Marrakech, Morocco
20 – 27 March 2027
Welcome to a delightful week of colour, soul nourishing goodness, loads of art & creativity and pure Moroccan magic.
Join Australian watercolour artist Sally Walsh of Sillier Than Sally Art Studio as we paint, wander, laugh and create our way through the intoxicating beauty of Marrakech. This is not a quiet, serious, whisper-in-the-corner art retreat, this is a joy-soaked, paint-splashed, inspiration-fuelled adventure in one of the most visually delicious places on earth.
Over seven glorious days, our daily adventures become our art. We’ll sketch in bustling souks, paint ornate doors and windows, chase desert light, soak up palm-tree sunsets and capture exotic animals, textures and moments that simply beg to be painted. Expect plein air painting, studio sessions, confidence-boosting art guidance and lots of “oh wow, I can’t believe I painted that” moments.
Between adventures, we’ll retreat to a stunning olive-grove villa with Atlas Mountain views, swimming pools, delicious food and plenty of time to rest, connect and refill your creative cup. Beginners, experienced painters and curious non-painters are all welcome (discount for non-painting partners as well) if you love colour, adventure and creative play, you belong here.
Plein Air & Studio Painting
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
What To Expect
This retreat is a delicious mix of art, adventure, laughter and deep creative nourishment – with a lovely balance of adventure, art time and relaxing soul nourishing time in our delightful villa. You’ll paint plein air in inspiring locations across Marrakech and beyond, then dive into fun studio art sessions back at our beautiful villa, where the on-site art studio is yours to use 24/7.
Each day includes joyful group watercolour teaching from Sally, plus plenty of one-on-one guidance so you feel supported, stretched and celebrated – whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or refining an already-loved practice. Expect lots of lightbulb moments, confidence boosts, and happy artistic mistakes that turn into energetic, expressive art.
At the start of our adventure, you’ll create your very own handmade travel watercolour sketchbook, crafted from vintage Golden books, and then joyfully fill it with sketches, studies and paintings inspired by souks, doors, deserts, animals, local exotic birds, architecture and magical Moroccan moments. All high-end art materials are provided for the entire week – just bring your curiosity.
Between painting adventures, we’ll explore Morocco together — wandering the souks, hunting visual treasures, soaking up colour, texture and stories — with all excursions included and most meals taken care of. Back at the villa, expect swimming pools, delicious food, long chats, laughter, rest, and that wonderful feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
🧚♀️ MEET SALLY — YOUR FAIRY ART MOTHER GUIDE
Sally Walsh is an Australian watercolour artist, teacher and creative encourager behind Sillier Than Sally Art Studio. With over 15 years of professional experience and thousands of students taught worldwide, Sally is known for her joyful, confidence-building approach to art. As your Fairy Art Mother Guide, she’ll gently lead you through this creative adventure with warmth, humour and expert guidance — helping you let go, trust your instincts, and paint with freedom, curiosity and delight.
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.
This is currently a loose schedule – There are also many 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. Each retreat will vary slightly depending on the group and of course there will be plenty of time for painting each day.
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
€3500
SOLD OUT This bedroom is for someone happy to share a bedroom and a bathroom. Female only. Ideal for 2 friends.
Private bedroom + ensuite
€4100
This bedroom is for someone who wants a private bedroom and their own ensuite bathroom.
Couple bedroom + ensuite
€6800
This is for a couple with a non-painting partner’s discounted rate.