What People Are Saying About
Abstract Bliss Retreats
THIS WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE VACATIONS EVER AND I CAME HOME REJUVENATED!! FULL OF BEAUTY AND DISCOVERY.
"My stay in Marrakech was full of beauty and discovery! I was cared for with amazing food and comfort. Mati and Faith have the experience so beautifully planned out, with perfect doses of discovering Marrakech, time for creativity, and time to relax and soak up the magic of Morocco! This was one of my favorite vacations ever AND I came home rejuvenated!!"
Sarah – Morocco 2023
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
THEY HAVE CRAFTED SUCH A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE IN EVERY DETAIL; ONE WHICH I WILL CARRY WITH ME FOR A LIFETIME.
"After two years of missing out on travel due to the pandemic, I jumped at the chance to sign up for the Marrakech retreat and it was one of the best life decisions I have ever made. I knew that it would mean unlocking two bucket-list items at once: visiting Morocco and attending an art retreat. What I didn’t expect was the absolute joy of sharing those experiences in the company of such an amazing group of women. Faith and Mati are the perfect guides and teachers. They have crafted such a beautiful experience in every detail; one which I will carry with me for a lifetime. And their art instruction, along with the energy and beauty of Marrakech, has poured new inspiration into my art practice."
Kaci – Morocco 2022
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 STILL FEEL THE ECHOS OF THE RETREAT’S IMPRINT ON ME YEARS LATER.
"Thinking about my time in Morocco and all the luscious patterned rugs and textiles, the textures of the Medina walls and the incredible pink sky as it stormed on the night I arrived in Marrakech. The beauty I soaked up on my retreat there with kindred spirits Mati and Faith, and some soul-searching solo travel afterwards. I still feel the echos of its imprint on me years later. It was a beautiful combination of the soul of Morocco seeping into my heart and these women helping me to reawaken parts of myself, and the power of reclaiming my independence."
Ginger – Morocco 2018
MY HEART BLOSSOMED OPEN AND WAS FILLED WITH COLOR AND A WARMTH I’LL TREASURE ALL OF MY DAYS.
"Two years ago today I landed in Marrakech, Morocco for 10 life changing days. My time began with a women’s art retreat with Abstract Bliss Retreats and ended with 3 days exploring the city solo. I loved every minute of my adventure, here are some highlights… My matching dress and rug moment, the friendships formed, the Majorelle Gardens, playing with watercolor, the color and detail everywhere, mint tea, late night giggles with my roomie, rug shopping, our cozy raid, and the vibrant people! My heart blossomed open and was filled with color and a warmth I’ll treasure all my days. I dream of the day I can go back."
Elspeth – 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
I CAME HOME FEELING FULLY NOURISHED AND INSPIRED!
“Faith and Mati created such a beautiful and inspiring experience for us in the rich beauty of San Miguel. From the magical hotel, lovely group painting time on the rooftop terrace, to the fabulous food tour, natural fabric dying workshop and the wonderful group of creative women they attracted, I came home feeling fully nourished and inspired. Thank you Faith and Mati!"
Andrea – Mexico 2024
I REALLY FOUND AN AWAKENING IN MY OWN ART PRACTICE!
"At first I was hesitant to invest the money in myself to travel to Costa Rica, but oh my goodness what a life affirming experience to spend time in the presence of such a wonderful group of artists. The facilitators Mati and Faith are so generous with their sharing, with their willingness to be present, and to sincerely connect with everyone who comes. It feels like it's a week to simply be in community, relax, make art, dip in the ocean and be enriched by the many, many insights Mati and Faith share. I really found an awakening in my own art practice and traveled back a subsequent year. I highly recommend choosing this over many other art retreats simply because of the sense of belonging you'll experience and the generosity of the teachers."
Mieka — Costa Rica 2016, 2017
FAITH & MATI ARE NURTURING AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING, THEY ARE GENEROUS AND THOUGHTFUL WITH THEIR INSIGHT AND TEACHING.
