Amassa creatives april 2027 retreats
WHERE TIME SLOWS, HANDS MAKE, AND COMMUNITY GROWS
In addition to our yoga, pilates, and movement retreats, Amassa is offering our first set of retreats with creativity at their core. For those who find their flow through their hands: the quiet focus of shaping, painting, stitching, drawing, and making. Come away and dedicate time and space to that which you already enjoy, or are curious to explore — together with others who share your joy, and led by experienced artists and creatives who'll guide you through new experiences, share their skills, and encourage you.
At Amassa, in the heart of the French countryside, the creative retreats bring together those who are interested in making things, whether you’re practicing a craft you already know and love, or one you’re curious to try. Every retreat is led by an experienced creative, offering the chance to learn new skills, slow down, and reconnect with the joy of making — all at the pace of your fingertips.
Between workshops, the days unfold slowly: long seasonal meals, peaceful walks through the grounds, afternoons by the pool, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere Amassa is known for. Expansive views, stunning sunsets, and abundant flora and fauna surround every session — a place as restorative as it is inspiring.
Plant dyeing and hand stitching
Elli from Wholecloth Studio | april 13-18, 2027
Quiet days dedicated to dyeing and stitching together in spring: surrounded by birdsong and fresh blooms, lovely temperatures for walking and exploring.
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Retreat led by Elli Beaven.
Our time together begins with two days of immersive, hands-on natural dyeing using both dried and locally foraged dyes. We’ll start with the foundations of the process but our focus will be on exploring the range of rich and luminous colours that each dye plant offers. You will be given a dye journal to take notes but our approach to dyeing will be that of the creative, rather than the scientist, less about exact measurements and recipes and more about simply enjoying the variety of colour that comes from each dye pot. Over the course of these sessions you’ll develop a personal colour palette that speaks to your own creative work. We’ll be dyeing a generous selection of vintage and reclaimed cotton, linen and silk textiles and threads that will bring texture and character to your stitched work, with plenty leftover to incorporate into future works at home.
On day three we'll head out: first to the local woad museum to discover the story of this ancient blue dye, then through the village market to gather inspiration from the colours and rhythms of Gascony life. That afternoon I'll share my favourite hand stitching techniques, and you'll begin stitching a piece of your own, working with your chosen palette of plant-dyed textiles and threads.
We’ll spend our final day continuing to develop that piece, rich with the colours and memories of our time together.
Alongside our creative work there’ll be time to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, forage for local dye plants, enjoy a pause in the onsite woodland sauna and book an optional massage with our fabulous masseuse.
You'll leave with a sound knowledge of working with natural dyes and plenty of plant dyed textiles to inspire your stitching at home. But, more importantly, I hope you’ll leave feeling creatively and personally rejuvenated and inspired.
No experience needed, just bring your curiosity and joy.
Maximum participants: 10
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08.30-9.30: Big breakfast/brunch
9:30-12:00: First workshop
12:15-13:15: Lunch
13:30-16:30: Second workshop
16:30: Optional time to continue your work, relax, swing in the hammock, swim, treatments, walk, explore, chat, play
18:30: Dinner
Please note the schedule will vary and is subject to change
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What's included:
Accommodation in ensuite rooms: single and double occupancy available
Three delicious meals a day prepared by our retreat chef (incl. dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day)
Unlimited teas, coffee & fruit
Dedicated guided workshop sessions
Generous pack of vintage textiles and threads for each participant to dye
All dye and stitching materials & tools
Visit to the Woad Museum
Not included:
Travel costs
Transfers to and from Amassa (we can help arrange this nearer the time) from Toulouse Airport or Toulouse Matabiau train station
Treatments (massage, reflexology, etc.) available at an additional cost
Alcohol
Travel insurance (essential to purchase after booking)
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Facilities:
Amassa sits in sixteen acres of woods, rewilded meadows and flowering gardens, with stunning views over rolling countryside, hilltop villages and distant views to the horizon. Family-style dining tables indoors and out, two sparkling swimming pools and a wood-burning sauna with stunning views over the rolling countryside, sun-loungers, ping pong, bicycles, hammocks, boules, and board games, as well as plenty of nooks and crannies for quiet, secluded moments. Amassa is truly a haven.
Food:
Throughout the retreat, we will enjoy three delicious and fresh meals each day made by our onsite chef with ingredients purchased from the local farmers markets. The menu is designed to energise, satisfy, and leave you feeling nourished from the inside out. Every meal is crafted to accommodate allergens and dietary preferences, with many a sweet treat to feed the soul.
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€2900 single occupancy
€2350 shared occupancy (limited availability)
To secure your place a non-refundable deposit of €555 is required. The remaining balance to be paid Monday 1st of February, 2027.
Payment plans available upon request.
Places are limited so secure your place by sending an email through the booking and inquiries button below.
