A Creative Escape in The French Riviera of the East
Pondicherry—often referred to as the French Riviera of the East—is a blend of serene beaches, colonial architecture, vibrant art, and a laid-back atmosphere. This retreat at Dumas Guesthouse, nestled in the heart of the French Colony, offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect, explore your creativity, and immerse yourself in the peaceful charm of Pondicherry.
Cozy Stay at Dumas Guesthouse:
Located within the heritage-rich French Colony, Dumas Guesthouse is a haven of comfort and tranquility. The guesthouse offers scenic views, cozy rooms, and an ambiance that complements the peaceful surroundings. The mix of French colonial charm and modern amenities provides an inspiring setting for your creative escape.
Retreat Schedule:
Day 1: Introduction to the Creative Journey
- Morning: Arrive at the Dumas Guesthouse and settle into your cozy accommodation. Begin your retreat by meeting your fellow artists and retreat facilitators. Enjoy a welcome session where you can share your expectations, goals, and artistic interests.
- Afternoon: Dive into your first art session, where you’ll engage in guided creative exercises, discover new techniques, and explore the artistic expression that resonates with you.
- Evening: Wind down with a welcome dinner at Villa Shanti, a charming restaurant with a blend of French and Indian flavors. Enjoy delicious local cuisine while getting to know your fellow participants and discussing your plans for the retreat.
Day 2: Immersing in Art and Culture
- Morning: After breakfast, gather for your second art session at the guesthouse, focusing on expanding your creative skills and drawing inspiration from your surroundings.
- Afternoon: Head out for an enriching visit to Auroville, an international community known for its emphasis on sustainable living and creativity. Walk through this tranquil township and visit the iconic Matrimandir, a meditation center that encourages connection to the self and the universe. The experience is both grounding and inspiring for anyone on a creative journey.
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Tanto Pizzeria, a local favorite with delicious wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed vibe.
- Evening: Return to the guesthouse for some quiet time, allowing the day’s experiences to simmer in your mind as you continue your art sessions.
Day 3: Sunrise at Serenity Beach & Artistic Inspiration
- Early Morning: Start your day with a peaceful sunrise at Serenity Beach. Watch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, with its calming waves and golden hues—perfect for sparking creativity.
- Morning: Head back to Dumas Guesthouse for another art session, taking inspiration from the morning’s tranquil beauty.
- Afternoon: Take a break with a leisurely lunch at Coromandel cafe, then enjoy some personal time to either continue your art practice or explore the picturesque streets of Pondicherry.
- Evening: Return to your creative work, reflecting on the inspiration you’ve drawn from your time at Serenity Beach.
Day 4: Final Art Session & Farewell
- Morning: The final art session allows you to reflect on the techniques and inspirations from the past few days. You’ll have time to complete your artwork, refine your skills, and share your progress with fellow artists.
- Afternoon: Enjoy your last lunch at the guesthouse, perhaps revisiting your favorite Pondicherry dishes.
- Evening: Bid farewell to your fellow artists, take a walk around the charming French Colony, and reflect on how the retreat has inspired you. You’ll leave not just with completed artwork, but with memories of a peaceful, creative experience and a deeper connection to your artistic self.
Cost of Experience:
₹31,500 per person (Twin sharing Room)
₹64,999/- private room per person
This cost covers:
- Accommodation at the Dumas Guesthouse (Twin sharing)
- All art sessions focused on oil pastels
- Access to all cultural and nature activities
- Welcome dinner and group meals
- Personal guidance from experienced instructors
What You’ll Gain:
- Artistic Growth: Leave the retreat with enhanced oil pastel skills and a portfolio of vibrant, textured artworks.
- Inspiration: Draw inspiration from the tranquil surroundings of Pondicherry, enriching both your art and your spirit.
- Connection: Build new friendships with like-minded creatives and share in a transformative artistic experience.
What to Expect from Your Creative Retreat in Pondicherry
Embark on a transformative journey where art, nature, and culture come together in the heart of Pondicherry, the French Riviera of the East. This retreat offers a rejuvenating escape for creative souls, blending immersive art sessions with the beauty of the city’s colonial charm.
1. Cozy Stay at Dumas Guesthouse
- Comfortable & Scenic Accommodation: Dumas Guesthouse offers a peaceful and scenic retreat within the historic French Colony of Pondicherry. The heritage property is designed to help you unwind and immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. The rooms are cozy, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, allowing you to relax and be inspired.
- Cultural Charm: Surrounded by the charming streets of Pondicherry, you’ll be able to experience the fusion of French colonial and Tamil influences while having all the comforts you need to recharge.
2. Oil-Pastel Mastery
- Hands-On Learning: The heart of this retreat lies in exploring the vibrant and textured world of oil pastels. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some prior experience, our experienced instructors will guide you through detailed lessons on oil pastels. This versatile medium allows for stunning color blending and layering, and the sessions will help unlock your creative potential.
- Skill Building: You’ll start by learning the basics of oil pastels, then progressively build on your skills to create beautiful artworks. Our instructors will offer personalized guidance, ensuring that you are comfortable and confident with the medium as you progress through the retreat.
- A Therapeutic Creative Process: Art sessions are designed not just for skill development, but also to promote relaxation and self-expression. Expect to be guided in a peaceful, non-judgmental environment where you can experiment, explore, and find joy in the creative process.
