Sedona 2025 Spring Retreat Tickets
*SOLD OUT*
Thoughtful Dots Spring Retreat
Sedona, Arizona
March 21-23, 2025
We are so excited to be bringing the Thoughtful Dots Retreat to the heart of Sedona, Arizona! This retreat is designed to be so much more than a skill building workshop. It’s an opportunity to come together as a vibrant community, connect, and share in the joy of creativity. Set against Sedona’s breathtaking landscapes, we’ll spend our time not just creating art, but building friendships, laughing, and experiencing the beauty of this magical place. This retreat is about fun, relaxation, and bonding through the art of mandalas, leaving you refreshed and inspired!
Meet Your Hosts!
Meet your hosts for the Mandala Painting Retreat! As passionate artists and facilitators, we’re here to guide you through this creative journey. With a love for mandala art and a deep appreciation for community, we’ve crafted this retreat to be an experience of connection, inspiration, and fun. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels free to express themselves and explore their creativity. We’re excited to share this special time with you, surrounded by the beauty of Sedona and the warmth of our growing community.
Demi Davidson, Thoughtful Dots
Hello, I’m Demi Davidson of Thoughtful Dots, and I’m thrilled to be one of your guides for the Thoughtful Dots Retreat. Over the past four years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of mandala art, not just as a creative practice but as a meditative and mindful experience. My passion lies in helping others enhance their skills while exploring the deeper, healing aspects of mandala painting. More than anything, I love building meaningful connections and fostering a community where we can be vulnerable, share openly, and grow together. I’m excited to embark on this creative journey with you in beautiful Sedona!
Ranoo Sabnis, Mandala Doc
Hi! I’m Ranoo Sabnis of Mandala Doc, and I’m beyond excited to co-host the Thoughtful Dots Retreat with Demi. By day, I’m a full-time OB/GYN and a full-time mom of three. Amidst all the beautiful chaos of life, I’ve found balance and calm through the meditative art of mandalas. What started as a personal practice has evolved into a love of sharing and teaching this art. I especially love vibrant color gradients and big, bold brushstrokes. I can’t wait to connect with all of you in Sedona so we can create and share the joy this art form brings!
What to expect.
This retreat is about letting go of perfection and embracing the joy of creative exploration. We'll paint together, share stories, and most importantly, connect with one another. Instead of focusing on perfecting techniques, we’ll focus on the freedom of expression and the beauty of community.
Workshop Space.
Sanjali Healing Arts
Sanjali Healing Arts, nestled in the serene beauty of Sedona, is a sanctuary for creativity and healing. Surrounded by Sedona’s signature red rocks and tranquil energy, it provides the perfect setting for our mandala painting workshop. At Sanjali, you’ll feel an immediate sense of peace as we gather to paint, share, and connect. The studio’s welcoming atmosphere and spiritual energy make it an ideal space for our group to explore the art of mandalas together.
Lodging.
Arabella Hotel
For our Mandala Painting Art Retreat, we’ve arranged a room block at the beautiful Arabella Hotel in Sedona, Arizona. Located walking distance to the Sanjali workshop space, this hotel serves as a convenient and peaceful base for your retreat experience. We've secured a block of rooms at a special discounted rate to ensure your stay is as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Just mention our retreat when booking, and enjoy the convenience of being surrounded by your fellow participants in this inspiring setting.
Arbabella Room Block Rate - $259 per night
The distance from the Sanjali Healing Arts Studio to the Arabella hotel is only a 7 minute walk or a 1 minute drive!
Food.
Catering & Local Restaurants
Throughout our Mandala Painting Retreat, we’ll be enjoying delicious meals together, fostering a sense of community over shared experiences. Lunch and dinner will either be catered with fresh, locally sourced options or we’ll venture out to enjoy Sedona’s vibrant restaurant scene. Each meal will be an opportunity to relax, connect, and savor the flavors of Sedona.
Private Facebook Group.
To enhance your retreat experience, every attendee will be invited to join a private Facebook group. This space will allow you to connect with fellow participants before the retreat, share your excitement, and coordinate any details. Feel free to introduce yourself, ask questions, or discuss what you're looking forward to most. It's a great way to start building connections and community before we even arrive in Sedona!
Raffle.
As a special highlight of our retreat, we’ll be raffling off some amazing goodies!
Raffle Prizes Include:
Finished Original Artwork by Demi & Ranoo
Private Mandala Painting Zoom Lesson With Demi
Free Thoughtful Dots Online Masterclass Of Your Choice
Free Online Custom Color Palette Mixing Class by Ranoo
$100 Gift Card to LoveAndDots Online Courses by Lauren Saunders
$100 Gift Card to TheRockShopCo
$100 Gift Card to Happy Dotting Company
$50 Gift Card to DevonDotting
$50 Gift Card to DotArtDepot
Sedona Local Gift Package (goodies from Sedona vendors)
16” Custom Artwork by Ranoo Sabnis
22” Custom Hand-Painted Mandala by Demi
Each person will receive a raffle ticket at the beginning of the retreat and items will be raffled off on our final day!