"I have had the privilege of participating in two Painting the Sacred Within retreats with Faith Evans-Sills and Mati Rose McDonough. Each retreat has been unique unto itself with the common theme being ‘you are most welcome here’. Faith and Mati understand that students are at all different levels and that we each have strengths and weaknesses. They are nurturing and confidence building and meet each student where they are rather than trying to force us all into one mold. The lesson materials for each class are very detailed and complete. Everything is spelled out and there is no need to try and guess how to achieve a certain technique. They are both generous and thoughtful with their insight and teaching. What’s most special about the experience is that their love for their craft and sharing it is most evident. There is no short supply of engaging activities and of course coming back to paint is welcomed. Every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully curated and each location has inspiring, wonderful qualities to offer. I would highly recommend a retreat with Faith and Mati, to get a taste of adventure, learn painting techniques, create beautiful art and celebrate friendship and womanhood."
Myriam – Omega Institute 2018 | Mexico 2019
MY TIME IN COSTA RICA WITH MATI AND FAITH WAS SUCH A DREAM.
"My time in Costa Rica with Mati and Faith was such a dream. I met so many of my art buddies in real life at this retreat and loved creating along with the group in a relaxed and free way. I totally recommend Mati and Faith and their gorgeous team as the most beautiful and thoughtful hosts to make your art holiday a memorable and valuable one!"
Susan – Costa Rica 2017
DON’T TELL MY FAMILY THIS, BUT THE COSTA RICA RETREAT WAS MY FAVORITE VACATION!
"Best. Vacation. EVER!
Don’t tell my family this, but the Costa Rica retreat was my favorite vacation. Art every morning and afternoon with such a special group of women, accompanied by fantastic breakfast AND lunch by the chef at the house. Swim in the ocean, swim in the pool, and impromptu dance party in the evening. All of my favorite things!!"
Julia– Costa Rica 2016
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
TRULY TRANSFORMATIVE, MATI & FAITH HAVE PUT TOGETHER SUCH A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED AND SPECIAL TRIP.
"Mati and Faith have put together such a beautifully curated and special trip. The light, the colours, the space to explore our creativity and the rare luxury of indulging in our senses… all of these things were so soul-restoring. The food was incredible. The people were fantastic, from the group of women to our riad hosts and our amazing guide Hamza. By the end of our time together I felt totally comfortable in a part of the world I likely never would have visited on my own. Truly transformative."
Isa – Morocco 2022
PROFOUNDLY IMPACTFUL ON EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE, I GAINED CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF AS AN ARTIST BUT ALSO AS A PERSON.
"I feel very lucky that I was able to participate in the 2022 Morocco Artist Retreat. It isn't often that a person comes across an experience that is so profoundly impactful on every area of their life. Traveling across the world to do art with an incredible group of women, led by two of my favorite artists, took me out of my comfort zone. I gained confidence in myself as an artist, but also as a person. The entire trip was thoughtfully curated by Faith and Mati with such heart and attention to detail. I am forever grateful to you both and to our wonderful group of artists."
Martha – Morocco 2022
VISITING MARRAKECH WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. I LOVED ABSOLUTELY EVERY MINUTE. THE EXPERIENCES WERE UNFORGETTABLE!
"Visiting Marrakech was a dream come true. I loved absolutely every minute of the trip. Mati and Faith thought of every detail; I felt so taken care of, which allowed me to truly relax and take in the entire rush of visual stimulation that Marrakech offers! Riad Yasmine is utterly charming and located right in the medina it was easy to walk everywhere and feel a part of the flow of life in this magnificent city that holds so much history, tradition, energy and visual richness. The experiences were unforgettable, and to share it with such an interesting, open, supportive group of women was so much a part of the fun. Each day was filled with well planned activities in fascinating locations. The food was superb, everything prepared fresh with so much attention and care. We were treated with such warmth and graciousness every moment of our stay. I am so incredibly grateful to have had the chance to join this retreat. I remain inspired and awed by all I have seen and done. Thank you so much Faith and Mati!"
Deborah – Morocco 2022
THIS EXTRAORDINARY CREATIVE RETREAT IN MOROCCO WAS HANDS DOWN THE MOST CREATIVE SENSORY EXPLOSION/EXPERIENCE OF MY WHOLE LIFE! GO!
