The Art2Life Mayan Riviera Retreat 2025
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 3, 2025
Every single artist who joined us here in 2024 told us we must return. Come find out why this special place is one of our favorite destinations of all time. Paint by the sea in this magical wellness sanctuary with a world-renowned spa and all-inclusive tacos, margaritas and whatever your heart desires.
Let us nourish you on every level so you can rest into your truest self and make the art you’ve been longing for.
The extraordinary tropical beauty of Palmaia, Playa del Carmen will fill you from the inside out. Turquoise waters and spa treatments, ancient wisdom, and modern longevity practices will help you move beyond whatever stands between you and your art.
Here Nicholas and our creative team of coaches and facilitators will join the wellbeing team of Palmaia to guide you back to yourself and the art of your life.Each day is designed to immerse you in beauty, inspiration, freedom, and play with new ideas and great new friends. You will return home full of possibility and more alive than ever – exactly what the world needs right now.
We have one wild and precious life as Mary Oliver says. Take this time for yourself so you can remember what you need to be the healthiest, happiest you. Everyone you love will benefit.
Wake up for morning swims in the warm turquoise sea, dance to music that brings you alive while making fresh new art, dive into connecting talks as the sun goes down, and have the food of your dreams under the starlit skies the most exquisite setting for your transformation.
You’re invited. Come join us for this 8-day, 7-night retreat on the magical shores of Playa del Carmen.
Come remember why we always say, “You are a work of art.”
“This was truly a dream-like, magical experience that helped promote soul exploration and authentic self-expression in a supportive environment.”
Come to Mexico so you can:
- Build your confidence.
- Overcome feeling stuck and critical.
- Create a stronger, more authentic style.
- Create art that you love.
- Rekindle your art practice.
- Remember that you are an Artist.
- Feel the belonging and power of being in the most loving, global Art community who will encourage you on, long after the retreat is over.
- Say goodbye to the Perfectionist in you.
- Decide once and for all, that Art is yours and it will be the way you live your life.
Each day, there will be two 3-hour guided creative sessions. All your art materials are included. Work with our Creative Team and Experts in Well-being and Mindfulness to overcome whatever stands in your way so that you can be the Artist you are meant to be and live a more creative, self-expressed life when you go home. Group surprises and delights will be experienced as the retreat unfolds to facilitate your growth and transformation.
Over the course of the retreat, Nicholas and his creative team will guide you through the BLOOM Practice, to help you make your art/life a more aligned, congruent expression of who you are and especially who you are becoming.
There is nothing more powerful than taking a moment out of your normal life to be with artists just like you, to remember who you are and what you’re here to do.
Your art will be forever changed.
You will be forever changed.
Everything is easier when you do it together.
Especially when you do it in Mexico.
There are different room accommodations for this retreat. All air-conditioned rooms are next to or near a pool, and a short garden walk to the art tent and outdoor dining areas.
Become the person you’re meant to be through art - this fall on the Mayan Riviera in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
The change you seek is waiting just beneath the surface of yourself.
Your art kit includes a set of 21 Art2Life high quality fluid acrylic colors, gloss medium, twelve 12″ x 12″ panels, a set of 8 brushes in various sizes, a painting tray, tracing paper pad, sandpaper, steel wool, pencil, and a 2-pocket apron. For more information on supplies, check out our FAQ section.
"It recharged my soul and took my ability to paint abstract to a new level. The day started by waking up at sunrise to the sound of birds chirping, and then a walk along the jungle path to be served a delicious breakfast. Painting commenced at 9:30am with a lesson. A long lunch break allowed us to nap, swim, go to town, or get a massage. Continuing to paint was always an option. Nick is knowledgeable, encouraging, and very entertaining. I would absolutely do this retreat again."
Accommodations and Payment information
THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT...
IF YOUR DESIRED ACCOMMODATION IS SOLD OUT, ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITLIST BY CLICKING HERE.
There are five rooming options at Palmaia Resort. We have a limited number of each of these types of rooms, and as such, they are available on a first come, first served basis. Please also note that unless specified otherwise, all retreat accommodations are co-ed. Because Palmaia is an all-inclusive resort, all pricing is per person and not per room.
The cost breakdown for these rooming options is as follows:
Basic King Suite
1 Person in Room
The Basic King Suite includes a king-size bed, walk-in shower, vanity mirrors and spacious terrace. Price is per person for single occupancy.
