Art & Creative vs Private & Custom

Both are structured Himalayan retreat programs. The difference lies in purpose, pacing, and who each format is best suited for. This comparison outlines the key distinctions to help you choose.

At a Glance

	Art & Creative	Private & Custom
Format	Awaken your creative voice in a container designed for authentic expression.	A retreat designed entirely around your needs, timeline, and intentions.
Duration	5-day program	Flexible (custom)
Primary Location	mussoorie	chakrata
Why that location	The landscape itself is creative inspiration. Views, light, and aesthetic beauty amplify the inner creative impulse.	Our primary location. Logistically optimal for most custom configurations.

Who Each Retreat Is For

	Art & Creative	Private & Custom
Best suited for	Anyone seeking to reconnect with their creative voice People interested in exploration without performance pressure Those wanting a container for authentic self-expression Beginners and experienced artists alike	Anyone with specific retreat intentions that don't fit standard programs Couples seeking retreat for deepening or healing connection Small groups or teams seeking shared retreat experience People with specific dietary, accessibility, or practice needs Those wanting to explore something entirely new or non-traditional
Not for	People seeking external validation or market-ready work Those uncomfortable with vulnerability or self-expression Anyone wanting technical mastery as the goal	People seeking the most affordable option (custom comes at a premium) Those uncomfortable with the design process or clear intention-setting

Daily Rhythm

Art & Creative

Mornings begin with a prompt, technique, or theme offered by the facilitator. You explore through your chosen medium—drawing, writing, movement, collage, or whatever calls you. Mid-morning brings a break. Tea, reflection, settling. Afternoon is open creation time. This is your space. The facilitator is available if guidance is needed, but the work is entirely yours. Evenings are gentle. Dinner, then optional sharing. If you wish to show your work and receive presence for it, there is that invitation. If you prefer to keep it private, that is equally honored. Over the days, patterns emerge. What you needed to express becomes clear. The work deepens naturally.

Private & Custom

We begin with conversation. What do you need? What are you seeking? What does your body know? What does your heart want? From that conversation, we design your retreat. Duration, location, practices, pacing, depth, community level—all customized. We source teachers, facilitators, and support specific to your needs. We handle accommodations, meals, logistics. You arrive into a container that was built specifically for your unfolding. The rhythm is yours, held within our expertise and care.

Program Profile Comparison

Dimension	Art & Creative	Private & Custom
Intensity	Intensity4/10	Intensity5/10
Reflection Depth	Reflection Depth7/10	Reflection Depth6/10
Social Interaction	Social Interaction6/10	Social Interaction3/10
Physical Demand	Physical Demand2/10	Physical Demand4/10

How to Choose

If your primary need is awaken your creative voice in a container designed for authentic expression, the Art & Creative retreat may be more aligned.

If your primary need is a retreat designed entirely around your needs, timeline, and intentions, explore the Private & Custom retreat instead.

For a broader overview of all retreat programs and formats, visit our complete guide to Himalayan Retreats in India.