Charleston, South Carolina
September 15 to 19, 2026
Join us for 5 magical days and 4 blissful nights at our private Beach Bungalow.
Just 2 spots left!
Cost: $3095 to $4595 USD
Come exhale with us by the sea.
Join Faith and Mati for a soul-nourishing all-inclusive Abstract Bliss Retreat tucked into a dreamy seven-bedroom bungalow on Folly Beach, one of the barrier island communities south of Charleston, SC — the bungalow is a short walk from the ocean and a vibrant main street filled with charming shops, cafés, and coastal energy.
Set against the salt marshes, pastel skies, and historic beauty of Charleston’s Lowcountry, this Abstract Bliss retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise and enter a slower, more intentional rhythm.
Each morning we gather for a beautiful shared breakfast prepared by our Private Holistic Chef before transitioning into painting time together around a long beautiful table.
Through layered explorations of paint, collage, texture, and intuitive mark-making, Mati and Faith will guide you in expanding your technical skills while deepening trust in your creative voice.
Inspired by the ocean nearby, we’ll translate the textures and tones of the coast into richly layered works that feel grounded and alive.
Afternoons unfold with spacious ease — beach walks, ocean swims, wandering cobblestone streets, resting by the pool or on a screened in porch, or continuing to create. September is our favorite time here: warm enough to swim, softened by early autumn light.
This retreat is for women who crave beauty, creativity, connection, and rest — all wrapped in salty air and southern light.
The Experience
Each day we’ll gather to paint — not for perfection, but for expression. For play. For truth. For color moving through us.
Faith and Mati will gently guide you through Abstract Mixed Media painting explorations designed to create work that feels alive and uniquely yours, reconnecting you to your joy! We’ll supply a feast of art materials, you just relax and dive in!
Between painting sessions, you’ll have time to:
Walk to the ocean for sunrise or sunset swims
Take slow, nourishing morning walks along the beach
Lounge by the pool
Sip coffee on the porch
Wander to nearby boutiques and beach cafés
Even rent your own golf cart to cruise the island in true Folly style
We’ll also take you into historic downtown Charleston for a curated walking tour, sharing our favorite streets, hidden gems, art spaces, gardens, and cafés.
As locals, we’ll offer our insider knowledge of living in Charleston — the places we truly love, the beauty we return to again and again, and the stories that make this city feel magical.
The Food
Every meal is included — thoughtfully and abundantly prepared by our holistic private chef. Meals will be gourmet and locally sourced.
One evening dining at a beloved local restaurant
Three nights with our private chef cooking beautiful meals in our home
4 Fresh breakfasts and 3 lunches shared around the big open kitchen table
Expect vibrant, nourishing food that feels both celebratory and comforting, with fresh organic, local ingredients.
Balances payments are due by June 15, 2026. If you are registered for this retreat and would like to pay your balance you can do so above.
Consider this your invitation to join us for painting in paradise!
THIS TRIP WAS SO INSPIRING AND MAGICAL!
"This trip was so inspiring and magical! I loved how relaxed and in the flow the whole retreat was. Also, only having to bring watercolor supplies and some additional smaller items was fantastic. Such an amazing mix of art lessons. I loved all your painting lessons, especially the sunsets, landscapes and the florals! Thank you for all your inspiration! Missing everyone and the ocean, the outdoor studio, the sunsets, the jungle, Marta's cooking!
Vera – Morocco 2019 | Costa Rica 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023
I CAME HOME SO FULL OF INSPIRATION! I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS!
"I came home SO full of inspiration. I have so many ideas! So grateful for the beautiful boutique hotel where we stayed. The creative Mexican decor gave me tons of inspiration, so many ideas. Which inspired me to make my own versions when I came home. I am looking forward to doing more retreats with Mati and Faith. I loved not only both of you, but also your assistant and the other ladies that you are attract are so chill. I met a great tribe of ladies!"
Karla– Mexico 2024
See more Testimonials.
We will be staying someplace truly magical...a private Beach Bungalow.
SLIP ON YOUR FLIP FLOPS, COME WANDER IN...
Our seven-bedroom sanctuary is light-drenched and open, with breezy porches and a sparkling plunge pool for golden afternoon dips between painting sessions. Salt air drifts through open doors. Palms sway. The ocean calls.
Just a short stroll from the beach, the Folly Beach Pier, and the easy charm of Center Street on Folly Beach — and only 20 minutes from Charleston — this is a place for long exhale moments, shared meals, and softening into yourself.
