Soak in the Inspiration
A Creative Adventure in the heart of New Mexico
October 2nd – 7th & October 9th – 14th, 2025
Join us in the enchanting desert landscapes of Santa Fe! Known for its world-class art galleries, rich indigenous community of artisans not to mention some pretty delicious cuisine the Southwest is known for, we can’t wait to soak it all in!
Get inspired by amazing artworks, enjoy cooking classes and hands-on workshops with local artists, and treat yourself with a soak in the soothing waters of Ojo Santa Fe!
This journey is for anyone looking to explore their creative side, and all of our activities and workshops are for beginners and seasoned artists alike! No Art experience necessary!
Our adventure begins in the heart of Santa Fe where we’ll explore the Historic Plaza with all its history with a behind-the-scenes tour that ends on a sweet note with a truffle tasting, yes please! The yuminess continues as we head out to Santa Fe School of Cooking for a special hands-on demo and artisanal lunch. No visit would be complete without a stop at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where we’ll take in the beautiful paintings of this prolific artist.
Our journey continues to the famed Canyon Road known for its world-class art galleries and beautiful scenery. We’ll weave our way through with a curated tour highlighting women artists in the region along with free time to wander and explore. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a fun workshop with our guide Elaine Ritchel as we dive into the fun world of Watercolor Desertscapes!
The fun continues with a visit to the charming town of Chimayo, featuring multiple artisans from decorative tin works to textile and weaving artists. In the afternoon, it’s time to get creative again; join us for a special Mixed-Media Workshop with local artist Sandra Martinez!
Our magical adventure ends on a soothing note with a visit to Ojo Hot Springs and Spa, where we’ll soak in the healing waters while surrounded by nature. With an itinerary that highlights this region’s local makers and artisans, creative workshops, cooking classes, museum visits and custom tours you are bound to fall in love with Santa Fe & leave inspired!
If you’ve been looking to take some time for yourself to reconnect and explore your creative side with an awesome group of women, consider this your invitation!
Why should you join us?
If you’re looking for a mix of art, culture, and even a little pampering, this is the retreat for you!
With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life (not to mention these uber-stressful times we’re living in), you deserve to take some space for yourself, that’s right!
Not the kids, family or your job, but something just for you! So buckle up, buttercup cause we’re offering an adventure to reset and explore your best self…
It’s more than a retreat; it’s an experience, so let’s loosen up, get inspired, and, above all, Have Fun!
Come Wander with us!
A peek into our adventure!
Where we’ll be staying
We’ll be staying at the Inn of the Governors, a charming boutique hotel nestled between the historic Plaza and the art-filled galleries of Canyon Road.
This hotel not only has a great location but also features a scrumptious breakfast with all the fixins! We’ve reserved superior rooms with adorable kiva fireplaces for a truly cozy stay!
The bar on site is a favorite with the locals and is the perfect place for us to grab a margarita…or two!
See more pics of this adorable hotel below!
See more pics of this adorable hotel below!
Let’s Talk Food
Chillies, Queso and Prickly Pears oh my!
Savor the Southwest in a city known for its cuisine! Southwestern cuisine reflects a fusion of cultures—a mix of traditional American cooking with Native American ingredients and Spanish influences.
Discover new dishes and get your chili fix on while sipping a prickly pear margarita as we dive into this amazing food scene with scrumptious dinners and a hands-on cooking class!
Meet our Guest Artists!
Learn everything from Watercol0r Landscapes to Mixed-MediaCollages as this retreat features not one but two artists! The talented local artist Sandra Martinez will help us unleash in an exciting workshop that explores different mixed-media and collage techniques! Learn to think outside the box as we create a series of abstract micro collages that even incorporate soil from the surrounding desert for truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Next up is the fun world of watercolors with our guide, Elaine Ritchel! Dive into desert landscapes as we celebrate the beautiful scenery that Santa Fe is known for! Create a series of mini watercolor landscapes for the perfect memento of our adventure!
Both of these workshops include ALL SUPPLIES including an adorable travel watercolor set to take home, so you just have to show up and have a great time!
Meet our Featured Local Artists
This adventure highlights women artisans in multiple media from Sharon Candelario a master metalsmith known for her black etched tin works to the women weavers of Centinela Weavers working in traditional patterns handed down over the generations!
We are beyond excited for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their craft in action with studio tours, demos, and more!
A Word From Your Host
Hi Everyone! Cassie here, founder of Wandering Women Retreats and art and travel lover!
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share Santa Fe with an awesome group of gals! With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and as a professional artist, it’s been a long-time dream to merge the two and offer unforgettable journeys that both nurture your creative side and immerse you in local culture.
