Registration opens November 1st!  Caribbean Art Escapes

Escape to the vibrant shores of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands for a week-long artist retreat or painting workshop designed to awaken your senses and deepen your creative practice. Set against the backdrop of turquoise waters, lush tropical landscapes, and the island’s rich cultural heritage, this immersive experience offers artists of all levels a unique opportunity to slow down, explore, and create. 

Reserve your spot in a painting workshop on the island of St. Croix! Enjoy 8 days, 7 nights, all inclusive* stay in our exclusive private villa. Morning painting sessions are followed by afternoons swimming at the beaches, snorkeling with the sea turtles, sightseeing, exploring the local markets and boutiques, and touring the historic landmarks and spectacular beauty of the island. 

Each day starts with a leisurely breakfast at our exclusive villa, followed by guided painting sessions with a focus on plein air techniques, color theory, and personal expression. We’ll visit breathtaking locations—from historic sugar mills to serene beaches—providing ever-changing subjects and light. 

Join us for a week-long watercolor retreat and workshop on the breathtaking island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands—a vibrant, sun-drenched haven of color, culture, and Caribbean charm. Whether you're an experienced artist or just beginning your journey, this immersive retreat is designed to deepen your practice through daily plein air sessions, hands-on instruction, and creative exploration. 

With a small, supportive group of fellow creatives, you'll leave not just with a refreshed portfolio, but with renewed artistic vision, lasting friendships, and a sketchbook full of sunlit memories.

Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today and paint your way through paradise. 

2027 Season Schedule: 

Registration for our first workshops and retreats will begin on November 1, 2026! Watch this space for more details. We will list the schedule and instructors for the 2027 season and begin accepting reservations. Our first workshop will be January 2027 with Annie Strack. Our first workshop might be limited to only FOUR artists. 

From painting lush botanical gardens and historic sugar plantations to capturing the ever-changing blues of the sea, you'll experience the island through the eyes of an artist—brush in hand, surrounded by beauty. Each day blends structured guidance, artist demonstrations, and personal time to create, reflect, and connect.

Be sure to bring your bathing suits! The unspoiled beaches of the island of St Croix are among the best in the Caribbean. Snorkeling equipment is provided, as well as beach chairs, beach towels, boogie boards, surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, and other beach toys for your enjoyment. The shallow reef is perfect for snorkeling to see exotic tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles up close and personal, so bring your underwater camera, too! Click HERE to read the recommended packing list of what you should bring for your week-long stay in a Caribbean paradise.

We are only offering this special introductory rate of $2,995 per person (double occupancy) for a limited time for our first inaugural guests, so reserve your trip now. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking, the balance is due 30 days before your trip. Click HERE for the reservation form (available November 1, 2026). 

We only schedule a small number of groups each year, and each group is limited to just a few lucky people. The groups tend to sell out quickly, but you can still have a good chance of getting in if you're on the waiting list as we often have a space or two open up at the last minute. 

Sample Itinerary 

(this is just a small sample of the many activities that are available, so it is subject to change)  

Day 1: Arrival day. Guests are picked up at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) airport and taken to our private villa. Guests will enjoy a welcoming reception and orientation with a glass of wine and relaxing dinner at the villa of fresh local seafood. Guests can unpack, settle in, and relax as they get to know each other and begin to create lasting friendships with their fellow creatives.

Day 2:   Continental breakfast, then plein air at Cramer beach. Lunch will be a picnic followed by afternoon swimming and snorkeling. You'll want to take plenty of photos to remember the incredible beaches and gracefully swaying palm trees. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the waterfront in Christiansted to watch the boats in the harbor and hand-feed the giant tarpon off the boardwalk.

Day 3:   Continental breakfast, then tour downtown Christiansted shops, galleries, and the historic Fort Christiansvaern. Meet at the Fort for a picnic lunch in the beautiful shady park, followed by plein air painting at the Fort in the afternoon. Dinner at the villa followed by relaxing around the firepit on the patio.

Day 4:   Continental Breakfast, then tour downtown Frederiksted waterfront shops, galleries, outdoor market, historic colonial-era fort, and amenities. After lunch, artists have choice of plein air painting the colonial era buildings on the waterfront in Frederiksted, or just more shopping in afternoon. After dinner at the villa, enjoy popcorn and s'mores around the firepit.

Day 5:   Continental breakfast, then drive to the beach at Salt River National Park for swimming, kayaking, and plein air painting. Picnic lunch, followed by an afternoon of touring the St George Botanical Gardens or exploring the historic Estate Whim Plantation. Dinner at the villa followed by stargazing on the patio.

Day 6:   Continental Breakfast, then off to Frederiksted for plein air painting at the beach. Picnic lunch at the beach, followed by snorkeling with the sea turtles and tropical fish at the cruise ship pier. You'll want to use your underwater camera to capture the amazing array of sea life here! Later, enjoy an al fresco dinner under the stars at the villa. 

Day 7:   Continental Breakfast, then plein air painting the amazing views at Point Udall, the eastern most point of the United States. After lunch, spend the afternoon enjoying the sun and the beach or just relaxing amongst the tropical flowers under the shade of the coconut palms. Farewell dinner and closing celebration at the villa.

Day 8:   Enjoy a hearty brunch, then pack and then head out to the airport for the return flights home. Our time together may end, but the memories, friendships, and renewed spark for your art will travel with you wherever you go. 

These groups are limited to just six artists -- that's less than half the number of people you will find in any other tour group, which means that every person on our trip is pampered with individual attention. These small intimate groups allow us to be flexible and spontaneous with our itineraries so that each person gets more than just a tour - they get the freedom to create their own personalized adventure.  

Some of our tours are focused on plein air, some are focused on creating in the studio at the studio/classroom at our private villa, and some are creative retreats with no instruction. We bring in a variety of instructors and workshop leaders who work in many different mediums, styles, and creative pursuits. Be sure to read the descriptions to find the tour that will best match your desires. 

*All inclusive: includes airport transfers and ground transportation, meals, lodging, wifi, and workshop instruction. NOT included: Airfare, travel insurance, and alcoholic beverages. Travelers are always advised to purchase trip insurance.