The Open Studio Art Retreat

Life in Watercolor

Set against the poetic backdrop of Hoi An’s ancient streets, rivers, and villages, this retreat combines beginner-friendly urban sketching and watercolor workshops with morning yoga, cultural outings, and shared meals prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Throughout the week, you’ll move between focused studio workshops, sketch walks, cultural outings and open studio hours, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace - from cycling through the rice paddies to sipping coffee at a nearby cafe or heading down to the beach between sessions. In the studio and out on the streets, you’ll learn to observe, sketch, and paint directly from life - filling your pages with everyday scenes and atmosphere of Hoi An.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave not just with new skills, but with a sketchbook full of memories, colors, and moments you captured yourself. 

No previous drawing or painting experience is required. The focus is on practice, process, and enjoyment rather than perfection.

candid moment of a person sitting on a bench next to the river in Hoi An overlooking Hoi An old Town and wearing a Vietnamese hat
Life in Watercolor 7-day program schedule — Day 1 arrival through Day 7 farewell
Life in Watercolor program schedule — mobile version

“I don’t do art for the masses. I do art to show my heart.”

•

“I don’t do art for the masses. I do art to show my heart.” •

- Ai Weiwei

Overhead view of hands painting watercolors and botanical illustrations at a shared table

What’s Included in This Package:

✔ 6 nights / 7 days accommodation at The Interlude

✔ 7 guided art workshops, including all materials used during the sessions

✔ Sketchbook, sketch pen, and a small travel watercolor set to take home

✔ Unlimited 24/7 access to the art studio, allowing time to work independently outside guided sessions

Guests practicing morning yoga in The Interlude's garden among lanterns and tropical plants

✔ Cultural & local experiences in Hoi An, woven naturally into the week:

  • Time spent sketching and observing everyday life in Hoi An’s Ancient Town

  • Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village with hands-on ceramic workshop guided by local artisans

  • Guided walk through Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village, learning about traditional farming practices and the connection between land, food, and daily life

Guests learning traditional pottery on a wheel at Thanh Ha village — overhead view with conical hats

✔ Vietnamese cuisine as part of daily life at the retreat

  • Daily shared Vietnamese meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients

  • A hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, learning to prepare traditional local dishes and explore the flavors and stories behind the cuisine

Watercolor and oil pastel paintings spread on a studio table with paints, a red desk lamp, and bamboo garden view

✔ 6 morning yoga sessions, suitable for all levels

✔ Specialty Vietnamese coffee workshop, learning to prepare a traditional local coffee and explore Vietnam’s coffee culture

✔ Free use of bicycles to explore Hoi An and the surrounding countryside

✔ Round-trip airport transfers between Da Nang Airport and The Interlude

Vietnamese bun cha — crispy spring rolls with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, served poolside

What’s Not Included in This Package:

✘ Flights to and from Da Nang, visa fees, or travel insurance

✘ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, or laundry

✘ Optional activities outside the program

✘ Personal art supplies beyond those provided in workshops and the studio

Two cyclists silhouetted against green rice fields at golden hour on a quiet road near Hoi An
Retreat guests painting watercolors together by the Thu Bon River in Hoi An at golden hour
Vietnamese caramelized shrimp bowl with rice, fresh vegetables, chili, and dipping sauce
Retreat guests relaxing together in The Interlude's garden on a sunny afternoon

What You’ll Leave With:

  • A personal collection of watercolor sketches and paintings

  • A confident foundation in drawing and watercolor techniques

  • New ways of observing and capturing everyday life

  • A deeper connection to Vietnamese culture

  • A week of memories, conversations, and creative momentum

Vietnamese drip coffee being served on a wooden tray with condensed milk — ca phe sua da

Choose Your Experience

All options include 6 nights accommodation. Book direct and save 15%.

Next retreat: 21 Jun - 27 Jun 2026 | 14 Mar - 20 Mar 2027 | 25 Jul - 31 Jul 2027

Solo Escape

Your own room. A shared creative week.

Twin

Double

$2,100

(-15%) $1,785

$2,200

(-15%) $1,870

Studio Duo

Come with a friend or partner.
Share a room, share the week.

Twin

Double

$3,150

*(-15%) $2,078

$3,300

*(-15%) $2,805

* Total price for both participants (2nd participant at 50% off base).

Travel Partner

For a companion exploring Hoi An on their own. Breakfast included.

Twin

Double

$250

$330

Reserve Your Spot