I’ve cooked up a seriously dreamy itinerary that has a taste of it all! We’ll not only be exploring all Santa Fe has to offer, but with creative workshops, amazing day trips, and a culture steeped in history, this retreat is chock full of inspiration!
So join me on a magical adventure in Santa Fe!
Our Itinerary
(This retreat has TWO departures! Both itineraries are identical)
Day 1: THURSDAY OCTOBER 2ND/9TH – Arrival, opening Celebration & Margaritas, Welcome Dinner
Arrival in Santa Fe, Check in, get refreshed! Our boutique hotel is located walking distance from the historic plaza and is the perfect place to explore from!
In the evening it’s margarita time & we’ll meet for a fun Opening Celebration! We’ll christen our new adventure with some delicious libations before we head out for a special Welcome Dinner!
DAY 2: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD/10TH – Private Walking Tour of the Historic Plaza, Artisan Cooking Class with Lunch, Georgia O’ Keeffe Museum
Breakfast followed by a private walking tour of the Historic Plaza. We’ll discover the unique history of Santa Fe with its beautiful plaza, churches, art museums and more ! Our tour ends on a sweet note with a stop at a local chocolate shop, where we’ll enjoy hand-made truffles while we talk about all the city has to offer.
After exploring we’ll head over to the Santa Fe Cooking School, an internationally acclaimed culinary school and market, specializing in foods of the American Southwest for over 33 years! We’ll enjoy a hands cooking demo ending in a one of a kind artisanal lunch featuring the amazing ingredients this region is known for.
After we’ll journey to the Georgia O’ Keeffe Museum to take in the history and paintings of this prolific artist. Considered one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, the stark landscape and Native American and Hispanic cultures of the region inspired a new direction in O’Keeffe’s art. She made the state her permanent home in 1949 and many of her paintings from watercolor to charcoal and even drawings are housed here.
Day 3: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH/11TH – Private Canyon Road Gallery Tour, Handmade Watercolor Studio Visit, Watercolor Landscapes Workshop
After another scrumptious breakfast we’re off to the famed Canyon Road! Known for its picturesque lanes filled with world-class art galleries, we are in for a treat with a private custom tour with Elaine Ritchel of Santa Fe Art Tours!
Elaine will be highlighting women artists and galleries in the region with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this amazing art scene. We’ll also be stopping in a local studio that specializes in handcrafted watercolors!
With so much to offer you’ll have some free time to wander at your own pace after the tour, explore what speaks to you & have a bite of lunch at one of the charming cafes while surrounded by art.
After lunch we’ll enjoy a workshop with our local guide and artist Elaine Ritchel. Learn to create a series of mini watercolor landscapes inspired by our desert surroundings.
Day 4: Sunday, October 5TH/12TH – Day Trip to Chimayo, Visit to the Santuario de Chimayo Healing Earth, Artisan tinwork Visit & Demo, Centinela Weavers & Artisan Weaving Demo, Mixed-Media Workshop
After breakfast our adventure begins as we journey north to the idyllic village of Chimayo, known for its “holy earth,” weaving, and chile! This picturesque village is home to the famous Santuario de Chimayo, a sanctuary said to have magical healing soil! Take in the mystique of this sacred space that attracts thousands of pilgrimages every year and collect a little healing earth of your own.
Our next stop is to the studio of Sharon Candelario, master tinsmith and artisan metalworker. We’ll enjoy a special demo to discover how she creates her signature black etched tin designs.
Next, we’ll head to Centinela Weavers, a tapestry gallery specializing in hand-woven tapestry wool products using natural dyes, custom-dyed yarns, handspun yarns, and the traditional Chimayo and Rio Grande weaving styles. We’ll go behind the scenes to learn the process of how these textile works of art are made with time to shop their handcrafted collection.
We’ll journey back to Santa Fe where you’ll enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon join us for a fun workshop with local artist Sandra Martinez. Sandra will be walking us through abstract collages which will incorporate various mixed media techniques, mediums and even soil from the surrounding desert for a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake of our time here!
Day 5: Monday, OCTOBER 6TH/13TH – Visit to Ojo hot springs & Spa, Free time & Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll journey to Ojo Resort and Spa to take in the warm, soothing waters. Soak your cares away in the many pools, sauna and steam room. Optional facials, massages and spa treatments can be added for the ultimate day of pampering!
The afternoon is free to enjoy a spontaneous adventure or choose from one of many suggestions such as art galleries, museums and artisan markets.
In the evening, join us for a special closing ceremony and farewell dinner.
