Marrakech, Morocco – 20 – 27 February 2027
I’m teaming up once again with Katel & Harrison from Perigord Retreats — but this time we’re trading French villages for Moroccan spice! I love working with Katel and Harrison and this week will be nothing short of magic.
Picture this: seven sun-soaked days based in a gorgeous Marrakech domaine, where we’ll balance painting time with adventures into the city and countryside. Think vibrant souks, exciting bazaars, intricate tiles, warm light, and landscapes begging to be sketched. It’s exotic, colourful, and a whole new cultural playground for your sketchbook.
Come ready for colour, culture, and creativity — Morocco style.
Plein Air & Studio Painting
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
Your Time With Renee
This retreat is all about balance — time to dive into painting, time to soak up Morocco’s colours and culture, and time to just breathe it all in. We’ll mix relaxed painting sessions at home with inspiring excursions, so your sketchbook fills up as naturally as your photo roll. And of course, there will be room for downtime (because sun loungers and mint tea deserve a place in the schedule too).
The group size is small, so you’ll get plenty of my attention — and yes, non-painting partners are absolutely welcome. There’ll be no shortage of things for them to do while we’re sketching, from exploring markets to lounging by the pool.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
* Painting sessions “at home” for drawing and watercolour skills
* Plein air painting (of course!)
* Excursions that feed both your sketchbook and your soul
* Luxurious accommodation with space to unwind
* Delicious food, laughter, and maybe experiencing something you’ve never done before
Whether you’re coming with paints in hand or just a curious heart, this week is about more than sketching — it’s about experiences you’ll carry home long after the trip. Small groups mean I’ll be there to support your creative journey every step of the way, and with the Perigord Retreats team making sure everything runs smoothly, you’re free to dive in, soak it up, and paint your own Moroccan story. Exciting!
“I’ve been lucky enough to paint all over the world, capturing memories and notes through hundreds of sketches over the years. Painting outside allows me to make a very strong connection to the places I visit and the people who live there.“
Potential Itinerary:
Flights – there are direct flights to Marrakesh from Houston, San Francisco, Newark, Atlanta, and Chicago. For our Canadian friends: direct flights are also available from Toronto and Montreal.
Day 1: Arrival at the airport, transfer by private car to the domaine. Settle in, relax and explore the property. Lunch (if required) and evening meal at the domaine.
Day 2: Visit to the ‘Jardin Majorelle’ + Yves Saint Laurent museum
Day 3: Full-day trip to Essaouira (coastal town)
Day 4: Rest day, painting at the domaine, optional trip into Marrakesh
Day 5: Visit to la medina in the morning + Visit to la place Jemaa-el-fna in the evening
Day 6: Visit to la Koutoubia
Day 7: Plein air painting the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert
Day 8: Breakfast followed by departure for the airport via private car.
There are equally lots of other activities we can organise depending on your group. More plein air painting, Camel rides, a visit to a Berber village, and other historical and cultural sites to visit in Marrakesh. Pottery or rug making. Atlas valley, ourika valley. Art galleries. Visit to old Jewish quarters.
The Accommodation
What’s included
Excursions
Daily trips to tailored locations chosen by the artist and their group. Opportunities to explore, shop, paint plein air or gather inspiration for studio work.
Tuition
Every day you will receive group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback.
Food
Fresh baked goods, fresh fruit salads & continental style breakfasts every day. Locally produced, freshly cooked lunches and evening meals. We will visit a couple of restaurants.
Accommodation
7 Nights lodging on ourluxurious domaine with use of the heated swimming pool as well as access to the olive grove and surrounding property.
Shared bedroom & bathroom
€4000
This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.
Private bedroom + ensuite
€4600
This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bathroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€6400
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.