Art & Soul of the Azores: Creative Retreat in São Miguel with Elena

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Feb 15 - 20, 2026
activity level
Light
group size
6 - 10
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Elena Markelova
bio

Hi there, I’m Elena — a watercolor artist, nature lover, and explorer at heart. I created this Azores retreat to combine everything I’m most passionate about: painting, wildlife, and the healing power of nature. We'll slow down, soak in the beauty of São Miguel, and express it all through watercolor — no experience needed, just curiosity and an open heart. If you’re ready to connect with like-minded creatives and rediscover your artistic spark in an unforgettable setting, I’d love for you to join me!

Portugal > Art & Soul of the Azores: Creative Retreat in São Miguel with Elena

Ideas spark at the edge of a crater lake, and paint finds new purpose under skies that shift from mist to electric blue. On this Azores retreat, creativity is your compass, leading you through lush gardens, cliffside towns, and the open Atlantic, where whales surface just as your next sketch takes shape. For those who crave art that’s as alive as the landscape, this journey invites you to trade routine for raw inspiration and turn every moment into a masterpiece.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · February 15, 2026 · São Miguel
Arrive in São Miguel
Group transfer to accommodation
Check-in at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort (or similar)
Free time
Welcome dinner at resort
Day 2 · February 16, 2026 · São Miguel
Breakfast at resort
Morning visit to Sete Cidades Crater Lake
Full-day painting session at Miradouro do Rei
Return to resort
Evening reflection / sharing artwork
Dinner at resort
Day 3 · February 17, 2026 · São Miguel
Breakfast at resort
Morning whale watching tour
Time for light sketching of whales / ocean scenery
Return to resort
Create whale paintings from photo references
Dinner at resort
Day 4 · February 18, 2026 · São Miguel
Breakfast at resort
Morning visit to Terra Nostra Garden in Furnas
Free time for botanical studies in the garden / optional hot springs experience
Return to resort
Free time
Dinner at resort
Day 5 · February 19, 2026 · São Miguel
Breakfast at resort
Morning coastal walk
Time in Ribeira Grande for cliffside plein air sketching of town / coastline
Return to resort
Evening sharing of sketches / experiences
Farewell dinner at resort
Day 6 · February 20, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at resort
Morning oceanfront journaling session
Final group art circle
Checkout at accommodation
Group transfer to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · February 15, 2026
Creative beginnings in the Azores

Touch down on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, where volcanic landscapes meet the Atlantic.

After some free time to settle in, the group gathers for a welcome dinner at the eco-resort — a chance to connect, set creative intentions, and soak in the island’s unique energy that has inspired artists for generations.

Day 2 · February 16, 2026
Colors of the crater: Sete Cidades and painting at the edge

Begin your artistic journey at Sete Cidades, a twin-lake volcanic crater steeped in local legend and natural wonder.

The day unfolds at Miradouro do Rei, a panoramic viewpoint perfect for capturing the dramatic blues and greens of the lakes below. Guided painting sessions encourage you to interpret the scenery through your own creative lens, followed by an evening of reflection and sharing — where every canvas tells a different story.

Day 3 · February 17, 2026
Ocean muses

Embark on a morning whale watching tour, sketchbook in hand, as you encounter some of the world’s most majestic marine life in their natural habitat.

Back on land, transform your ocean sketches and photo references into expressive whale paintings, channeling the movement and mystery of the Atlantic into your art.

Day 4 · February 18, 2026
Botanical inspiration in Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden

After breakfast, wander through Terra Nostra Garden in Furnas, a living masterpiece filled with rare plants, ancient trees, and geothermal wonders. Take time for botanical studies, letting the garden’s textures and colors spark new ideas. Optional hot springs offer a restorative pause, blending relaxation with inspiration before returning for an afternoon of creative freedom.

Return to the resort, where a free night and dinner await.

Day 5 · February 19, 2026
Coastal perspectives: Ribeira Grande and cliffside sketching

Start the day with a coastal walk, breathing in the salt air and dramatic vistas.

In Ribeira Grande, the island’s oldest town, set up for plein air sketching along the cliffs, capturing the interplay of architecture, ocean, and volcanic rock.

As the sun sets, share your sketches and stories over a farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and artistic growth.

Day 6 · February 20, 2026
Reflections by the sea and creative farewells

Gather for a final morning of oceanfront journaling, letting the sounds and sights of the Azores guide your reflections.

The retreat concludes with a group art circle — one last creative exchange — before departing with a portfolio of memories and inspiration for future works.

We hope you had a memorable time here in the Azores and will travel with us again soon. Be well!

Tour Price
USD 3,580
per person
Flexible payment plans available
16 people are interested
Looks like this trip is getting views. Secure your spot now!
Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Art, creativity, nature, relaxation, exploration
Fellow Travelers
2 total travelers
Cindy
Linda
Your local guide
A division of Europe Incoming, a DMC with more than four decades of experience under their belt, Ertha is a company that centers itself around trips that help travelers attain a true feeling of wellness. If your goal is to relax and recharge in a gorgeous setting, they are here to help! Yoga retreats, spa trips, quiet vacations in iconic locations – no matter what you’re looking for, Ertha can help design a customized trip that matches your exact needs.
Accommodation
Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort (or similar)

Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort is a sustainable luxury retreat situated on the rugged northern coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores. Perched above the black sands of Santa Bárbara Beach in Ribeira Seca, the resort offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. The resort features 14 studios, 7 one-bedroom villas, and 9 two-bedroom villas, each designed with eco-friendly materials such as cork, bamboo, and cryptomeria wood. Accommodations are equipped with kitchenettes, spacious balconies, and modern amenities, blending contemporary design with natural elements. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa offering massage and treatment services, and direct access to the beach. The on-site Areais restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients. The resort's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of eco-friendly products, energy conservation practices, and efforts to minimize single-use plastics. Activities such as surfing, hiking, whale watching, and diving are available, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty. Room type: Green. Room configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 5 nights at Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort (or similar)

  • Double occupancy in accommodation

  • Daily breakfasts & dinners at resort

  • 1 group arrival airport transfer

  • 1 group departure airport transfer

  • All activities & art sessions listed in itinerary

Not included
  • Flights

  • All meals & drinks not listed in inclusions

  • Personal transportation

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional activities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Nov 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +0), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Nov 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +0) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Nov 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +0), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 750
2 spots left