3. A Connection with Nature and Culture
- Deepen Your Connection with Nature: Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Pondicherry and Auroville, where nature acts as your muse. The retreat’s outdoor activities will encourage you to draw inspiration from the serene beaches and lush surroundings.
- Cultural Exploration: The city’s colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and historic significance offer ample inspiration for artistic expression. You'll explore these cultural treasures while reflecting on your own creative journey.
4. Relaxation & Personal Growth
- Unwind in a Peaceful Setting: Beyond art, this retreat is about embracing the calm, reconnecting with yourself, and allowing for moments of reflection. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore Pondicherry, relax, or enjoy a quiet stroll around the French Colony.
- Personalized Attention: With small class sizes and personal guidance, you’ll receive the attention you need to truly connect with your artistic journey, allowing you to refine your skills at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Baikunth, Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by us and your fellow artists before settling into your beautifully appointed rooms.
Savour a special welcome lunch. It's the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow artists and toast to the inspiring days ahead!
Step outside, connecting deeply with the natural world as you gather organic treasures from the gardens and woodlands. These found objects will be the foundation for your first creative project while loosening up your creativity and grounding you in your environment. We embark on a creative journey with nature journaling.
Explore mark-making with your art materials allowing nature’s beauty to flow through your work.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, sketching abstract interpretations of the venue’s scenic landscapes. Share your work and reflect on the journey so far, exchanging impressions with your fellow artists.
As evening falls, come together for a soul-nourishing dinner
Meals include: lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Class at the Venue
Start your day with an immersive yoga session followed by a calming breakfast, setting the tone for a mindful and creative journey ahead.
In the morning session, Feel more connected to the tranquil surroundings, letting the peaceful energy of the venue inspire your process.
The afternoon is dedicated to deepening your artistic exploration within your artist’s book. Add new sketches, layers of paint, inspired by the venue’s scenic beauty, capturing the essence of its gardens and landscapes. We offer guidance as you build texture and meaning into your work, using the natural surroundings to spark your creativity.
The day winds down with a delicious dinner by the Bonfire.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3:
In the morning, sketch the stunning scenes in and around the property drawing inspiration from its architecture and the vibrant landscape around you. Notice how the sunlight gently caresses the façade, filling your sketches with life and meaning. Capture visual inspiration and gather reference photos.
Following a relaxing lunch, in the afternoon we focus on reflecting on what you’ve observed. You’ll engage in a group discussion, reviewing and finding connections to your creative vision.
The day will end with a delightful, chef-prepared dinner, where you can celebrate your progress, exchange thoughts, and enjoy the fine wine.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.Day 4: Departure
As you gather for one final breakfast, it’s time to pack up and bid farewell. Take a moment to exchange any remaining contact details and make pictures.
Note: There will be yoga and holistic wellness sessions throughthe retreat.
Art Retreats Are for Everyone!
We don’t want anyone to hear about an art retreat and think, “I’m not an artist, that’s not for me,” because there is one thing we know with absolute certainty: we all come into this world with the instinct to create and we are all artists by nature.
An art retreat is for everyone because it’s not about creating beautiful art (though you’ll do that, too!) but about exploring your creativity and breaking down the disconnect between our desire to create and taking action. For the most part, the things that hold us back from creating are things like fear of failure, imposter syndrome, guilt, shame, trauma, and simply not trusting our creative vision.
Learning to conquer self-doubt will help you with art but, more importantly, it will ripple through every aspect of your life so that you feel happier, confident, self-assured, and inspired to accomplish whatever it is your heart is set on! That’s really what we want our attendees to walk away with.
WHY WE CHOSE OIL PASTELS AS OUR ART MEDIUM?
Oil pastels are the most versatile and easy to carry (or travel with) art medium.
It offers an effortless and fascinating way of expressing your creativity, depicting colourful and magical stories on paper.
The vibrancy, textures and limitless boundaries, oil pastels rule the heart of both the artists n viewers alike!
Also, it is one medium that needs no prior preparation. You just have to pick up the colours and let your creative juices flow.
It's all about experimentation and exploration, there are no rules but we do have a few lessons for you.
We at The.Itchy.Boots, Believe Travel = Live = Learn
You acquire a skill set that will be with you for a lifetime to journal your travel stories in a sketchbook from here on.
Cost of Experience:
49999/- sharing room per person
64999/- private room per person
This includes 4 days 3 nights stay and all meals (mid-day tea breaks & high tea) in a luxe resort, Baikunth Resort, located in one of the calmest & cleanest Indian hill stations. The greenery of numerous native alpine flora species is a balm for dust - weary souls. A haven of tranquility amidst 5 acres of green pine forests, the only sounds being the wind softly rustling among the trees and the distant calls of birds. As your eyes rest on the blue skies and magnificent sunsets, the cool, pine scented air revives you as you admire the breathtaking hills and the green valley.
Baikunth offers comfort and luxury in nature’s lap, with 35 well equipped rooms & cottages, perfect for you. The spacious rooms & cottages are furnished in comfortable & exquisite style. Each room has electric kettle, satellite television, telephone and its own private balcony with a spectacular view of the valley or Kasauli hills for an enjoyable stay.
Also , we provide you with all the professional grade Korean art supplies.
And many more activities to keep you immersed.
We can help you with all the travel bookings.
