All-Inclusive, luxury creative retreats in the U.S.
ABOUT HOUSE OF ATHENA CREATIVE RETREATS
MY WHY
Welcome to House of Athena Creative Retreats, where we celebrate the transformative power of art in a nurturing environment. Our retreats are designed to empower attendees through creative expression, fostering a community where inspiration flourishes and friendships blossom. I'm Diane Wood, the Founder and Creative Director of House of Athena Creative Retreats (HoACR). Having an immense love of art, travel, and learning new things, I created House of Athena Creative Retreats as a natural intersection of these joys and passions. As a retired teacher of 25 years, an artist of 20, a traveler, and an art retreat enthusiast, my hope and plan for HoACR is to become a recognized and trusted brand for luxury, all-inclusive creative retreats in the United States. As an art retreat participant myself, I have personally enjoyed seeing breathtaking places around the world by attending a number of international art retreats over the past several years, and I have loved meeting so many fascinating people from all areas of the globe, including many from the United States. While these retreats have been life-changing for me, I have been disappointed in not finding similar experiences offered here in the United States. While there are many small retreat companies in the U.S., they vary in length of stay, the quality of accommodations and food, and many are based outside of the U.S. House of Athena Creative Retreats will provide trusted brand recognition with reliably high standards, offering luxurious, all-inclusive creative retreats across the United States in which creatives can relax and lean in fully to the experience without having to worry about any of the details. What I want to offer the world with House of Athena Creative Retreats is a new way of being in it--a new way of thinking about or lives and how creativity nurtures our growth and deepens our sense of humanity. I believe that people yearn for more opportunities to be creative in supportive communities while seeking out new experiences in beautiful places. I believe that the world is in dire need of this type of beauty-building, and when independent, thoughtful, imaginative people gather with intention, they create not only meaningful art, but impactful relationships and lasting communities. Inspired women gathering with intention is leadership in its most refined form, and House of Athena Creative Retreats will help cultivate this powerful network of artists who elevate one another to shape what comes next.
RETREAT PARTICIPANT
When you book a House of Athena retreat, you can relax and let us handle all of the details, including transportation to and from the airport, wonderful accommodations, organized and intimate workshops with your favorite artists, catered and chef-inspired meals, and fabulous outings to explore the area and gather inspiration for your creativity. At House of Athena Creative Retreats we take relaxation, creativity, and fun seriously, as your enjoyment is our priority!
WHAT WE OFFER
All-Inclusive, luxury creative retreats in the U.S. Our retreats offer a reprieve from the demands of daily life, giving you time and space to let your creativity flourish in supportive environments. Our retreats are true experiential vacations where you and your friends can relax, play, create, learn, make memories, and form new connections.
Each retreat venue has been carefully selected to provide tranquility and comfort, menus are expertly prepared by chefs and distinguished caterers, adventurous outings and time to explore your surroundings are provided, and everything is centered around intimate creative workshops with your favorite artist.
Join us for our next retreat!
OUR STORY
House of Athena Creative Retreats was founded to bring together intelligent, creative participants seeking meaningful community and personal artistic growth. The brand is inspired by Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, craft, and strategic strength. The embodiment of independence, intellect, and creative mastery--she inspires our immersive, luxury retreats where artistry sharpens intellect and connection strengthens influence.
Our all-inclusive retreats are carefully selected spaces where artists can step away from daily demands and reconnect with their inspired voices, intellectual curiosities, and supportive networks.
House of Athena Creative Retreats centers on the idea that when thoughtful, imaginative people gather with intention, they create not only meaningful art but impactful relationships and lasting communities.
Our retreats are centered around intimate hands-on workshop style sessions where vetted, well-known and respected artists share their time-tested technique, finely honed skills, and uniquely inspirational stories. House of Athena Creative Retreats provides the structure for worry-free artistic exploration in stunningly inspirational locations with luxurious accommodations and delicious food.
LOGO SYMBOLISM
The logo for House of Athena Creative Retreats is closely tied to our founding philosophy and mission--to provide supportive spaces where artists may gather to create, learn, relax, and commune with like-minded creatives. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, craft, and strategic strength, guides our mission and philosophy to inspire artists to reconnect with their voices and curiosities in a nurturing and supportive community. Athena's sacred animal and primary symbol, the owl, perching on her forearm in the logo, symbolizes intelligence, forethought and wisdom. Historically, because the owl is nocturnal and can see in the dark, it has represented the ability to "'see' truths beyond the ordinary and to discern light in the shadows of ignorance." It has come to represent "keen perception and introspection" (Stakora.com) --aligning with the vision and mission of House of Athena Creative Retreats to cultivate a powerful network of artists who elevate each other to shape what comes next. Athena, gripping paint brushes and holding a painter's palette, is armed with creative tools that forge against stagnation and embolden the artist's critical and imaginative eye. Behind Athena is the Athens Acropolis, and enduring dedication to democracy, philosophy, and artistic excellence. All of these symbols together represent House of Athena Creative Retreats' vision for a more creativity-inspired, community-nurtured, and masterfully-elevated way of existing in this flawed world.
