Light up your creative life
A Painting Retreat in Ancient Malta
with Artist Róisín O’Farrell
October 5th – 12th 2025
You are invited to
A hybrid between a painting workshop, a cultural getaway and a nurturing retreat
A nurturing blend of painting without expectation,
Breathing life into your creativity,
Eating and drinking well,
Swaying to the music and
Allowing yourself to be looked after, for a change!
"I needed to get back to Ró’s process and positive thinking again. I like how she thinks about life and the world so I knew I would enjoy it. I loved the adventure and camaraderie with creatives. "
Marita McGeady
LET’S PAINT TOGETHER
A completely new painting experience with me
I love to teach painters how to paint with confidence and ease. At my retreats, I break down techniques into simple steps so you can grow as an artist, even if you’re short on time. I’ll guide you through every stage, no pressure, and show you how to paint the views you visit without standing under a hot sun for hours at a time.
If you’ve been struggling to find time to paint, this retreat could be the perfect spark to reignite your creativity. And with all materials included, it’s a great chance to dive in without any big investment in materials!
learn how to create great paintings from your own less than professional photos
sketching for reference, value and features
six easy to follow steps to painting alla prima
colour mapping to record the sense of the place
use dynamic design - to bring drama to your paintings
atmospheric perspective - to create a sense of depth
amplify your focal point - using leading lines, sharpness and diverse line
What You Can Expect:
Painting tuition and creative development sessions daily with Ró.
Painting materials supplied & dedicated painting station in our own studio with AC.
7 nights accommodation in Boutique hotels in 15th-century buildings with AC and every modern luxury.
Healthy, delicious Mediterranean cuisine in our own private hotels and in Ró's favourite local waterfront restaurants. 5 evening meals included.
Easy 15-minute taxi to/from Malta International Airport.
Free time to rest, develop friendships, take in the stunning surroundings and enjoy the warmth of the sea.
Life-healing daily gatherings with Ró to get to know each other, laugh, listen & grow.
A creative pilgrimage/guided walk with Ró, through castle walls, Grand harbour vistas, ancient alleyways and boatyards.
Reference gathering excursion to the ancient citadel of Mdina with our own guide.
Private guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral.
A special culinary evening at one of Malta’s most famous restaurants in the stunning sub-drenched alleyways of the ancient city of Birgu.
NEW ADDITION FOR 2025:
A pilgrimage & reference gathering visit to a 17th-century Baroque palace with gardens, Pallazo Parisio, for a half day.
"The readings, the blessings, the genuine intention. The lessons, the mentoring, the mothering, the friending, ... a gift, all of it !
That is the real stand out when it came to this retreat. Everything is incredibly well done, but this is what makes it more special than all the other retreats I've ever attended, so needed, so healing for all of us.
Everybody was shining in their own special way and that's because of Ró"
Ginger Harding Wilson
A reference gathering expedition in the silent city – Worth €100
Guided day trip to the ‘Ancient City’ of Mdina
Wander the sleepy, narrow passages of the cloistered, fortified city of Mdina. The ancient capital citadel of Malta inspires feelings of awe and eeriness in equal measure. Its beautiful, delicately preserved, medieval-like setting is sublimely atmospheric and a visual storyteller’s dream. We will have time to breathe it in, sketch and gather references to paint.
This special day is included in your fee!
An invitation to take a step toward a bigger life, wild and precious, deeply creative and fit to carry you forward into your next chapter.
Focus on deepening and nurturing your creative well-being. Designed for people who have a need to rejuvenate their creative well and dig deeper to bring their work to the next level.
Come stroll the alleyways with me of the Three Cities, soak in the sun-drenched ancient buildings and roofscapes of Valletta. Stone alleyways, boatyards, traditional houses with Juliette balconies, rooftop skylines, and views of the Grand Harbour under dramatic skies. beautiful compositions ready to paint and to give you a year of paintings later.
An art history adventure – Worth €100
Guided tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral
We’ll be making a special visit, with our own private guide, to St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta. A short fun boat (Dghajsa) trip, in the heart of Valletta. Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral is home to two masterpieces by Caravaggio and unique marble floors and gilt walls. St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture.
This day trip is included in your fee!
A Pilgrimage & Reference Gathering Trip– Worth €100
Trip to Palazzo Parisio gardens
The gardens at Palazzo Parisio are often called some of the most beautiful in Malta. Built in the 19th century by Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna as his home, the palace is known for its stunning architecture and lovely gardens.
Blending Maltese and Italian styles, the gardens are full of colourful flowers, unique trees, and exotic plants.
