5-Day Pottery Retreat in Goa
A beginner-friendly coastal retreat in Mandrem with clay practice, calm mornings, and enough openness to feel like a real creative holiday.
Why Goa
Mornings in Goa begin gently, with warm air, greenery, and an easy coastal rhythm.
The day might start with yoga, a beach or nature walk, or a simple wellness session that eases you into the morning.
Later, you spend time with clay and work at your own pace, with guidance available whenever needed.
Evenings stay open for sunset walks, beach cafes, or quiet time. Goa has plenty to explore, but the retreat itself keeps a relaxed, spacious, easygoing rhythm.
What your days will look like
Days revolve around the pottery studio; you will spend time here working with clay, learning the basics through practice, and creating at your own pace.
Designed for beginners, the retreat introduces all the key aspects of making pottery and working with clay. It includes the basics of wheel throwing, different techniques of hand-building, and surface decoration, with facilitators there throughout the sessions to guide you.
Mornings may begin with yoga, meditation, or a beach or nature walk before the day settles into the studio.
Evenings are intentionally open. You can connect with others, step out to explore nearby cafes or local spots, or simply take the time to rest.
Who this retreat is for
For people who want to step away from routine and spend a few days in a calmer, more creative way.
Well suited to first-time potters, creatives, solo travellers, couples, friends, and curious visitors who want to explore clay without pressure.
A good fit for people who value open evenings, slower mornings, and enough room to explore or simply do nothing.
Retreat flow
Check-in before 2 PM, take your time to settle in, visit the studio, meet other people and attend your first pottery session from 3 PM - 5 PM.
These days of the retreat include group pottery sessions between 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM where you will learn pottery basics (wheel throwing, hand building, surface decoration, firing, and glazing) while creating your own art pieces. The rest of the day can be spent at your own pace — exploring Goa, resting, or spending more quiet time around the studio and nearby cafés.
No activities are scheduled today. Enjoy a relaxed morning and heartfelt farewells after breakfast. Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
About location
Surrounded by cashew trees and filtered sunlight, Mandrem is a quiet village in North Goa known for its relaxed pace and natural surroundings.
The area is made up of local homes, small cafes, art spaces, and guesthouses spread along narrow village roads. Away from the busier parts of Goa, Mandrem draws artists, travellers, and those looking for a more grounded way to experience Goa. This setting makes the retreat well-suited for those looking for an art retreat in Goa, away from crowded tourist areas.
Accommodation
The accommodation and studio in Goa are surrounded by cashew trees, lush greenery, and the calm atmosphere of Mandrem, offering a peaceful retreat just 2 km from the beach. Being close to the sea, the experience also appeals to those looking for a coastal pottery retreat in India.
Guests stay in wooden cottages with attached washrooms, high-speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, an electric kettle, air-conditioning, and a blend of modern and rustic aesthetics.
An in-house cafeteria provides delicious and healthy Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
Studio & Practice
The studio is at the heart of the retreat. The studio and accommodation are located within the same premises, allowing easy movement between rest and practice throughout the day.
The studio is surrounded by greenery, bringing in natural light and a strong sense of connection to the landscape while you work.
Apart from the retreat, the same studio is used for pottery courses, workshops, artist residencies, and longer programs, giving it a lived-in, working atmosphere. The space comfortably accommodates up to 30 students from different programs at a time.
AS SEEN ON
Upcoming dates
Schedule - 2026
July
- July 17-22
- July 31-Aug 5
- Placeholder
Pricing/person
18% tax applies.
Shared rooms available only for guests booking together.
Included
5 nights accommodation
Toiletries
Breakfast and lunch every day
Pottery sessions
Art supplies / pottery materials
Not included
Airfare
Taxi to or from the airport
Firing, glazing, and shipping of finished pieces
Alcohol and personal purchases
Laundry
Bank and payment processing charges
Any activities not listed in the retreat inclusions
Booking Process
Once you fill out the form to reserve your seat, we will check availability for your selected batch and get back to you with payment details. To confirm your booking, a reservation amount of INR 25,000 per person is required via bank transfer, payment link, or UPI.
The remaining amount can be paid upon arrival. Once the payment is received, we will share your booking confirmation along with all necessary details. A detailed itinerary will be shared after your booking is confirmed.
Planning your visit
Weather
Winter (Nov-Feb): Sunny, warm days and cooler evenings; lively and comfortable.
Summer (Mar-May): Hot, bright days; early mornings and evenings are pleasant.
Monsoon (Jun-Oct): Lush, rainy, and quieter; slower days and a calmer atmosphere.
What to bring
Light cotton clothing
Swimwear
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops
A sun hat
How to reach
Manohar International Airport (Mopa) is about 28 km away, roughly 30-40 minutes by road.
Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is about 55 km away, roughly 1.5 hours by road.
Taxi pickup can be arranged on request.
FAQs
Taking Your Pieces Home
Taking Your Pieces Home
The pieces you make during the retreat won’t be ready to take with you immediately, as they need time to dry and go through the firing and glazing process. At the end of the retreat, you can decide which pieces you’d like to keep. The selected pieces are then glazed and shipped to your address within 4–5 weeks. This comes at an additional cost of ₹700–₹1200 per piece, depending on the size. Taking your pieces home is completely optional. Most participants create around 7–10 pieces and usually select 3–5 or more to be finished and shipped.
Can someone who has never done pottery before attend?
Can someone who has never done pottery before attend?
Yes. This pottery retreat in Goa is beginner-friendly, and many participants join without any prior experience.
Can I come a day early or extend my stay after the retreat?
Can I come a day early or extend my stay after the retreat?
Yes, arriving early or extending your stay is possible, subject to availability and additional charges.
Can I join the retreat on my own?
Can I join the retreat on my own?
Yes. Many participants come solo. The retreat is designed to feel comfortable and welcoming for individual travellers.
Is the retreat very structured or flexible?
Is the retreat very structured or flexible?
The retreat follows a gentle daily rhythm rather than a strict timetable, allowing space for both learning and rest.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Cancellations made 60 days or more before the retreat start-date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 60 days are non-refundable. One-time rescheduling is allowed up to 14 days before the retreat, subject to availability. Seat transfers are permitted up to 7 days before the retreat.
Can I take home the pieces I make during the retreat?
Can I take home the pieces I make during the retreat?
Yes. You can choose the pieces you'd like to keep. As pottery needs time to dry, be fired, and glazed, pieces won't be ready to take home immediately after the retreat. We can glaze and ship your selected pieces to your address for an additional charge.