Retreat dates: We are taking a Haitus this year. future dates TBA
Are you are craving a more meaningful, experiential travel journey? Join us to connect face-to-face with Moroccan artisans, diving deeper into their crafts, culture, and community
Hand to Hand Artisan Experience Retreat is designed for you!
We will take you deeper and connect you closer to what we think of as the “soul source” of Morocco: the artisan craft culture. Experience the opportunity to be a more intentional consumer and make more personal purchases in Morocco that directly support the creators-if you so wish.
While our focus is on culture and craft in this beautiful country, we have designed the ultimate itinerary to include all the touch points and special extras to round out your Moroccan experience. And all the details are taken care of for you-so you can arrive feeling free, secure, and fully supported. And leave with a heart full of precious memories an intimate connection to the people and places you encounter along the way.
Retreat Highlights
This retreat is all about you. Connecting you with the culture, with the artisans, with the history, with contemporary life, with your wanderlust heart, with your fellow human travelers.
Lose yourself in the moments and discover the historical past and the current state of culture and craft in the storied Marrakech Medina-all while enjoying the traditional hospitality and highlights of Marrakech.
Explore your creative self with hands-on artisan crafts experiences.
Develop a deeper appreciation for the work of Moroccan artisans with opportunities for hands-on artisan experiences with master craftsmen. Hear their stories, marvel at their simple tools, learn their process, and try your hands at a new craft!
Our fun, hands-on classes include Zouak Painting, Jewelry Making, and Pottery so you can take home some creative memories.
Slow down and savor connections. In order to appreciate the real traditions and hospitality of Morocco’s people, you need to leave the city for the villages where life is still slower, simpler, and most authentic. Experience an all-day excursion to visit an authentic Berber house and mountain village, with a scenic hike and lunch. Visit woman artisans who create Morocco’s famous Berber carpets, and share their weaving experience.
Itinerary at a glance
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Plan your arrival to Marrakech for late morning/midday for complimentary transportation to Maison 28. We’ll welcome you with Atay (Moroccan Mint Tea) and healthy local lunch. Relax and get settled before we head out together for a terrace sunset dinner together at a lovely local restaurant.
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Wake up for a Maison 28 breakfast, followed by a morning guided tour of the historical sites and the artisan souks. After lunch we will practice Zouak painting on our own wood Hamsas (great for protection!)
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Maison 28 breakfast is followed by shopping trip and lunch in the vibrant industrial artisan area where you will see new interpretations of traditional crafts. Our afternoon will be spent creating and crafting our own pottery piece in a woman-led atelier.
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We journey out of Marrakech for a High Atlas artisan and culture visit to a traditional Berber home and village where we will visit a woman-led weaving cooperative and try our hand at the loom alongside the artisans there.
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After our Maison 28 breakfast we’ll visit another area of the Medina to explore an ancient palace, local markets and a carpet shopping haven. After lunch indulge in a traditional Moroccan hamman and massage in the ultimate spa experience.
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Enjoy breakfast and the best coffee in Marrakech in a restored palace before exploring a peaceful secret garden. We will have hands-on jewelry making class where you have the opportunity to design and create your own Berber necklace or bracelet before time to explore Marrakech a little more on your own.
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Maison 28 breakfast followed by a morning exploration of an artisan village area to see how various crafts are created including woven baskets, tadelakt and intricate mosaic zellij tiles. After lunch we visit the famed Majorelle gardens and YSL museum.
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Following a Maison 28 breakfast (and a busy week!) we will take a day to rest and reflect at the rustic Beldi country club. Relax by the pool, wander the landscaped grounds, enjoy and al fresco lunch and indulge in shopping the boutiques on site. You may even catch them working in the glass blowers workshop there!
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Plan your departure for this day. Breakfast and private airport transfers are included
Experiences & Inclusions
Hands-on, artisan guided classes in traditional zouak painting, jewelry making, and pottery. Leave Morocco with your own personal treasures.
Professionally led tours for history, culture, and shopping.
Day trip to Atlas Mountains to experience authentic Berber culture and life.
Traditional Moroccan Hammam & Massage Experience.
Deluxe accommodations throughout.
All nutritious and delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners with some alcohol inclusions.
Entrance fees for gardens and museums in Marrakech.
Private vehicle transportation throughout, including airport transfers.
Tips and Gratuities for hotel staff, drivers, and guides.
Not included:
Airfare and Mandatory Travel Insurance (Check out World Nomads)
Money spent on shopping and personal items
Personal alcohol purchases
Your investment:
$4,095 USD with private queen room with ensuite bath
$3495 USD for a shared twin room with ensuite bath
SAVE $300 when you book before
June 30, 2024. Use code: EARLY at registration
A non-refundable deposit* of $1,000 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Cancellation Policy: Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.
Ready to join us for an adventure of a lifetime?
About Your Host
Melanie Royals has been designing and leading retreats in Morocco for curious and creative travelers since 2009. A lifelong artisan and designer, she has a passion for creating experiences that highlight and connect her guests to the heart and soul of Morocco-the artisans! Since 2017 she has been welcoming private retreat groups to her own unique Marrakech Medina guest house, Maison 28.