It was a luxury yacht experience I’ll never forget—undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2024!
In May of this year, while teaching an art workshop in the South of France for Perigord Retreats, I had a big "pinch me" moment that felt almost too good to be true. During a break in the day, I checked my work emails and saw an unexpected invitation to teach sketching classes aboard a Ritz-Carlton luxury yacht later in the year. My immediate response? YES, please!
Fast forward to November 2024, and there I was, standing on the deck of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima, ready to teach sketchbook art to an incredible group of guests during an 11-day voyage from Tenerife, Spain, to Barbados.
What followed exceeded every expectation I had.
10 times more decadent than I anticipated.
10 times more rewarding than I imagined.
10 times more fulfilling than I ever dreamed.
Exploring Tenerife: The Perfect Start
Before we boarded Evrima, my husband Mark and I spent five days in Tenerife, Spain. I’ll admit, we didn’t know much about this island beforehand and hadn’t done extensive research, but it turned out to be incredible! Often referred to as the “European Hawaii,” Tenerife is a part of the Canary Islands - it has diverse landscapes, and beautiful white and also black volcanic beaches. Plus Tenerife is SO clean. It's a Spanish island and I can tell the government has invested quite a bit into their tourism trade. Oh, and the food was fabulous.
In November, the weather couldn’t have been better—sunny and warm, with temps around 80°F! We spent our days exploring different parts of the island, enjoying amazing local food, and wrapping up each evening with stunning sunsets from our rooftop deck overlooking the bay. Tenerife was the perfect start to the adventure ahead!
We loved it here, and will definitely go back again!
Life Aboard Evrima
From the moment we stepped aboard the yacht, it was clear this was going to be a trip of a lifetime. Everything, from the luxurious interiors to the attentive crew, it was a trip full of decadence and sophistication. After the first day, the crew knew us by name - one of my favorite parts of this trip was all the people who worked there and took care of us. I loved getting to know their stories and backgrounds.
Evrima isn’t just a yacht—it’s like a floating palace! Everything about it, from the delicious food, flowing champagne, and attentive crew made us feel totally spoiled. The crossing from Tenerife to Barbados was such a mix of relaxation and inspiration. I spent hours sketching, snapped tons of photos of the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and filled my sketchbooks with memories I’ll treasure forever.
Teaching Sketchbook Art = Joy
Teaching sketchbook art classes aboard Evrima was an unforgettable experience. The guests, many of whom were beginners or dabblers, were eager to learn and dive into the world of travel sketching. My favorite moments were the "aha" moments—when students realized how fun and freeing sketching could be.
Our classes were lively and full, with guests coming back for more lessons. Not only were their sketchbooks full of beautiful art and memories but their confidence and creativity had blossomed. THAT IS WHAT TAPPING INTO YOUR CREATIVITY IS ALL ABOUT~
The best compliment and thank you gift. I received one of the most beautiful gift as I was disembarking the yacht. A student from the classes, Regi, had made me this and it's now hanging up on my gallery wall in house.
"You inspire people not by showing them how amazing you are, but showing them how amazing they are" - Reji
Tears when I opened this lovely gift! I will cherish it always.
New Friendships and Amazing Memories
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was connecting with people over meals, laughing, and sharing stories. Whether it was enjoying an incredible meal with fellow guests or chatting with the crew about their unique travel experiences, the sense of camaraderie made the trip even more special. So many bonds were created.
I think I took over 1,000 photos during this trip - too many to sort. Here are some favorites:
Why Sketch on Your Travels?
This experience reaffirmed why I love encouraging my students to sketch during their travels. Sketching allows you to slow down, observe the beauty around you, and capture memories in a way that no photograph can. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence and finding joy in the moment. This is why I have a Creative Sketchbook Club membership because I know how important it is for me as an artist to keep up sketchbook practice.
As I look back on my time aboard Evrima, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to combine my love for sketching with this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The memories, the friendships, and the art created during those 11 days are treasures I’ll hold close forever.
If you’re ready to start your travel sketching journey, I invite you to join me for one of my upcoming Art Retreats in 2025. We’ll be visiting some of the most breathtaking locations, and you’ll have the chance to not only sketch and paint, but also connect with fellow creatives in an inspiring setting.
Click the links below to find more information:
July 2025 - Ireland [a few spots left] https://www.essenceofmulranny.com/retreats-and-classes/andrea-garvey-art-workshop
Sept 2025 - France [a few spots left]
Come create with me at my house in Santa Cruz, California. May, June, and August 2025 [details coming soon] link to waitlist
Ready to bring more creativity into your travels? Start sketching, and let the world inspire you!
xo
Andrea
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