# Illustrate Your Journey - A Procreate and Mixed Media Art Retreat with Artist Lisa Bardot in Morocco Trade your everyday for a sun-drenched week in Morocco with artist and illustrator Lisa Bardot, where Procreate meets argan forests, ochre kasbahs, saffron-spiced tagines, and the rust-red foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Over the course of this creative retreat, you'll document your travels through sketching and mixed media journaling, then translate those experiences into a cohesive illustrated map in Procreate. Whether you're filling your first sketchbook or pushing an existing Procreate practice further, you'll head home with a finished illustrated map and a travel journal brimming with Morocco, along with a toolkit of new techniques to carry into everything you create next. Your retreat unfolds at an enchanting traditional eco-lodge at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by argan forests, verdant valleys, and genuine Berber hospitality. Between classes, unwind at the SPA with a complimentary hammam treatment while panoramic mountain views stretch out from every terrace. Beyond the studio, Morocco itself will become your canvas. Head into Agadir's bustling Medina on a half-day trip to Souk El Had, one of the country's most vibrant markets, before a scenic cable car carries you above the coast to the legendary Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. Travel to the imperial city of Taroudant on a half-day trip for guided sketching among ancient ramparts and sun-dappled souks, and set out on a full-day trip to the mesmerizing surf village of Taghazout on Morocco's Atlantic coast for a beachfront café journaling session with the ocean at your feet. Every evening, gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, while special cultural moments throughout the week, from a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony to an argan oil demonstration with local Berber women, will weave the spirit of Morocco into every part of your experience. ## Details - **Dates:** April 3 - 10, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,600 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Lisa Bardot 2. 7 nights of accommodation at a traditional eco-lodge 3. Exclusive use of the entire property including living quarters, all common areas, workshop spaces, swimming pool, SPA, terraces, and gardens 4. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 5. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 6. Delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages during dinner service every day 7. Delightful welcome and farewell dinners 8. Homemade snacks, complimentary water, coffee, organic herbal tea, and fresh juices available throughout the day 9. Half-day shopping trip to Souk El Had of Agadir 10. Scenic cable car panorama tour of the coast during your trip to Souk El Had 11. Visit to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress during your trip to Souk El Had 12. Half-day art trip to the imperial city of Taroudant, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Full-day art trip to Taghazout including packed lunch, a beachfront café art session with refreshments included, and group chaperone 14. Live Berber folk band for the farewell dinner 15. Argan oil demonstration led by local Berber women 16. Traditional Moroccan Tea Ceremony 17. Complimentary relaxing Moroccan steam bath 'hammam' 18. Private transportation all planned trips and activities 19. English-speaking guides and chaperones for all planned trips and activities 20. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) at prearranged times 21. All local tourist taxes and fees 22. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location 23. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 24. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Lisa Bardot and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — you will receive a detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Lisa Bardot five months before the retreat takes place - Tips — tipping is customary in Morocco - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Illustrate Your Journey Retreat Settle into a week of digital and mixed media art on a creative retreat with artist and illustrator Lisa Bardot, set at a traditional eco-lodge in the foothills of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. This is Lisa's first retreat in Morocco, and she's bringing her signature blend of playful experimentation and digital mastery to a stunning new setting. Over the course of the week, you'll document your travels through sketching and mixed media journaling, then translate those experiences into a cohesive illustrated map in Procreate. Think of it as part travel journal and part art project, entirely your own. Lisa will guide you through every step, from learning map anatomy and simplifying real places into visual elements, to developing a personal color palette and assembling your final illustrated map with lettering and detail. Along the way, you'll fill your sketchbook with observations from three Moroccan art trips and practice turning loose sketches into cohesive illustrated icons, building a growing collection of map elements in Procreate that come together into a finished piece by the end of the week. Expect plenty of one-on-one feedback and playful creative challenges led by Lisa herself. Experiment inside a supportive circle of fellow artists, and watch your illustrated map take shape day by day as Morocco fills your pages. You'll get the most out of this retreat if you have some previous Procreate experience and want to push your skills further. An iPad with Procreate installed is required. Your half-day trip to Taroudant, often called "the grandmother of Marrakesh," will take you through ancient gates and into a Medina where tall city walls and detailed archways frame a world of artisan workshops and bustling spice stalls. With your sketchbook in hand, capture the warm-toned walls and striking architecture that make this imperial city an illustrator's dream. Explore the legendary Souk El Had, one of the largest traditional markets in all of North Africa, spanning over 30 acres of stalls packed with spices, handwoven textiles, leather goods, and colorful ceramics. Later in the week, a full-day trip to Taghazout will take you to one of Morocco's most beloved coastal villages, a laid-back surf town of sun-bleached buildings and colorful fishing boats pulled up on the sand, with vibrant murals tucked into winding streets at every turn. Settle into a beachfront café with the Atlantic rolling in beside you for a guided group journaling session. **Some topics covered in your classes with Lisa Bardot include:** - Map anatomy and how to simplify real places into visual elements - Sketchbook journaling techniques using mixed media - Guided sketching focused on shapes, silhouettes, and repeating forms - Developing a personal color palette inspired by your surroundings - Simplifying sketchbook drawings into cohesive illustrated icons - Creating illustrated map elements in Procreate - Making illustrations feel cohesive across a project - Composition, lettering, and detail in illustrated maps - Turning artwork into a printable travel keepsake - ...and many more! Your venue for the retreat is a traditional fortress turned eco-lodge, nestled among verdant valleys and traditional Berber villages set against a stunning Atlantic coastline. Surrounded by a UNESCO-protected argan forest, with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains from every terrace, you will find no shortage of inspiration in its surroundings. Classes will take place in a spacious air-conditioned indoor studio with views of the argan forest, or in breezy outdoor spaces including the swimming pool terrace and rooftop terrace. You'll also experience the full extent of local hospitality through special cultural moments woven into the week. On your very first evening, you'll take part in a Moroccan tea ceremony, a traditional way for the venue hosts to welcome you at the venue. Later in the week, witness an argan oil demonstration with local Berber women, rejuvenate with a complimentary hammam bath, and close out your final evening with a live Berber folk band concert at your farewell dinner. ### Day 1: Arrival & tea ceremony Land at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and hop on the 1:00 PM transfer to the venue, winding through the Moroccan countryside as the Atlas Mountains come into view. Once there, unpack and unwind in your room before exploring the grounds. Wander the airy terraces, lush gardens dotted with argan and olive trees, the sparkling salt-water pool, and the inviting common spaces that will become your creative home for the week. Meet your fellow artists and your instructor, artist and illustrator Lisa Bardot. Settle into the warm atmosphere of the eco-lodge as you explore the grounds together. As the afternoon unfolds, gather for one of the retreat's most cherished cultural moments right from the start, a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony with the venue hosts. This beloved ritual sits at the very heart of Moroccan hospitality. Take your time savoring every sip of the fragrant, high-quality mint tea, engaging all your senses as your hosts guide you through the ceremony's graceful preparation and pouring traditions. As dusk settles over the Atlas foothills, gather for a delectable three-course welcome dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine. Over the course of the evening, Lisa will introduce the Illustrate Your Journey theme and walk you through the creative adventure ahead. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and head to the studio for the very first class of the retreat. Over coffee with Lisa, gather with your fellow artists to map out the day's agenda. The morning kicks off with an introduction to Illustrate Your Journey, the creative thread that will run through your entire week. Lisa will walk you through the illustrated map project, the centerpiece of the retreat, and break down map anatomy, showing you how to simplify real places into visual elements that tell a story. You'll also explore sketchbook journaling techniques using mixed media, learning how to combine drawing, writing, and collected materials into pages that feel alive with personality and observation. Over a wholesome lunch, exchange ideas and first impressions with your fellow artists before heading back to the studio. The afternoon is all about putting pen to paper. Lisa will lead a guided sketchbook session documenting your arrival and first impressions of Morocco, from the tea ceremony the evening before to the mountain light outside the studio windows. Incorporate collected materials and personal observations into your pages, taking dedicated time to reflect and begin visually capturing the experience. By the end of the day, your sketchbook will already be filling with the textures and colors of your surroundings. Cool off in the salt-water pool or soak up the mountain views from the rooftop terrace. Round off the day over a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, every bite complemented by a glass of wine and the warmth of a group finding its creative rhythm together. ### Day 3: Trip to Taroudant Grab a tasty breakfast and settle into a relaxed coffee check-in as you talk through the adventure ahead. Hop on the transfer for a half-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant, often