# Sunny Watercolor Journeys Retreat with Artist Karen Rice in Morocco Join artist Karen Rice for an unforgettable watercolor journey in the heart of Morocco. Explore the limitless world of watercolor, guided by the expertise and tailored feedback of your instructor. Explore various painting techniques, gain more confidence in your creative choices, and bond with a supportive community of 16 other artists. Benefit from Karen's invaluable guidance throughout the process, from the first brushstroke to the final masterpiece. You'll stay at an enchanting traditional eco-lodge surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with hosts and staff renowned for their warmth and attentiveness. Beyond the studio, Morocco will be your canvas. You'll head into Agadir's historic Medina for a half-day trip to Souk El Had, exploring the market with a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide before taking a scenic cable car panorama of the coast and visiting the ancient Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. You'll also travel to the imperial city of Taroudant and the extraordinary Palais Claudio Bravo for a full-day art trip with sketching opportunities. ## Details - **Dates:** June 1 - 8, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 17 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 Karen Rice 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. Unlimited wine and non-alcoholic drinks 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 trip to Souk El Had in the Agadir Medina with a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide 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. Full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant 13. A visit to the Palace Museum Claudio Bravo during the full-day trip to Taroudant 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 on location 22. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 23. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Karen Rice 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 Karen Rice five months before the retreat takes place - Tips — tipping is customary in Morocco - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Sunny Watercolor Journeys Art Retreat Join artist Karen Rice for a life-changing watercolor retreat set in the heart of Morocco. During this weeklong experience, you will learn from your favorite artist through daily classes and extensive demos, receive tailored feedback, and explore the beauty of Morocco through exciting art trips. The retreat welcomes participants of all experience levels. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Agadir’s Medina as your adventure begins at Souk El Had, weaving through bustling stalls with a savvy chaperone and expert haggler at your side. Glide above the city in a cable car, soaking in breathtaking coastal views before reaching the legendary Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, a fortress perched dramatically on the hillside. Later in the week, discover the imperial city of Taroudant and be amazed by the stunning Palais Claudio Bravo, where lush gardens and timeless Moroccan scenery invite you to fill your sketchbook. Discover the wonderful world of watercolors under Karen's expert guidance and create loose, expressive artwork. You'll cover a wide variety of techniques and experiment, discovering your style and unique strengths during your daily classes. Most importantly, you'll bond with a supportive community of 16 other artists. By the end of the art retreat, you'll have created a beautiful collection of watercolor paintings that portray Morocco's natural surroundings. **Some topics covered in the classes include:** - Watercolor basics: wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, damp into wet, damp into damp - Uniform washes - Lifting off method - Plastic card technique - Spattering technique - Embracing the happy accident - How to make your paintings look more 3D by using color, tonal values, texture, mark-making, and size - Capturing great reference photos and transposing them into paintings - Exploring abstracts, florals, and landscapes - Discovering your style - ...and many more. Your venue for this retreat, a traditional fortress, stands as a testament to eco-luxury. As an eco-lodge, it harmonizes with its surroundings, providing a tranquil space to learn and create. Its surroundings feature verdant valleys, traditional villages, and a stunning coastline, offering an ever-present inspiration for your artwork. Moreover, you'll experience the full extent of local Berber hospitality through several special activities. You'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony, rejuvenate with a complimentary hammam bath and four included yoga sessions, participate in an argan oil demonstration with the local Berber women, and learn about natural Moroccan beauty products. ### Day 1: Arrival & tea ceremony Land at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and hop on the 1:00 PM transfer to the venue. Once there, unpack and unwind in your cozy room. Settle in, then meet Karen Rice, as well as your art group. Join a delightful tour the airy terraces, lush gardens, and inviting common spaces. 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, gather with your fellow participants for a delectable three-course welcome dinner, each bite enhanced by a glass of wine. