# Stitches and Strokes Retreat with Artist Caroline Simas and Fashion Designer Sarah Grace Simas in Morocco

Step into the vibrant world of fiber art and textile creation with artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas, a mother-daughter creative duo, on an unforgettable women-only mixed media retreat in the heart of Morocco. Over the course of this immersive week, you'll explore hand-stitching, natural dyeing, Shibori, aluminum embossing, and so much more, with daily hands-on guidance from both Caroline and Sarah Grace.

Whether you're picking up a needle or a paintbrush for the first time, or building on an existing practice, you'll walk away with new skills and fresh confidence, along with a collection of original fiber art pieces brimming with Moroccan inspiration. Artists of all levels are warmly welcome!

Your retreat unfolds at an enchanting traditional eco-lodge at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by verdant valleys, argan forests, 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 part of your creative journey. Head into Agadir's bustling Medina on a half-day trip to Souk El Had, where a scenic cable car carries you above the coast to the legendary Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. Later in the week, set out on a full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant, where centuries of artisan heritage await.

Every evening, gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, while special cultural moments throughout the week will weave the spirit of Morocco into every part of your experience.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 23 - 30, 2027
- **Location:** Agadir, Morocco
- **Starting Price:** $4,150
- **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 Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas
2. Air-conditioned indoor art studio, with views of the mesmerizing argan forest and equipped with tables, chairs, water cups, and paper towels
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a traditional eco-lodge
4. Exclusive use of the entire property including living quarters, all common areas, workshop spaces, swimming pool, SPA, terraces, and gardens
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages during dinner service every day
8. Delightful welcome and farewell dinners
9. Homemade snacks, complimentary water, coffee, organic herbal tea, and fresh juices available throughout the day
10. Half-day trip to Souk El Had of Agadir Medina, with a chaperone
11. Scenic cable car panorama tour of the coast during your trip to Souk El Had
12. Visit to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress during your trip to Souk El Had
13. Full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
14. Farewell dinner with live Berber folk band
15. Argan oil demonstration led by local Berber women
16. Traditional Moroccan Tea Ceremony
17. Complimentary relaxing Moroccan steam bath 'hammam'
18. Private transportation and English-speaking guides for all planned trips and activities
19. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) at prearranged times
20. All local tourist taxes and fees
21. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host available throughout the retreat
22. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
23. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Caroline Simas, fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas, 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 Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips — tipping is customary in Morocco
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Stitches and Strokes Retreat
Settle into a week of fiber art and textile creation on a hands-on, women-only, mixed media retreat with artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas, set at a traditional eco-lodge in the foothills of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. Explore hand-stitching, natural dyeing, Shibori, aluminum embossing, projects merging paint, and thread plus so much more as you create one-of-a-kind fiber art pieces inspired by the colors and traditions of your surroundings.

As a mother-daughter duo, Caroline and Sarah Grace will guide you through each technique with live demonstrations and personalized feedback, helping you find your unique artistic voice. Throughout the week, you'll enjoy daily classes designed to spark your creativity and fill your hands with beautiful textile art. The retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels, and no prior textile art background is needed.

With Caroline and Sarah Grace leading the way, you'll work across a wide range of fiber and textile techniques. Caroline will walk you through everything from making handmade concertina sketchbooks and dyeing fabrics using nature and Moroccan tea, to painting on fabric and adding rich hand-stitched details. Sarah Grace brings her fashion design eye to the mix, helping you think about texture and composition as you build up mixed media pieces using raw canvas, vintage spools of thread, found materials, and hand-dyed fabrics.

Your half-day trip to Agadir's buzzing Medina will take you straight to 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. Weave through the market's winding corridors before boarding a scenic cable car that lifts you above the rooftops for a sweeping panorama of the Agadir coastline. The ride delivers you to the hilltop Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress, where extraordinary views stretch all the way out to the Atlantic. Bring your travel art supplies and sketch on the go, snapping inspiration photos to fuel your creativity back at the studio.

Later in the week, a full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant 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 at every turn.

**Some topics covered in your classes with Caroline Simas and Sarah Grace Simas include:**

- Creating handmade concertina sketchbooks and travel journals
- Learning a variety of hand-stitching techniques
- Dyeing papers and fabrics using nature and Moroccan tea
- Creating abstract art merging paint, thread, papers, fabric, and sewing spools
- Painting and hand-stitching details on natural dyed fabric in embroidery hoops
- Learning the art of aluminum embossing
- Exploring Shibori, the hand-stitched dyeing textile art
- Creating mixed media pieces using raw canvas, paint, hand-stitching, and vintage spools of thread
- Painting landscapes and abstracts on fabric with hand-stitched details
- ...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. The space itself will feel like a natural extension of your creative week, with classes taking place in a spacious indoor studio or in the breezy outdoor spaces, including the scenic 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 instructors for the week, artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas. 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, Caroline and Sarah Grace will introduce The Art Buffet and walk you through the creative agenda for the morning 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 Caroline and Sarah Grace, gather with your fellow artists to map out the day's agenda.