called "the grandmother of Marrakesh" for its ancient ramparts and timeless atmosphere. Enter through massive gates in the city's six-mile ring of red-ochre walls and plunge into the Medina, where tall archways and sun-dappled alleyways frame a world of artisan workshops and bustling commerce. Wander through stalls packed with pyramids of ground spices, handwoven fabrics in every color, and fragrant herbs, drawing ideas from the sensory feast around you. Lisa will guide you through sketching moments focused on shapes, silhouettes, and repeating forms, helping you distill the striking architecture and warm-toned walls into the kind of visual shorthand that will fuel your illustrated map. Head back to the venue for a delicious lunch, then return to the studio for a reflection and journaling session. With your Taroudant sketches and photos fresh in your mind, you'll begin planning the illustrated map itself, identifying key locations and moments from the trip and creating initial layout sketches. This is where the week's work starts to come together, and you'll see the seeds of your final piece take root on the page! Soak in the late afternoon from one of the terraces or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Gather for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, perfect for swapping stories from the day's explorations. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue & argan oil demonstration Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then settle in over coffee with Lisa to talk through the day's creative plans. Head to the studio and dive into developing a personal color palette inspired by everything you've absorbed so far, from the ochre walls of Taroudant to the greens of the argan forest outside the studio window. Lisa will show you how to simplify your sketchbook drawings into cohesive illustrated icons, distilling complex observations into clean, playful visual elements that will populate your final map. Refuel over a filling lunch, swapping ideas with your fellow artists before heading back to the studio. The afternoon opens with one of the retreat's special cultural moments, an argan oil demonstration with local Berber women. Witness the traditional process of pressing this treasured oil by hand, a cornerstone of Moroccan beauty and cuisine that has been passed down through generations. With fresh inspiration flowing, channel the experience into a dedicated journaling and reflection session inspired by the demonstration. From there, dive into the digital side of the project. You'll begin creating illustrated map elements in Procreate, with Lisa guiding you on making your illustrations feel cohesive across the entire piece. Build a growing collection of icons and illustrations for the final map, and watch your vision start to take shape on screen. Unwind poolside, explore the argan groves, stretch out on a terrace, or watch the Atlas Mountains glow as the sun drops. Gather for a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, comparing notes on the illustrated maps taking shape across the group. ### Day 5: Trip to the Atlantic Coast After a refreshing breakfast and a coffee check-in to talk through the adventure ahead, hop on the transfer for a full-day trip to Taghazout, one of Morocco's most beloved coastal villages, perched on the Atlantic shoreline about 20 kilometers north of Agadir. The scenic drive hugs the coast, and the first glimpse of Taghazout is unforgettable: sun-bleached buildings stacked against a hillside, colorful fishing boats pulled up on the sand, surf breaking over rocky points, and vibrant murals tucked into winding alleyways. Explore the shoreline and village streets with your sketchbook in hand, observing color, light, and atmosphere at every turn. Lisa will share guided prompts focused on capturing the feeling of a place through simple sketches and notes, helping you look beyond the obvious and find the details that make Taghazout come alive on the page. Settle into a beachfront café for a group lunch with the Atlantic rolling in beside you, then ease into a guided group journaling session right there at the table. Over the next couple of hours, translate your observations into sketches, notes, and compositions, working at a relaxed pace with the sound of the waves and the smell of salt air fueling your pages. The rest of the afternoon is yours. Continue exploring the village, photograph the light as it shifts across the water, collect inspiration from the fishing harbor, or simply sit with your feet in the sand and sketch whatever catches your eye. Back at the venue, enjoy some free time to rest and refresh before gathering for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with wine, perfect for reliving the day's coastal adventures with your fellow artists. ### Day 6: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Enjoy a delicious breakfast and settle into a relaxed coffee check-in as you map out plans for an unforgettable half-day trip into the heart of Agadir. You'll head straight to the buzzing Souk El Had, one of the largest traditional markets in all of North Africa, where over 30 acres of stalls overflow with spices, handwoven textiles, leather goods, colorful ceramics, and fragrant herbs. With a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide at your side, weave through the market's winding corridors, surrounded by the kind of color and texture that fills a sketchbook in minutes. Photograph and sketch anything that catches your eye, from intricate tilework and hand-dyed fabrics to mountains of saffron and cumin. While you're browsing, pick up a souvenir for your loved ones back home. From there, a scenic cable car carries you above the