Inside, laughter gathers in the open living space and lingers around the long dining table. The kitchen hums with chef-made meals and quiet morning coffee before sunrise beach walks.
Outside, we’ll live by the rhythm of the sun.
There is space for solitude. Space for sisterhood. Space to simply be.
Our Creativity Filled 5-day Itinerary
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DAY 1: SEPTEMBER 15
ARRIVAL, OPENING CIRCLE & WELCOME DINNER
Arrival, check in begins at 4pm, settle in, explore the cute cafes and shops of main street, wander down to the beach or relax at the house and enjoy the pool. 6pm Opening Circle, sunset viewing and delicious Welcome Dinner created by our private chef at the Beach House.
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DAY 2: SEPTEMBER 16
WALKING TOUR OF FOLLY BEACH, PAINTING WORKSHOP
After Breakfast we’ll head out for a morning stroll around the town of Folly Beach so you can get to know the area, exploring the beach and nearby shops. We’ll show you the best spot on the beach to look for shark’s teeth! Upon our return we’ll dive into a Painting workshop! Our chef will serve us a delicious lunch, after which we’ll begin exploring mixed media layers in our paintings. The afternoon will be spent Painting together, feel free take a break for pool time. In the evening we’ll enjoy sunset viewing and an amazing chef made dinner together.
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DAY 3: SEPTEMBER 17
ALL DAY PAINTING WORKSHOP DEEP DIVE, VISIT TO A BELOVED LOCAL RESTAURANT
Breakfast, optional beach time. We’ll dive into an all day Mixed Media painting workshop extravaganza. Our chef will serve us a delicious catered lunch. The afternoon will be spent deep in our painting process, exploring so many fun techniques! In the evening we’ll get ready to go out to dinner at one of the local beloved dinner spots for a true Lowcountry feast! We’ll watch the sunset over the marsh from the restaurant on a small island.
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DAY 4: SEPTEMBER 18
DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON WALKING TOUR, PAINTING WORKSHOP & EVENING ART SHOW AND CELEBRATION
Breakfast, optional beach time. This morning we’ll journey into downtown Charleston for a walking tour of the historic areas. Passing historic churches, pastel color building dripping in history. We’ll come back to our beach house for a delicious lunch, afterwards we’ll finish up our paintings from the week together in our final painting workshop. We’ll enjoy an evening group art show and closing celebration before a fantastic dinner by our private chef!
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DAY 5: SEPTEMBER 19
Delicious Breakfast & farewell. Checkout will be by 10am.
PLEASE NOTE: This is our prospective itinerary. Small changes may be made due to weather, desires of the group and unexpected opportunities.
MY FAVORITE PART WAS BEING IN THE COMPANY OF OTHER CREATIVE SPIRITS.
"I absolutely loved the amazing Costa Rica art retreat with Mati and Faith! I made collaborative art, learned about flower essences, made new friends, and got to experience all the beauty being in nature had to bring. My favorite part was being in the company of other creative spirits and watching what unfolded in a spontaneous way. It is pure magic!”
Nikki – Costa Rica 2017
COLOR AND NATURE HAS A DEEP BEAUTY TO HEAL AND REORIENT ME TOWARDS MY TRUTH WHICH I FEEL CLOSER TO UPON MY RETURN TO GRAY WINTER. SO GRATEFUL THAT I SAID YES AND WENT!
"At first it all felt frivolous. Leaving my family, with young children, to go on an art retreat in Mexico. Then it all felt brave. And by the time I left it all felt necessary. During the retreat I was immersed in painting and discovered treasures along the way: There is deep relief in being seen and in belonging. Its never too late to learn something new and it is a brave thing to do. Color and nature has a deep beauty to heal and reorient me towards my truth, which I feel closer to upon my return to gray winter. So grateful to Mati and Faith for leading this retreat and to all of the women that I got to be with, and the fact that I said YES and went!”
Leah – Mexico 2024
Daily painting lessons taught by Faith & Mati
Our focus will be on filling your cup up with inspiration, and integrating meditative styles of painting and mixed media to slow down, grounding you in your painting practice. We’ll be using the beach, ocean, sky and flora & fauna as a visual feast of inspiration all around us from which we will collect colors, shapes, patterns….which we’ll develop in our paintings in so many ways. We’ll explore playful mark making techniques, collage and layering our art in joyful ways. At the end of our time together you'll leave refreshed & restored, with new ways of seeing and tons of new skills under your belt to invigorate your painting practice back home! Many of our painting lessons will be based on our bestselling book Painting The Sacred Within and our popular courses.