"Mati and Faith led an extraordinary creative retreat in Morocco and it changed everything! It was, hands down, the most creative sensory explosion/experience of my whole life. SO MUCH color. So much texture. So much to see, to smell, to taste. And it was amazing. I want to remember the beauty of Marrakech. I LOVED the mix of colors and tiles and how beauty is valued and created here. I want to remember how the retreat was a lovely mix of making art and exploring Marrakech (think souk markets, art galleries, rugs, camels, food, and so much more). Mati and Faith introduced me to watercolors, for which I’ll be forever grateful. Once I got going, I could. not. stop. Who knew watercolors were so cool? I had no idea! I want to remember the beauty of ALL THE RUGS! Friends, I came home with a stash of rugs. I want to remember meeting camels, these gentle giants, and the full moon and sky and the magic of it all. If you ever have a chance to attend one of Mati + Faith’s retreats, go! "
Kelly Rae – Morocco 2019
IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO SPEND THE WEEK WITH YOU, TO WITNESS AND BE WITNESSED, TO CREATE BEAUTY, TO FILL THE INSPIRATION WELL!
"My heart is full, thank you! Feeling very grateful for this amazing group of women. It was such an honor to spend the week with you, to witness and be witnessed, to create beauty, to fill the inspiration well, to adventure, and talk about all the real things that life holds. I’m coming home feeling so rejuvenated. Mati and Faith thank you for holding space and encouraging us to play! And for bringing us all together in such a sacred way & special place (where healthy breakfast magically appears, oh man I’ll miss that!). San Miguel is magic!"
Ginger – Mexico 2024
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
SAN MIGUEL WAS OUTSTANDING…ABSENTING OURSELVES FROM THE DAILY GRIND PROVED TO OFFER EACH OF US SOLACE!
"San Miguel was outstanding and my ability to stay with the kind-hearted Abstract Bliss Retreat art folk was very appealing. I am so grateful for your inclusion of me and my sister. Thank you for planting the seed of alluring art retreats in my brain. Absenting ourselves from the daily grind proved to offer each of us solace! Thank you Mati and Faith for your kindness. All of your other retreats look so tempting!"
Linda – Mexico 2024
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
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
MY HEART IS FULL! THANK YOU MATI AND FAITH FOR YOUR AMAZING GUIDANCE!
"What a week it's been. I feel so blessed to have been with such an amazing group of women artists during our Painting the Sacred Within retreat in San Miguel. We laughed, we cried, we shared our stories, we shared meals family style, we channeled Frida Kahlo, we explored the city, we painted alongside each other - some of us beginners, some of us masters, but all of us so supportive and so willing to lift each other up and hold each other sacred. Thank you Mati and Faith for your amazing guidance and truly inspirational talents. And - to my retreat sisters - I feel truly honored to have shared this time with you all and so grateful to have you as friends! My heart is full!"
Julia – Mexico 2019
I RETURNED HOME WITH A SENSE OF CREATIVE WHOLENESS AND MADE SOME LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS.
"My recent trip to Morocco with Faith and Mati was the soulful healing I needed. I have been painting for years, and was in a bit of a creative lull. I was looking forward to spending time with like-minded women and seeing a new area of the world...and hopefully leaving with some inspiration. By painting with other women and delving into the creative process in such a spiritual place, I ended up uncovering some deeper truths and returning home with a sense of creative wholeness. My trip to Marrakesh was a gift in so many ways..... and Mati and Faith's guidance made it possible. Not only did I have a wonderful experience, but I left having made some lifelong friendships."
Daniela – Morocco 2017
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
THEY HELPED TO OPEN A CHANNEL WITHIN ME THAT RESULTED IN PROLIFIC PAINTING, DROPPING THE FEAR, AND PURSUING MY LIFE’S PASSION.
"I had my first taste of intuitive painting in Costa Rica, it emerged in a magical setting on retreat with inspiring women Faith and Mati as guiding lights in a period of darkness. They helped to open a channel within me that resulted in prolific painting, dropping the fear and pursuing my life's passion."
Jenan – Costa Rica 2018
I’M EXCITED TO RETURN HOME FULL OF INSPIRATION AND READY TO ALLOW NEW LEARNING TO UNFOLD WITH AN OPEN HEART.
"This week in Costa Rica I focused on the practice of being wild hearted and learning how to let go. I'm so thankful for all of the women I got to spend time with and learn from, at the Pura Vida Retreat with Mati Rose and Faith Evans-Sills. I feel so blessed to call all of these ladies my friends. I didn't understand what holding space was before this experience but after feeling the unconditional love and acceptance and lack of judgement this week I've come away with an appreciation for creating an environment that nurtures others while they are on their journey. I'm excited to return home full of inspiration and ready to allow new learning to unfold with an open heart."