rooftops for a sweeping panorama of the Agadir coastline, delivering you to the hilltop Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress, perched dramatically over the Atlantic with extraordinary views stretching to the horizon. Head back to the venue for a relaxing lunch, then return to the studio for a guided journaling session, translating the morning's visual feast into your sketchbook pages. With the souk's energy still buzzing in your memory, transition into the studio session that marks a turning point in the week. You'll begin drawing the illustrated map layout, integrating collected sketches and ideas from every trip so far, working on placement and composition as the map starts to come together. Soak in the late afternoon from one of the terraces or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, swapping favorite market finds and souk stories with your fellow artists as the Moroccan evening settles around you. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue One more magical morning awaits. Over a wholesome breakfast with Lisa, reflect on your creative journey and share highlights with your fellow artists. Head to the studio and continue developing and refining your illustrated elements, adding detail and polish to the icons, motifs, and visual elements you've been building all week. Lisa will circulate the studio offering one-on-one feedback as you bring each piece up to its final form. After a tasty lunch, gather for the most rewarding session of the week. Assemble your final illustrated map, adding composition, lettering, and finishing details that tie everything together. Lisa will offer an optional demonstration on turning your artwork into a printable travel keepsake, so you can take your illustrated map beyond the screen and into the real world. With your maps complete, display your favorite pieces in an informal mini exhibition. Take your time admiring each other's illustrated journeys, from first impressions on Day 2 to the finished maps in front of you now, and celebrate how far you've come over the course of this unforgettable week. As the sun sets over the Atlas Mountains, gather one final time for a special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef. Raise your glass to a week of creative discoveries and new friendships, all while a live Berber folk band fills the evening with music, drums, and celebration. It's the perfect send-off for a week you won't soon forget. Immortalize the moment with one last sketch of the mesmerizing performers! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a warm final breakfast together and exchange contacts with your fellow artists before soaking in the last views of the mountains and gardens. Catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:00 PM. ## Instructors - [Lisa Bardot](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/lisa-bardot) — Illustrator and educator ## Accommodation ### Traditional Eco-Lodge Set against breathtaking landscapes, your venue, a traditional fortress, effortlessly marries authentic Berber elegance with modern comfort. Crafted in harmony with the local Berber community, this eco-lodge is a beacon of sustainable excellence. Nestled among flourishing argan, olive, and fruit trees, each room showcases panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and Tighanimine Elbaz village below. Rejuvenate with features like a salt-water pool, a holistic SPA with a complimentary hammam treatment, and expansive terraces with awe-inspiring vistas. Seek inspiration as you wander gardens dotted with argan trees and palms. Your classes will take place in a spacious 1,180 ft² indoor studio or in breezy outdoor spaces, including the scenic rooftop terrace. Please note that navigating the venue will involve climbing lots of stairs; the venue is not suited to participants with limited mobility. The venue stands as a testament to eco-conscious hospitality, harmonizing comfort with genuine Berber heritage in a lush, sustainable setting. From its eco-friendly construction by expert local craftsmen, specialists in rammed earth, tadelakt, stone, and wood, to the conservation-oriented philosophy of the eco-lodge, everything has been thought through to promote Moroccan values of humanity, traditions, and heritage. ### Shared standard ensuite room You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. The shared standard ensuite room will be fitted with twin beds and feature ensuite shower bathrooms. It has a panoramic view of the argan grove and a palm grove below. The room is decorated in a traditional Berber style, with woven rugs and earthy, warm colors. ### Shared superior ensuite room You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. The three shared superior rooms will be fitted with twin beds and feature ensuite bathrooms with a shower. They are decorated in a charming Moroccan style, using eco-friendly materials that give the space an authentic oriental feel. Located in the towers on the third floor, the rooms measure about 35 m² (or 377 sq. ft.) and offer a lovely view of the gardens of the venue and the surrounding argan grove. They have access to stunning private shaded terraces equipped with sunbeds, xeric plants, tables, and chairs. