inspiration back to the studio we can all meet back at the Arts centre for 1pm to enjoy a delicious healthy lunch on the balcony overlooking the town square and views beyond. 

After our relaxed lunch we can immerse into markmaking and build up interesting abstract layers onto our canvases and paper. I will lead with demo’s and prompts introducing tools and ideas for you to explore at your own pace.

From 5.30 - 6.30 we will wind down with some relaxing movement lead by Vimmi before we finish for the day.

The evening is free time to relax and enjoy a nourishing evening meal at a restaurant of your choice or your selfcatering.

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th from 10am..

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April - These 2 days are our deep dive creative days in the studio - having independently had your breakfast and a gentle start to the day we will meet at the Arts Centre for 10am - your collection of paintings will be taking on their personality and style by now- I will explain further optional steps that you can take or you might be in your own flow and want to build on what you are already enjoying from your discoveries so far. We will have mini paper paintings on the go and other large paper pieces alongside the canvases. Rotating between your pieces to allow for drying time, there is opportunity to be trying a few directions at once. Experimentation and taking risks is encouraged and supported with a good variety of inspiration to fuel your creativity including a demonstration about colour mixing and tips around contrast, creating depth, adding motifs, finding images in your abstract work, creating space or adding pattern- but essentially supporting you with following your intuition and creative path.

Vimmi will be supporting us with movement and stretching at the end of the morning and afternoon session or when it is needed to support us with embodying the intuitive approach to our painting practice.

Saturday evening there is Salsa Night at Iroko with a brilliant salsa teacher from 7 til 8 which we are all warmly invited to go to, with ongoing dancing into the evening. Restaurants and other venues are open all evening  around Mijas so you can plan and enjoy your evening to suit your energy and mood. 

Sunday evening - you are welcome to join your hosts for an Indian meal at Balcon de Mijas unless you would prefer to choose a restaurant that suits you - just let us know on the day if you would like to reserve a place - the food is wonderfully delicious. If you enjoy Indian cooking I can highly recommend the food here.

Monday 20th April from 9am....

Monday 20th - Our final day of creativity and time together on our intuitive painting journey. 

After our deep dive painting weekend it will be a perfect time to step away from the studio space and enjoy some time by the coast. 

We will leave the square in Mijas at 9.30 and be driven to the boardwalk near Fuengirola - an extensive Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana - a long seafront promenade stretching over 7 kilometres- we will take you for a short walk along this beautiful stretch of coast to find a quiet spot to relax, enjoy the sand and the sea maybe enjoy some sketching or yoga or just rest in the sun. 

We will return back to the Arts Centre for a delicious healthy lunch at around 1.30pm - once relaxed and nourished we can ease into our afternoon of free flow painting and creativity. We will finish with some restful movement with Vimmi between 5.30 and 7pm and a farewell sharing circle to round off our creative time together. 

Tuesday 21st April from 1.30 - 3pm ...

Tuesday 21st April - between 1.30 and 3 we can come and go from the Arts centre to package up our work securely ready to take home. I will supply all the packaging material and help where needed to keep your creations safe for your journey home. Those that are flying early on Tuesday are welcome to package and take away their work at the end of the day on Monday evening instead. 

About Mijas

Known as the "white village," Mijas is a well-kept friendly town nestled in the hills of the Andalucían region of southern Spain.

400 metres above sea level with views to the coast 10km away — it is truly beautiful and has a relaxed friendly atmosphere welcoming people from all over the globe.

The retreat takes place in the light and airy arts centre in the heart of this pretty little town, well located with great views from the balcony overlooking the large open square and the nearby mountains. Running since 1972, the Centro de Artes Mijas is well equipped for the purpose of practicing art.

With Picasso being born in nearby Málaga, his influence is apparent in Mijas — he is celebrated here in the galleries and shops along with a museum where they proudly exhibit some of his original works.

  • Getting There

    Mijas is 1 hour from Málaga airport by public transport. You can also take an Uber for €39 or book a transport link for less.


    Flights from the UK go to Málaga from all major cities including Exeter — approximately £120- £250 return.

  • Accommodation

    There is plentiful choice of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets, from self-catering apartments to hotels with swimming pools.

    Browse accommodation via Booking.com 

  • Dining

    With dozens of affordable and delicious places to eat on every street, dining out is easy and a real treat. There are also 2 well-stocked supermarkets for self-catering.

    Lunch will be included during the workshops.

