Amano Takes Oaxaca
A CREATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH CLAY & CULTURE
Private page for the Amano Oaxaca retreat group. Please don't share the password.Dates
March 3 – 8, 2027
Six days of creativity, craftsmanship, cultural discovery, and the magic of Oaxaca in an all-inclusive retreat: Monte Alban, black clay, tlayudas, and more.
Group Size
6-14 travelers
Price Per Person
$3,550 USD*
(double occupancy)
Reserve By
December 1
DISCOVER OAXACA THROUGH THE HANDS OF ITS ARTISANS
Oaxaca is a place where creativity is woven into everyday life. From the beautiful black clay pottery of San Bartolo Coyotepec to the colorful glazed ceramics of Atzompa, generations of artisans have transformed the earth into objects of extraordinary beauty.
Here, traditions are not simply preserved in museums. They live in family workshops, village courtyards, busy markets, and the hands of the people who continue to shape them.
This retreat invites you to experience Oaxaca through its rich ceramic traditions, its remarkable artisans, its food, and its extraordinary cultural heritage.
Guided by Andrea Meyer and Gabriela Domville, we'll travel beyond the city to discover the villages where traditional crafts are born, meet the makers behind the work, and experience the creative spirit that makes Oaxaca such a special place.
We'll explore the historic city center, visit working pottery studios, participate in hands-on experiences, discover ancient Zapotec sites, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Oaxacan cuisine.
This is more than a pottery trip. It's an opportunity to slow down, connect with a place and its people, discover new techniques, and find inspiration in the beauty of handmade things. And yes!! Some shopping too!
OUR HOME IN OAXACA: Hotel Azul
Our home for the week will be Hotel Azul, a distinctive boutique hotel in the heart of Oaxaca, where contemporary design meets local artistic traditions.
Every detail reflects the creative character of the city, from its thoughtfully designed rooms and artistic interiors to its beautiful courtyard and inviting spaces.
The hotel features original artwork, handcrafted details, and distinctive ceramic elements, including tiled bathrooms created by renowned Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo.
Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Oaxaca on foot, with galleries, museums, markets, restaurants, and historic landmarks just steps away.
A comfortable and inspiring place to return to after our daily adventures.
OUR WEEK IN OAXACA
DAY ONE - Wednesday, March 3
Arrival in Oaxaca | Welcome to Our Creative Journey
Arrive in Oaxaca and transfer to Hotel Azul, our home for the week.
Take some time to settle in, unpack, and begin absorbing the beauty and rhythm of the city.
Oaxaca welcomes you with colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful courtyards, lively plazas, and the aromas of chocolate, coffee, and freshly made tortillas.
In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome cocktail and introductions, an opportunity to meet one another, connect, and get acquainted with the experiences ahead.
We'll share our first group dinner and toast to the beginning of our Oaxacan adventure.
DAY TWO - Thursday, March 4
Discovering the Heart of Oaxaca
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll explore the historic heart of Oaxaca.
Our walk begins at the magnificent Santo Domingo Church and former convent, one of the city's most extraordinary architectural landmarks. We'll discover its history, intricate details, and cultural significance.
From there, we'll continue through the lively main square, the Zócalo, with its iconic kiosk, surrounding arcades, and everyday local life.
We'll stroll along the Andador Macedonio Alcalá, a pedestrian street filled with galleries, boutiques, artisan shops, and beautiful colonial architecture.
We'll also visit a traditional local market, where the colors, sounds, aromas, and abundance of Oaxacan ingredients offer a wonderful introduction to the region's culinary culture.
We'll enjoy lunch together before visiting the Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, exploring an extraordinary collection of ancient Mexican art and objects that offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions and symbolism of the region.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy Oaxaca at your own pace: explore galleries, shop for beautiful handmade objects, enjoy a coffee, or simply relax.
In the evening, we'll gather for a group dinner.
DAY THREE - Friday, March 5
Artisans & Traditions of the Oaxacan Countryside
Today we'll venture beyond the city to discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and traditions of Oaxaca's surrounding villages.
Our first stop is San Bartolo Coyotepec, internationally recognized for its distinctive black clay pottery, or barro negro. We'll visit a traditional family workshop and learn about the process, from preparing and shaping the clay to polishing and finishing the pieces.
We'll then enjoy a two-hour hands-on pottery workshop, where participants can experience the material firsthand and explore their own creative expression while learning from local artisans.
Next, we'll visit a potter's studio in San Antonino, discovering another side of the region's ceramic traditions and meeting the people who continue to preserve and evolve these practices.
We'll enjoy lunch in the countryside before continuing our exploration of another traditional craft community.
Depending on the final arrangements, our afternoon may include: Santo Tomás Jalieza (known for its beautiful backstrap-loom weaving), a traditional candle-making studio, and a rug-weaving studio.
Return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon.
The evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own.
DAY FIVE - Saturday, March 6
Oaxacan Cuisine, Markets & Murals
Today we'll explore another essential part of Oaxacan culture: its food.
