None of the Villas have wheelchair access. There are steps in the villas. On our adventures, there are cobbled roads and unmade paths so you need to be confident in walking unaided at a leisurely pace.
When in Turkey
Bodrum Milas airport is the closest international airport for Turkey with most people entering Turkey initially via Istanbul, however, there are also direct flights from major European cities.
Be aware there are two international airports in Istanbul Attaturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and if you have a connecting flight to Bodrum you may need to allow time to get from one airport to the other. Travel between the two airports can take more than 4 hours due to horrendous traffic.
Our advice is that you ensure your domestic flight is from the same airport as your international flight.
You can also take a ferry boat from the island of Kos in Greece arriving in Bodrum Harbour. That trip takes about 45 minutes to Bodrum and then from Bodrum to the Villa can be by taxi takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
At the commencement of the Escapade we will collect you from the closest airport, port or train station.
When in France
In France you can fly to Nice, Marseille, Lyon or Paris with train trips closer to the Village in France. We use several Villas in France some in the countryside and some in petite villages we will provide detailed instructions at the time of booking.
We will collect you from Avignon, Nimes or Marseilles.
Getting to Turkey or France
We are happy to discuss this with you over the phone or vial email.
This is the beauty of the small group of women. It is perfect for those who enjoy some time with a group and other times alone. Of course, you are welcome to bring a friend but it must be another woman.
Our guests want the experience we offer when they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.
No. You are given a double room and most times with your own ensuite.
Of course you can share a room and the cost per person is reduced by 25%.
Yes of course providing you are a woman or identify with being female.
Why not? We want these gatherings to be about you and about the fun, nurturing and creative spirit which is generated by a small group of women. The dynamic of a “Women Only” environment is very different and makes for an exciting experience.
Yes. We will try to accommodate all dietary requirements for all meals included when notified at the time of booking.
Food is one of the most exciting parts of this adventure. It’s not just about the art. There may be some familiar fare but hopefully, you will also try dishes that are new and delicious to you.
All breakfasts are included and are very much based on the typical breakfast of Turkey when we are there or France when we are there with a little bit of flexibility. For example, at times we may have pancakes or porridge and muesli is always available with freshly squeezed juices, great coffee and a range of teas both green and black.
It is safe to drink the tap water in the Villas and we will advise well in advance of our adventures if ever it is not recommended.
We recommend you bring a metal water bottle and a day pack when we venture out.
Yes, we supply all materials required for each art retreat. You are of course welcome to bring your own materials if you wish, but be warned as sometimes customs can be difficult with some paints.
You will take your art work home with you.
Naturally, when the resident artist is a photographer you will need to bring your own camera.
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory and should be taken out at the time of booking. You must provide proof of your travel insurance 14 days prior to the commencement of the art retreat otherwise we sadly cannot accommodate you.
At a minimum, your travel insurance should be 'comprehensive', providing cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of AUD $300,000.00. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We do not arrange insurance for our guests. It is beyond our expertise.
We recommend that you check with your local French or Turkish Embassy as visa rules can change without warning. Embassy websites in your home country will generally have comprehensive information.
The safety of guests and artists is our priority so we monitor world events closely and have appropriate contacts at all locations where we stay.
We make decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources including the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). If the advice of DFAT is at Level 4 then we will not go. So far this has not been an issue.
While we take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe one there is always some risk just as at home. I must say the only place I have had my pocket picked was a major European city. We are on higher alert for pickpockets at train stations at all times in France. Travel insurance is crucial and a lockable day pack or handbag with a zip that you can sling over your shoulders can make you feel more comfortable.
We recommend having access to money from a variety of sources – cash, cards and travel money cards are all commonly used.
Yes in the Villas. Although there can at times be power cuts, we are staying in high end accommodation with all the mod cons it is unlikely.
We recommend you see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about vaccination requirements.
We have a network of professionals in the vicinity of the retreats as well as family and friends so we are well situated to deal with any situation calmly and quickly. If you must leave early due to illness we will ensure you receive medical treatment and liaise with your contact person back home to keep them informed of the situation at all times. We will do whatever we can to get you home or wherever you need to be. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.
Absolutely not. It is entirely up to you, however, the cost remains the same regardless whether or not you wish to participate. Each retreat is about you and your needs.
If you are late due to unforeseen circumstances or flight delays, simply telephone, text or email us. Your travel insurance should cover this also.
The Villas have wifi. Access however can sometimes not be perfect.
Who knows? Chat to your phone provider before you leave about global roaming and the costs involved, and get their advice on the coverage you’ll receive where we are. You can also pick up a local sim card on the cheap (just make sure your phone is unlocked!).
Yes but bring the appropriate travel adaptor with you as well an extra battery for your camera.