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Start your first morning with a tasty breakfast, then join Karen and your fellow artists for a check-in over coffee. Discover the day's schedule, then get ready for your first class. Begin your watercolor exploration by getting familiar with your art materials. Karen will introduce you to a couple of basic techniques, such as wet-on-dry, wet into wet, or damp into damp. Follow along with her demonstrations and practice these essential techniques. After warming up, move on to playing with washes and different effects, like spattering, spritzing, tilting, using plastic cards or salt, and more. Towards the end of the class, practice these techniques with some simple landscape watercolor studies. Enjoy a hearty lunch, then regroup for your afternoon class. Karen will demonstrate a loose step by step Moroccan landscape for you to paint. She will encourage you to use techniques practiced in the morning’s session. Karen will be available for tailored feedback and advice. Take some time to unwind before enjoying a tasty dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by wine, as you exchange insights with your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Refuel with a tasty breakfast and, over a relaxed check-in, find out more about the plans for the day. After breakfast, you'll head into the heart of Agadir's historic Medina for a half-day trip to the buzzing Souk El Had. With a chaperone and expert bargain-haggling guide at your side, you'll weave through one of Morocco's most vibrant markets, surrounded by the kind of color, texture, and visual richness that fills a sketchbook in minutes. From there, a scenic cable car carries you above the rooftops for a sweeping panorama of the Agadir coastline before arriving at the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress, perched high above the city with extraordinary views stretching all the way out to the Atlantic. You'll return to the venue for a tasty lunch, with plenty of time to spare for an afternoon art session. Learn how to transform your photos and sketches into beautiful watercolor paintings. Karen will show you how to choose the perfect layout for your piece and plan a sketch using the photos you took during your trip. Play with the techniques you've learned so far and let your creativity flow. The day ends with a three-course dinner, complemented by a glass of wine. Discuss today's adventure with your fellow artists as night falls. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast, then check in with Karen and your fellow artists. Karen will guide you through the planning and painting of a landscape, focusing on the following elements: size, detail, tone, color, and contrast. Using the surrounding Moroccan landscape as a source of inspiration. She’ll encourage you to experiment with a variety of techniques, such as tilting the paper to experiment with washes and using spattering, salt and plastic card techniques to enhance depth, details and texture in your watercolor paintings. Take a break with a refreshing lunch, followed by an afternoon art session. You will have the opportunity to practice and refine your watercolor skills and develop your paintings, benefiting from Karen's demonstrations and one-to-one feedback. You will start to gain confidence in watercolor by practicing techniques and washes. You will also learn the importance of tonal values and color mixing to create atmosphere and depth in your paintings. Conclude the day with a sumptuous three-course dinner and reflect on your progress so far, or chat with your fellow artists. ### Day 5: Classes at the venue Start the morning with a delicious breakfast, then return to the studio and settle in for a focused art session with Karen. This morning you will be exploring color mixing and layered washes while shaping compositions that balance harmony with expression. Karen will show you the importance of line and color in your paintings. She will demonstrate a structured process that will help you develop your work with confidence using sketches, reference photos, and your imagination. After a leisurely lunch, return to the studio for an unhurried afternoon of painting. Continue working on a previous painting or start something new, pacing your work to the rhythm of the day. Karen will encourage you to continue practicing the basics, such as water control, brush techniques, and color theory, to build on your knowledge and confidence. She will also offer one-to-one support as you plan and paint your watercolors, and she will be on hand to answer any questions throughout the day. As the class comes to an end, take some time to relax before dinner. In the evening, gather for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and discuss your plans for the following day: the exciting trip to Taroudant and the Claudio Bravo Palace. ### Day 6: Trip to Taroudant & visit to Claudio Bravo Palace Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast followed by a coffee check-in to discuss the day ahead. Prepare for an adventure to Taroudant, a city rich in history and culture. Enter through its ancient gates into the Medina, where tall city walls and detailed archways invite exploration. Use this time to sketch what inspires you, capture textures and patterns, or take reference photos for later. The lively atmosphere, filled with artisans crafting leather and metal goods, offers plenty of inspiration. Visit a busy local market and explore stalls full of spices, fruits, and handwoven fabrics, drawing ideas from the mix of colors and aromas. Find a quiet spot to sketch, take reference photos for later, or shop for souvenirs. Following a delicious lunch, head to the stunning Claudio Bravo Palace Museum, just a short drive from Taroudant. This large estate, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant courtyards, provides great inspiration. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the palace grounds and take in the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the palace gardens, wandering through hidden paths, exotic plants, and beautiful historic buildings, all while practicing the techniques you have learned so far. As the afternoon ends, return to the venue for some free time to rest and refresh. The evening features a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue The last day of the retreat starts with a scrumptious breakfast and continues with a coffee check-in, reflecting on your journey thus far in the company of Karen and your fellow artists. During your final art class, you will focus on your personal artistic growth. This session is an ideal time to address any lingering questions and gain valuable advice on how to continue your watercolor journey when you return home. Karen will offer guidance on enhancing your paintings, helping you bring them to completion with confidence. Take a break with one last delicious lunch and get ready for a special event: the mini-exhibition - showcasing the work you’ve created throughout the week. While participation is optional, it’s a wonderful opportunity to display your achievements, exchange constructive feedback, and celebrate the progress made during the retreat in a supportive environment. 