The rise of creative retreats

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to take a month-long paid sabbatical from my brand agency job. Wanting to reconnect with my art school roots, I decided to enroll in a painting course in Europe. Finding the right place, though, was an uphill battle. It was so difficult to find a property that ticked all the boxes: beautiful scenery, thoughtfully designed accommodation and delicious food, all while offering the chance to get creative on a canvas.

Fast forward to today and I would not have this problem. For those who know where to look, the rise of creative retreats has made it easier to find vacations that blend inspiration and indulgence. Beautiful remote locations are being reimagined by millennial tastemakers as spaces that function as artist residencies, creative hubs and luxury escapes all in one.

Casa Lawa describes itself as “Multidisciplinary guesthouse, kitchen and retreat designed in a former grape press in Sicily.”

Villa Lena is a “Hidden Gem in Tuscan Countryside. Chic stays, creative workshops, truffle hunts, and more. Magical stays with cypress views. A bar, an organic garden, a restaurant, and a creative family to welcome you. A sustainable luxury agriturismo like no other.

What sets them apart?

Guests aren’t merely relaxing; they’re participating in thoughtfully curated workshops and activities that make each day feel purposeful and enriching. Imagine shaping ceramics under the guidance of a local artist, arranging wildflowers from the retreat’s garden, or truffle hunting in the nearby woods. Evenings might involve mingling with resident artists over cocktails or painting as the sun sets over rolling hills.

Combine this with remote, aspirational properties, accommodation straight out of CN traveler and a price tag that won’t break the bank and you’ve got my attention.

By partnering with creatives to host workshops, these retreats tap into their respective audiences and attract a certain type of traveler: aspirational, creative, and discerning. These retreats aren’t just hotels, they are lifestyle brands. Their Instagram feeds look less like hotel marketing and more like the personal feed of a cool creative who is perpetually on vacation. Videos of pasta parties on a boat, photos of outdoor dinner parties, close-ups of intricate table-scapes and cocktails that make you stop scrolling and think wait, where is this?

Addressing an under-served audience

A vacation isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a signal of your taste. Where you choose to spend your time and money reflects your values and aesthetic sensibilities. In the hospitality world, high-end stays often rely on exclusivity through price point. Take trendy Amangiri or Palm Heights, where price tags start at $1.5k per night.

But these still nascent creative retreats carve out their own kind of exclusivity—not through sky-high prices but through insider knowledge. Their remote locations, tailored experiences, and “where-did-you-find-this-place” hold social currency that make them feel equally aspirational.

There has long been a gap in the market for younger, design-conscious travelers seeking unique, elevated experiences. These retreats cater to creative tastemakers who crave something distinctive but aren’t ready to splurge on ultra-luxury stays just yet.

The hospitality industry is full of overpriced and factory farmed luxury hotels with predictable touch-points and experiences. These retreats, by contrast, hit the perfect sweet spot: affordable luxury paired with impeccable design and meaningful activities.

What other creative retreats have y’all noticed?

If you’re lucky I might eventually post my heavily vetted and curated list of boujee on a budget hotels around the world, but I feel I should charge for that!