Creative Getaways for Artistic Souls

Feel like you’ve lost that loving feeling? Shutting down romantically and sexually may have a lot less to do with problems in your dating life than with keeping your creative batteries charged. Indeed, recent research in art therapy, for example, has shown benefits among cancer patients that include an increase in self-esteem, improvement in overall health and a significant decrease in anxiety and depression.

You don’t need to be a Dali prodigy to get in touch with your creative side – there are plenty of intensive vacations and workshops, from photography to flower arranging, that will help you get those creative juices flowing. Here are a few to consider:

Santa Fe Photographic Workshops: If you want to see the world through a different lens then consider travelling in-country or abroad for a vacation in photography education. The Santa Fe Workshops is a year-round educational center which has been around for more than 20 years, offering a wide variety of photography excursions to participants of all levels. The Fall line-up includes: Contemporary Black-and-White Portraits in Mexico; Outdoor and Travel Photography in Santa Fe and Nepal: A Photographic Journey through the Kathmandu Valley -- and Beyond.

Artista Creative Safaris: This female-only operation offers mini-jaunts to the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea in California. Individuals come solo, in pairs or groups to take lessons in acrylic painting, encaustic painting (i.e. using hot wax) or mixed media collage. Guests stay at the Cypress Inn where yoga, massage and other special excursions are available, making this a complete girl-friendly creative getaway.

Creative Spa Programs: If you think all spas are created equal you may be surprised to learn that some of them offer more than just primping and pampering treatments. These days many have creative programs which include activities likes flower arranging, precious metal clay intensives, sunset photography walks, and cooking, as well as dance classes and other art appreciation courses to revive creative souls. Our top picks include: The Lodge At Woodloch, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Mirival Spa and Red Mountain Resort and Spa.

Singles Painting Vacations in Tuscany, Sicily and more: If you want to eat, drink and learn to paint with a group of like-minded singles, now’s your chance. Best Singles Travel, an outlet which specializes in organized tours for solos, has two new trips this fall for creative spirits in Tuscany and Sicily. Excursions include one-on-one painting lessons with a professional artist plus private wine tastings and day trips to Florence and Lucca or Modica, Siracusa and Ragusa.