2026 Art Retreat in San Sebastián - Painting Workshops in the Basque Country
Join me for the 2026 Art Retreat in San Sebastián, an unforgettable week in the heart of the Basque Country, Spain. This retreat combines inspiring painting workshops with cultural experiences by the sea, designed for all levels of artists and enthusiasts.
After organizing retreats with different companies and hosting my own event in 2025, I decided to bring this unique experience to my homeland. Based on your feedback, I have shaped this edition into a more colorful, creative, and fulfilling journey.
⬇️ Scroll to read the Frequently Asked Questions ⬇️
What to expect
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Enjoy your Painting Classes
Join daily painting workshops designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Learn directly from me in a supportive environment, combining group sessions with personalized guidance to help you grow as an artist. -
Luxurius Accommodations
Stay in a top-rated 4-star hotel in San Sebastián with private bedrooms, modern design, and spa access. Relax after each class in comfort, knowing your art retreat experience includes both creativity and rest. -
Explore the Basque Country
Discover the charm of the Basque Country with guided trips to San Sebastián, Bilbao, and iconic landmarks. Balance your art retreat with culture, seaside walks, and unforgettable landscapes. -
Enjoy Cultural Experiences of the Basque Country
Enjoy traditional Basque cuisine, museums, and Spanish traditions alongside fellow painters. This retreat is not only a painting workshop, but a cultural journey that feeds your art with inspiration.
Schedule for the 2026 Art Retreat in San Sebastián
- Day 1: Arrival and welcome cocktail. Free time to explore the hotel, spa, and the city of San Sebastián.
- Day 2: First painting workshop and relaxation at the hotel, or optional evening walk.
- Day 3: Painting classes and rest, perfect to recharge for the week ahead.
- Day 4: Cultural trip to Bilbao and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (famous Game of Thrones filming location).
- Day 5: Full day of painting workshops in the hotel’s creative spaces.
- Day 6: Studio session in the morning; optional pintxo-pote night in San Sebastián.
- Day 7: Beach day, free time, and gallery show of participants’ works, followed by a farewell cocktail.
- Day 8: Farewell breakfast and departure.
How to Join the 2026 Art Retreat in San Sebastián
If you have any questions before booking this unforgettable art retreat, feel free to check the full schedule or write to me at hello@alaiganuza.com.
Important: Spaces are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot early. A deposit of 100€ secures your place (non-refundable, deducted from the total). Once confirmed, you can choose to pay in one or two instalments.
Join us for a week of painting workshops, cultural experiences, and creative inspiration in San Sebastián.
✨I look forward to creating beautiful art and unforgettable memories with you in San Sebastián!✨
AlaiGanuza
Save your Spot: Painting Retreat in San Sebastian 2026
June 13 to 20, 2026. San Sebastian, Spain.
Total price: €4100. In one or two instalments: €2050 + €1950: reservation deposit €100 (non-refundable, deducted from the total).
If you bring a friend or you're repeating this adventure with me, you'll have a 5% OFF!
Frequently asked questions: Painting retreat 2026
LOCATION
Why San Sebastian?
I am from the Basque Country, and I want to share with you the places I know and love. San Sebastián is famous for its seaside beauty, vibrant culture, and inspiring atmosphere, perfect for an art retreat. Beyond the painting workshops, you’ll get to experience the city’s charm, its world-class cuisine, and the creative energy that makes this destination unforgettable.
Why a hotel?
During the retreat, we’ll spend plenty of time together, but staying in a hotel also means you’ll enjoy your own private room while being supported 24/7 by professionals. The hotel staff is always available to assist with anything you need.
You’ll also benefit from daily room service, laundry, and included organic amenities. This comfort removes the pressure of logistics, allowing you to fully focus on your painting workshops and use your free time just to relax.
Why Arima Hotel and Spa?
LOCATION: I fell in love with Arima Hotel the first time I visited. It is located at the entrance of the Miramon forest, with stunning views of the woods and river, perfect for walks and direct contact with nature. At the same time, the hotel is only minutes away from the city and the beach, giving you the best of both worlds.
PASSIVHAUS: Arima Hotel and Spa is also the largest Passivhaus-certified hotel in Europe, consuming 300% less energy than standard hotels thanks to geothermal and aerothermal systems. Staying here means combining sustainability with comfort.
LUXURY: On top of that, Arima has been part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) since 2019. Its Foresta Wellness centre includes a gym, spa, water circuits, massages, and infrared sauna, all designed to help you relax and recharge outside the painting workshops.
