Art · Nature · Rejuvenation
VanVaas Art Retreat
A multi-day creative retreat at VanVaas combining art practice, forest time, picnics and the slower rhythm of Soyal Village.
THE EXPERIENCE
The VanVaas Art Retreat is built around making space to create.
The historical programme at VanVaas was led by artist Ghanapriya and brought artistic exploration together with forest bathing, picnics, village exploration and unhurried time in the Manali landscape. Rather than treating art as a workshop isolated from the setting, the retreat uses the forest, mountain light, village textures and slower pace of VanVaas as part of the creative process.
The format is suited to both people who already make art and people who simply want a few days to observe, experiment and reconnect with their creative side without the pressure of producing a finished outcome.
Future editions should retain that spirit while allowing the exact dates, facilitator, programme length and materials to be confirmed for each edition.
Creative practice
Facilitated time to draw, paint, make, observe or experiment according to the edition and facilitator.
Forest time
Forest bathing and quiet outdoor time around VanVaas to slow the pace and shift attention.
Place & observation
Time in the VanVaas/Soyal landscape — village textures, orchards, forest, mountain light and everyday details as creative prompts.
Picnic & outdoors
Selected outdoor pauses and picnics where weather and the confirmed programme allow.
Unstructured making
Space between facilitated sessions for guests to work independently, reflect, read, walk or simply do less.
Closing reflection
A simple shared close to the retreat, focused on process and what guests want to carry back with them.
For artists, designers, writers, photographers, creative professionals and curious beginners who want uninterrupted time to make, observe and reset.
No professional art background should be assumed. The retreat is strongest for guests who value process, experimentation, nature and a small-group environment more than a rigid classroom format.
Included
- Facilitated art/creative sessions according to the confirmed edition
- Forest and nature-led time around VanVaas
- Selected outdoor or village experiences included in the confirmed programme
- Retreat stay/meals only where explicitly included in the selected package
Not included
- Travel to and from Manali/Soyal unless specifically included
- Specialist personal art materials unless specifically supplied
- Personal expenses
- Anything not listed in the confirmed edition/package
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, walking shoes, warm layers, sun/rain protection and any personal medication.
Art materials should be confirmed against the current edition brief. Guests should not assume that specialist materials are supplied unless they are specifically listed in the confirmed retreat inclusions.
The retreat is stay-led, with VanVaas as the base and accommodation arranged according to the confirmed edition and group size.
Room category, occupancy and any overflow accommodation should be confirmed with the retreat plan before booking.
Do I need to be an artist?
No. The retreat can work for practising artists as well as people who want to reconnect with creativity in a low-pressure environment.
Who led the historical VanVaas Art Retreat?
The historical programme was led by artist Ghanapriya.
Is the retreat running on fixed dates now?
A future edition has not yet been assigned confirmed public dates in the current CMS. Enquire for the next programme.
Are art materials included?
This depends on the edition. The confirmed materials list should be shared before arrival.
Is accommodation part of the retreat?
The Art Retreat is stay-led, but the exact room category, occupancy and package inclusions should be confirmed for the edition.
PLAN YOUR RETREAT