Pay In Full:
$7,154 USD per person
Payment Plan:
3 Payments of $2,410
(total of $7,230)
King Suite Ocean View
1 Person in Room
The King Suite Ocean View includes beautiful ocean views, king-size bed, walk-in shower, vanity mirrors and spacious terrace. Price is per person for single occupancy.
Pay In Full:
$7,812 USD per person
Payment Plan:
3 Payments of $2,629
(total of $7,887)
King Suite Ocean View with Bathtub
1 Person in Room
The King Suite Ocean View with Bathtub includes a king-size bed, walk-in shower, open floor plan, spacious terrace and beautiful ocean views. Price is per person for single occupancy only.
Pay In Full:
$8,078 USD per person
Payment Plan:
3 Payments of $2,718
(total of $8,154)
King Suite Swim Out with Bathtub
1 Person in Room
The King Suite Swim Out with Bathtub includes a king-size bed, walk-in shower, open floor plan and access to the pool with a swim-out pool off the terrace. Price is per person for single occupancy only.
Pay In Full:
$8,820 USD per person
Payment Plan:
3 Payments of $2,965
(total of $8,895)
Premium Queen Suite
2 People in Room
The Queen Suite is the ideal room to share with another attendee including two queen beds. The suite includes a bathroom with separate walk-in showers, double sinks and twin vanity mirrors. The price is per person and you will be sharing a room with another attendee.
Pay In Full:
$7,154 USD per person
Payment Plan:
3 Payments of $2,410
(total of $7,230)
To register for this retreat above, we require a 1/3rd payment of the total fee. The 2nd payment (1/3rd the full amount) is processed 30 days after your initial sign-up date; the 3rd and final payment is processed 60 days after your initial sign-up. All fees must be paid in full prior to the start of the retreat. **Please be aware that all retreat prices are non-refundable. We will provide you with recommended travel insurance upon reserving your spot. If you need to cancel due to an emergency or illness, you’ll need to work with the insurance companies for reimbursement. We strongly recommend you read our payment and refund policies and extensive FAQs for this retreat below! Please note, due to the nature of the terrain of the resort, it is not recommended for young children or persons with limited or impaired mobility. |
Have Questions?
Hotel Address: Palmaïa, The House of AïA
Paseo Xaman-Ha, Lote 1, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R. México
Retreat dates: September 26 – October 3, 2025
Room check in time on September 26th: 3:00 PM
Room check out time on October 3rd: 12:00 PM
While the check-in time at Palmaïa is 3pm, please note you are more than welcome to arrive earlier and begin enjoying the property while you wait for your room to be ready. On the last day of the retreat, should you have a flight departure in the late afternoon or evening, you are more than welcome to stay and enjoy the resort, as long as you are checked out of your room by 12pm.
We recommend flying into Cancun airport (CUN airport code), as it is the closest airport to Palmaïa taking about 45 minutes by car (cost is approximately $240 for private roundtrip transfers). You can also fly into Tulum Airport (TQO airport code) with a transfer time of 1 hour 40 minutes. Private airport transfers can be booked directly with Seek and Go by emailing them here: se*******@****os.com. If you are booking your own transportation to the Resort, please check with Seek & Go for the correct address that brins you to the right gate at the Resort.
We recommend having around $300 – 350 for shopping, taxis to the nearest town (Playa del Carmen) depending on your desire to explore and for staff tips. The local currency is Mexican peso, but places do accept US dollars. Most places take credit and debit cards, but some small shops or vendors may only take cash. If you pay with USD you will receive change back in Mexican pesos. Tipping is preferred in Mexican peso, but USD is also accepted.
Palmaïa, The House of AïA is a secluded wellness resort with oceanfront swim-up suites, luxury jungle spa, and gourmet restaurants overseen by chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants from around the globe.
The locally sourced plant-based cuisine, secluded white sand beach, private terraces, infinity pools, and in-suite dining set The House of AïA apart from other luxury wellness retreats. The exquisitely designed oceanfront suites complemented by stunning ocean views, elegant décor, and holistic amenities are unlike anything else in the Riviera Maya. The all-inclusive vegan-friendly resort offers a level of seclusion often associated with far-flung island resorts and an atmosphere of tranquility you would expect from a yoga retreat. Attendees have the perfect opportunity to reestablish the connection between mind and body during the retreat enjoying the ocean and the vibrant jungle energy of the Riviera Maya.
