Esté Macleod Marrakech Retreat 27 February – 06 March 2027
Come and join me and other creative kindred spirits from around the world on an art filled adventure in Marrakech next spring. This delicious spring period is an ideal time to get creative and be charmed by the beautiful medina, gardens and desert as well as the spectacular scenery of this historic city in Morocco. You will be inspired by the distinct differences between the hustle and bustle of marrakech, the green of the atlas mountains and the vastness of the Agafay Desert. Our accommodation is a beautiful moroccan villa set in an olive grove 20 minutes from Marrakech.
Daily Painting Sessions
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
During the retreat you will
We’ll be staying just outside Marrakech in a peaceful villa set among olive groves, with views stretching toward the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert. You can expect comfortable accommodations, nourishing farm-to-table meals made with local ingredients, a dedicated studio space available throughout the week, and time to rest by the pool when you need a pause. From excursions into the Medina to quieter moments in the countryside, this retreat offers both stimulation and ease.
During our time together, I’ll guide you through collage as a primary practice, supported by sketching on location. When we’re out and about, we’ll sketch, hunt for color and texture, and take photographs, gathering visual notes from markets, gardens, architecture, and daily life. Back in the studio, we’ll create our own collage papers using gelli printing and mixed media, then translate what we’ve collected into layered collage work using paper, drawing, and intuitive composition. These sketches and photographs act as source material rather than finished pieces, keeping the focus on process and interpretation. All levels are welcome, and no prior collage or sketching experience is required.
When we’re not creating in the studio or exploring on foot, we’ll experience Marrakech through thoughtfully planned outings that reveal its textures, rhythms, and contrasts. Inspiration will come from tilework, textiles, light and shadow, and the constant interplay between order and abundance. This is a retreat for artists who want to work with place as material, gathering fragments along the way and transforming them into meaningful, personal work.
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 often 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: Guided tour of the Medina, special lunch and tour of the palace/ruins
Day 3: Full-day trip to the Atlas mountains or desert with sketching
Day 4: Rest day, painting at the villa, optional trip into Marrakesh
Day 5: Visit to the YSL museum and gardens + sketching
Day 6: Morning painting at the domain, visit to la Koutoubia and Jemaa el Fna
Day 7: Visit to the Souks, sketching and souvenir buying + farewell dinner
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 at your own expense.
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 bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€6400
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.