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 breakfast together, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), arriving at the airport at around 1:30 PM. ## Instructors - [Karen Rice](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/karen-rice) — Watercolor artist and teacher ## 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 (female only) Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. Located on the first and second floors, the shared standard ensuite rooms will be fitted with twin beds and feature ensuite shower bathrooms. Each room has a panoramic view of the argan grove and a palm grove below. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Berber style, with woven rugs and earthy, warm colors. ### Shared superior ensuite room Two superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The 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, on the rooftop, 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 Three standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located on the first 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 superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Decorated in a traditional Berber style with woven rugs and earthy colors, these spacious rooms feature a comfortable double bed, an ensuite shower bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. They are located on the second floor and 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 Karen Rice. 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 Karen Rice 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 and the impressive Claudio Bravo Palace Museum. **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 June 1, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on June 8, 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:** **June 1, 2027** — 1:00 PM (leaving from Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **June 8, 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 of previous UpTrek retreats with Karen Rice:** - "This retreat was the most amazing art experience I have ever had. I have followed Karen’s tutorial online and was so excited to actually do the workshop with her." - "Everything about this retreat was perfect. Karen’s teaching is amazing. I have followed her tutorials since Covid began and loved having face-to-face time with her. We all want Karen to do another retreat next year." - "Well planned and executed. Everyone helped/supported/encouraged everyone else." - "From the arrival to departure my needs were met and my learning was vast. I have to mention the fun had by me and the relationships we made. I would go to this retreat again in a heartbeat! Karen made our time there worth every moment. The painting and support was beyond expectations!" - "Perfect. Great food, fab hosts, great learning opportunities in an ideal location. Instructions by Karen were super as usual." - "Karen is an excellent instructor and incredibly personable. And the venue exceeded my expectations. From the quietude and beauty of the property to the wonderful meals, everything was wonderful. The hosts have my highest recommendation -- and Karen as a teacher! (And my thanks to \*you\*, Ana (Uptrek), for so seamlessly facilitating all the details. I felt very comfortable going into the trip because of all the prep beforehand.)" - "The venue and staff were wonderful. The 2 excursions added to the experience and of course, Karen is a wonderful & fun teacher! Kudos for organizing!" - "I loved the experience of an entire week of painting with Karen Rice. I learned so much - not only about painting, but of myself as an artist. Karen was very easy to talk to and she filled the week with instruction that focused on techniques as well as how to paint from our own photos. I also loved painting and sharing with other artists. I'm looking forward to the next retreat!" - "Karen is a wonderful teacher and made the experience better than I had anticipated. The side trips were well arranged and the tour guide was outstanding. It was a memorable trip and I could not have been more satisfied with all of Uptrek's arrangements." **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 Karen Rice is open to all levels of art experience. **When is the art retreat available?** The art retreat with artist Karen Rice in Agadir, Morocco, takes place between June 1 - 8, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 1, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the art retreat, June 8, 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/sunny-watercolor-journeys-retreat-artist-karen-rice-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 June?** The weather in Agadir, Morocco, in late April is warm, sunny, and ideal for painting outdoors. You can expect average highs of around 28°C / 82°F during the day, dropping to cool lows of around 16°C / 61°F at night. **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 Karen Rice will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, French easels, professional studio lights, projector, paper towels, glass containers, appropriate disposal bins, and a printer-scanner are available at the retreat venue. **How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?** There is a maximum number of 17 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/sunny-watercolor-journeys-retreat-artist-karen-rice-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/sunny-watercolor-journeys-retreat-artist-karen-rice-morocco **Last updated:** 2026-06-11