You will have around the clock access to our own art supply buffet!
We’ll supply all of your art supplies, but you are welcome to bring your favorites as well!
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT?
5 day/4 night accommodation in a private 7 bedroom house at Folly Beach, South Carolina, with a private pool & a short walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
All meals included! Enjoy daily breakfast and lunch catered by a private chef—lots of amazing yummy fresh local food.
4 delicious chef made dinners: Our holistic chef will pamper us with the most amazing food! We’ll enjoy 3 dinners together at the beach house and one dinner out together during the week at a popular beloved local restaurant with the best sunset view!
Walking tour of downtown Charleston, we’ll show you around to all of our favorites, including famous rainbow row and beautiful historic streets.
In depth mixed media painting workshops with Mati and Faith: we’ll do a deep dive into our painting favorite painting processes with you in 3 day long painting workshops. You’ll end the week with many finished paintings and so many new techniques to take home with you and continue your painting journey with renewed confindence and depth.
All art supplies and access to our abundant art supply buffet: don’t worry about bringing along any art supplies, we’ll supply everything you need, just show up!
Flower Crown opening circle, we’ll teach you how to create a beautiful goddess flower crown.
a gift bag when you arrive, full of goodies & gifts for you to use in your art making!
beach access, a few minute walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
private swimming pool, surrounded by lounges....the perfect place to refresh, morning or afternoon.
free time to explore the local beauty, and nurture relationships with other creative women.
a short walking distance to Folly Beach’s main street, a fun, beachy, hip enclave, with cute restaurants, juice bar, shops, spas and yoga. Lots of fun places to stop in.
Also as a bonus gift for our lovely retreaters: ~You'll receive FREE access to In the Flow: Unconventional Watercolor Adventures; our online watercolor painting class with Faith & Mati (a $299 value).
I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE AND HAVE A NEW WELL OF ENDLESS INSPIRATION TO DRAW FROM!
"I'm full of joy and creativity from our retreat, it was just such a special time. Faith and Mati, thank you again so much for creating such an amazing artful & soulful retreat- I had the time of my life and have a new well of endless inspiration to draw from! What a gift this, and you, have been to me!"
Michelle – Costa Rica 2018
I IMMEDIATELY FELL INTO THE FLOW OF MY CREATIVITY AND AWAKENED A PART OF ME THAT I HAD SO VERY MUCH MISSED!
"When I found out about Faith and Mati's first retreat to Costa Rica, I thought 'How AMAZING, but there's no way I can go' ... the time... the kids, etc. But thankfully I had an epiphany that it was time for me to do something for myself, and I made the leap! I hadn't painted in YEARS, too many to even say. In college I had studied visual and performing arts, and eventually became a graphic designer. But between life, my family, and career, the artist in me became more and more distant. I was creative as designer, but very differently than I had once been. I was really nervous about what I would or would not be able to put on a canvas and had so many of my own judgements. But between Faith and Mati's teachings and the divinity and bliss of Nosara, Costa Rica, I immediately fell into the flow of my creativity and awakened a part of me that I had so very much missed. Faith and Mati teach with such fluidity and guidance that speaks to all levels of artists. They really know how to take the fear out to let your inner creativity flow. For that I am forever grateful."
Jen – Costa Rica 2015 | Charleston 2016
See more Testimonials.
FAQs
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5 day/4 night accommodation in a private 7 bedroom house at Folly Beach, South Carolina, with a private pool & a short walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
All meals included! Enjoy daily breakfast and lunch catered by a private chef—lots of amazing yummy fresh local food.
4 delicious chef made dinners: Our holistic chef will pamper us with the most amazing food! We’ll enjoy 3 dinners together at the beach house and one dinner out together during the week at a popular beloved local restaurant with the best sunset view!
Walking tour of downtown Charleston, we’ll show you around to all of our favorites, including famous rainbow row and beautiful historic streets.
In depth mixed media painting workshops with Mati and Faith: we’ll do a deep dive into our painting favorite painting processes with you in 3 day long painting workshops. You’ll end the week with many finished paintings and so many new techniques to take home with you and continue your painting journey with renewed confindence and depth.
All art supplies and access to our abundant art supply buffet: don’t worry about bringing along any art supplies, we’ll supply everything you need, just show up!
Flower Crown opening circle, we’ll teach you how to create a beautiful goddess flower crown.
a gift bag when you arrive, full of goodies & gifts for you to use in your art making!
beach access, a few minute walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
private swimming pool, surrounded by lounges....the perfect place to refresh, morning or afternoon.
free time to explore the local beauty, and nurture relationships with other creative women.
a short walking distance to Folly Beach’s main street, a fun, beachy, hip enclave, with cute restaurants, juice bar, shops, spas and yoga. Lots of fun places to stop in.
