November 11–16, 2026The Rediscovery Retreat:
Mexico City
Be inspired by the spirit of this majestic city
Experience some of Mexico City’s most captivating destinations—from ancient pyramids to unforgettable meals tucked inside caves. This is a city where history, culture, art, and beauty intertwine, inviting you to explore it with curiosity and depth.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll transform your experiences into art, working with local plants, natural materials, and your own photography to create something deeply personal. No prior experience in art or photography is needed—just a willingness to explore and express.
As you move through the city alongside a small circle of women, you'll have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, with one another, and with the places and cultures you encounter along the way. Through shared experiences and creative exploration, you'll discover fresh inspiration and a deeper sense of connection.
By the end of your time here, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork—an imprint of your journey, your perspective, and your connection to this extraordinary place.
The experience
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Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome cocktail hour on the rooftop of our hotel’s restaurant. This is a moment to meet one another, settle in, and share intentions for the journey ahead. Local spirits and thoughtfully crafted mocktails will be served.
From there, we’ll continue the evening with dinner at a restaurant known for its stunning views of the cathedral—deepening connection and gently beginning our time together.
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A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00–10:00 AM at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
After breakfast, we’ll meet in the lobby and begin our guided walking tour of the historic center of Mexico City, weaving together photography, history, and observation.
Midday, we’ll pause for lunch at a local favorite—an opportunity to rest, reflect, and experience the city’s culinary culture.
In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Colonia Juárez neighborhood to a local chocolate museum, housed within a historic home. There, Laurie will introduce the cyanotype process as you start shaping your creative intentions for the work ahead. Together, we’ll prepare for the following day, when the hands-on making process begins.
We’ll then enjoy a gourmet chocolate tasting at the museum—an immersive experience celebrating the rich history and artistry of cacao in Mexico. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour the museum.
From there, we’ll head to the artistic neighborhood of Roma Norte, where we’ll take in the vibrant street art and murals that define the area before gathering for dinner.
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After breakfast, we’ll meet in the lobby for a truly special day. We’ll begin with a visit to La Casa Azul—Frida Kahlo’s beloved home, where she spent much of her life. Immersing yourself in this iconic blue space offers a meaningful source of inspiration for your own cyanotype creations.
From there, we’ll explore two vibrant local markets, wander through Coyoacán, and enjoy a delicious lunch together. If you wish, you can pick up flowers or botanicals to incorporate into your cyanotype work.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the studio to create—using botanicals or photographs inspired by our visits to La Casa Azul and the historic center. After the workshop, you’ll have time to relax and unwind at the hotel.
The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you choose to continue exploring the city, dine at a local restaurant, or return to the hotel to rest, you’re free to spend the evening as you wish.
No group activities or dinner are scheduled for the evening.
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Today, we will get an early start to beat the crowds and the heat. After breakfast, we will meet in the lobby for our excursion to the Teotihuacán Pyramids. Midday, we will break for lunch at a cave restaurant—one of the most traditional and impressive dining experiences in the area. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste delicious dishes that blend local ingredients with pre-Hispanic culinary heritage.
We’ll then head back to the hotel for downtime to rest and reset. This evening is free for you to enjoy as you wish—whether pairing up for dinner or having a relaxing night in your room. We will provide restaurant and activity suggestions.
No group activities or dinner are scheduled for the evening.
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After breakfast, we’ll head to the studio to continue our cyanotype workshop. If you have a favorite photo from the pyramids, you’re welcome to use it to create prints and further your exploration. As this is our final day of the workshop, we’ll select a favorite piece to be framed.
We will break for lunch in the historic district and then return to the studio.
Later, we’ll regroup in the hotel lobby for a farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurant. Enjoy local wines, exceptional margaritas, and beautifully crafted dishes.
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Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.
This is a travel day, with everyone departing at their own pace.
What you’ll gain from your experience
Bring your artistic vision to life.
Learn to mix and work with cyanotype chemistry.
Create prints using local flora or your own photography—leaving with a framed original piece, additional prints, and the skills to continue exploring the cyanotype process long after you return home.
Gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Mexico City.
Experience the power of creating within a supportive, global community, where meaningful connections and lasting friendships naturally unfold.
What’s included in this retreat package?
Workshop guided by Laurie Buman
All art supplies needed to create cyanotypes
Five nights at a luxury hotel in the historic center of Mexico City
Daily breakfast and lunch
Three dinners (Days 1, 2, and 5), each featuring a three-course meal with an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, along with two cocktails, mocktails, or glasses of house wine included per guest.
A cultural walking and photography tour of the historic center
Admission to La Casa Azul, the birthplace and lifelong home of Frida Kahlo
A guided visit to Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
Transportation to and from all excursions
What’s not included:
Airfare and transportation to and from the hotel: As guests will be arriving and departing at different times, we recommend using Uber for a safe and seamless experience.
Dinners on Days 3 and 4: These evenings are yours to explore Mexico City’s renowned culinary scene at your leisure. We’re happy to provide recommendations, as some restaurants require reservations in advance.
Travel Insurance (highly recommend): To protect your investment against unexpected flight delays, medical emergencies, or personal disruptions, we require all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. We highly recommend policies that include "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage, purchased within 14 days of booking.
Accommodations and booking
If you’d like a solo room, the Deluxe King Room is your best choice. By selecting the Standard Double Room, you acknowledge that this is a shared accommodation with another attendee. Room assignments will be thoughtfully paired in advance. Please note: The prices below include the complete retreat experience as outlined above.