Travel Logistics to Sedona, AZ
Getting to Sedona is easy with several nearby airports to choose from! The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 2 hours away. From there, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or arrange a rideshare service to reach Sedona.
Alternatively, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is about an hour away and offers smaller regional flights, making it a convenient option for some travelers.
Once in Sedona, we recommend having a car for easier access to the retreat venue and exploring the beautiful surroundings. You can also utilize the private Facebook group to coordinate carpooling for the weekend.
Itinerary
Friday 3/21/2025
12-1:30 pm - Meet & Greet @ Sanjali Healing Arts Studio
We will begin the mandala painting retreat with a meet and greet in a comfortable, zen-inspired setting. Surrounded by calming energy, you'll engage in light ice breakers and introductions, designed to foster connection and get rid of any initial jitters! This relaxed setting invites you to settle into the retreat’s atmosphere while getting to know fellow participants, setting the tone for a creative and mindful journey ahead.
1:30-2 pm - Group Meditation
Before diving into painting, we'll gather for a 30-minute guided meditation focused on creativity. In this group meditation, you’ll be guided to clear your mind, connect with your inner creative energy, and set intentions for your weekend. This meditation is designed to help you relax, let go of any artistic pressure, and open yourself up to the flow of inspiration. It’s the perfect way to center yourself and get in the right mindset for a mindful, creative experience.
2-4 pm - Paint Mixing & Butterfly Painting Class
Taught by Ranoo Sabnis, MandalaDoc
Learn how to blend colors to create harmonious palettes for your mandala art. In this session, you'll explore the fundamentals of brushstrokes by painting a small butterfly, using your newly mixed colors. This exercise not only introduces you to basic techniques but also allows you to experiment with brushstrokes, setting the stage for a larger mandala design later in the retreat.
5-7 pm - Dinner @ The Hudson
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at The Hudson, a local favorite in Sedona, AZ. Enjoy a relaxed evening of delicious food, great conversation, and stunning views of the red rocks. This casual yet vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect setting to unwind, share experiences from the day, and connect further with fellow retreat participants over a memorable meal.
Saturday 3/22/2025
7-8 am - Breakfast @ Arabella Hotel
(For those participating in the room block)
Wake up to a delicious, hot breakfast with everything you love! Start with fresh coffee and juice; scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage and breakfast potatoes. Arabella also offers toast, muffins, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt and hot oatmeal. *Gluten-free options also available.
9-9:15 am - Arrive @ Sanjali and 15 minute guided meditation
We'll kick off our day with a calming 15-minute guided meditation. This brief yet powerful session will help you center your thoughts, clear your mind, and connect with your creative energy. It’s a perfect way to start our day together!
9:15-10 am - Warmup
We'll begin the workshop with a simple yet mindful warm-up to get your creative energy flowing. Using basic designs and patterns, you'll practice painting brushstrokes, swooshes and dots—key elements of mandala painting. This exercise is designed to loosen up your hand, ease into the painting process, and help you focus on the meditative aspects of creating. No pressure, just a fun, relaxing way to get comfortable with your tools and prepare for the larger painting!
10-12 pm - Mandala Painting Workshop Part 1
We will begin painting our mandalas together as a group. During the workshop, Demi Davidson, your retreat host, will be painting alongside the group. This is a great opportunity to observe her unique mandala painting techniques in real-time. As she creates, feel free to ask questions, watch her process, and gain insights into her approach to brushwork, color choices, and design. Both Demi and Ranoo will be there to offer tips and share their experience.
12-1 pm Lunch Catered by Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch catered by Picazzo's Italian Kitchen, a Sedona favorite known for its organic and delicious Italian-inspired dishes. This meal will provide a nourishing break during our retreat.
1-4:30 pm - Mandala Painting Workshop Part 2
After lunch, we will spend the next few hours working on our mandala paintings as a group. This is a great opportunity to share ideas, get inspired by each other, and work together in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you’re new to mandalas or have some experience, you’ll enjoy the process of creating alongside others, with plenty of opportunities to chat, ask questions, and help one another out. It’s all about coming together and enjoying the art-making journey as a group!
5:30-7:30 pm - Dinner @ Golden Goose
Enjoy a delicious group dinner at Golden Goose, one of Sedona's cozy and inviting restaurants. Golden Goose is well-known for its friendly hospitality, masterfully prepared steaks and creative seafood dishes.
