Art and indulgence in Sri Lanka

One of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive boutique hotels, Kahanda Kanda, will be holding a week long luxury artist retreat from June 13 to 20, 2009. The retreat will be lead by renowned Australian artist, Angus McDonald and Zoë MacDonell (recognised as one of Australia’s emerging contemporary artists) from June 13 to 20, 2009.

Set in the lush tropical surroundings of a working tea estate just 30 minutes from Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kahanda Kanda is the perfect place for the inquisitive beginner artist, the advanced professional and for those just wishing to explore their creativity.

The retreat will comprise daily workshops, including drawing, painting, collage and print making which will take place both indoors and outdoors. There will also be art excursions, evening art lectures and at the end of the week, the opportunity for participants to exhibit an example of their favourite artwork at an exhibition in Galle Fort.

Interior designer and owner of Kahanda Kanda, George Cooper said: “It is extremely exciting for Sri Lanka and Kahanda Kanda to be able to offer a retreat with such celebrated international artists and to expand the range of holiday products available at the hotel.”

In 2007 Kahanda Kanda was awarded the highest accolade by Conde Nast Traveler USA as one of the ‘Top New Hotels in the World’, in November 2008 it was voted the number one hotel in the Galle area and number two hotel in Sri Lanka by TripAdvisor and in February 2009 it was awarded by TripAdvisor.com Annual Travelers’ Award as Best Hidden Gems, Asia.

The week-long Art & Indulgence retreat at Kahanda Kanda including accommodation, all meals and art materials costs from £1,850 per person. For further information email george@kahandakanda.com.