Arima & Numad Studios
During the retreat you’ll stay at Numad Studios, located within the Arima Hotel. These are superior rooms with queen-size beds, private bathrooms, and stunning forest views, perfect for relaxing after your painting workshops.
Each studio is fully equipped for comfort:
- Private kitchen with fridge, microwave, induction cooktop, and cleaning kits
- Coffee and tea available at all times
- Free Wi-Fi and 41” smart TV
- Safe box, bio quilt, and 100% cotton towels
- Organic amenities (so you don’t even need to bring shampoo)
- Hair dryer, laundry and ironing facilities
- Recycling bins for a sustainable stay
Everything is included in the retreat price, so you can simply enjoy the balance of comfort, nature, and creativity.
All the info: Arimahotel.com and rooms: Numadstudios.com
How can I get to the retreat?
Full details on arrival logistics and transport options are included in the Payments & Other Information section.
Frequently asked questions: Painting retreat 2026
CLASSES
Where and how will we paint?
We will have a private studio exclusively for our group, complete with a large outdoor terrace surrounded by forest, a dedicated cleaning area, and a cozy snack/coffee corner with sofas and chairs. The studio will be available to us throughout the retreat, so you can paint even outside the scheduled sessions if you wish.
Classes will combine group demonstrations at my easel with plenty of individual guidance as I move around to your easel to answer your questions. To enhance your learning, we will also use a large screen to project class details and close-ups, and a professional filmmaker will record the lessons, so you’ll receive video materials to keep practicing after the retreat.
Can we paint also in our free time?
Yes! The studio will be available to us during the entire retreat. You can safely leave your materials there for easy access, let your paintings dry, and continue working on your art during your free time if you wish.
Will we paint indoors or outdoors?
The main lessons will take place in the studio, where we’ll also record the classes so you can keep them forever.
The studio includes a large terrace surrounded by forest, giving us the option to paint both indoors and outdoors. Depending on the weather and your mood, you’re free to choose—paint wherever you like, and I’ll come to your easel every time.
Materials: which materials should we bring for the classes?
You don’t need to worry. All materials will be provided. However, if you already have paints and brushes you like, feel free to bring them. The idea is to learn with what you have at hand, while also exploring new materials.
If you don’t have anything or prefer not to carry supplies, that’s perfectly fine—I’ve got you covered.
Materials provided:
- Painting pochade box
- Tripod and accessories
- Gamblin Colors oil paints
- Trekell brushes
- Painting paper and panels
- Palette knives
- Solvent-free mediums and thinners (to avoid fumes)
- Sketchbook and markers
- Painting jars, rags, wet wipes, towels, cleaning supplies
- Packing supplies
- Special surprise gifts (kind of secret!)
Additionally, before and after the retreat I’ll recommend the best places to buy art materials, along with some discounts I can share with you.
How are we going to pack the paintings?
We’ll be working with fast-drying mediums and paints, so most pieces will be dry within 24–48 hours (even faster on warm days). To make sure everything is safe, the schedule leaves the last day for extra drying time.
On the final day, I’ll set up a packing station with glassine paper and protective materials. This way, your paintings will be shielded from any remaining wet areas and won’t be damaged during your flight home.
And if a piece is still very wet—for example, if you used a lot of paint or avoided fast-drying mediums—I can personally ship your artwork to your home in the following weeks.
Is there anything pre retreat or post retreat?
Yes! A few weeks before the retreat, I’ll create a WhatsApp group and a Google Drive folder for all participants.
- In the folder, you’ll find shared materials, photos from the retreat, and all the recorded video lessons to revisit anytime.
- In the WhatsApp group, we’ll answer questions before the retreat, share reminders and materials during the week, and stay in touch even after the retreat ends.
It’s the perfect way to prepare, stay connected, and keep the experience alive long after San Sebastián.
Will be the classes projected or recorded?
Yes! A professional filmmaker will be with us to capture the experience.
- A camera will be connected to a big screen to project my demonstrations in real time. This way, you can follow every detail without needing to stand next to my easel.
- All sessions will also be recorded, so you’ll have lasting memories and the chance to revisit the lessons anytime.
Your privacy is important: if you prefer not to appear on camera, we’ll make sure to respect that.
What's the required painting level?
All levels are welcome. In my classes, I teach a unique approach to painting and color that’s different from traditional methods, so we’ll always start from the basics.
- Beginners will quickly catch up and follow a progressive learning curve.
