Sarasota Creative Retreat

What should I bring?

Whatever you need that can be packed in a medium or small sized suitcase with wheels.  Include clothing, personal items, prescriptions, small purse inside a larger purse or backpack, credit card, camera. 

What should I wear?

Casual resort type clothing. It is convenient to mix and match clothing and wear them several days. We will have a laundry machine and dryer available as well.

What clothing should I pack?

We recommend packing comfortable, casual clothing that works for a mix of activities. You’ll want clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on for art sessions, plus comfortable outfits for outdoor activities like the beach, pool time, and light walking. Bring at least one nicer outfit for evenings out to dinner. Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and a swimsuit are a must, and a light layer is helpful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

What else should I pack?

Pack your own toiletries in small bottles. Remember your sunscreen, lip balm, medications and vitamins, and pain reliever. Also, hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes are useful. Sleep aid or sleeping pills.

What size suitcase should I bring?

A small or medium sized suitcase, NOT a big suitcase. Must be less than 50 pounds. Pack light!

How much money should I take?

Whatever you will need for snacks, meals on your own time, drinks, and souvenirs.

Will I be able to buy snacks, water, etc.?

Yes, there are stores close by as well as delivery services like uber eats/doordash/etc. We will also have most things you might need at the house.

Which airport do I fly into?

Please fly into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport - SRQ, we will have pickups arranged for 1pm and 6pm on April 9th. If you fly into Tampa International Airport, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the house.

Can I book my own accommodation elsewhere and still attend the daily art experiences?

No, this is not an option for the Milan Art Retreats.

What if I get jet lag?

Everyone experiences “jet lag” to a certain extent. We recommend that you bring a sleep aid or sleeping pills for the first couple of nights while your internal clock adjusts to the new time zone.

Will there be drinking on the retreat?

Alcohol is optional and not a focus of the retreat. We may enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner or during a special evening, but participation is completely up to you. Our priority is creating a relaxed, supportive, and creative environment. If you choose not to drink, you’ll feel just as comfortable and included.

Will there be free time?

Yes, there will be free time every day, where you can go out on your own, or stay back and relax.

What will the art workshops be like on this trip?

Art will be integrated into all aspects of the trip. You will create many pieces of artwork throughout this experience. We will teach mixed media techniques, drawing, and photography for future projects. There will be many chances for sharing artwork and constructive critiques. We will have classes where we are staying as well as during excursions.

Do I have to bring my own supplies?

No, we will provide all the supplies you will need; however, a favorite set of pens, brushes or pencils is encouraged. You can bring anything else you want! This is YOUR trip.

Is food included in this retreat?

Yes, three meals a day are included throughout the retreat. Filtered water is also provided, but any additional snacks or beverages can be purchased at your own expense.

Will I need to rent a car?

Transportation to and from the airport is provided as well as for the excursions, so you don’t need to rent a car.

Be Considerate.

While on a retreat with the Milan’s, you will be working with others as a team and will be seen by others as representatives of Milan Art Institute. Please always be considerate of how your actions or contribution affects your team.

Be Respectful.

Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be non-judgmental about cultural differences, living conditions and the lifestyle of each person you encounter. Avoid profane and abusive language and disruptive behavior that is dangerous to yourself and others. Always have proper identification on you. All items of clothing must be suitable for the cultural environment and should not contain offensive or objectionable material. If you use tobacco, please be respectful of those around you and smoking on the bus/van will NOT be tolerated.

Be Collaborative.

When you are unsure, ask for help. Nobody knows everything and nobody is expected to be perfect. Asking questions avoids many problems down the road, so questions are encouraged. Try to be helpful so that everyone is on the same page.

Be Available.

Each of the Milan Art Retreats are carefully planned out in accordance with the activities for the day and the number of people on the trip; therefore, it is important for the entire team that you are on time and available for team activities. You always have the option to stay back or venture out on your own, but in this case, you will be solely responsible for your own food and travel provisions. We will not reimburse you for any activities or meals missed.

Be Safe.

While unsafe conditions are not anticipated, be sure to always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to safeguard your personal items. Do not go off on your own. It is important that Milan Art Trip team members always know where each participant is at. There will be plenty of time for relaxing, shopping, and enjoying Sarasota. Finally, do not use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time during the trip. Use of alcohol is not prohibited, but do not be under the influence of alcohol during the trip (no drunkenness).

Be Positive.

We ask that you be conscious of your attitude because it will affect the others on the retreat. It's essential to communicate your discomforts to a team leader rather than a fellow traveler so that we can help you and try to mitigate your frustrations. Our goal is to help you have the best experience possible and communication is essential.

Is airfare included?

No, you will need to purchase your own plane ticket that arrives and departs within the time frames that we provide for pickup/drop off. We will be responsible for all your transportation, including to and from airports. You will need to fly into the SRQ Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

We will have pickups scheduled at 1 PM and 6 PM on April 9th. To catch one of these rides, please plan your arrival for a time before these options. If you arrive later than 6 PM, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the house.

When booking your flight times to go home, you will have two options for being dropped off at the SRQ airport: 6:00am, and 1:00pm on April 13th

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you book your flights accordingly.

What do I do if I unexpectedly have to cancel the trip? Can I get a refund?

All sales for in-person events—including workshops, retreats, intensives, and other experiences—are final. We do not offer refunds or credit for cancellations or no-shows. Funds can not be transferred to another event. 

By registering for any in-person event, you are agreeing to this policy and helping us maintain a smooth and well-prepared event experience for all.