Retreat with Raul casado

PUGLIA, ITALY

30th November to 5th december 2027


My work combines hand drawing, ink, watercolour, collage, acrylic paint, and digital techniques. It is characterised by spontaneous lines, simple shapes, flat colours, and a minimalist visual language influenced by graphic design, vintage illustration, Mediterranean culture, and surf culture.

My illustrations often explore themes related to the sea, nature, animals, travel, adventure, and a slower way of life. I am interested in creating images that tell a story using only a few carefully chosen elements, while leaving enough space for the viewer to bring their own memories, emotions, and interpretation into the scene.

My work has been applied to a wide range of formats, including posters, publications, clothing, surfboards, packaging, menus, murals, ceramics, branding, editorial projects, and product design.

In my workshops, I share part of this creative process, from observing and collecting ideas to developing a composition and transforming it into a personal image. We explore line, colour, character creation, visual storytelling, and the possibilities that appear when we allow ourselves to experiment without searching for perfection.


ABOUT RAUL

I am Raül Casado, an illustrator and graphic designer born in Mallorca. My life and creative practice are deeply connected to the Mediterranean, surfing, travel, and the natural world. Drawing has always been my way of observing what surrounds me, preserving memories, and transforming everyday experiences into small visual stories.

Throughout my career, I have worked on international projects and collaborations for brands and clients including Quiksilver, GoPro, Onewheel, Maxxis, Moskova, Otter Surfboards, and Ottway, as well as independent companies and creative projects across Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan.

Beyond the final image, what interests me most is the creative process itself: learning to observe with curiosity, letting go of the fear of making mistakes, and discovering a personal way of expressing ideas.

In my workshops, I aim to create a welcoming and relaxed environment where drawing is not about doing things “correctly,” but about experimenting, playing, and reconnecting with intuition. I enjoy guiding each participant at their own pace and helping them discover new ways of seeing, imagining, and creating.


PUGLIA, THE RETREAT LOCATION

Puglia or Apulia, is the southernmost eastern region of Italy. Its coastline, the Adriatic in the east, the Ionian south and west, is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy, with silvery olive orchards stretching all the way to the long sandy beaches touched by the one of the clearest and cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. It is an ancient land, and one which was invaded many times in its history. One can still see towers built to ward off invaders centuries ago.


MASSERIA SPECULA - THE VENUE

Carved into a gentle hill, our Masseria is surrounded by 20 hectares of exclusive private land, offering a tranquil retreat just 1km away from the enchanting shores of the Ionian Sea.

Masseria Specula is an exclusive retreat venue in Puglia, Italy, set within a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse dating back to 1611.


THE ROOMS

Private bathrooms | Wi-Fi | AC & Heating | Double beds or single beds

Traditional Apulian stone bedroom at Masseria Specula retreat venue in Puglia, Italy
Spacious double bedroom at retreat venue in Puglia designed for yoga and wellness guests
Private ensuite bedroom at Masseria Specula with rustic charm and countryside views in southern Italy
Peaceful bedroom overlooking gardens at yoga retreat venue in Puglia, Italy

THE FOOD

Our kitchen staff is made of grandmas from Puglia who cook authentic local recipes that their mothers taught them. We use seasonal ingredients grown in the neighbouring fields.


THE PROGRAM


BOOK YOUR SPOT

Single room at the main venue: € 2400 per person

Shared room at the main venue (shared with 1 other person): € 1800 per person

Reserve your spot with a €1000 deposit.

The remaining balance is due by the 1st September 2027

PLEASE DO NOT BUY AIRPLANE FLIGHTS UNTIL WE CONFIRM THAT THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOR THIS RETREAT HAS BEEN REACHED, AND THEREFORE THE RETREAT IS CONFIRMED TO TAKE PLACE. IF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS NOT REACHED, A FULL REFUND WILL BE ISSUED.

What’s included:

Art classes.

Art materials included.

Exclusive use of the entire property including all common areas, workshop spaces and gardens.

Accommodation at Masseria Specula.

All meals at the venue.

Complimentary water, coffee, tea.

Return trip to Gallipoli.

Self guided hikes to the beach or to a natural salt lake where flamingoes live.

Roundtrip airport transfer from/to Brindisi Airport (BDS).

All tourist taxes and fees.

What’s not included:

Airplane tickets.

Travel insurance.

Airport pick-up / drop-off from airports other than Brindisi Airport.

Meals outside of the venue.

Anything not listed in the “What’s Included“ section above.

Send us a message to reserve your place: