WE WILL BE STAYING AT THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE...RIAD YASMINE

NESTLED IN ITS OWN PRIVATE GARDEN OASIS, RIAD YASMINE IS A STYLISH, CHARMING AND HOME-LIKE BOUTIQUE RETREAT THAT IS LOCATED WITHIN MARRAKECH’S MEDINA, IT IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE MARRAKECH ON FOOT. ONE GUEST ROOM IS SINGLE OCCUPANCY, OTHER GUEST ROOMS ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, AND ONE ROOM IS TRIPLE OCCUPANCY.

THE RIAD IS A FORMER PRIVATE HOME WITH MOORISH ROOMS AND SUITES OF REFINED ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL. IT COMBINES AUTHENTIC CHARM, DISCREET LUXURY AND A CONTEMPORARY ATMOSPHERE. ENJOY THE DIFFERENT RELAXATION SPACES THE RIAD OFFERS. FROM THE ROOF TOP TERRACE ENJOY BREATH-TAKING VIEWS OF THE MEDINA AND THE SNOW CAPPED ATLAS MOUNTAINS IN THE DISTANCE. THE WIDE SOLARIUM IS EQUIPPED WITH LOUNGE CHAIRS, TOWELS, HATS, GIVING YOU THE OPTION TO UNWIND IN THE SUN OR IN THE SHADE OF A PARASOL. IN ADDITION TO THE SPACIOUS LOUNGE AREAS, THERE ARE SEVEN DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY, AND ONE SINGLE OCCUPANCY, GUEST BEDROOMS EACH WITH SPACIOUS EN-SUITE MOROCCAN TILED BATHROOMS. THE ROOF TOP AND OTHER COMMON AREAS WILL ACT AS OUR CENTRAL MEETING SPACE FOR RELAXING, GATHERING, ART MAKING OR EATING. THE CARVED STUCCO AND MULTIPLE BALCONIES THROUGHOUT, CREATES A BEAUTIFUL EXOTIC ATMOSPHERE WITHIN THE INTERNAL COURTYARD AND CENTRALLY LOCATED TILED SWIMMING POOL SURROUNDED BY LOUNGES.
THE BEAUTIFUL DINING ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR, WHICH CONTAINS A LARGE MIRROR REFLECTING THE PATIO, IS FRAMED BY A LIVING ROOM IN THE MOROCCAN TRADITION WITH LOUNGE AND FIREPLACE, AS WELL AS AN EQUIPPED LIBRARY.

MODERN ETHNIC GLAMOUR IS THE THEME . ATTENTION TO DETAIL EMERGES AT EVERY TURN IN THE HAND-PAINTED DECORATIVE CEILINGS AND INTRICATELY CARVED PLASTER THROUGHOUT THE HOTEL ON THE BALCONIES AND FIREPLACE IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM, AS WELL AS IN THE CAFTAN-FABRICS CONVERTED INTO CUSHIONS.

Cost: $3200 (double & triple occupancy) - $3800 (single occupancy, this room is sold out) airfare not included

*This retreat is sold out!*

DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR SPOT. TOTAL BALANCE IS DUE JULY 15TH, 2017. PAYMENTS PLANS ARE AVAILABLE, PLEASE SEE FAQ'S FOR DETAILS.

DUE TO HIGH AMOUNT OF INTEREST, WE EXPECT THIS RETREAT TO SELL OUT QUICKLY. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT YOUR DEPOSIT DOWN EARLY, THAT WAY YOU'LL HAVE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMFORTABLY SPACE OUT YOUR PAYMENTS. 

ONCE WE RECEIVE YOUR DEPOSIT & BALANCE PAYMENT WE WILL BE IN TOUCH AND SEND YOU TIMELY UPDATES AND TRAVEL TIPS AS NEEDED.

OUR LUXURIOUS 7-DAY ITINERARY:

saturday (day 1)- arrival and orientation

Arrive in Morocco. We suggest you plan your arrival time no later than 2pm local time. Transportation from the airport to Riad Yasmine will be provided. You'll have a chance to refresh yourself and settle into the beautiful Raid, take a dip in the pool or relax on the roof top terrace. Opening circle will be held at 5pm, followed by a three course dinner at Riad Yasmine.

sunday (day 2)- tour of marrakech & shopping

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine, along with an inspirational workshop on Watercolor Painting. Then it's off for some adventuring. Guided tours of the Marrakech Medina and Souks will be taking place, along with excellent guided shopping. We'll have lunch at a magical restaurant in town. Dinner will be served at Riad Yasmine. 

monday (day 3) - workshop, majorelle gardens & henna party

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine, followed by Faith and Mati's Layered Painting Workshop: Creating a small series.

Lunch at Riad Yasmine will be served family style on the Moroccan tiled terrace. There will also be free time at Riad Yasmine to enjoy the grounds and pool and an optional afternoon trip to the Majorelle Gardens.

In the evening there will be a Henna Party with explanations and insights into the ancient tradition of Henna. Refreshments will be served during this time. Dinner will be on your own either at Riad Yasmine or at a fantastic selection of restaurants that we recommend in town.

tuesday (day 4)- day trip to the Atlas Mountains.

