Botanical Art Retreat: Morocco
5 days & nights in the ourika valley, only 40 minutes from Marrakech
October 19-24, 2025
Reconnect with nature and dive into your artistry on this art-focused getaway in the Ourika Valley, just 40 minutes from Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco is truly an indulgence for the senses. From sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch - the country is rich in it all. This retreat gives you the opportunity to unplug and unwind in beautiful countryside accommodations and take a little time to explore one of the most important Imperial Cities of Morocco as well - Magical Marrakech.
Each morning begins an authentic Moroccan breakfast. Think homemade pancakes with all the local toppings: honey from the farm, homemade cheeses, and local almond butter. Enjoy eggs, fresh fruit juice, salads and other nibbles alongside your mint tea or coffee.
Most afternoons will feature an inclusive activity, day trip or space for drawing & painting the beautiful plants & flowers you’ll be seeing along the way. During free time, you can choose between walking in nature, chatting with new friends, or just lay around and absorb some much needed rest in the Moroccan sunshine.
Check out the trip at a quick glance…
Day 1: Arrivals & transfer to accommodation
Arrive at RAK (Marrakech airport) and get your included transfer to the accommodation, about a 45 minute drive depending on the time of day. After checking into your room and settling in, you’re invited to join the other guests for an afternoon meet & greet where you’ll be given an overview of the week’s itinerary by your trip leader and also receive a lovely welcome gift to help get you started on the various illustrations you’ll be working on throughout the days ahead. Dinner awaits, with a delicious homecooked Moroccan meal!
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Art & Cooking at Bioaromatique Gardens
Rise & shine after a great night’s sleep and dive into a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll depart for an enjoyable trip to the Jardin Bioaromatique, where you’ll have an opportunity to see, photograph, and smell locally-grown plants used for a variety of purposes such as medicines, essential oils, and cooking herbs. As well, you’ll receive a lesson in Moroccan cuisine in their cooking workshop, where you’ll eat what you make for lunch before returning to the accommodation for some time to recreate illustrations of the plants you discovered at the garden. A tasty dinner & relaxing evening will close out a perfect first full day!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3: History & Souks in Marrakech
Start your day with another tasty Moroccan breakfast & head out with your local guide to discovery the history of Marrakech, including site visits to a Palace, Koranic School, Spice Market, and the many artisan markets within the old Medina. We’ll include a break for lunch & enjoy dinner back at the accommodation together after a full day of touring around.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 4: Moroccan Safran and Herbs
Today we’ll be heading to a nearby Safran farm, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the most precious cooking spice in the world. At this farm, you’ll see the process from start to finish, and hopefully get to see the blooming flowers that produce safran, as the season for harvest is late Autumn. Additionally, this farm is a major producer of local herbs, so you’ll have a chance to wander their magnificent herb garden, drink some safran tea & even take home a little gift to enjoy. Close out the day with some additional down time to work on your art, go for a walk or enjoy some quiet time in nature, and of course - plenty of tasty Moroccan food!
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 5: Day trip to the Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we’ll load up and head into the mountains for a day of exploring. To not ruin any surprises, we’ll keep the details of this day trip a secret until the time comes, but expect to see a ton of beautiful nature and dive into Berber culture along the way. We’ll be gone most of the day, but back in time for one last dinner together at the accommodation.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 6: Departures onward!
Today we say goodbye! Whether you’re heading onward or back home - we’ll have one more yummy Moroccan pancake together before everyone continues their journey - hopefully refreshed & carrying some beautiful memories created by your own hand!
Meals included: Breakfast
what's included
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what's included 〰️
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Single bed in a shared (twin) room, ensuite, with one additional guest.
Includes: 5 nights accommodation / most meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) / ground transportation / welcome gift / visit to Jardin Bioaromatique with cooking class / day trip to Marrakech with guide / day trip to Atlas Mountains / visit to Saffron farm / drinking water / Moroccan tea & snacks
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Private room (queen bed), ensuite.
Includes: 5 nights accommodation / most meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) / ground transportation / welcome gift / visit to Jardin Bioaromatique with cooking class / day trip to Marrakech with guide / day trip to Atlas Mountains / visit to Saffron farm / drinking water / Moroccan tea & snacks
Meet your trip host: Jasmine
Our favorite wellness expert is back for a fourth year hosting a group in Morocco! Elese is a true “practice-what-you-preach” example of living life in a healthy and sustainable way. Join her on this wellness retreat for the absolute best in daily movement, food, fellowship, and a much-needed break from the world we live in. From Pilates to Yoga to running up sand dunes barefoot, Elese always brings an opportunity to sweat! In the evenings, get her softer side as she moves you through bendy stretches & grounding meditation. This IS the retreat you need!
INFO & PRICING
Single Room Rate
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Single Room Rate 〰️
EUR 2477 for a private room with an ensuite bathroom
Twin Room Rate
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Twin Room Rate 〰️
EUR 2127 for a single bed in a shared twin room with shared bathroom
Confirm your spot with a EUR 500 deposit by clicking the button below.
We accept all major credit cards with a small fee, which has already been included in the rate.
For more info on our booking process, cancellation policy and more - check out our FAQ here.
But wait, there’s more!
The journey continues…South! If time allows, consider the retreat extension to the dunes of Erg Chegaga in the Sahara Desert.
Read more about the 5 day, 4 night excursion and experience the magic of the Moroccan Sahara!
Exclusions
Purchased souvenirs \ lunch days 3-5: We’ll always visit a local restaurant where you can order a la carte. Expect prices be range from 8-12 EUR per person.
Gratuity to accommodation staff (we recommend 20-50 MAD per day @ 100-300 MAD, to be paid upon checkout in cash
Gratuity to your Marrakech city tour guide (we recommend 50 MAD per person, to be paid at the end of the tour in cash)
Got questions?
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