BEADING RETREATS  2009 ~ San Miguel de Allende
DATES:      JAN. 31- FEB. 7         FEB. 7 - 14             FEB. 14 - 21 Full
 

This winter I am holding my beading retreats in the wonderful colonial city of San Miguel de Allende (SMA).  This colourful historic city was founded in 1542 and has become a favourite desination for both wealthy Mexicans and Canadian & American expatriates. 
Our accommodations will be in the centre of town and within easy walking distance of the central plaza, El Jardin.  We will have a varied itinerary that will combine both beading and touring.  Join us for a week to remember...in magical Mexico.

About the Retreat
Group Size:  6 - 8 persons
We will spend 4 sessions (3 hours each) exploring the techniques of Off  Loom Bead Weaving & jewellery making.  Please see my "Workshops" page for examples of the workshops.  Our tours will include a a quick orientation tour of SMA, House & Garden Tour, Mexican Cooking Class and a  road trip to historic Dolores Hidalgo.  There are more optional tours available for your free time and can be arranged through us or the B&B....or you may simply choose to stroll the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende and take in the magical atmosphere of colonial  Mexico.  Definitely bring your camera!

About Off-Loom Bead Weaving:
Using beading needles and thread, beads are woven together using a variety of stitches that are used to create different weaves, textures and shapes.  The resulting jewellery is both sturdy, flexible and easy to wear. No beading experience is necessary.  All are welcome.  The workshops are for both the novice and the more advanced beader.  Beads, needles, thread, & clasps will be available for purchase or you can bring your own treasure trove of beads.

Accommodation:  Our home for the week will be the luxurious Villa Mariposa.  located in an exclusive hilltop area on a street that is typical of San Miguel:  winding cobblestone road with trees and flowers all along the way. It is very centrally located, just a 10 minute walk from the main plaza.  The whole house is ours for our retreat.   Our package rates are based on single occupancy for your accommodation.  For double occupancy, please email us to request pricing.
For more photos and details of this property you can view it at:  http://www.sanmiguelmexicorentals.com/sanmiguelpoolrentals.html

Dinner & Lunch: You will be free to explore the wonderful Mexican and international cuisine at many of SMA's restaurants. SMA has a fantastic selection of restaurants from which to choose.  A great night out can be had at Mama Mia's often along with live music.

Sample Itinerary

Package Cost
Cost is per person based on single occupancy: $1700cdn.   For your convenience, you may pay with either Visa or Mastercard

Your Package Includes:

• Airport Transfers: from and to the Leon International Airport

• 7 nights accommodation at Villa Mariposa

• 4 Beading sessions of 3+ hours each

• Escorted Tours: 
  1) House & Garden Tour
  2) Mexican Cooking Class        
  3) Road trip to Dolores Hidalgo

Your Package does not include: your airfare to Leon, Mexico

 Payment:  50% of the cost of your package is due at the time of booking with the balance to be paid by October 1/08.  Full payment will be due for any reservations received after Oct. 1/08.
      
Cancellation Policy
We are unable to offer refunds in the event of a cancellation. We encourage you to purchase trip cancellation /interruption insurance to cover the cost of your
package. This insurance can be purchased  from Evans Travel in Bracebridge
1-800-285-6410 or 705-645-5201, or you can use your own travel agency.
Once you make your booking along with your deposit, we will provide you with a contract/invoice for your Beading Retreat Package.

INFORMATION & CONTACT: VICKI SHARP or JOHN KLASSEN,
Telephone:   705-764-1700 - **After Nov. 28/08  please contact  us by email  vsharp@muskoka.com

How to get there:  There are many airlines that fly into Leon International Airport connecting through one of the hubs of either Houston, Dallas, or Mexico City.  I have found the most flights from Houston with Continental Airlines, so if you have some air mile points, you can get to Houston and continue on to Leon.  Leon has the closest airport to SMA and it is 1.5 hours by car.  A car service will pick you up and deliver you to the airport.

Add more vacation time to your trip:  If you would like to spend a bit more time exploring Mexico, we can help you with your plans.  We can recommend some more destinations for you that would complement your time in San Miguel de Allende.
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About your hosts.....
Vicki Sharp & John Klassen have been traveling & wintering in Mexico for the past 15 years.  Since 1993  they have owned and operated The Muskoka Moose Gallery for fine contemporary Canadian craft & art, in Port Carling, Ontario, Canada.
Vicki is an award winning jewellery designer who has been creating art jewellery since 1989.  For the past decade beading has become her passion and her main creative outlet .  She holds two degrees; a Bachelor Fine Arts (York University) and a Bachelor of Education (University of Toronto).   Currently, she continues to create and exhibit her work in her own gallery and at fine craft shows across Ontario.  Through workshops, she shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of off-loom bead weaving and jewellery making techniques. 
Let us share with you our passion for the cultural richness of Mexico.
 

INFORMATION & CONTACT: VICKI SHARP or JOHN KLASSEN,
Telephone:   705-764-1700  
email:    vsharp@muskoka.com
***After Nov. 28/08, please contact by email since we will be in Mexico

This will be a trip to remember.....