In the last few months, a number of your friends in the Cedar Canyon Community have asked whether I would be holding art workshops and/or retreats here in Chapala. The answer is yes, once I have a chance to get settled. For now, I want to tell you about the the QQ Inn, which is situated in the same compound as our new home. It’s the logical place to stay if you are coming for a workshop – and the best place to stay in Chapala in my not-so-humble opinion!
Jack and I have been coming to Chapala for 7 or 8 years. (I really don’t remember which year was our first visit.) On our very first visit, my friend Victoria recommended that we stay at the QQ, and we literally fell in love with the place.
For the record, QQ stands for Quinta Quetzalcoatl, Inn of the Plumed Serpent. Author D.H. Lawrence lived here for a time while he wrote at least one of his books, and a number of the suites are named after his books.
Welcome to the oasis!
When you walk in from the street, you’ll find yourself entering an oasis in the middle of town. It may be dusty and dry outside, but the QQ gardens are always green and welcoming.
Swimming pool at QQ Inn
There is a lovely swimming pool in front of the hotel – but stick your toes in before jumping in. It feels great on a really hot day, but it’s not a heated pool.
Rob Craknell, QQ Proprietor
Rob Cracknell and his lovely wife Lorri are the owners of the QQ Inn. Originally from Australia, they purchased the hotel about 13 years ago after spending a couple of years in Guadalajara. Rob makes a bountiful breakfast for those who add that as a part of their reservation – then he heads out to play tennis. (A pretty tough life, if you ask me!)
Hibiscus flowers in the QQ Gardens
The gardens are packed with roses, hibiscus, and countless other plants, flowers and trees. Most are decorative, but you’ll find a banana tree and a few avocado trees mixed in.
The palapa is a great place for gatherings at the QQ Inn
There is a large palapa – a thatched roof shelter – on the grounds that is a perfect place to get out of the sun or to gather for afternoon libations. Workshop space? I’ll have to see.
Outside view of the Garden Suite
The Inn has seven suites created from different rooms in the original hacienda. Four are at ground level and three are upstairs. Like most of the old buildings and gardens in Mexico, the QQ grounds and suites are not particularly handicap accessible. A wheelchair would be a definite challenge, and I would encourage anyone with mobility issues to book a ground level suite.
DH Lawrence Library Suite
If you want to spoil yourself rotten, I suggest that you consider the DH Lawrence Library suite or the newest addition, the Garden suite. The Garden suite is my personal favorite, but all of the suites have a distinct personality.
View from the pier on the Lake Chapala Malecon (waterfront walk)
The QQ Inn is a short block from the Malecon. It’s perfect for morning or evening strolls, people watching, and sports a number of restaurants. The view from the end of the pier is fantastic.
Sunset on Lake Chapala
I love having dinner at the Cozumel seafood restaurant at one end of the malecon. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down – and the bottomless margaritas are a great match for the friendly waiters and good food.
QQ Inn, future home of Cedar Canyon Workshops
Whether you come to Chapala for a Cedar Canyon Workshop or a visit on your own, I encourage you to check out the QQ Inn. The prices are very reasonable by US standards, the suites are unique, and the grounds are nothing short of magnificent. Plus, the Inn is so centrally located that you can skip the car and explore with your own two feet!
For complete information about the hotel and the suites, visit the QQ website at www.chapalabandb.com. You can make reservations through the website, but I have always contacted Rob directly using the form on the Contact page.
As for workshops, you’ll have to stay tuned for further information. In the meantime, you can add your name to a special Cedar Canyon Workshops mailing list by clicking the button below.
Your Turn
Speaking of workshops, what would be tempting enough to bring YOU to Chapala? A Paintstik Intensive 3-5 day workshop? A Silhouette for Fabric Art workshop? Workshops plus a couple of outings for shopping and inspiration? Leave your wish list below. I’ll use your comments as a starting point for planning the workshops.
This place is breathtaking! Would love to stay here for a vacation, however workshops sound like fun as well, in such an inspiring atmosphere.
I’ve admired your work online,but have not taken classes with you.
Maybe in the future?
Good luck in your endeavours.
Karen MacDonald
Thanks, Karen. Chapala is a great place to visit if you want to visit a “real life” community as opposed to a resort city. There is a large expat population here at Lakeside, and you can get along quite well with just a few courtesy words of Spanish.
I would love to take a workshop with you. I have never taken your classes but I have talked to you, in person, a few times (at quilt market). I love your colors, your postings and your designs. 3 to 5 day workshop will be great. And, if there is tennis involved I can take my hubby with me.
Thanks, Nelly. I appreciate your kind words. There are tennis courts about a half mile from the Inn. There are regulars who play there nearly every day. Your husband could definitely ask Rob whether they welcome visitors — or if pick-up games are available.
YES – I would come for a workshop. However it would have to be late spring – early summer – summer- since I teach at a university. I would love a combination workshop or maybe you could do a 3 day paintstik with an option to enroll in a follow- up silhouette class? For me I would have to think about cost of travel, but with a longer workshop I could plan to then stay a few days afterwards to sight see. Can’t wait to hear more!!
Thanks for your input, Becky. Spring Break is probably a good time. The weather in March is lovely. There is always a chance of rain, March and November have been my favorite months here so far.
What a fabulous place you have undertaken for workshops. It is just heavenly. Such a art spark place, inspiration everywhere and classes to boot. I hope my body is willing and able to make the trip and the classes’ scheduled in the cooler time of the year. Will you have the equipment needed there on site? How large will the classes be? Time to explore the area is a must.
Hi Jan, I appreciate your comments. I would definitely do my best to keep the material list to a minimum. And yes, they will be scheduled to give folks from the north a nice warm weather break!
Classes in “Paradise” – sounds wonderful! As I put in my class comments, I would love a combo of creating new stencil designs inspired by not only the flora and fauna but also traditional symbolism of Mexican arts and culture on a Silhouette but also creating with Paintstiks on fabric. Local culture, buildings and landscape including local markets are a must, too! What about the availability of local or Mexican fabrics suitable to use with Paintstiks?
I would consider investing in a smaller tablet-computer to carry with me. Would you be able to provide several Silhouettes for creating stencils? Classes running 3 or 5 days sounds like good to me. I want to become more proficient with my Silhouette before I would take a class.
Within 18 months, I hope to be living in the Tampa, Fla area. This would cut flying expenses to Chapala. Very Exciting! Elizabeth
Thanks for your comments, Elizabeth. If we do Silhouette classes here, each student will need to bring a laptop (or whatever you use) for working with the software. But I will make sure we have a couple of Cameo machines for cutting stencils. There’s certainly no need for everyone to bring a cutting machine!