Retreat yourself!
Retreats at The Benninghofen House are magical and memorable. The serene spaces and lush backyard, against the backdrop of a vibrant city, make this the perfect getaway location to restore and renew.
Join us for a 2 night, all-inclusive Women’s Art Retreat, or reach out through our contact page to discuss private retreat options for your group. Corporate retreats, book clubs, bible study groups, family reunions, and friend groups welcome! We can sleep up to 10 in our boutique hotel apartments and can help you customize your retreat in any way with meeting/work spaces, workshops, yoga, massages, local excursions, day trips, and more.
Women’s Art Retreat - Acrylic Painting 2 Night All-Inclusive Experience The Benninghofen House Hamilton, Ohio February 6-8, 2026
A Restorative Escape for Creativity, Connection, and Self-Care
Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in a weekend of relaxation, creativity, and nourishment at The Benninghofen House in Hamilton, Ohio. This two-night women's art retreat offers a perfect balance of self-care, artistic expression, and community in a beautiful historic home.
What’s Included:
Two-Night Stay – Unwind in the elegant and inviting surroundings of The Benninghofen House, where historic charm meets modern comfort. Stay in a private room in our boutique hotel apartments. (Bathroom shared with one person)
Delicious, Nourishing Meals – Enjoy wholesome meals crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our menu is designed to nourish both body and soul. From hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners including pizza made in the backyard pizza oven, each meal is a celebration of good food and good company.
Creative Acrylic Painting Workshop - Whether you are a maker of masterpieces or messes, let's gather together to create! This workshop invites participants of all skill levels to engage in acrylic landscape painting. Led by local art instructor Melissa Peterson, the retreat will offer demonstrations of acrylic painting techniques to guide participants through the creation of a winter-themed landscape. The focus will be on composing scenes featuring sunlit or moonlit land, sky, and trees, reflecting the season's restorative qualities.
Workshop Objectives:
* Participants will learn to develop effective compositions.
* Participants will select an image for reference, or bring their own, to inform subject matter, color, value, and lighting choices.
* Participants will experiment with color mixing, blending, and various application techniques to achieve diverse textures.
* Participants will learn to build up color layers over time, with the benefit of acrylic paint's quick-drying properties, allowing for easy correction of any errors.
* Optional morning yoga, beginner friendly, to calm your mind and inspire creativity
The intimate setting of the retreat will provide personalized guidance for beginners and a dedicated studio environment for experienced painters seeking focused time for their craft.
All materials will be provided-be sure to bring your creativity and willingness to explore and learn!
A Weekend of Wellness and Connection
Beyond the painting workshop, this retreat is about restoring your mind and body. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to unwind with:
Optional Morning mindfulness/gentle movement sessions to start the day with intention.
Cozy evenings with tea, wine, and good conversation in the inviting common spaces of The Benninghofen House.
Time for personal reflection and self-care, whether that means journaling in a quiet corner, taking a peaceful stroll, or simply soaking in the charm of this historic home and delightful city of Hamilton, Ohio.
Join Us for a Weekend of Inspiration & Renewal
Come as you are, and leave refreshed and inspired. Whether you're looking to reconnect with yourself, explore a new artistic medium, or simply enjoy a relaxing getaway with like-minded women, this retreat is designed for you.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and embark on a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and self-care at The Benninghofen House!
2 Night Retreat Schedule:
Friday evening
Arrival and check in, make yourself at home
Review the weekend itinerary, introductions
House tour
Saturday
Gentle morning yoga (optional)
Breakfast
Painting Workshop 3 hours
Lunch/Break/Free Time
Painting Workshop 3 hours
Dinner
Free Time
Relaxing in the peaceful spaces of The Benninghofen House, and enjoying the delightful backyard oasis and gardens
Soaking in the hot tub
Sweating it out in the sauna
Strolling around the historic Dayton Lane Neighborhood, exploring nearby shops, parks, Great Miami River walking trail, sculptures, and murals
Reading, napping, drawing, painting, anything that makes you happy
Sunday
Gentle morning yoga (optional)
Breakfast and group reflection
Goodbyes and check out
Meet our art instructor:
Melissa Peterson
Artist, Instructor, Creative Collaborator
Melissa Peterson is an experienced art instructor based in Hamilton with over 20 years of teaching in a variety of settings. From leading children’s art camps to guiding high school students, she has dedicated most of her career to inspiring creativity in the classroom. Recently, Melissa has partnered with the women of Brightwall Collective, contributing her talents to community mural projects.
Outside of teaching and painting, Melissa enjoys reading, cooking, and tending her garden. Her life experiences include traveling abroad and living in three different states, all of which have shaped her creative perspective. At home, she and her husband stay busy (and entertained) with their three children. Melissa’s favorite part of her journey as an artist and educator is meeting new people, building connections, and sharing in the joy of creativity.
Accomodations
Retreat guests stay in our 5-star rated, unique boutique-hotel apartments at The Benninghofen House. Each guest will have a private bedroom and share a bathroom and kitchen with another person.
Investment (payment plan available)
2 Night Art Retreat $695 per person Includes - private overnight accommodations for 2 nights, 2 acrylic painting workshop sessions and supplies, 4 meals and snacks, optional yoga, hot tub, sauna, recipes from the retreat
Commuter Option - No overnight accommodations (limited availability) $495 per person Includes - 2 acrylic painting workshop sessions and supplies, 4 meals and snacks, optional yoga, hot tub, sauna, recipes from the retreat
Additional information
*Repeat Retreat Guests - 15% discount for guests who have retreated with us at The Benninghofen House in the past. Welcome back! Reach out to Bekki to set up your discounted retreat. 513-291-0117
*Extended Retreat - Additional nights can be added before and after the retreat for an additional fee.
*Payment plan available. $250 nonrefundable to book into a retreat with the remainder due 30 days prior to the retreat. Text owner Bekki Rennick (513-291-0117) or reach out through our website contact page to set up a payment plan.
*Cancelling a retreat - No refunds unless canceled 30 days prior to the retreat. You may transfer your booking to another person or to a future retreat if you are within the 30 day period for a fee.
Reach out to owner and event coordinator, Bekki Rennick (text or call) to set up a payment plan. 513-291-0117
Photos from past retreats at The Benninghofen House