Also as a bonus gift for our lovely retreaters: ~You'll receive FREE access to In the Flow: Unconventional Watercolor Adventures; our online watercolor painting class with Faith & Mati (a $299 value).
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Your airfare and ground transportation to and from the Beach House are not included in the cost.
Alcohol is not included in the retreat. If you would like to purchase beer or wine there are shops within walking distance of the house.
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Yes, proof of traveler’s insurance will be required in order for you to attend the retreat. This protects your trip.
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That is totally personal and depends on how much shopping or free time activities you plan to do. There are beach boutiques and cafes within a short walk of the Beach House. ATM's are available to you nearby.
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The Beach House is a luscious and intimate retreat space, we will have the entire property at our disposal. Five of the rooms are single occupancy. One room is double occupancy. One room is a quad occupancy bunk room. Each of their rooms are unique, make sure you choose the one that suits you best. We will do our best to pair you up with someone we think you'll match well with. On our retreats the sharing of rooms has fostered close bonds of friendship within the group.
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The food prepared by our private chef at the Beach House will be gourmet, holistic and locally sourced. Expect bold flavors, high quality ingredients, mostly organic and locally sourced. This is a dining experience that highlights beautiful ingredients and real food. Her meals are prepared the old fashion way – from scratch. The only dietary restriction that she can accommodate is Vegetarian.
Meals will vary daily, here is a sampling:
Breakfast: Seasonal Veggie Frittata, toast, Greek Yogurt bowls with fruit, crispy bacon, bagels and lox.
Lunch: Salad Nicoise- Think platter style with tuna, eggs, olives, fresh veg, potatoes and a lemony dijon vinaigrette. Summery Sundried Tomato Soup, Fresh Bread.
Dinner: Local Catch, Snap Pea, Shallots, Lemon & Goat Cheese Salad, Roasted Seasonal Veg, Leafy Greens Salad- Red and Green leaf lettuces, spinach, artichokes, pine nuts, chives, vinaigrette, Summer Berry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
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The Beach House is located on Folly Beach, one of the barrier islands south of Charleston, SC. Folly Beach is about a 40 minute drive from Charleston international airport. We recommend that you take an Uber, Lift or a Taxi from the airport to the beach house. This trip varies by time of day and traffic but should cost around $65. On our departure day we need to check out and depart the Beach House by 10am.
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When booking your flight please fly into Charleston International Airport. We recommend booking your flights at least 60 days before the beginning of the retreat.
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Weather in Charleston in September is our favorite! It is beautiful, warm and pleasant with average highs in the mid-80s°F. and lows in the low 70s°F, marking a slight cool down from summer. While afternoons are still warm and humid, the weather is ideal for beach or pool activities. Occasional heavy rain and potential afternoon thunderstorms are possible.
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We will provide you with canvases and mixed media art supplies. We’ll offer lots of fun supplies for you to play with on the retreat in our 24 hour art supply bar! If you would like to bring any of your favorite art materials go for it, but you don’t need to bring them. Don't forget to pack a bathing suit and sarong, and some light layers for cooler evenings!
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The use of Marijuana and Psychedelics is currently illegal in South Carolina. Illegal drugs are not permitted on the retreat grounds. We will not be providing any alcohol for the retreat, but you can purchase alcohol for your own use. We ask that you drink in moderation.
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There will be no refunds for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about traveling to Charleston, South Carolina.
You've got more questions, we've got answers.
View our extended Retreat FAQs .
I RECOMMITTED TO MAKING ART A REGULAR PART OF MY LIFE. I LEFT FEELING SO PEACEFUL, REJUVENATED & INSPIRED.
"My first retreat with Faith and Mati was in Charleston, SC. It was so wonderful. We did loads of painting, had great food, and I left feeling so peaceful, rejuvenated and inspired. I recommitted to making art a regular part of my life. Attending The Morocco Retreat was like something straight out of an exotic travel magazine. Everything was above and beyond my expectations. There were so many pieces of the trip, clearly well thought out making traveling to a foreign country a breeze. This included guides which knew the best places to shop, and helped us feel safe, lovely accommodations, and lots of adventures each day to fully experience Morocco from the rug shopping, the souks, the hammam, trips to gardens, the mountains and more. I will definitely be signing up for another one of Faith and Mati’s retreats!"