Sunday 3/23/2025
7-8 am - Breakfast @ Arabella Hotel
(For those participating in the room block)
9-11 am - Finishing Touches & Raffle
On the final day of the retreat, we'll add the finishing touches to our mandala artwork and get them ready for travel home, bringing our relaxing weekend to completion. Afterward, we'll gather for group photos to capture the special moments and celebrate our shared journey. The day will conclude by picking the winners of our raffle!
11-12pm - Bell Rock Hike & Farewell
We'll wrap up the retreat with a relaxed hike at Bell Rock, one of Sedona's most stunning landmarks! This trail offers amazing views and an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air. It’s the perfect way to ground ourselves and soak in the beauty around us. A peaceful end to an inspiring retreat!
What’s included with your ticket purchase?
Dinner @ The Hudson Restaurant Friday Night
Catered Lunch from Picazzo’s Italian Restaurant on Saturday
Dinner @ The Golden Goose American Grill On Saturday Evening
Friday & Saturday Painting Workshop Taught by Demi Davidson and Ranoo Sabnis
GIFT BAGS!!
Raffle Ticket
All Painting Supplies Will be Provided Including: Wood from NateCo, Nail Stylus Tools, Dotting Rods, Brushes, DecoArt Paint and Any Supplies Needed for Finishing Your Painting - You do not need to bring you own painting tools!
Bubble Wrap Mailers to Safely Transport Your Painting Home With You
A good time ;)
Ticket Price - $1,200 USD
Tickets will be sold to Patreon subscribers FIRST. Any remaining tickets will be released to the public. Tickets go on sale October 1st @ 10 AM MST for Thoughtful Dots Patreon Subscribers.
Limited Availability! Only 20 Tickets Will Be Sold
Photos from Thoughtful Dots Retreat 2024
Social Circle, Georgia
Retreat Attendee Testimonials
-
"I was absolutely thrilled and immensely grateful to snag a ticket for the FIRST EVER Thoughtful Dots retreat! Initially, I felt a bit nervous about meeting all the incredible artists that I admire, but the experience exceeded all my expectations. Meeting Demi in person was a highlight—she was just as sweet, warm, and caring as she is in our Patreon classes. Demi, along with Ranoo and Yoli, expertly managed 20 painters, providing us with invaluable tips and advice on our work. The opportunity to paint alongside these experts was truly inspiring. What surprised me the most was the incredible bonding that took place. We arrived as individual artists but left with lasting friendships, and we all still keep in touch. This retreat was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever!"
-
"Attending the first-ever Thoughtful Dots Retreat, hosted by Demi and co-hosted by Ranoo, Yoli, and Michele in Social Circle, Georgia, was a transformative experience. The most impactful part of the retreat was the one-on-one guidance, which provided personalized insights and support. Meeting other like-minded artists created a familial atmosphere and a special bonding experience. I made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The retreat was well organized and incredibly relaxing. I learned various techniques to improve my painting style, along with best practices and valuable lessons from other artists. Being among these lovely ladies in an environment of encouragement and without judgment gave me a profound sense of belonging. The retreat was spiritually, mentally, and even physically healing. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired. I am deeply grateful for this unforgettable experience and the wonderful community it has brought into my life. I am hopeful to attend this amazing retreat again in the future."
-
"What I loved about the retreat: Meeting Demi, Ranoo, and Yoli was the BEST part of the retreat. Hanging out with other artists who share the same passion. Great time to network. Painting together on Saturday and creating the same mandala to see different outcomes. The organization team thought of everything: pre-painted black wood with guide marks, bring everything even wipes, and Q-tips. The location was beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful."
-
WELCOMING!! That was what I took away the most from the retreat. It’s hard to decide what was the best part. The location was beyond picturesque and serene. Meeting so many supportive women was food for the soul. I got there knowing no one and left with what I hope to be forever friends. The one on one attention from Demi while working on our pieces was priceless. I honestly cannot recommend this retreat more, especially in these trying times. I came home a different person. Relaxed, rejuvenated and revived. It’s an absolute must!
-
"Being a part of the first ever Thoughtful Dots retreat is a weekend I will cherish forever. Going into it I was both nervous and excited to meet people who I had only connected with online over the past year. Demi, Ranoo and Yoli did an amazing job to create a relaxing, warm and friendly environment for all the guests. They provided all the materials for our group painting and walked around offering guidance and assistance to everyone. I love how welcoming this community is and that all the artists were helping each other out. I learned so much from not just the hosts but everyone in attendance. I left the retreat with new friends and feelings of relaxation, creativity and inspiration. I can’t wait to attend another retreat!"
-
"I really enjoyed meeting so many wonderful creative women. The location was stunning. Putting faces to the screen names from the Patreon classes was fantastic"
-
"I loved meeting everyone! I feel we truly created friendships that will continue to grow"