After breakfast, we'll visit a local market, where we'll discover the ingredients that make Oaxacan cuisine so distinctive.
From fresh chiles and herbs to corn, cacao, spices, vegetables, and local cheeses, the market is a wonderful reflection of the region's agricultural abundance and culinary heritage.
We'll select ingredients and learn about their uses, flavors, and importance in traditional recipes.
Our market experience will lead us to a hands-on cooking class, where we'll prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes together, learning techniques and recipes that have been part of local kitchens for generations.
We'll then sit down and enjoy the meal we've prepared, sharing the experience around the table.
In the afternoon, we'll explore Jalatlaco, one of Oaxaca's most charming neighborhoods. Its colorful streets, painted facades, murals, and artistic details make it a wonderful place to wander, photograph, and find inspiration.
We'll take our time discovering the neighborhood's artistic character and enjoying its relaxed atmosphere.
The evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own.
DAY SIX - Sunday, March 7
Ancient Ruins & Traditional Pottery
After breakfast, we'll travel to Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica and the ancient ceremonial center of the Zapotec civilization.
Perched high above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán offers extraordinary panoramic views and an opportunity to connect with the region's ancient history.
With a knowledgeable guide, we'll explore its grand plazas, pyramids, temples, stone carvings, and archaeological remains. We'll learn about the Zapotec civilization, its artistic achievements, and its enduring influence on the culture of Oaxaca today.
We'll enjoy lunch in town before continuing to Santa María Atzompa, a village with a rich ceramic tradition, particularly known for its green-glazed pottery.
We'll visit different pottery studios, meet local makers, and discover the techniques, materials, and distinctive styles that make each workshop unique.
This is another opportunity to see how pottery continues to be an important part of daily life, family heritage, and artistic identity in Oaxaca.
Return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon.
In the evening, we'll gather for our farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences, discoveries, and creative connections we've shared throughout the week.
DAY SEVEN - Monday, March 8
Farewell to Oaxaca
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer to the airport according to individual departure schedules.
A week of creativity, discovery, meaningful encounters, and inspiration comes to an end.
We leave with new experiences, beautiful memories, perhaps a few handmade treasures, and a deeper appreciation for the people and traditions that make Oaxaca so extraordinary.
Goodbye and safe travels!
What’s Included
We’ve designed this retreat to be all-inclusive, so once you arrive in Oaxaca you can relax and immerse yourself.
6 nights at Hotel Azul, boutique comfort in the heart of the city (single or double room)
5 breakfasts at the hotel (March 4-8)
4 lunches: group lunch in Oaxaca, countryside lunch, cooking-class lunch, and lunch in town
3 dinners: welcome dinner, group dinner, and farewell dinner
All activities including entry tickets to archeologic sites, tour guides, local studio visits, cooking class, etc.
Transportation within Oaxaca
Tips in restaurants and for bus driver
Participation in a pottery workshop
Restaurant and activity recommendations for free evenings
Not Included
The only extras you’ll need to plan for.
Traveler’s insurance - required
Flights to and from Oaxaca (we’ll share the quickest and safest options to fly in and out)
Hotel transfers to and from the airport
2 dinners on your own
Personal shopping and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Specialty coffees
Shipping of pieces made in the pottery workshops
Tips for artisans, tour guides, local guides, or hotel staff
Double Room - 4 available
Single Room - 8 available
Here’s what you need to know about payment
Step 1 - When you register
$500
Deposit to secure your spot. Non-refundable and non-transferable.
Step 2 - Due December 3
50%
Half of your remaining balance.
Step 3 - Due January 3
50%
The rest of your balance. You're all set!
Payment Policies
Single room supplement: +$750 subject to availability.
Joining late: if you register after a due date, any payments already due are owed when you sign up, and a 5% increase will be added to your total.
Missed payments: there's a 7-day grace period after each due date. After that, your spot and deposit may be released.
Cancelling: please refer to the cancellation policy below.
If we cancel: if the trip doesn't reach the 6-person minimum, you'll get a full refund, including your deposit.
Currency rates: If the USD/MXN exchange rate fluctuates, retreat prices may be adjusted for participants who have not yet secured their reservation with a deposit. Once your deposit is received, your price is locked in.
Good to Know
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Not at all. This retreat is about gathering inspiration and reconnecting with your creative spirit (not producing finished work).
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We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we want you to feel informed and comfortable when making your reservation. Because organizing a retreat involves substantial advance commitments, payments to hotels, transportation providers, and local collaborators, the following cancellation policy applies:
Initial Deposit – $500 USD
The $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. This secures your place in the retreat and allows us to begin making the necessary arrangements and commitments.First Payment – 50%
This payment becomes refundable once the retreat has reached its maximum participant capacity. This allows us to confirm the group and maintain stable costs for everyone.Final Balance – Due 60 Days Before the Retreat
The remaining balance is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another person, subject to our approval and any necessary arrangements, provided they take over the full cost of your place.All retreat reservations and services are secured through advance payments to ensure the best possible experience and conditions for the entire group.