Lisa – Charleston 2016 | Morocco 2017
IT TURNS OUT THERE JUST AREN’T ENOUGH WORDS TO DESCRIBE SUCH A WONDROUS, AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I WOULD GO ANYWHERE WITH MATI AND FAITH.
"Mati and Faith, I’m still awash of memories. Never picking up a paintbrush nor participating in a retreat, I certainly didn’t know what to expect. But it turns out there just aren’t enough words to describe such a wondrous, amazing experience. My fellow retreaters were inspiring, accepting, encouraging and just plain fun. Mati and Faith seem to attract very special people. Wonderful experiences were planned by Mati and Faith but they made sure we had plenty of free time. San Miguel with its explosion of color is charming and lovely, as well as safe. Delicious restaurants, great shopping, cultural experiences and much more. Our accommodation, with its lovely sitting areas, beautiful courtyards, rooftop gardens and gallery quality artwork was an adventure into itself. Would I do it again? I would go anywhere with Mati and Faith."
Bev – Mexico 2024
See more Testimonials.
What will a typical day be like at the Beach Bungalow?
It’s an intimate chill nourishing experience— of only 13 women. Our routine there is to bring coffee to the pool or go out for an early walk to the beach, and come back and eat a delicious fresh chef made breakfast, then take a dip in the pool, take an outdoor shower. Then we will begin diving into mixed media painting layers! Then we’ll jump in the pool again and take a break with an exquisite fresh lunch. In the afternoons we either will paint more or go on some adventures in Charleston together until sunset. Then we’ll enjoy another incredible meal prepared by our private chef for dinner. Then you’ll have free time to relax, return to the beach, pool or explore the local shops and nightlife. Best of all we’ll enjoy nourishing the awesome new friendships & art cultivated in this pocket of time!!”
We hope you’ll join us on this magical retreat!
PLEASE NOTE: $1500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR SPOT. TOTAL BALANCE IS DUE JUNE 15TH, 2026. After that, all payments must be made in full upon registration. Once we receive your deposit we will be in touch and send you timely updates and travel tips as needed.
Due to the high amount of interest, and limited number of spots, we expect this retreat to sell out quickly. We encourage you to put your deposit down early, that way you'll have the maximum amount of time to comfortably space out your payments. Prices are per person and do not include transportation and airfare.
Quad Occupancy Room with Bunk Beds
$3095, 2 Spots Left
Deposit Only
$1500 (due now)
$1595 (due 06/15/2026)
Private King Room w/ Ensuite Bath
$4595, Sold Out
Deposit Only
$1500 (due now)
$3095 (due 06/15/2026)
READ THE FINE PRINT ABOUT OUR RETREATS HERE.
Have questions? See our Retreat FAQs. Have more questions? Feel free to shoot us an email. See you in Charleston!
Charleston, SC Overnight Agreement & Waiver 2026: During registration, you will be prompted to fill out and sign an online registration, agreement & waiver to fill out and sign. To download and view the Charleston, SC Overnight Agreement & Waiver 2026 as a PDF, click here.
THIS RETREAT TOUCHED MY HEART SO DEEPLY AND REMINDED ME OF THE CONSTANT CREATIVITY, LOVE, BEAUTY & KINSHIP AVAILABLE TO ME!
"This retreat touched my heart so deeply and reminded me of the constant creativity, love, beauty and kinship that is available to me. Ya fattah (The way opener) for many more years of special friendships and creative energy in this beautiful place, filling up women to their core."
Brittany – Costa Rica 2017
THE RETREAT OPENED UP POSSIBILITIES FOR ME, IT ALLOWED ME TO SEE THE MANY CREATIVE PATHS THAT WE CAN TAKE IN LIFE.
"I recently attended a Costa Rica Art Retreat with Faith and Mati. If you want to be inspired, take a vacation, right? About 7 years ago, I went on my first art retreat with them and it changed so many things for me. It opened up the possibilities for me and allowed me to see the many creative paths that we can take in life. For that, I’m forever grateful. Luckily, Faith and Mati continue to host this retreat and I was able to go this year (and a second time previously too!)!! I definitely have a love for this place and The Jungle Beach House where we stay for the retreat. I really enjoyed the painting demos and prompts to create, the group paintings we did, and the various mediums we used. I especially fell in love with the gold and silver leafing we explored, and the watercolor landscapes I created with them. Such a wonderful group of women! We painted, watched sunsets, swam, ate delicious food and explored Nosara!"
Debbie – Costa Rica 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023