Because this is an all-inclusive resort, there is a dress code for the restaurants on the property:
- Dinner: Men are not permitted to wear shorts, flip flops or sleeveless shirts.
- Breakfast & Lunch: Men are not permitted to wear sleeveless shirts.
The House of AïA also offers guests access to the excellent Atlantis Spa, where jungle-inspired architecture blends seamlessly with modern design and tranquil treatment rooms. Guests can indulge in a number of spa treatments, including ayurvedic treatments, Temazcal ceremonies, steam room sessions, relaxing massages, and more.
Be certain to bring a bathing suit to enjoy the refreshing pools and the inviting ocean! On that note, please bring clothes suited for warm weather. Temperatures in Cancun in September/October are expected to be around the high 80’s (around 30 degrees Celsius). Please note that we will be painting outdoors, albeit with protection from the elements! Bring anything that might help you stay cool in warmer temperatures. Hydration packets and cool clothes are recommended.
At Palmaia all rooms are air-conditioned and there is wifi available throughout the property.
For anyone sharing a room with an unknown potential snorer, we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs.
If you would like to learn anything more about the Palmaia Resort, you can visit their website at https://thehouseofaia.com/
Your retreat fee covers:
- 8 days of art, exploration and life lessons
- Luxury eco-conscious resort located along the breathtaking beauty of the Riviera Maya
- Gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Art Kit with all new brushes, paints boards, and a palette
- Pool and beach breaks in the Mexico sun
- Friendships made for a lifetime
- 3 Month Private Online Community Group for Attendees
Palmaïa’s philosophy is “The Nourishing Biome” a unique food concept where everything you eat is designed for optimal health while providing a level of cuisine that is hard to match, especially at a resort. Chef Charly Garcia leads their team with the utmost respect for ingredients, processes, and ethics, attaining the maximum level possible of quality and taste in our food. Given the all-inclusive set up of the resort you can enjoy all the food and beverage outlets accordingly. Palmaïa is focused on plant-based cuisine, but also has comprehensive additional offerings by request. With advance notice, special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Please note that all shared accommodations are co-ed, unless specified otherwise. The fees above cover full room and board. It does not cover shuttle transportation between Palmaia and the airport. Once you register for the retreat, we will provide more details on booking the shuttle service for you at an additional cost. Retreat participants are responsible for incidentals not included in the above price.
Spaces are reserved for those individuals who will be participating in the retreat. Please also note that this retreat is not suitable for individuals with limited or impaired mobility.
Please be aware that all retreat prices are non-refundable. We will provide you with recommended travel insurance upon reserving your spot. If you need to cancel due to an emergency or illness, you’ll need to work with the insurance companies for reimbursement–not us.
The maximum number of participants for this retreat is 65. The members of the Mexico Retreat Creative Team will be shared upon your arrival. Rest assured, you will receive personalized attention throughout the event. The creative team, Art2Life Coaches, and facilitators that accompany Nicholas are highly curated to best achieve your art/life transformation. This year, the retreat will be held in a new, more spacious tent for everyone to create art in.
Yes! There will be time available if you would like to explore the surrounding Riviera Maya area offering cenotes to swim in, beautiful Playa del Carmen or other activities. We recommend you bring cash with you for small incidentals, as many places will only accept US dollars or Mexican peso. The taxi costs around $10 to Playa del Carmen and only accepts cash.
All retreat participants will receive their very own Art2Life Retreat Art Kit!
Your art kit includes a set of 21 Art2Life high-quality fluid acrylic colors, gloss medium, twelve 12″ x 12″ panels, a set of 8 brushes in various sizes, a painting tray, tracing paper pad, sandpaper, steel wool, pencil, and a 2-pocket apron. While everything you need to make art is included in the kit, if you have special tools, favorite brushes or other art-making supplies you’d like to bring, please feel free to do so.
One of the hallmarks of any Art2life retreat is the Art Kit. This kit is sent to every Art2life retreat attendee, containing everything you need to enjoy the retreat. If you are traveling to Mexico by plane, please note that your Art2life Art Kit MUST be checked as luggage; you cannot carry it onto the plane. To learn what each Art Kit contains, just click here. If there are art materials you would like to bring that are not included in the art kit, then we certainly encourage you to do so. The weight of the art kit is around 14 lbs.
Art kits are typically sent out 1 month before the start of the retreat (US residents only). For those attending the retreat who do not reside in the United States, we will be bring your art kit to the retreat.
