Spanish Creative Retreat II with Chef & Author Beth Brown Ables - June 13th - June 18th, 2027

This trip is designed to inspire you by stepping away from daily life and diving deep into authentic Spanish culture.

You do not have to be an artist to join. If you are an artist, I encourage you to bring a sketchbook and camera to gather information. Rather than spending long hours in a studio, our goal is to collect inspiration to serve as a catalyst for your creativity once you return home. For those not pursuing art, "creative time" can be spent walking the property, reading, or simply unplugging.

The retreat is hosted at a former antiques store at the base of a mountain in Soria, Spain. Your sleeping quarters will be adjacent to my art studio, which overlooks the six-acre Monte Valonsadero property.

Our days will consist of leisurely walks through the countryside, visits to local landmarks, and traditional three-hour Spanish lunches. These family-style meals include various dishes, breads, wine, and desserts. While Soria is known for its incredible food, we will enjoy nightly dinners at the house to accommodate a more familiar schedule than the local 10:00 PM dining custom.

Beth Brown Ables in her element

On this trip, we will visit local markets, grocers, and specialty stores to gather food to for tapas back at the home in the evenings. Chef and writer Beth Brown Ables will guide us in preparing them, Marquin will record the recipes, and when we return, these recipes will be shared with the participants.  (And if you are not a chef, you can sit back, relax, watch the preparations, and enjoy the fruits of our labors!)

Additionally, Marquin will be creating paintings of 'Spanish Tapas' featuring the foods and recipes we prepare and will gift every participant the fine art print of their choice from this series. 

Beth will also guide the group in making infused Spanish salts, which each participant can bring home as a token from our time in Spain. 

The pricing includes all food, lodging, and transportation to and from Madrid, as well as during your stay in Soria.

Please come with an open mind and prepare to return home filled with inspiration.

Sunday 

12:45 - La Museo Sorolla: tour the collection

2:00 - Lunch

4:30 - Depart for Soria.  Early dinner at 8:00 pm. 

Monday

8:00 - Breakfast 

11:00 - Flower Arranging Workshop 

2:00 - Lunch

4:00 - Optional visit in town to see Soria’s famous downtown park, El Parque Almendra, a visit to a favorite store, Armando, (chock full of Spanish and Italian purses, shoes and beautiful European clothes.)  We will visit my favorite pharmacy for European skincare products, visit a favorite store for purchasing local foods and wines, and walk around downtown Soria. 

8:00 - Tapas dinner 

Tuesday 

8:00 - Breakfast 

10:00- Visit San Juan de Duero + Monasterio San Sartorio on the Douro River.  Visit art gallery. 

2:00 - Lunch

8:30 - Tapas dinner 

Wednesday 

8:00 - Breakfast 

10:00 - Visit Castillo Hinojosa and Museo Numantino.  Last day of in-town shopping! 

2:00 - Lunch at Michelin-Starred Restaurant

8:30- Tapas dinner 

Thursday  

8:00 - Breakfast 

10:00 - Visit Canyon Rio Lobos, and see the Hermitage the Knights Templar built while visiting a famous cave they hid in. 

2:00- Lunch in a Cave Restaurant. 

8:30- Tapas dinner 

Friday 

7:30 - Breakfast 

Bus will leave for Madrid at 8:30 am so that you have the full day to enjoy the city! 

 Materials 

Please bring your own art supplies if desired: watercolors, a brush, and papers are the recommended supplies. 

Important Details 

You do not have to be an artist to attend this retreat, but you do need to come with a curiosity to explore creatively.  Please arrive with an open and ready to learn attitude.  This is a big adventure and you are going to leave inspired, well fed, and will gain insight into the daily life of small town Spain. 

We love the senors, but this is an all-senorita trip. 

This package does not include travel insurance or medical insurance with international coverage. 

Please note that the sleeping quarters are in an open 'studio style' room with two downstairs bathrooms. 

About 

Marquin Campbell is an artist and designer who calls Greenville, SC her American home.  She and her family moved to Spain for a year and a half during COVID. While there, she embraced the Spanish culture and way of life. Marquin wants to share her creative experience with curious, adventuresome people. 

If you have further questions, please email: Marquin@MarquinDesigns.com 

Payment 

Spots can not be held.  

No refunds will be allowed, but you may transfer your reservation to another person.  If you need to transfer your spot, you will have to make the arrangements and find the replacement for the transfer. 

Studio as featured in 'In Her Studio Magazine' 

Studio as featured in 'Where Women Create' Magazine