Desert Intuition Painting & Yoga Retreat

The retreat is built around Intuition Painting®, a proprietary six-phase creative method developed by Montine Blank. Unlike a traditional painting class, there are no techniques to learn and no finished masterpiece to produce. Instead, you're guided to paint from intuition, following colors and impulses without judgment. The process is rooted in the expressive arts tradition, drawing on the work of Aviva Gold, and is designed to help you bypass your inner critic and access a more spontaneous, authentic way of creating.

Each day follows a similar rhythm. Mornings begin with optional gentle yoga and a check-in, followed by a guided meditation. Then you move into the studio for a couple of hours of painting, breaking for lunch. Afternoons include more painting, but also nature mandalas, authentic movement, or free time to explore the ranch. The group comes together for a circle at the end of each day.

The location is a big part of the experience. The ranch sits on five private acres bordering Joshua Tree National Park, a landscape of towering boulders, Joshua trees, and wide-open skies. It's a place that naturally encourages slowing down and looking inward. The property is mid-century style, with a pool, a garden, and views of the desert from every room.

Montine Blank, the founder, has been facilitating these retreats for over 25 years. She holds a degree in Human Development, is a certified transformational coach, and trained with Aviva Gold. She's joined by Laura Bogner, a yoga instructor who has been teaching since 1997, and Elka, the private chef. The combination of experienced facilitation and a small group size (max 12) means you get plenty of individual attention.

Guests come for many reasons—some are processing grief, some feel stuck, some just want to reconnect with their creative side. The retreat creates a safe container for that work, and past participants often describe it as a bonding experience where strangers become friends.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation (choose private or shared room, or commuter option) - Daily gentle yoga and mindful movement classes - Intuition Painting® process taught by Master Facilitator Montine Blank - All art supplies - Fire ceremony and nature mandalas - Daily breathwork and meditation - Guided hike to Joshua Tree trails & overlooks - Walk through Coyote Canyon to see petroglyphs - Breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily - Dinner on the first and last evenings - Water, herbal tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day - Free parking - Wifi - Pre and post retreat support from our team

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Two dinners (on days 2 and 3) - Travel insurance - Flights - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Massage treatments - Visa fees