Join us November 11–16, 2026, for the Rediscovery Retreat: Mexico City — a five-night stay at a luxury hotel in the historic center of Mexico City, including a cyanotype workshop.
Airfare not included.
Join us November 11–16, 2026, for the Rediscovery Retreat: Mexico City — a five-night stay at a luxury hotel in the historic center of Mexico City, including a cyanotype workshop.
Airfare not included.
The hotel
Enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast buffet at our rooftop restaurant, with sweeping views of the Zócalo.
The café is an all-inclusive concept—unique in Mexico City—that invites guests to enjoy complimentary food and beverages, cerveza, coffee, tea, and soft drinks at any time, day or night.
A fully equipped fitness center, steam room, and towel service are available for your comfort.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.
Staying in a historic landmark overlooking the Metropolitan Cathedral offers a rare opportunity to experience Mexico City from its very origins. From the serenity of our rooftop terrace, the Plaza de la Constitución unfolds below, alive with the city’s vibrant energy.
The studio
The studio where the workshop will take place is just a few blocks from the hotel in the historic center of Mexico City, directly behind the National Palace and next to the Academy of San Carlos.
Set within a UNESCO-listed building over 400 years old, Studio Saturnino Herrán provides an authentic artist experience and working environment for hands-on creative practice. Please note the studio is a 3rd-floor walk-up with no elevator access.
Many UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area were constructed using stones from dismantled Aztec temples and pyramids, reflecting the Spanish reshaping of Tenochtitlan following the conquest.
The space features two large south- and west-facing windows overlooking the National Palace, offering abundant natural light throughout the day.
Multiple major museums are within walking distance, making it an ideal location for an immersive cultural and artistic experience during your retreat.
Helpful things to know
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Cyanotype is a camera-less photographic process, invented in 1842, that produces distinctive Prussian blue prints using UV light (sunlight) and iron salt chemicals. It is commonly used for creating "sun prints" of plants or objects (photograms) and was historically used to create architectural blueprints.
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No—Raahi Atelier will provide a curated art kit at your destination with everything you need for the workshop.
You’re welcome to bring any additional materials if you’d like to work with your own tools. We’ll also provide an apron, but we recommend packing comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little creative in.
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No—prior experience isn’t necessary to work with cyanotypes.
Cyanotype is actually one of the most beginner-friendly photographic processes. It’s very hands-on and forgiving, which makes it great for people who are new to photography or printmaking. The chemistry is simple to use, and a lot of the learning happens through experimentation rather than technical precision.
Experienced artists and photographers often enjoy it too, but that’s more because it offers a different, more tactile way of working—not because it requires advanced skills.
Cyanotype chemicals are generally considered low-toxicity when used properly, which is part of why the process is popular for workshops and beginners.
If anything, curiosity matters more than experience.
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No. Standard Double Rooms are intended for two retreat attendees and are offered as shared accommodations. If booking individually, you will be paired with another retreat participant.
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By selecting the Standard Double Room, you acknowledge that this is a shared accommodation with another attendee. Room assignments will be thoughtfully paired in advance.
If you’d like a solo room, the Deluxe King Room is your best choice.
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Rooms feature either two full beds or one king-size bed and include climate-controlled air conditioning, blackout drapes, premium bedding with down duvets, a pillow menu, designer toiletries, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, in-room safe, work desk, private bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, radio alarm clock, and 24-hour room service.
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Since guests will be arriving at various times throughout the first day you are responsible for their own transportation from the airport to the hotel. We recommend using Uber. Uber has a designated waiting and pickup zone at Mexico City International Airport, located approximately eight minutes on foot between Terminals 1 and 2.
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Each day will include some walking through neighborhoods and at the pyramids. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes or trainers, along with a hat for sun protection. Sunscreen or a lightweight long-sleeved cover is also recommended.
Mexico City is an ancient city, and in some areas paths may be uneven and steps can be steep. In addition, the studio is located on the third floor and requires climbing stairs. As a result, this retreat may not be suitable for children or those with significant mobility challenges.
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Immediate Full Charge: Your payment card will be charged immediately in full upon checking out. All pricing and transactions are completed strictly in U.S. Dollars (USD).
Flexible Financing Options: For guests who prefer to break up the upfront investment, we offer seamless installment financing options through Klarna and Afterpay directly at checkout. Your financing schedule begins immediately upon purchase.
Our Minimum Cohort Guarantee: Each of our curated journeys relies on a strict minimum group size to operate. In the event that the retreat does not meet its required participant minimum, the retreat will be cancelled and 100% of your money will be promptly refunded back to your original payment method (or your Klarna/Afterpay schedule will be voided).
Strict Non-Refundable Policy Upon Confirmation: Once our minimum cohort count is met, the retreat is officially locked in! At that exact moment, your registration automatically becomes completely non-refundable, as local Mexican boutique spaces, artisan workshops, and logistics are paid and committed immediately.
Travel Insurance Protection : Because your booking fee becomes strictly non-refundable the moment the retreat is confirmed, we strongly require all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately upon receiving our formal confirmation notice. If an emergency, illness, or flight disruption forces you to cancel your plans after the trip is locked in, you must work directly with your chosen insurance provider to secure financial reimbursement.
Accepted Payment Methods: We accept all major credit cards alongside our digital BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) networks.
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Packages are priced for full participation, and no refunds will be issued for missed activities.