We will spend time finding paintings both inside and in the gardens, along with a programme a exercises and readings from Ró.
This half day trip is included in your fee!
A special culinary evening – Worth €80
A private dining experience at one of Malta’s most famous restaurants in the stunning sun-drenched alleyways of the old city of Birgu. Traditional Maltese food has some of the best flavors in the Mediterranean.
“The Maltese restaurant Tal-Petut was a very special experience, that evening was a high-light for me” Vivienne
In total five evening meals are included in your fee.
Bonus One – Worth €1000
Love to Paint | Learn to Paint Course
Enjoy the benefit of a painting retreat and improve your skill as an artist.
I have decided to offer you this very exciting FREE BONUS. Get the best of my years of experience teaching women how to paint AND the benefit of working with me in person.
Get the best of all worlds.
Learn online with me for 8 weeks before joining me in person, then enjoy another 8 weeks online when you return home.
Join me in Malta!
Bonus Two – Worth €70
Art Materials
Travelling with art supplies is hard, so I’m making it easy with a painting station in the studio, to include
- a table, chair and table easel,
- full set of Winton Oil Paints,
- one colour Acrylic for underpainting,
- solvent and the basics of what you need to paint, water for acrylic, cups for solvent/water, palette paper, a cleaning station for brushes, etc.
Not Included: Sketching kit, canvas boards, brushes/knives, wipes, outdoor easel/kit. If you would like to paint en plein air (outdoors), please bring a kit for this purpose.
What Makes My Retreats Different
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GenericrealLeadership Expertise vs. Hobby Facilitation
Many artists do not have the teaching, life coaching, and facilitation skills to support both creative and personal breakthroughs.
I offer 35 years of teaching classic art tuition, coaching, and retreat facilitation experience, equipping me to not only teach painting but also create a safe, empowering environment.
Professionally Planned vs. “Hope for the Best” Retreats.
Many retreats operate with little knowledge of travel logistics, health systems, or professional insurance.
My retreat locations allow you to travel safely with world-class healthcare access. Speak English and explore freely without fear or hassle and with a professional assistant on hand to handle any challenges.
Real Creative Development vs. ‘Tips-Based’ Learning
Semi-professional artists may lack the authority or experience to offer more than a peer-level teaching experience. Offering a ‘things I’ve learned along the way’ approach or “paint-like-me” projects.
My retreats focus on helping participants reconnect with their creative voice, build confidence, and gain real skills supported by a comprehensive online course for continued growth.
Safe and Supportive Environment vs. Lack of Emotional Depth
Other retreats often lack the emotional depth and safe container needed to feel truly supported.
I create a safe space where women feel valued, encouraged, and free to explore their creativity, backed by my coaching expertise and understanding of midlife challenges.
Deep Personal Connection vs. Generic Package
Many retreats often rely on pre-packaged setups with little organiser involvement. Resulting in disconnected experiences where the organiser has little knowledge or control.
I offer authentic, bespoke experiences thanks to my deep connections with retreat locations, landscapes, and local communities.
Real Growth vs. Surface-Level Holiday
Other retreats may offer enjoyable trips but often lack the ability to inspire lasting change.
My retreats are life-changing journeys where women leave not just with improved painting skills but with renewed clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection to their creative selves.
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Finally, my painting retreats carry a soulful depth shaped by a life lived with both love and loss. With a non-judgmental and non-religious approach, I create a space where creative hearts can find healing, connection, and the courage to embrace
PEACE OF MIND FROM START TO FINISH
Done For You
All you need to do is get to Malat. I will look after everything from start to finish from there.
- Easy 15 min taxi ride from the airport
- Daily tuition, inner critic work, with Ró
- Nourishing meals prepared for you,
- Adventures and excursions organised with transport
- Extra bonuses are included, and all done for you
- All surrounded by women who support you
What would that feel like? To just relax, knowing that everything is done for you and you can just breathe and concentrate on you.
It’s time to let go of your mind and let inspiration take over.
This retreat is an investment in you, in your dreams for you, and honestly, you frickin deserve it!
Pre-Retreat Travel & Bonding Session
Get to know each other before the retreat and put names to faces so that you will be comfortable when you arrive.
Ask questions, and find out what to expect.
Private Space
We offer private rooms (a small number of shared rooms available) where you can rest and relax away from the fun whenever you need to. You are also free to opt out of any activity if you need a little quiet time for yourself.
Constant Contact When You Need It
Join our retreat WhatsApp group before you travel so you will always be in contact, while travelling, at the event and afterwards with the team and everyone in the group.