Christine – Costa Rica 2016, 2017
I LEFT WITH DEEP SOUL CONNECTIONS WITH MY NEW FRIENDS, FAITH & MATI PERFECTLY PLANNED AN ADVENTUROUS, EXCITING ITINERARY.
"My week in Morocco with Faith and Mati was truly magical. I didn't know anyone on the retreat before I left, but I felt called to go. I left Morocco with deep soul connections with my new friends and some fabulous treasures from the souk markets. Faith and Mati perfectly planned an adventurous and exciting itinerary, and I felt safe and welcome the entire time. I cannot wait to attend another retreat with them soon!"
Carolyn – Morocco 2016
I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS TRIP ALL YEAR LONG! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM & CREATING THESE RETREATS!
"This was my third time on the Sacred Within Painting in Paraiso retreat in Costa Rica. I look forward to this trip all year long. Mati and Faith create a space that is so nurturing for my creativity to flow while I learn new techniques to apply to my art. I have met some of the coolest, strongest, bravest, beautiful souls on these retreats. I'm thankful that these women have become lifelong friends. So much Love and gratitude to Mati and Faith for sharing their wisdom and creating this retreat."
Barbara – Costa Rica 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 | Morocco 2019, 2022, 2023 | Mexico 2024
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 EXPERIENCE OF TRAVEL & LEARNING NEW TECHNIQUES ALL WHILE BEING A PART OF A SUPER SUPPORTIVE GROUP OF WOMEN WAS BEYOND PRICELESS!
"Faith and Mati’s retreats are truly magical! The experience of travel and learning new techniques all while being a part of a super supportive group of women was beyond priceless!"
Cassie – Mexico 2019
IF YOU WANT TO FEEL NURTURED & TRULY AWAKENED, THESE RETREATS ARE 100% HAPPINESS!
"When people ask what my favorite memories are I can say it’s been traveling to beautiful destinations with Mati and Faith! I’ve gone to Costa Rica and Morocco with them and both trips have changed my life for the better! Not only are you discovering new places, but also exploring parts of yourself through art making. Being able to travel and create colorful artwork while making new friendships have been the most transformative and joyful moments in my life. If you want to be nurtured and truly feel awakened, I suggest art retreats because it’s 100% happiness!"
Lily – Costa Rica 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022 | Morocco 2017
COULD NOT ASK FOR BETTER INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE ME FEEL WELCOMED AND RIGHT AT HOME!
"My trip to Marrakech with Faith and Mati was like no other. It was the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and reflection. We explored places and had experiences I would not have done on my own. It was also so great getting to know everyone in the group with different backgrounds. We arrived as strangers and left as friends. Even the team at the Riad and our private tour guide were amazing - could not have asked for better individuals to make us feel welcomed and right at home!"
Julie – Morocco 2022
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
SO AMAZING, AND SO WELL RUN!
"If you are tempted to go on this Retreat DO IT!! So amazing, and so well run!"
Amy – Morocco 2018
THANK YOU FOR THE EXTREMELY SPECIAL RETREAT!
"We had a fantastic time in Marrakech with the group and with each other, I went on the Retreat with a long distance friend that I rarely see. We loved it there as we didn’t just paint but did so much more, I enjoyed the company with Faith and Mati and all the other ladies in the group it was special, the Riad we stayed in was cozy and comfortable and the food there was delicious at the Riad and at the restaurants, loved the meditations, loved shopping in the souks there, did an amazing camel ride, and the spa day was an incredible treat and surprise. On the whole it was a self discovery Retreat for me. Mary Leigh and I are always in touch and hope to go to Costa Rica with you, as well as we loved the experience we had in Marrakech. Thank you for the extremely special Retreat and experience as it brought so much more than expected."
Leena – Morocco 2017
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO YOU BOTH FOR SUCH A FULFILLING WEEK!
"I am so grateful to you both for such a fulfilling week! I can’t say it enough! Will definitely try to let the inspiration spill into my everyday life at home. Thank you!!”
Peggy – Costa Rica 2023