Book Your Place

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Early bird

Art Retreat - Mijas, Spain | April 2026

Art Retreat - Mijas, Spain | April 2026

Book before 15th February for our early bird price. (10 spaces available)

£950.00 GBP
£1,050.00 GBP £950.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

Early Bird Rate: £950 (available until 14th February 2026)
Standard Rate: £1,050 (from 15th February 2026)

Payment Options - If you'd like to discuss paying in instalments please get in touch.

Concession places available - please get in touch to discuss.

Note: Accommodation, travel, breakfast and dinner are not included in the retreat price. This gives you the flexibility to choose options that suit your budget and preferences.

View full details

Frequently Asked Questions

How will we bring our work home?

All artwork can be wrapped safely in bubble wrap and cardboard to take home with you on the flight as extra luggage. it will cost around £60 and you can book it in advance for your return flight as extra sized luggage.

How long should I stay?

It is up to you how long you would like to stay — I recommend coming at least a day early if you can and staying a few days after to relax. If you can only get away for the 5 days then come the night before and leave on the last evening or following day. Direct cheaper flights are on certain days and this might be a good way to choose the length of your trip.

What are the transport links?

There is a train station at the airport that travels to Fuengirola where you can then catch a bus up through the winding roads to Mijas. Alternatively you can catch an Uber from either the airport or Fuengirola to Mijas where the driver will drop you directly to your chosen accommodation.

Should I hire a car?

You can hire a car if you want to — the roads are not too fast and busy but driving is on the right side of the road. There is a car park in Mijas or some accommodation has parking included. But there are regular buses all day in and out of Mijas and plenty of Ubers available for ease, so a car is not essential.

Do I need to take part in all of it?

The retreat plan is all optional — I have designed it in a way where some days are full studio days and other days we are out and about so it can be a balanced and accessible experience. If you feel you want to take a break and do your own thing or skip the morning yoga then you are welcome. It is a flexible offering and I invite you to follow your own flow energetically.

Is there extra support available?

I will be available at all times for support and guidance through out the art sessions, with Vimmi and Sanna alongside me to help in a practical way in whatever way is needed. Vimmi has also practiced the Intuitive abstract painting approach for many years and is a brilliant creative guide and experienced facilitator.

What about meals?

There are wonderful hotels that offer breakfast as part of the deal, well stocked supermarkets for self-catering, and great cafes and restaurants throughout town. Lunch and snacks will be provided during the retreat. If you are travelling alone and would like company for your evening meal, I will always be available. You can eat out for between €10-20 and the standard is exceptional.

Are there refreshments at the studio?

There is a kitchen at the art centre where we can make hot or cold drinks and keep snacks. I will always have snacks, fruit and drinks on offer free of charge throughout the retreat and lunch will be provided.

Do you have any accomodation to recommend?

There are lots of different options in the area including some self-catering apartments you can find on Booking.com and some people's homes you can find on Airbnb. These 5 hotels in Mijas Pueblo also come recommended, all within easy reach of the arts centre:

1. OPUNTIA Hotel Boutique
A boutique hotel in the historic centre, close to Plaza de la Constitución, museums and restaurants. Features Andalusian style, terraces or patios, and mountain views. Typical April rates: €140–€200+ per night.
Address: Pl. de la Constitución, 16, 29650 Mijas
Phone: +34603641308
Website: www.opuntia-hotel.com

2. Macdonald La Ermita Resort
A resort-style hotel on the hills overlooking Mijas Pueblo with panoramic Mediterranean and mountain views. Includes outdoor and indoor pools, spa, restaurants and bars. A short walk to the village centre. April prices: €110–€230+ per night.
Address: Av. del Compás, 7, 29650 Málaga
Phone: +34952590204
Website: www.macdonaldresortspain.com

3. Hotel TRH Mijas
A 4-star property on the edge of Mijas Pueblo with traditional Andalusian architecture, panoramic sea views, swimming pool and gardens. April rates: €90–€150+ per night.
Address: C. Tamisa, 2, 29650 Mijas
Phone: +34952485800
Website: www.trhmijas.com

4. La Posada de Mijas
A small hotel in the old town, close to shops and tapas bars, in a traditional whitewashed building with rustic décor. April prices: €70–€110+ per night.
Address: C. de Coín, 47, 29650 Mijas
Phone: +34952485310
Website: laposadademijas.es

5. Hostal El Escudo de Mijas
A budget-friendly hostal in Mijas Pueblo with simple, clean accommodation. April rates: €50–€80+ per night.
Address: Pje. Trocha de los Pescadores, 7, 29650 Mijas
Phone: +34618635920
Website: www.el-escudo.com
Note on pricing: April 2026 prices are approximate and vary by booking platform, room type, breakfast inclusion, and advance booking. Booking ahead usually gets better rates.

