Friends,

In a swirl of heartbreak, upheaval, and transformation, this is what I know: Creativity is not a luxury. It’s medicine.

It’s how we keep our hearts open when fear tries to close them.

It’s how we stay flexible in the face of change.

It’s how we remain connected to what truly matters.

This Year of the Horse feels like a call towards freedom, power, intuition, and aliveness, and what’s standing out for me is how horses run with the herd.

We need spaces of true togetherness right now. We need beauty that we make with our own hands. We need the medicine that art so generously offers. 

Simple things like sitting in circle, breathing the same air, witnessing each other without fixing or performing, and remembering our wild, tender humanity, side by side.

This is how we soften and become more resilient. 

We were never meant to do this alone.

If your heart is craving creativity, connection, and something expansive to say yes to…

Join me in one of my favorite places in the world, Portugal, in May 2026, for eight days in the soulful countryside. Intuitive painting. Movement. Breath. Honest connection. Ancient castles. Big skies. Room to breathe...and horses!

I feel beautifully stretched — I arrived overwhelmed and a little nervous. I ended up feeling bright, happy, and inspired. I transformed without even having that as an intention, and I love that even more. Flora’s style is open, and there is an ease that oozes out of her. She made it feel so easy. I could gush for hours. Thank you for such a beautiful experience. I can’t wait for my next retreat! – Brenda Carolan

Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal

May 2 – 9, 2026

We’ll spend eight nourishing days immersed in the beautiful Portuguese countryside — surrounded by golden light, rolling hills, and centuries-old castles. 

This is an all-inclusive retreat designed to gently guide you back to your creative center through:

* Freedom-centered intuitive painting

* Playful, hands-on creative exploration

* Gentle movement and breathwork

* Free-form writing

* Deep rest, delicious food, cultural adventures

* Honest, heart-centered community connection

* Loving support all the way through 

You don’t need any art experience. Come as you are — creativity belongs to all people.

You also don’t need to arrive with things all figured out.

You don’t need confidence.

You don’t need a plan (in fact, it’s best to leave those at home).

Let the land hold you. Let the circle hold you. Let the art do what it does best — open you, soften you, and strengthen you. 

This is my invitation to move forward — with courage, with community, and with color on our hands. If you feel called, I would love to welcome you there.

This retreat is especially timely if you are:

* Threadbare from living in the USA right now

* Standing at the edge of a new chapter and asking, “What’s next?”

* Longing to feel more free, alive, and fully yourself

* Ready to experience creative courage in a supportive space

* Longing to travel, but not wanting to do it alone

* Wanting to move stuck emotions and return to your body

* Craving presence, awe, and meaningful connection

Together, we’ll explore what it means to move through transition with grace. To loosen perfectionism’s grip. To clear stagnant energy. To soften into self-acceptance. To reignite the creative spark that has always lived inside you.

Beyond our creative time together, we’ll explore the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos with its fairytale castle, wander the lush grounds surrounding Almourol Castle above the Tagus River, and soak in the beauty of the Ribatejo region. It’s going to be magical and memorable!

This retreat is limited to 17 participants, and there are currently 8 spots remaining.

If you feel even the slightest tug to join us, I hope you’ll follow it…

With love and hope,

Flora

For full details and registration, visit the retreat page on mywebsite.

For logistical questions and support, you can email contact@uptrek.com