- Experienced painters can benefit from unlearning common myths, exploring new methods, and gaining fresh perspectives.
Some weeks before the retreat, we’ll connect via WhatsApp so you can share your level and personal goals with me. That way, I can tailor the lessons to make sure the week is meaningful for you.
Frequently asked questions: Painting retreat 2026
MEALS
What’s the meal plan?
Tilia Deli & Café is the restaurant that will provide all the meals for us.
“A commitment to healthy and quality cuisine, based on seasonal and local products.”
- Buffet breakfast every morning with a wide variety of options, including gluten-free and vegan choices.
- Coffee breaks with sweet and savory options during morning classes.
- Welcome & farewell cocktails on Days 1 and 6, including drinks, wine, and snacks.
- Lunch and dinner tailored to your preferences, with several dishes to choose from.
- Special experience on Day 4: a Hamaiiketako, the traditional Basque snack at noon, with a tortilla sandwich, fruit, and light bites.
What meals are included?
All meals are included in the retreat, with a few exceptions:
- Day 4 lunch: free time to explore the old town of Bilbao and enjoy local restaurants in small groups or individually.
- Day 6 dinner: if you join the city night, you’ll cover your own pintxos and drinks. (If you stay in the hotel, dinner is included!)
- Day 7 lunch: not included, as it is during free time.
What drinks are included?
- In the rooms: free coffee and tea available at all times.
- Breakfast: free coffee, tea, and juices included in the buffet.
- Lunch & dinner: wine, beer, sodas, and water included.
- During classes: coffee, tea, and water always available.
- Morning classes: coffee break with sweet and savory options.
- Special moments: on Day 1 and Day 6, we’ll enjoy a welcome/farewell cocktail with wine and snacks.
- Extra bonus: each participant will receive a 4€ (~5$) daily ticket to spend at the bar, with the option to pay more if desired.
⚠️ All other extra drinks are not included in the retreat price.
Frequently asked questions: Painting retreat 2026
RELAXING TIME / TRIPS
Is the spa/gym/pool/sauna included?
Yes! At the hotel, you will have full access to Foresta Wellness: Gym & Spa Centre, equipped with modern facilities, professional instructors, and everything you need to relax.
In the spa, you can enjoy free access to the indoor warm pools, water circuits, and the infrared sauna. If you’d like, you can also book additional massages, facials, or purchase organic skincare products directly from their shop.
Everything listed is included in the retreat price, except for individual massages and shop products.
Can we visit the city and beach during the free time?
Yes! Both the city and the beach are very close to the hotel, and you can reach them in just 10 minutes by bus (the bus stop is only 1 minute from the hotel entrance).
On Day 2, I will personally join you so you can see how easy it is to visit the city on your own. That way, you’ll feel comfortable exploring again during the week if you wish.
To make things even easier, I will provide you with a custom map (designed by me!) highlighting the best landmarks and recommendations, plus a bus card with credit included, so you can travel around without any extra cost.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe/Bilbao and Guggenheim museum
On Day 4, we will explore Biscay. Our first stop is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning islet linked to the mainland by a stone bridge and crowned by a hermitage from the 10th century. It’s not only a spiritual and historic landmark but also a magical place where HBO filmed Dragonstone from Game of Thrones :,)
Afterward, we’ll head to Bilbao, where you’ll enjoy lunch and free time in the charming Old Town. From there, we’ll continue by tram to the city center to visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, an icon of modern architecture and contemporary art.
Beach Day (optional)
On Day 7, we’ll organize a relaxing group trip to the beach. You can choose to enjoy a picnic by the sea or lunch in the city, depending on the group’s preference. Participation is completely optional. If you prefer, you may spend the day at the hotel, pool, or spa instead. We’ll finalize the details together during the retreat week.
Please note: Lunch on this day is not included in the retreat price.
Pintxo-pote city night (optional)
On Day 6, you’ll have the chance to experience the vibrant Basque nightlife. We’ll go out for pintxo-pot, a tradition of enjoying pintxos (small tapas) with drinks while exploring bars and pubs in the city. Dinner that night will be substituted with this local experience.
If nightlife isn’t your thing, no worries, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy a regular dinner at the restaurant with the rest of the group.
Please note: Pintxos and drinks in the city are not included in the retreat price, but dinner at the hotel is included.
Optional events: what does that mean?