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine, followed by an early departure for our adventure in the atlas mountains. On this day we will be traveling to and exploring the beautiful foothills of the Atlas Mountian; about a 1.5 hour drive. We will plan to visit a Berber village. Camel rides are an option as well! We will have lunch at Kasbah Tamadote, Richard Brason's famous Moroccan Retreat. Dinner will be enjoyed in Marrakech upon our return.

wednesday (day 5) - workshop & free time

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine, followed by a continuation of our Layered Painting Workshop. We will break for lunch served at Riad Yasmine and then the afternoon will be yours to explore Marrakech as you wish. In the afternoon we will have the option for a second guided shopping trip to the Souq market. We will reconvene at Riad Yasmine and enjoy dinner together in town.

thursday (day 6) - spa day, shopping & farewell

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine followed by an optional trip to the spa for Moroccan Hammam & Massage Treatment. There will also be free time for additional shopping and sightseeing in town. Lunch will be enjoyed on your own in town as well. In the evening, we will have a beautiful closing circle, art viewing of our work from the week and celebration of our time together over a farewell dinner at Riad Yasmine.

friday (day 7)- departure

Breakfast at Riad Yasmine followed by check-out and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY. SMALL CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO WEATHER, DESIRES OF THE GROUP AND UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES. 

:: FAQ'S ::

Are there payment plans?

Yes! Upon receipt of your $600 non-refundable deposit you may divide your remaining total into 3 separate payment. Total balance is due July 15th, 2017.

What does the cost cover?

• 6 night stay at Riad Yasmine
• Transportation to and from all destinations
• Guided shopping trips and sight seeing in Marrakech
• A Welcome Gift Bag full of goodies upon your arrival.
• Layered Painting Workshops: Creating a small series
• Harnessing Local Inspiration: daily Watercolor Painting Workshops
• 6 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 Dinners at Riad Yasmine
• Day trip to the Atlas Mountains (travel and guide)
• Henna party
• Hammam & Massage treatment at a local spa

What isn't covered in the cost?

Your airfare is not included in the cost. Any meals eaten off Riad Yasmine grounds (3 lunches, 3 dinners). Expect to pay $15-$20 for lunches and $30-$60 (depending on the restaurant) for dinner. Anything you buy in the markets or on various trips will not be covered as well as any extra tours or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go.

Do I need travelers insurance?

We highly recommend it.

How much money should I bring for spending?

That is totally personal and depends on how much shopping you plan to do. ATM's are available to you and credit cards are taken at some major retailers.

Do I need immunizations?

Please see the CDC recommendations here. 

Do I have to share a room?

Yes. Riad Yasmine is a luscious and intimate retreat space, we will have the entire property at our disposal. Each of their rooms are uniquely beautiful with en-suite bathrooms. One of their rooms is single occupancy, which will be given on a first come first served basis (this room is already booked). Their other rooms are double occupancy with two single beds. There is one triple room with three single beds. We will do our best to pair you up with someone we think you'll match well with. On our other retreats the sharing of rooms has fostered close bonds of friendship within the group.

What kind of food will be served?

Riad Yasmine never uses processed foods and all meals are prepared the old fashion way – from scratch.  They provide a fixed daily menu that relies on fresh and organic ingredients.

Breakfasts - daily made bread from the local communal bread oven, homemade jams, eggs or muffins, yogurt, fruit, just squeezed juice, coffee and tea

Lunches – light and fresh (soups, salads, quiches, etc.) served with cookies or fruit for dessert

Dinners – three delicious courses, served by candle light, ending in an herbal mint infusion to help you sleep

How do I get to Riad Yasmine from airport and back again?

We will secure transportation to and from using a transportation service. When booking flights please plan your arrival as close to 2pm local time as possible. Check-out is at noon. If your flight is later in the day, you are most welcome to lounge around Riad Yasmine as long as you need.

What airport do I fly into?

When booking your flight please fly into Marrakech Menara International Airport. We recommend booking your flights at least 90 days before the beginning of the retreat.

What will the weather be like?

Weather in October is likely to be in the 80's to mid 70's. It is expected to be a bit cooler in the evenings with highs in the 60's.

Is there anything special I need to bring?

We will send you a supply list once you register. Supplies will be minimal and will include an 8 x 10 cold-pressed watercolor paper pad and watercolor set, paper & adhesive for collage, a set of acrylic paint pens, your favorite small stencils and four 8 x 8 wood or canvas or panels (these can be thin and very light). We also recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffle) to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. Morocco truly has some of the best shopping in the world! The temperatures will vary, so don't forget layers, pack a bathing suit, sweater and a light jacket!

How should a woman expect to dress in Morocco?

We recommend modest clothing for your time in Morocco. During our previous visit, we felt most comfortable in clothing that kept us covered from our knees and elbows up. Long skirts, dresses, pants and layers will work fine! While Morocco is a Muslim country, women are not expected to cover their heads in public. You will see many people of all different styles of dress throughout Morocco. We found this article very helpful on what to pack.

I'm not an artist is this retreat still for me?

Absolutely! This retreat is more focused on adventure, taking notice of your surroundings and approaching your life from a creative and holistic point of view. Painting is just one of the tools we'll encourage you to explore on this retreat.

I've never been anywhere this exotic, will I like it?

We ask you to approach this trip with a sense of adventure in your heart. We think you are going to love this retreat! We encourage you to do a little research on the area and how to shop before you come. There are many articles available online to help with this. Here is a great one written by Maryam; an American who lives in Marrakech, Travel + Leisure. It will be a mix of laid back down time, exploration, pampering and immersion into a vibrant, lively culture. 

Do you offer refunds?

There will be no refunds for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about traveling to Morocco.

take a look at our fine print here. have more questions?
feel free to shoot us an e-mail.
see you in morocco!