This is for you
If you love to paint
If you love to laugh and grow your creative heart
If you like to eat and drink and sway to the music
If you love to be touched by poetry and shout into the wind
FEES & ROOM OPTIONS
Risk Free Cancellation!
You can cancel worry free. A full refund less €50 will be given until January 7th 2025.
Why book now?
Risk-Free Booking: Worried about committing? No stress! You can cancel for a full refund (minus merchant fees) until January 7th. So, you can dream big now without any worry.
Limited Spaces: These retreats are small and intimate, and spaces fill up fast—especially with my wonderful waitlist crew jumping in early!
Payment plans available
Two Rooms Left
Payment plans available
One Room Left
Payment plans available
One Room Left
Payment plans available
Two Rooms Left
Cancellation Policy
If YOU have to cancel:
Up to January 7th 2025
Full refund less €50.
After January 7th 2025
No refund unless we resell the place and then we’ll refund you in full less €750 deposit.
If WE have to cancel:
We will refund everything you have paid minus your non-refundable deposit of €750.
Attendance Policy
Rooms are from budget to deluxe hotel standard to suits all pockets and vary in size, location and bathroom facilities.
* Shared room is for two guests booking together.
This retreat is requires you to have a moderate level of mobility. Malta is full of steps, indoors and out. There is no getting away from this. The hotel has a lift.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have any necessary documentation to enter the country.
Maximum and Minimum number apply for this retreat. This is worth considering before booking flights.
Proof of travel insurance to include Covid, which covers your costs including the retreat, is required.
Róisín is not just an artist. She has a special gift for caring and encouraging creative women and has decades of experience in giving workshops and teaching.
Committed and passionate about teaching, sharing, and living creativity, Róisin’s retreats are a down-to-earth, inclusive experience for creative women of all abilities, many of whom return year after year.
"It was an absolutely incredible experience that I shall treasure for ever. Everything Ró said on the can and much much more!! I had the most amazing adventures with total strangers who have become beautiful friends. If you have the opportunity to go on one of Roisin O’Farrells Art Retreats take it. They are life-changing!!"
Jane Aston
"I can honestly say that Róisín’s teaching has completely changed the direction of my life. She has given me the confidence I needed to just simply go for it. I am proud to now call myself an artist and I still can't quite believe how well things are going. The time she takes with people, her generosity to share, and her guidance. There are not many things I can say that have so clearly changed my life but her teaching and definitely have."
Andrea Mosey
"I personally had lost all my creative confidence and had so much fear and anxiety to get through. I can’t really begin to tell you how much it means for me to physically, emotionally and intellectually enjoy and engage in the creative process once again and finally be able to call myself an artist again. Love and gratitude."
Helen
The laundry can wait – you can’t
You’ll be thanking yourself if you do and kicking yourself if you don’t.
Are you ready for a life-changing celebration of your creative soul?
A feast for the mind, body, and spirit during an all-inclusive, idyllic week in one of the most beautiful places on the planet?
And all within the company of an intimate group of other amazing women just like you who are up for the same?
Join me in Malta!
I will carry these memories in my heart forever, treasure them and tend to them so that they remain forefront in my sense of knowing, that women from all over can come together and nurture and uplift each other, personally and creatively. And laugh a lot. My heart is full, and my world is larger today
Tammy Goodrich
Very special memories I will carry with me forever!! It was such a magical experience, a new challenge that took me out of my comfort zone but oh how marvellous it was!!! I treasure the friendships, the love and the laughter that we shared! Thanks to all that helped me with the travels. Grainne was fabulous! Ro, thank you for feeding our souls with poems, history, and words, nurturing us to be more creative in our works of art as well as our lives!
LINDA CLARK
I would just like to say, no words can express the gratitude I have in my heart for you to have been placed in my path, bringing me by the hand down a road of brightness, leaving my darkness behind me, I’m in awe of how much you’ve generously shared with us as an artist, as a poet, as a teacher and as a friend who cares, .. keep painting, definitely keep teaching ( and saving more lost souls in the world).. I will never, never forget what you have done for me and my family ... they are so glad to see me smiling again, even if it means I’ve forgotten to cook some days ☺️
Eileen Collins
Roisin’s ability to communicate and get on the level of each of her students was amazing to me. Roisin came prepared to give and that she did, she knew everyone's name and something personal about each one of her students which made her easy to be with and she put me at ease from the minute I walked in.
Yvonne Snead
At this stage in life I feel differently about myself than I did 10 years ago…even 1 year ago! The questions you asked in your retreat and your intuitive insights gave me lots to think about who I want to be going forward.
I loved every minute of the retreat!