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located on the first and second floor, these small and tastefully decorated rooms feature a comfortable double bed, an ensuite shower bathroom, AC, and Wi-Fi. ### Single superior ensuite room Three single superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Decorated in a traditional Berber style with woven rugs and earthy colors, the larger rooms feature a double bed, an ensuite shower bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. They have a panoramic view of the argan grove and a palm grove below. ### Single deluxe suite Three deluxe suites are available for single occupancy. Each bright and spacious suite accommodates one retreat participant and consists of two bedrooms (one master bedroom and one smaller room, where you can relax) and a private bathroom. The master bedroom features a four-poster bed. Located on the second floor of the fortress, the suites feature air conditioning and Wi-Fi. ## Food Indulge in the rich tapestry of Moroccan flavors during the art retreat with Lisa Bardot. The talented chef at the venue will delight you with authentic dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients: succulent fruits, crisp vegetables, olives, wild almonds, and highlights like velvety goat cheese, golden argan oil, and mountain honey. Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture with every bite, as each meal reflects the country’s vibrant traditions and the soulful artistry of its cuisine. Quench your thirst with a range of beverages, from cool water and zesty juices to fragrant coffee and soothing herbal tea. As the sun sets, revel in 'aperitivo hour', complementing dinner with unlimited wine. Every meal promises to nourish both your creativity and wellness. All meals are included. Please let us know in advance about specific dietary requirements. However, note that we cannot cater to severe or life-threatening allergies. Delight yourself with the food options served at the retreat below. The menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There Taking place at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the art retreat with Lisa Bardot will be hosted at an eco-friendly fortress, surrounded by a UNESCO-protected argan forest. This stunningly beautiful region is just 20 minutes from Agadir, on Morocco's Atlantic coast. During your retreat, you'll explore Agadir's historic Medina on a guided half-day trip to Souk El Had, complete with a bargain-haggling expert and a cable car panorama of the coast, before ascending to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. Further afield, you'll sketch your way through the imperial city of Taroudant. **To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).** We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Morocco a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **How to get from Marrakesh to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately three hours. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on April 3, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on April 10, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Arrival transfer:** **April 3, 2027** — 1:00 PM (leaving from Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **April 10, 2027** — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK at approximately 1:00 PM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** - Spend extra days at a hotel in Marrakesh before or after the retreat and catch the transfer shuttles to/from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). - Land in Agadir and take a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Atlas Kasbah, Tighanimine El-Baz, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco; approximate cost: US$32 - 300 MAD/Moroccan Dirham). Taxi fares may vary. - Land in Marrakesh and take a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Atlas Kasbah, Tighanimine El-Baz, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco; approximate cost: US$160 - 1500 MAD/Moroccan Dirham). Taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from the previous UpTrek retreat with Lisa Bardot:** - "An absolutely incredible experience! The venue was beautiful and a perfect pick for an art retreat. It was close to the train station, abbey and castle and surrounded by beautiful countryside so the nights were peaceful. May, Guy and Roger made us feel so welcome and Lisa and the team had thought of everything. I simply cannot fault anything. 10 out of 10. " - "The new friendships fostered with fellow art-passionate folks and the wonderful venue made for an amazing art-retreat experience. The learning/teaching side of the retreat was extremely enjoyable and well organized. The connections between hands-on learning and our trips to area sites were seamlessly combined with the more technical art skills within Procreate. The schedule had a nice balance of learning and free time to rest, create, or explore." - "This was one of the best events of my life. I grew and so did my art. I’m not sure what I expected but this far exceeded what I could have hoped for. Thank you to Lisa, Geoff, May and all of you for creating this." - "An absolutely amazing experience and some of the best hospitality and food I’ve ever had!" - "Everything about the retreat exceeded my expectations. Lisa and her team were great, the mix of classes and excursions was perfect and the social aspect was wonderful. The venue was very good, the food was excellent." **Venue reviews:** - "I have to say the retreat was beyond my expectations. I really thought it would be a wonderful time, which it was, but I wasn't expecting it to be so nice to get to know everyone. It was a great experience and I got to learn a lot. I wish I didn't have to leave because it’s been wonderful and I’m definitely going to do it again sometime." - "The retreat was amazing!!!! The venue was outstanding and the hospitality of everyone involved at the venue was so warm and friendly. I would recommend the art retreat experience to everyone who is contemplating such an adventure. You will come back a changed person!!!" - "It was relaxing and I am inspired due to the trip. It was so nice to be there. At home, I haven't the time to draw and paint for myself