Janice Wagaman

Artful Travel

Beaches Quilt Retreat 2026

Feb 22, 2026 to Mar 6, 2026
Pajaro Dunes, California

Welcome to the Beaches Quilt Retreat, 2026!

 
Prepare to be pampered and delighted at the second annual Beaches Quilt Retreat!  This year, we are staying at an oceanfront retreat with unobstructed views of Pajaro Dunes Beach and the Pacific Ocean.  This three-bedroom sanctuary includes an idyllic oceanfront deck with a hot tub and plenty of room to sew, sew, sew!
 
Nestled along the Monterey Bay is one of the most scenic stretches of California’s central coastline. Spanning 1 1/2 miles of pristine beach, Pajaro Dunes Resort is a secluded, gated community featuring a collection of beautiful beachfront houses, townhomes, and condominiums architected to blend harmoniously with the gently rolling, natural oceanside landscape.
 

 
The TownHouse Features:

• Spectacular ocean views from the living room, dining area and kitchen.
• Living room has a huge fireplace,70" inch flat screen TV, and lots of comfortable seating.
• Well-equipped gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances
• Master suite with a King size bed 
Queen Bedroom
• Dorm bedroom with four twin beds.
• Three bathrooms

-Additional home amenities-
• Panoramic deck with spa
•  Direct ocean views
• WiFi throughout the complex
 
You will feel as if you've been whisked away to a 5-star resort as this home provides everything you'll need to have a posh vacation and more! Enjoy all these amenities while gazing out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean!  
 

 

What's included in this trip:

  • 5 nights in an oceanfront townhouse
  • A beautiful deck with a hot tub
  • Unlimited views of the Pacific Ocean
  • 5 breakfasts, 2 or 3 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Dedicated sewing area where you can securely set up your sewing machine and projects and access them 24 hours a day - with an incredible ocean view!
  • Snacks & beverages 
  • Games, prizes, fun, and great companionship!
  • Quilt Shop Hop to the Monterey Bay area's fabulous quilt shops, because everyone needs more fabric!
  • Optional thrift store hop for those thrifty souls who love to shop for a bargain!
 

What's not included:

  1. Alcoholic Beverages - bring your own wine and beer.  (Please refrain from overindulgence! )
  2. Your quilting project!  It's BYOQ.  This is your chance to finish up those UFOs or start a new project, and sew to your heart's content!
  3. Sewing Machines - bring your own!  Electrical outlets and individual tables are provided, along with a cutting/ironing station. 
  4. Fabric & Notions - we will be stopping at a fabric store  (or two!)  if you need to pick up anything!
  5. Transportation  - we encourage carpooling!
  6. Gratuities
 

Where you will sleep:

Once everyone has arrived, we will hold a bed lottery to see who gets which bed.  You might end up in a twin bed, or the king-size master suite!  No matter which bed, you will have a fantastic time! 

Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive and get settled in to the bed you win, get your sewing spot set up, and get to know your fellow quilters!  Special hosted welcome dinner. 
 
  • Day 2: Included Field Trip to Monterey and visit to Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove.  Meals: (B, D) (Note: lunch will be eaten out at a restaurant agreed upon by the majority vote.  You will be responsible for your own lunch cost.)
 
  • Day 3: Quilt shop hop to Family Threads Quilt Shop in San Juan Bautista,  and optional thrift shop hop for those of us who love a vintage bargain! Meals: (B, L, D) (Note, We will vote on either a  picnic-style sandwich lunch or an eat-out lunch at an agreed upon restaurant.  If the majority votes for an eat-out lunch, you will be responsible for your own lunch cost.)
 
  • Day 4:  Sew, sew, sew to your hearts' content!  Take a stroll on the beach.  Soak in the hot tub.  Enjoy yourself thoroughly!  Meals: (B, L, D)
 
  • Day 5:  Sew, sew, sew to your hearts' content!  Take a stroll on the beach.  Soak in the hot tub.  Enjoy yourself thoroughly!  Meals: (B, L, D)
 
  • Day 6:  Enjoy one last breakfast with your fellow Beaches quilters, pack up, and head home with finished projects and fond memories! Meals: (B)
 
 
Then sign up for the 2027 Beaches Quilt Retreat!
 
Meal Notes:   
  • Continental Breakfasts are at your leisure during serving times. 
  • Sandwich and Salad Lunches will be provided on the days we are at the house.  On excursion days, we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch, and you will be responsible for purchasing your own lunch out.
  • Dinners will be cooked and served daily.  Please indicate any food restrictions, allergies, or preferences on your booking form. 

Expectations:  
  1. Be Kind and Courteous!  We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let's treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
  2.  No Hate Speech or Bullying!  Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated. (See #1) This is a Political Free Retreat!  Please leave your political discussions for another time and place - we are here to have fun. 
  3. Respect Everyone's Privacy!  Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group.
  4. Behave Appropriately!  This retreat has a “Zero Tolerance” policy with regard to alcohol or drug consumption on the property and the laws outlined by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. While alcohol or marijuana is permitted on the property as per state law, the retreat prohibits behavior that includes and is not limited to intoxication on the property, , indecent exposure, lewd acts, disturbance to other guests, destruction of property, and any other behavior that is not in compliance with Federal and California State laws.

Cancellation policy:

We do understand that plans change and emergencies can interfere with travel.  However, last-minute changes can be costly.  If you need to change or cancel your plans, the following fees will apply:
  • $200 deposit is non-refundable.  
  • Cancellations made before November 30, 2025, will be refunded in full, less the non-refundable deposit fee.
  • Cancellations made from November 30, 2025, to January 31, 2026, are charged the non-refundable deposit plus 50% of the total remaining trip cost.
  • Cancellations made after January 31, 2026, will be non-refundable. 
  • If you can find someone to take your place, the retreat costs are fully transferable and will incur no additional change fee.  Simply give me a call to update the traveler.
  • Trip insurance is highly recommended, and you will have the option to purchase it on your booking page.

Available Packages

Beaches Quilt Retreat Mar 1-6, 2026
Available until December 31, 2025

$1,250.00
Deposit: $200.00 per person

Stay five nights in a fabulous ocean-front home in Pajaro Dunes!  Visit fabled Monterey Bay for inspiration!  Shop hop to the Monterey Bay's best quilt shops!  
 
Accommodation description:
 
Master  bedroom - King Bed, ensuite bathroom
Guest bedroom - Queen Bed, shared bathroom
Guest bedroom - four twin beds, shared bathroom
 
 
The bed you get will be determined in the bed lottery held on the first night!  You may end up in the master King bedroom, or on a twin bed in a shared room.  Regardless, you will have the time of your life!
 
(Note - accessibility requests will be honored based on availability at time of booking)

Beaches Quilt Retreat Feb 22-27,2026
Available until December 31, 2025

$1,250.00
Deposit: $200.00 per person

Stay five nights in a fabulous ocean-front home in Pajaro Dunes!  Visit fabled Monterey Bay for inspiration!  Shop hop to the Monterey Bay's best quilt shops!  
 
Accommodation description:
 
Master  bedroom - King Bed, ensuite bathroom
Guest bedroom - Queen Bed, shared bathroom
Guest bedroom - four twin beds, shared bathroom
 
 
The bed you get will be determined in the bed lottery held on the first night!  You may end up in the master King bedroom, or on a twin bed in a shared room.  Regardless, you will have the time of your life!
 
(Note - accessibility requests will be honored based on availability at time of booking)