Please protect your investment.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance immediately after paying your deposit. Your policy should include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, so you are protected against unexpected circumstances that may prevent you from traveling.We want you to book with confidence, knowing that we have made every effort to create a wonderful experience while being transparent about the commitments involved.
Retreat reservations can only be made through our website. All rooms are on a first come, first serve basis. We’ll do our best to accommodate roommate requests so please indicate your preference on the form we will send you once your booking has been confirmed. Rooms/roommates will otherwise be assigned randomly as received. If during the Retreat you are not happy with your rooming situation, you will be responsible for making alternative arrangements at your own expense.
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All breakfasts. 4 Lunches (one of them is the cooking class) and 2 Dinners. You’ll experience the best of Oaxaca’s food culture!
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Oaxaca is best explored on foot. We’ll walk through cobblestone streets, gardens, and historic sites. Comfortable shoes are essential. If you have mobility concerns, sadly this retreat may not be the best fit.
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Our retreat can often accommodate vegetarian, gluten free, lactose-free and other common food sensitivities. Please note that other specific diets (e.g. FODMAP, keto, vegan) we might not be able to accommodate. We will send a questionnaire prior to the retreat asking for your requests so the venue is prepared. Please reach out to us if you have any specific food diets not listed above prior to signing up so we can confirm we can accommodate your request.
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Yes, trip insurance is required and must be purchased within 14 days of your retreat purchase. Please read our Terms & Agreements (link below) for more information regarding insurance requirements. Proof of insurance will be requested before the trip.
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Yes, we can find accommodations for you before or after, just let us know in advance so we can check availability with the hotel.
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U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico for our retreat do not need a tourist visa. A valid U.S. passport book is required for international air travel. Please make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and has at least one blank page.
Travelers holding passports from other countries should check Mexico's entry requirements based on their nationality before booking.
We’ll require a copy of your passport prior to the trip.
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Gabriela & Andrea will be hosting a virtual Q & A session for interested parties that have more questions about the trip, itinerary, logistics, or Oaxaca in general. Stay tuned for the date of the virtual session!
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We’ve curated a special itinerary for this trip and encourage you to explore on free evenings. We’ll be providing restaurant recommendations, and will suggest other interesting activities to do as well.
If you wish to explore the beaches in Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua, the botanical gardens, or Mitla, we suggest adding an extra day or two to your trip!
Meet Your Hosts
Gabriela Domville
Art WanderGabriela is an artist and teacher with deep roots in Oaxaca — and a gift for turning fragments into something soulful, playful, and alive.
Her work with collage, fabric, and found materials explores the space between beauty and impermanence. She’s drawn to that moment where things fall apart and come together — and it shows in everything she makes. Gabriela’s art has been exhibited at the San Diego Museum of Textile Art, the Athenaeum, and Escondido Arts Museum, and she was awarded the Denis Diderot Grant for a 2024 residency at Château d’Orquevaux in France. Several of her students have achieved top distinctions in the International Competition at the Beit Hatfutsot Museum.
She’s been leading creative workshops for over a decade. Her sessions are tactile, grounding, and quietly transformative — the kind that stay with you. With training in fashion design (Mexico City), ceramics (Florence), and fine art (San Diego), she brings both technical fluency and intuitive ease to her teaching.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Oaxaca was like her second home, Gabriela knows the city by heart. As co-leader of this retreat, she’ll help you experience it not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest — discovering its textures, rituals, and everyday magic.
Andrea Meyer
Amano Pottery StudioAndrea was born and raised in Mexico City, where she was immersed in the city’s art, food, and crafts from a young age. She holds a BA in Art History and Communications from New York University. During her time in New York, Andrea explored the art world by working at Leon Tovar Gallery, Phillips Auction House, Artnet, and Leitzes&Co. Inspired by the artists she has studied and whose work she had encountered, Andrea began an art advising project in Mexico City, bridging young artists with young collectors.
Andrea brings an eye for storytelling and a deep appreciation for handmade objects to her work and her practice. Although she first touched clay as a kid, it was the wheel, which she took up a few years ago, that hooked her. That passion led her to open Amano Pottery Studio in 2024, in Austin, Texas. At Amano, she’s built a multicultural community space where people of all ages and backgrounds come to slow down and make things with their hands.
Oaxaca is a place Andrea has long wanted to explore, and she can’t wait to discover it alongside this group, guided by Gabriela. As co-leader, she’ll assist in the planning and communications, and support the Amano community. She can’t wait to share her passion for Mexican culture, food, and art. Come join her!
Reserve Your Spot for Oaxaca 2027!
Hurry, Oaxaca is waiting and we have limited spots available.
(You'll be redirected to Gabriela Domville's website to sign the liability waiver and for instructions on how to submit the deposit.)Not ready to commit? Join us for a Q&A on Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 am