Day 6: Tuesday October 7TH/14TH – Breakfast & Departure
We’ll share one last opening circle and breakfast together before departing for the airport. Remember to stay in touch with your new creative besties, and we hope you Wander with Us on our next adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY. SMALL CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO WEATHER, DESIRES OF THE GROUP, AND UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES
(such as spontaneous adventures, can we say heck ya?!)
Spots are limited! Our retreats aren’t just about the wonderful things we’ll see and do but about building relationships; that’s why we like to keep our groups small and intimate. This enables us to travel like a local and have an inside look at all the city has to offer! This retreat is limited to 14 guests.
THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- 6 days and 5 nights at our adorable boutique hotel in Superior Kiva Fireplace rooms
- Daily Breakfast, Welcome & Departure Dinner, Cooking Class with Chefs Lunch
- Tips for our Guides
- Intimate group limited to 8-14 women
- Private Walking Tour of Sante Fe Historic Plaza
- Chocolate Shop Visit & Tasting
- Visit to the Santa Fe Culinary School
- Cooking Class & Chefs Lunch
- Entrance & Visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Private Custom Canyon Road Guided Gallery Tour
- Handmade Watercolor Studio Visit
- Day Trip to Chimayo
- Visit to the Santuario de Chimayo
- Artisan Tin Visit & Demonstration
- Visit to Centinela Weavers & Artisan Weaving Demo
- Visit and entrance to Ojo Santa Fe Hot Springs & Spa, which includes hot pools, sauna, and steam room
- Creative Workshops & All Art Supplies including a travel watercolor set!
- Watercolor Desertscapes with Local Artist Elaine Ritchel
- Abstract Collage Workshop with Local Artist Sandra Martinez
Sweet Extras
A private Facebook Group so you can get to know your fellow 
A curated bag of goodies, aka the most amazing swag bag ever, including art and local finds!
A Dedicated on-site host to make sure you have the most amazing time ever!
Enjoy Santa Fe in Style
In addition to our amazing tours, day tips and workshops , our adventure takes place during the most popular time of year! Please keep in mind pricing does reflect this as the weather is often pleasant at this time & it’s when the annual New Mexico Balloon Festival is going on! We were very lucky to secure premium superior rooms that feature the traditional Kiva Fireplaces for a truly cozy stay!
This retreat has two departures, please let us know your preference when registering.
Double Occupancy $3925 | Single Supplement $500
(*Airfare/transport not included. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements to our destination)
$1000 Non-Refundable deposit is required to hold your spot balance due by July 1st, 2025
What our retreaters are saying
Say What?! Testimonials from our fellow Wandering Women
Something I will remember for the rest of my life!
“What a spectacular trip! I knew it sounded good on paper, but the real-life version was more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this retreat something I will remember for the rest of my life”
Jocelyn K
The trip of a lifetime!
“ Wandering Women put together a fabulous venue, a great mixture of workshops, tours & amazing food. The friendships I made only sweetened the whole experience. If you’re on the fence, don’t be! Treat yourself – we’re all so worth it! “
Jill V.
Unique & Unforgettable!
“This retreat was the perfect blend of adventure, rest, and creativity. The luxe experience with activities that were off the beaten path made it unique and unforgettable.”
Molly D.
WHAT ISN’T COVERED IN THE COST?
- Airfare from your hometown to Santa Fe.
- Airport Transfers (Santa Fe is not only close to the airport, but our welcome packet has all the info you’ll need to arrange easy transfers!)
- Any meals, alcohol, or specialty drinks not listed in the itinerary.
- Travelers Insurance.
- Any extra tours, spa treatments, or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go.
- Transportation and lodging outside of the retreat dates, should you choose to arrive early or stay later in Santa Fe.
- Anything you buy in the markets or on various outings.
- Personal tips and gratuities ( hotel staff, maid service, etc.)
Faq’s
Book with Confidence – A note about Covid 19
We have a great team in place that is monitoring the global pandemic and travel advisories on a daily basis. In the event we need to cancel the retreat due to Covid 19, retreat participants will be offered the option of moving funds to a rescheduled departure date. We are also requiring all participants to get a travel insurance policy. We want you to feel fully comfortable and confident when booking that you are covered!
* Please note that we will NOT be refunding cancellations for any reason, including if you yourself contract COVID before the retreat and can not attend. Due to the planning, logistics & upfront costs of these events, we have a strict no-refund policy regardless of circumstance. We are requiring retreaters to get trip insurance for this very reason, trust us the peace of mind alone is worth it!
View our Terms and Conditions here.
Still have questions? We got you! Visit our FAQ page.
Interested in a custom retreat for you and your tribe? We can create custom private retreats for your group that are tailored to your interests. Unique experiences, boutique accommodations and off the beaten path locations are our speciality! Reach out through our contact page for more info!
Come Wander with Us!
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