Need help choosing? If you’d like support finding the most suitable accommodation, please let me know.

What about accessibility?

Mijas is built at the foot of the mountains. The Art Centre is down a small road with some shallow steps. If you need easy access to and from the Arts Centre each day -it leads off from a flat street with some shops and accommodation along this street (C.malaga leading to Av.de Mejico). Ubers will drive through all streets of Mijas so transport can overcome any issues with hills and steps. but there are some shallow steps leading down to the Arts Centre. To discuss further please email me.

What should I wear?

What to wear for art and yoga- loose comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty with a choice of cooler clothes in case it's quite warm. Clothing that is both suitable for practicing art and doing some simple yoga or movement.

Remember to bring swimwear if you would like to go in a pool or the sea.

What is included for the cost?

Art tuition

Yoga and relaxation

Yoga mat if you are unable to bring one

The Art Centre and all its facilities

All art materials - stretched canvases, paper, paint, mixed media and a sketchbook

Healthy Lunch at the arts centre and also the welcome lunch at the restaurant on the first day

Daily tea, coffee and cold drinks available all day while at the arts centre

a choice of snacks available all day while at the arts centre

My intuitive painting and creative guide hand out

Transport to and from the beach

The packaging for your artwork to transport back home

Evening salsa dance class at Iroko

What facilities are at the art centre?

The arts centre has loos and a kitchen, lots of wall space, tables and easels, and a wonderful balcony with tables and chairs and a relaxing view.

What is not included for the cost?

Airfare and transport to and from  Mijas to Malaga

Travel insurance

Accomadation

Breakfast and evening meal

The cost of taking the artwork back home on the flight

Optional massage or reflexology with Vimmi and Sanna

Other expenses guests might incur on their own

An apron

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it's good to buy your own travel insurance.

Can you help me find flights and accommodation?

If you would like support in finding the best flight and most suitable accommodation then do let me know.

TESTIMONIALS

Achieved the art I was crying out for

" I discovered Kate on the last day of the Devon Open Studios this year. I loved her work and how it made me feel, so much,  that I was delighted to be able to sign up for her Intuitive Painting Workshop. It didn't disappoint. She was so inspiring and helpful that she led me gently to produce the sort of art I had been crying out to achieve, but didn't know how"

Carol

Perfect balance of guidance and freedom

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and felt it had just the right balance of guidance and freedom to play, a lovely relaxing and inspiring weekend.

Verran

I found the whole workshop to be really well balanced in all aspects. All support, materials, timing, information were really well considered and effective. I appreciated the sensitivity to the group dynamic both for individuals and as a whole. Whilst guidance and ideas were given and shared it also allowed room for everyone’s creative journey and expression. As a beginner I found it to be very supportive and inspiring. Tea and cake, some lovely music and conversation all enhanced the experience. A very worthwhile and uplifting weekend for me. Thank you.

Beverley

Art Retreat Cancellation & Refund Policy

Retreat Start Date: 16 April 2026

All prices and refunds are in UK Pound Sterling (GBP).

We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation and refund policy carefully before booking.

Cancellation by Participant

  • Cancellations made on or before 17 March 2026
     (30 days prior to the retreat start date)
    → Eligible for a full refund, minus any non-refundable payment processing or administration fees (if applicable).
  • Cancellations made between 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026
     → Eligible for a 50% refund of the total retreat fee.
  • Cancellations made after 1 April 2026
     → No refund will be issued.
  • No-shows or early departures
     → No refunds will be provided for unused days, missed activities, or early departure for any reason.

International & Non-UK Bookings

  • All retreat fees are charged and refunded in GBP (£).
  • Any currency exchange differences, international bank fees, card fees, or payment processing charges are non-refundable and will be deducted from the refund where applicable.
  • The organizer is not responsible for flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, border restrictions, or other travel disruptions outside our control.
  • We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, particularly for international participants, to cover cancellation, travel delays, illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Refunds will be processed strictly according to this cancellation policy, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Transfer of Booking

  • If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person at no additional cost, provided we are notified in writing by 1 April 2026 and the replacement participant meets retreat requirements.

Cancellation by Organizer

  • In the unlikely event that the retreat is cancelled by the organizer, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made.
  • The organizer is not responsible for any additional costs incurred, including travel, accommodation outside the retreat package, or related expenses.

How to Cancel

  • All cancellations must be made in writing via email to katebosence.art@yahoo.com
  • The effective cancellation date is the date the written notice is received.