art retreats

Akaru is for people who are looking for a slower way of living, creative inspiration, time away from the noise of everyday life, and the freedom to reconnect with themselves and their work. Please keep in mind that Akaru Residency is open year-round, with no fixed cohorts or structured group programming. Depending on when you visit, you may be the only resident staying at the house. A local family takes care of the property and lives on-site in a separate area, and our housekeeper helps keep your room and the shared spaces clean. So, while you will have support and people nearby, the residency is designed to give you space, independence, and solitude. If you feel comfortable spending time alone, exploring your surroundings, going on adventures, and creating your own rhythm, Akaru may be the perfect fit for you. If you are primarily looking for a strong sense of community, group activities, and opportunities to connect with other people, our retreats may be a better fit.

We welcome applications from artists of all disciplines and backgrounds.

We provide our residents with accommodation, studio space, wellness activities, open kitchen and option to visit Leon's Cathedral and Fundacion Ortiz Gurdian. What is provided in the kitchen?We provide some basic kitchen supplies, including:SpicesHerbsCooking oilPaper towelsCoffee makerBlenderYou will also receive two gallons of drinking water when you arrive. After that, residents are responsible for replenishing their own water and groceries.

There are small convenience stores and local places nearby where you can find fruits and vegetables. For a larger grocery shop, residents typically travel to León by taxi or bus.

The residency fee does not include flights, transportation to and from Akaru, groceries and personal meals, additional water, personal art supplies, travel insurance, or personal expenses. We’re happy to help with transportation recommendations and arrival logistics to make your stay as easy as possible.

There are no formal requirements beyond a genuine commitment to your creative practice and respect for the space, local community, and other residents. Artists are encouraged to use their time at Akaru independently, while remaining open to connection, collaboration, and sharing when opportunities arise. You are not required to teach, host workshops, or participate in group activities unless specifically agreed upon beforehand.

There is no required schedule. One of the beautiful things about Akaru is the ability to create your own rhythm. You might wake up with the sunrise, make coffee, work on your creative practice, take a bike ride into town, swim in the ocean, paint on the deck, walk along the beach, share a meal or conversation with others, and watch the sunset. The intention is not to fill your schedule, but to create enough space for your own ideas to emerge.

You are required a 1 week minimum stay. Long-term stays get a discount.

Year-round. High- season runs from November to April. October is the rainy season, but it is still lovely.

We have not experienced safety issues at the residency, and Nicaragua is generally a welcoming place for travelers. As with anywhere, we recommend using normal precautions and being aware of your surroundings. When using public transportation, we recommend keeping an eye on your belongings and being mindful of pickpocketing. We also recommend avoiding walking alone at night. At the residency, we generally begin bringing belongings inside around 9 PM, and the person who helps care for the house is usually available to help bring things inside. Isabella is also available to residents if they need help or have questions during their stay.

International travelers generally fly into Managua International Airport.

The typical route is:Managua → León → Poneloya Travelers generally take a shuttle from Managua to León and then a bus from León to Poneloya. Managua to León is approximately two hours, followed by approximately 30 minutes from León to Poneloya.

Yes. We are happy to help residents understand their transportation options and coordinate recommendations based on their arrival date. Because transportation options and prices can change, we prefer to provide the most accurate information closer to the resident’s travel date.

There is a bicycle available for residents to use, which is useful for getting around town, visiting smaller shops, and exploring the area.