Ease into the morning with your first creative assignment. Caroline will hand you a reflective journal prompt, inviting you to meditate upon your first meeting with your art group and your initial impressions of Morocco, from the ceremony the evening before to the mountain light outside the studio windows. With those reflections fresh in your mind, Caroline will guide you in making a handmade travel-size sketchbook and journal that you'll carry throughout the retreat, a personal companion for sketches, notes, and creative experiments over the days ahead.

Over a wholesome lunch, exchange ideas and inspiration with your fellow artists before heading back to the studio. The afternoon draws directly from the tea ceremony that welcomed you the evening before. With your first assignment finished, create your own tribute to Moroccan traditions as Caroline and Sarah Grace will guide you in making abstract art using Moroccan tea bags, merging paint, thread, papers, and fabric into one-of-a-kind mixed media works.

Caroline will teach you how to create handmade concertina sketchbooks, folding and assembling accordion-style pages into beautiful books you can fill throughout the week. Sarah Grace will then walk you through a variety of hand-stitching techniques, showing you different stitch patterns and how to use them both decoratively and structurally. By the end of the afternoon, you'll already have a growing collection of pieces and the confidence to keep experimenting.

Take some time to rest and recharge before dinner. 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 Souk El Had in Agadir
Grab a tasty 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.

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. Explore the market's winding corridors, surrounded by the kind of color and texture that fills a sketchbook in minutes. Bring your travel art supplies and sketch on the go, snapping inspiration photos of the intricate tilework, hand-dyed fabrics, and mountains of saffron and cumin to fuel your creativity back at the studio. 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 high above the city with extraordinary views stretching all the way out to the Atlantic.

Head back to the venue for a relaxing lunch. The afternoon invites you to translate the morning's visual feast into fiber art. Caroline will guide you in painting and hand-stitching details with your natural dyed fabric in an embroidery hoop. Pull from the colors and textures you gathered at the souk, experimenting with stitch placement and brushwork to create a piece that captures the energy of the market. Sarah Grace will circulate the studio offering personalized feedback on composition and layering as you bring your souk-inspired vision to life.

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 of the day's adventures over artisan-baked Moroccan bread and seasonal flavors from the surrounding valleys.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue & argan oil demonstration
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then settle in over coffee with Caroline and Sarah Grace to talk through the day's creative plans.

Head to the studio and dive into the art of aluminum embossing. Sarah Grace will demonstrate how to work with aluminum sheets, showing you how to press and shape the metal into beautifully textured pieces with intricate patterns. The results will be striking; this tactile technique offers a completely different creative experience from the textile work you've been doing so far.

You'll then move into Shibori, the traditional hand-stitched dyeing textile art with roots in centuries of Japanese craftsmanship. Sarah Grace will walk you through the folding, binding, stitching, and dyeing techniques that produce Shibori's signature organic patterns, and you'll watch the colors bloom as your fabric unfolds into something entirely your own.

Refuel over a delicious 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, Caroline will then guide you in creating a mixed media piece inspired by butterflies, birds, flowers, or any motif that catches your eye, using raw canvas, paint, hand-stitching, and a vintage spool of thread if you desire. Layer these different elements together, building up texture and dimension as you bring your subject to life. Sarah Grace will be on hand to help you think through composition and scale as your piece takes shape.

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 your growing fiber art collection as the Moroccan evening wraps around you.

### Day 5: Trip to Taroudant
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 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. Watch leather workers and metalworkers ply their trades in open-air ateliers. Visit the lively local market and explore stalls packed with pyramids of ground spices, handwoven fabrics in every color, fragrant herbs, and colorful fruits, drawing ideas from the sensory feast around you. Bring your travel sketchbook and snap reference photos to fuel your fiber art back at the studio.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a relaxed pace, then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Taroudant with your sketchbook in hand. Wander the ramparts at your own pace, duck into hidden courtyards, follow the sound of hammering copper through the artisan quarter, or find a shaded spot overlooking the rooftops and paint what you see. Caroline and Sarah Grace will be with you throughout, offering guidance when needed. Work directly from the extraordinary subject matter around you, translating the textures and colors of the Medina into art while the experience is still fresh.

