Tile Travels Fall 2026 (SOLD OUT)↓

Beyond the Ordinary: Tile and Design Immersion in Mexico

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE RETREAT

Join Clay Imports for a three-day immersive retreat created exclusively for trade professionals. Designed for interior designers, architects, builders, and other members of the design community, Tile Travels offers an insider's look at the world of handmade tile through exclusive factory access, hands-on workshops, architectural tours, and meaningful conversations with artisans and industry experts.

You'll deepen your understanding of traditional craftsmanship, discover new materials and design possibilities, and gain inspiration to elevate your practice. Along the way, you'll connect with fellow professionals while experiencing the culture, architecture, and cuisine that make San Miguel de Allende one of the world's most inspiring design destinations.

*Lodging and flights excluded.

Go the Behind-The-Scenes

DIVE DEEP INTO THE CRAFT OF HANDMADE TILE

Connect directly with our artisans and design team at Clay SMA, our creative studio in San Miguel, while taking part in guided workshops where you’ll experiment with clay, glaze, and pattern-making. This retreat gives you professional insight into how tradition, craft, and modern design thinking converge within Mexican tile-making, architecture, and interior design.

All of it set against the vibrant backdrop of Día de Muertos celebrations in the city.

TILE TRAVEL

FAQ

What is "Tile Travels"?

Tile Travels is an immersive three-day retreat hosted by Clay Imports Co-Founder Nick Barreiro at our design hub in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Members of the Clay Imports Trade Program are invited to engage in hands-on ceramic workshops, gain behind-the-scenes insight into Clay Imports’ design processes, and take part in curated cultural and culinary experiences that highlight the creative spirit of San Miguel de Allende.

> Book here.

How do I book the Tile Travels Experience?

Book here.

After reserving your spot, Clay Imports will send you a Release and Waiver agreement for your signature. You must sign the Release and Waiver agreement within 72 hours to confirm the booking.

After receiving the signed Release and Waiver agreement, Clay Imports will follow up with the final order confirmation. Your booking is NOT complete until receipt of the final order confirmation.

What's covered in the retreat package?

The retreat package is quite comprehensive! It includes classes, excursions, meals as outlined in the itinerary, ground transportation to all program events, an exclusive look into Clay Imports' design and tile production processes, and direct access to our Clay Imports team. Breakfasts, lunches, and on-site dinners included.

However, please note that accommodation, flight tickets, airport transportation, travel insurance, and any personal expenses are not included in the package.

Who can join?

This retreat is open to members of the Clay Imports trade program.

The group typically includes 10-12 Tile Travelers and the Clay Imports team.

What's on the itinerary?

Artist workshop visits with behind-the-scenes access, hands-on tile-making sessions, mezcal tastings, authentic culinary experiences, and Día de Muertos events that connect design with one of Mexico's most iconic celebrations.

Hosted by Clay Imports CEO and Co-Founder Nick Barreiro, Product Designer Devon Smith, and acclaimed Architect Davey McEathron.

See the itinerary here.

Scroll down for more details.

Where can I stay?

Stay at Clay SMA
At Clay Imports' design studio and residence, Clay SMA, each room features a queen bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and stunning views of the San Miguel outskirts.
Rooms at Clay SMA are limited and first come first serve. Book here.

Stay in the city of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel offers a variety of stunning boutique hotels and lovely Airbnbs.
If you'd like to stay close by, the retreat will take place in the Fraccionamiento La Lomita. Feel free to reach out for accommodation suggestions!

Can I choose my own accommodation?

Absolutely! San Miguel has some of the best boutique hotels and many lovely short term rentals. You have the freedom to pick your preferred lodging or stay at the retreat site Clay SMA.

The Retreat will take place in the Fraccionamiento La Lomita. Feel free to reach out for accommodation suggestions!

Which airport should I fly into?

You have two convenient options:

  1. Del Bajío International Airport (BJX)
  2. Querétaro International Airport (QRO)

From there, we recommend coordinating airport transportation with Bajiogo.

For those staying at Clay SMA, airport transportation from either BJX or QRO is included.

What additional costs should I anticipate?

Not included in the registration costs are

  • Flights & Airport Transportation
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Meals other than those included in the itinerary
  • Ground transportation to the Clay SMA studio (if you're not staying at Clay SMA)
  • Any visa costs (for U.S. citizens, tourist visa are typically included in flight ticket price)
  • Lodging

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

Clay Imports reserves the right to cancel the retreat if minimum participation is not met or if unforeseen circumstances arise. In this case, all registered participants will receive a full refund. Please note that participant-initiated cancellations are non-refundable.

DISCOVER OUR

ITINERARY

Day 1: Friday, October 30

Every exceptional project begins with understanding the materials. Your journey starts at Clay SMA, where you'll meet fellow trade professionals and the Clay Imports team, including CEO Nick Barreiro, Product Developer Devon Smith, and Architect Davey McEathron. Coffee and light breakfast served. Through demonstrations and discussion, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the artistry, techniques, and history behind handmade Mexican tile.

From there, we'll travel to Dolores Hidalgo, one of Mexico's most important ceramic-producing regions, for exclusive access to artisan workshops. Witness every stage of the manufacturing process, from raw clay to finished tile, and gain insights that will help you specific handmade materials with greater confidence and communicate their value to your clients.

After a traditional lunch, we'll explore the historic center of Dolores Hidalgo and visit one of the city's iconic cantinas before returning to San Miguel.

The evening is yours to relax, network with fellow attendees, or join us for an optional dinner at Clay SMA.

Day 2: Saturday, October 31

Today's experiences explore how traditional craftsmanship continues to shape contemporary design. After breakfast in one of the region's charming Pueblos Mágicos, we'll visit a workshop specializing in handcrafted recycled tile, demonstrating how sustainability and artisan techniques can coexist beautifully.

Following lunch in Atotonilco, we'll tour the renowned UNESCO Sanctuary of Atotonilco, discovering how centuries-old craftsmanship, color, texture, and architectural detail continue to inspire modern designers.

Back at Clay SMA, you'll become the maker. During our hands-on tile workshop, you'll create your own handmade tile while gaining firsthand appreciation for the skill, precision, and artistry behind every piece.

Finish the day connecting with fellow designers over an optional dinner at Clay SMA.

Day 3: November 1

Your final day is dedicated to seeing design in action. Join architect Davey McEathron for a guided walking tour through San Miguel de Allende, exploring how craftsmanship, urban planning, historic preservation, and local materials have shaped one of the world's most celebrated design destinations.

After lunch, enjoy a surprise creative workshop before spending free time exploring the city or participating in traditional Día de Muertos face painting, immersing yourself in one of Mexico's most iconic cultural celebrations.

We'll conclude the retreat with a guided mezcal tasting and traditional mole dinner at Clay SMA—a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and the professional connections made throughout the weekend.

HEAR IT FROM

FORMER TILE TRAVELERS

I love your SMA home/retreat nest, and truly appreciate experiencing the factories and all of the workers and collaborators you all work with.