Everything in this retreat is optional, you’re free to skip any class or activity if you’d rather rest or explore on your own. Still, I’ve highlighted a few experiences in San Sebastian as “optional events” that you can join if you’d like:
- Day 2: Explore the seaside of San Sebastian, including El Peine de los Vientos by Chillida and Palacio Miramar. I’ll provide a custom map with landmarks and recommendations so you can visit during your free time. If you prefer staying at the hotel, you can always explore another day.
- Day 6: Experience Basque nightlife with pintxo-pote—tasting pintxos with drinks while exploring bars and pubs in the city. Dinner will be substituted with this activity, but if you’re not into nightlife, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy a regular dinner there (included).
- Day 7: Optional beach day. We’ll organize a trip to the beach with the option of having lunch in the city or a picnic by the sea. If you prefer, you can stay at the hotel/spa instead.
Frequently asked questions: Painting retreat 2026
PAYMENT / OTHER
WHAT is and isn't included in the price?
✅ INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- More than 30 hours of painting classes with Alai Ganuza, including individual guidance
- Professionally recorded videos and photos to relive the retreat
- Complete painting kit: pochade box + accessories for each participant
- Private room with bathroom, mini kitchen, and forest view
- Laundry services and organic amenities
- Access to spa with water circuits, warm pool, and infrared sauna
- Rooftop pool with panoramic view
- Gym access
- All meals (see details in Meals section)
- Drinks included + one extra free drink ticket per day
- Airport shuttle service
- All local transport during the week (including city visits)
- Packing materials for artworks
- Shipping of wet paintings directly to your home
- Surprise gifts
❌ NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Flights to Bilbao Airport (BIO)
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals/drinks during free time (e.g., Bilbao day, optional city night, or beach day)
- Individual massages or spa products from the hotel shop
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs
HOW MUCH?
The retreat price is the same for everyone, since the accommodations are all the same (amazingly, the same!).
3970€ (use xe.com to check your currency).
Repeating attendees have a 5% on their price.
WHEN is the payment made? PAYMENT PHASES
- PHASE 1. To save your spot there’s a 100€ (108~USD) non refundable fee. This will be discounted from the total payment.
- PHASE 2. When we reach a minimum amount of participants, I will reach you out one by one to proceed with the first payment. First one will be 50% of the total cost (1985€). You can pay with credit or debit card through my website AlaiGanuza.com (I will send you an invoice).
- PHASE 3. Around February 2025, I will reach you out again one by one to proceed with the second payment. It will be also 50% minus the “save” fee initially paid (1885€).
You can also make one single payment.
We can schedule the payments personally to fit your needs. Once you save your spot, let's talk and plan the best for you!
HOW do I pay?
- The "save" fee can be purchased directly from this website. Scroll up or down and add to cart the Saving Spot Ticket. You can use any payment method you prefer such as credit or debit card, PayPal Shop pay, Apple Pay Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Union Pay...
- Once you save your spot, I will reach out and make a plan with you.
- For the rest of the payment, we will make one or two instalments. I will invoice you to your email when we planned and you can pay with credit or debit card.
No surprise payments.
Payments are not automatic. Nothing will be charged from your bank without your action.
What if I change my mind or can’t go?
Before making any payment, I will talk personally to you. The invoices will be sent to your email, and you're the one making the payment on my website (same as when you buy a commission from me). So you can opt out if you change your mind before making any payment.
Payments are not refundable. But they're not automatic either. This means no surprise payments. Nothing will be charged to your bank account without your action.
What should I pack?
- Consider this a vacation week. Pack all you'd pack for a week in a sunny country. We will have around 20-30ºC (68-86ºF). Pack some sunscreen, but also something for the rain.
- Material-wise, pack what you have (paints, brushes, sketchbook) if you want! Because materials are included. I recommend you leave some room in the suitcase for returning materials and paintings!
We will talk about this in the WhatsApp group.
Is it adapted for limited mobility?
The transports, hotel and classes are fully adapted. Contact me for more detailed information.
How can I get there?
The shuttle from the airport will pick you up at an arranged time. However, you should fly to the Bilbao Airport on your own.
It is a well-communicated airport in the north of Spain. Contact me if you want further help with flights.
❗️ I recommend you wait to get the flight until we announce that the minimum attendee number is reached. I will be personally in touch with you during all phases of the retreat :)
How many people?
The goal is 18 participants. But under certain circumstances, we can accept up to 20. And the minimum number of participants to make this retreat possible is 13.
I will be your teacher, of course, and I will have the help of a professional filmmaker to record the classes, and my SO and business partner assisting with everything (he's my second brain!). They 2 will be in the background making everything possible :)
Some highlights from my previous retreat :,)