all day long. I felt blessed to have long days of painting workshops. The accommodation was so friendly and helpful in every small detail." - "Overall a wonderful retreat and experience. The venue was stunning, and the hosts were so incredibly kind and helpful. A truly remarkable and memorable experience!" - "I didn't really have any expectations when I booked other than I knew I was going to paint. I didn’t know where that was going to go but I was hopeful and excited about the discovery aspect of it, and it far exceeded my expectations. It was worth every mile and every penny to get here. The creativity, the empowerment, and the enlightenment I went through... I had a lot of “aha” moments and I gained clarity which is what I was hoping for. I’m excited to go back home and put new ideas into practice and have new inspiration. And we’re in Morocco! It’s Morocco! To me, that was a bucket list country to visit, and what better way to experience this beautiful culture than painting and absorbing the colors and the people and the kindness that’s here? It’s just been a whirlwind of amazing experiences. It’s been incredible and an amazing experience filled with so many sensory experiences from colors to smells to visuals, landscapes, fishing villages, mountains, and deep saffrons and rusts and browns and earth tones to beautiful Azul blues and whites... It’s just been incredible. And again, as I said, worth every mile journeyed and every penny spent to get there. And the Kasbah is fantastic - this is the perfect place for a retreat. I will take it all back home and I will play and I promise to keep experimenting and keep pushing myself. It’s been brilliant, so wonderful..." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the art retreat available to all levels?** The art retreat with Lisa Bardot is open to all levels of art experience, but you'll get the most out of this retreat if you have some previous Procreate experience and want to push your skills further. **When is the art retreat available?** The art retreat with artist Lisa Bardot in Agadir, Morocco, takes place between April 3 - 10, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on April 3, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the art retreat, April 10, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Free Wi-Fi is available in the main reception space, dining and living rooms, workshop spaces, common areas, and all rooms. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art retreat?** Yes. Regular, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are catered for. Please get in touch in advance to discuss your dietary requirements. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately three hours. We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Morocco a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Alternatively, you can land in Agadir and take a taxi to the retreat venue. The retreat venue is approximately a 20-minute drive from Agadir Al-Massira International Airport (AGA). For more information, please read the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/illustrate-your-journey-retreat-artist-lisa-bardot-morocco#location). Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **What’s the weather like in Agadir, Morocco, in April?** The weather in Agadir, Morocco, in late April is warm, sunny, and ideal for painting outdoors. You can expect average highs of around 23°C / 73°F during the day, dropping to cool lows of around 14°C / 57°F at night. Agadir sees around 11 hours of sunshine each day in April, so days are long and bright, though a light jacket is still worth packing for evenings and early mornings. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue. **What art supplies do I need for the art classes?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Lisa Bardot will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, paper towels, glass containers, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, and easels are available on location. **How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?** There is a maximum number of 16 participants. **Are SPA treatments included?** A complimentary relaxing Moroccan steam bath 'hammam' is included in your retreat. A full range of massage treatments, salt cave spa treatments, salt therapies, and purifying wildflower baths can be scheduled upon arrival to be paid for on location. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Morocco for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance. **Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?** Credit cards are becoming widely accepted in big cities (hotels, restaurants); however, most of the country runs on cash. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in Morocco. Take out cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for taxis, small purchases, market visits, and tipping. Tipping is customary in Morocco. **Are there any age restrictions?** There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **Is the art retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven streets. Getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the relaxation areas requires a short walk and climbing stairs. **What language is used during the art workshop and other activities?** The art retreat is available in English. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artists or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructors' control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/illustrate-your-journey-retreat-artist-lisa-bardot-morocco#book)** — no deposit required. See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/illustrate-your-journey-retreat-artist-lisa-bardot-morocco **Last updated:** 2026-05-28