Back at the venue, enjoy some free time to rest and refresh. Head to the pool, lose yourself in the gardens, grab a spot on the terrace, or simply close your eyes and breathe in the evening air. Wrap up the adventure with a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with wine, perfect for reliving the day's discoveries with your fellow artists.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue
Another morning of creative possibilities opens with a delicious breakfast. Gather over coffee with Caroline and Sarah Grace before checking in with your fellow artists and mapping out the day ahead.

Caroline will guide you in painting a landscape or abstract directly on fabric, showing you how to build up layers of color and then add rich details with hand-stitching to bring your piece to life. The combination of paint and thread creates a beautiful interplay of texture and dimension that you won't find in any other medium. You'll also have time to revisit any unfinished projects from earlier in the week. Caroline and Sarah Grace will circulate the studio, offering personalized feedback and helping you refine your techniques as you experiment with new ideas and push your work in directions you might not have expected.

Gather for a wholesome lunch, trading creative insights with your fellow artists before heading back to the studio. The afternoon holds something special, a surprise project. Caroline and Sarah Grace have something creative up their sleeves, so come with an open mind and a playful spirit. Trust the process and follow your intuition through one final unexpected creative adventure. No hints, but you'll want to have your favorite materials within arm's reach!

Wander the gardens or rest poolside, sneaking in a few more stitches before the evening. Close out the evening over a three-course dinner crafted by your private chef and complemented by wine, swapping your favorite creative moments from the week as the Atlas Mountains fade into silhouette.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
One more magical morning awaits. Over a wholesome breakfast with Caroline and Sarah Grace, reflect on your artistic journey and share highlights with your fellow artists.

Put the finishing touches on all your unfinished fiber art and hand-stitching projects, with both Caroline and Sarah Grace on hand to help with design concepts and execution. Ask any burning questions and soak up personalized feedback as you polish your favorite pieces. You'll also prepare your work for the mini exhibition, selecting and arranging the pieces that best tell the story of your creative week in Morocco. Take pride in how far you've come and get ready to share it.

After a tasty lunch, the mini-exhibition kicks off. Participation is optional, but this informal gallery setting is where you'll show your work and swap feedback with your fellow artists while celebrating how much you've accomplished. Take your time admiring each other's creations and reflecting on the creative journey you've shared, from your very first sketchbook on Day 2 to the finished mixed media pieces in front of you now.

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 and celebration. It's the perfect send-off for a week you won't soon forget!

### 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 1:30 PM.

## Instructors

- [Caroline Simas](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/caroline-simas) — Artist, mentor, creative business coach
- [Sarah Grace Simas](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/sarah-grace-simas) — Fashion and textile designer

## 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 Caroline Simas and Sarah Grace Simas. 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 exact 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 Caroline Simas and Sarah Grace Simas 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 May 23, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on May 30, 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:**

**May 23, 2027** — 1:00 PM (leaving from Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 4:00 PM)

**Departure transfer:**

**May 30, 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 past UpTrek retreats with Caroline Simas:**

- "Caroline is kind, enthusiastic, and attentive to individual students. Her lessons were well planned and appropriate to the group, both advanced and beginning artists. She is a talented artist and shared examples of her work in a way that was not intimidating. She truly inspired me."

- "Caroline was tuned in to each student and taught so many fun new skills. We all bonded over meals and conversation. We encouraged each other and enjoyed instruction from Caroline. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at finding a new medium or subject for their art."

- "Fabulous!! Caroline was a wonderful teacher and encourager. Everything was well organized but flexible as circumstances changed. She was very sensitive to individual needs and concerns."

- "The art classes were well prepared by Caroline. I have been on other art retreats, but they focused on touring or cooking with art as a minor part of the retreat. This retreat was totally focused on art. Hooray!"

**Reviews from past UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "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 retreat available to all levels?**

The retreat with artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas is open to all levels of experience, though you'll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Caroline's and Sarah Grace's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas in Agadir, Morocco, takes place between May 23 - 30, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 23, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the retreat, May 30, 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 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/stitches-and-strokes-retreat-artist-caroline-simas-fashion-designer-sarah-grace-simas-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 May?**

The weather in Agadir, Morocco, in late May is warm, sunny, and ideal for painting outdoors. You can expect average highs of around 27°C / 81°F during the day, dropping to cool lows of around 15°C / 59°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 supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Caroline Simas and fashion designer Sarah Grace Simas will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, water cups, and paper towels are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructors' recommended list.**

**How many people are to be expected on the 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 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 workshops and other activities?**

The 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 instructors 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/stitches-and-strokes-retreat-artist-caroline-simas-fashion-designer-sarah-grace-simas-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).

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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/stitches-and-strokes-retreat-artist-caroline-simas-fashion-designer-sarah-grace-simas-morocco
**Last updated:** 2026-06-23