# The Little Things Watercolor Journal Retreat with Artist Amy Maricle in Morocco Travel helps open your eyes. Imagine drawing dangling flowers, intricately woven rugs, and the stunning botanicals found in the garden. This retreat is about focusing on the beauty in the details. Fill your art journals with wonder and joy, capturing a piece of your experience and inspiration, pulling from both the natural world and patterns in pottery and textiles. Join artist Amy Maricle for a week of watercolor journaling at a gorgeous Berber-inspired kasbah, set among the breathtaking foothills of the Atlas Mountains. You will practice capturing and weaving together beautiful details from botanicals, pottery, textiles, and more. Your journal pages will capture the color combinations, patterns, and details you find most fascinating. You will learn to draw in a way that embraces imperfection and detail, as well as boiling subjects down into simple shapes that are easier to draw. This retreat suits artists of all levels who want to slow down, look more closely, and rediscover the joy of making art. Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn color mixing, washes, and basic watercolor techniques that will help add color and life to your pieces, creating beautiful journal spreads that pop. You will weave unique journal pages that record the beautiful details of your days, tuning into the beauty that surrounds you. 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 and the Claudio Bravo Palace Museum on a full-day trip among ancient ramparts and sun-dappled souks. 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:** September 17 - 24, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **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 Amy Maricle 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, French easels, professional studio lights, projector, paper towels, glass containers, appropriate disposal bins, a printer-scanner, and flowers for reference material during the workshop 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 bottled water, coffee, organic herbal tea, and fresh juices available throughout the day 10. Half-day trip to Souk El Had of Agadir 11. Scenic cable car panorama tour of the coast during the trip to Souk El Had 12. Visit to the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress during the trip to Souk El Had 13. Full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant, with guided exploration, free time, and immersion in local life 14. Live Berber folk band for the farewell dinner 15. Argan oil demonstration led by local Berber women with sketching opportunities 16. Traditional Moroccan Tea Ceremony with sketching opportunities 17. Complimentary relaxing Moroccan steam bath 'hammam' 18. Private transportation for 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. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 23. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 24. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Amy Maricle 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 Amy Maricle five months before the retreat takes place - Tips — tipping is customary in Morocco - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### The Little Things Watercolor Journal Retreat Join artist Amy Maricle on a transformative watercolor journaling retreat set in the heart of Morocco. This retreat will focus on paying attention to the beautiful details, a mindfulness exercise that will help you find beauty all around you and weave it together with local patterns and botanicals into unique journal pages. This is a technique for tuning into the beauty around you, not only on this retreat but also beyond it, opening your eyes to the beautiful details that surround you every day. Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn color mixing, washes, and basic watercolor techniques that will help add color and life to your journal pages and make them pop. Working in a style that embraces imperfection, you will practice noticing and capturing beautiful details, from botanicals and textiles to intriguing color combinations and anything in your surroundings that captures your attention. This retreat suits artists of all levels who want to slow down, look more closely, and rediscover the joy of making art. You will create unique journal pages that record the beautiful details of your days, weaving the graphic pattern of the red rug beneath your feet with the oval leaves of the argan trees just outside your room or the beautiful tile patterns with the intricate details of antique furniture that sits right next to your bed. Beyond the studio, a full-day trip to the imperial city of Taroudant and the breathtaking Claudio Bravo Palace Museum awaits, with spectacular gardens and timeless Moroccan landscapes that seem almost purpose-built for capturing in your journal. Another half-day trip will take you 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, followed by a scenic cable car ride above the coast to the legendary Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress. **The topics covered during your classes with Amy Maricle include:** - Noticing and capturing small details, from delicate botanicals to unexpected color combinations - Drawing in a style that welcomes imperfection and celebrates detail - Boiling busy subjects down into simple shapes that are easier to draw - Mixing your own colors and building washes that bring your journal pages to life - Practicing watercolor foundations, including color mixing, washes, bleeds, and more - Calming the inner critic, helping to focus on the joy of creating - Composing journal pages that feel like your own - Approaching art with a mindset of mindfulness and calm - Using reflective writing to deepen your art practice - Rediscovering the playful spirit within your creative process - ...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, immersing yourself further in the local culture of Morocco. ### 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 Amy Maricle. 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. If inspired, make some quick sketches of this beautiful moment, kickstarting your creative journey on the retreat with a brief, informal sketching session. As dusk settles over the Atlas foothills, gather for a delectable three-course welcome dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and warm cup of coffee, then head to the studio for the very first class of the retreat. Under Amy's guidance, you will spend the morning practicing how to soften your inner critic and how to approach art with mindfulness and care. Your art journey begins with watercolor basics, learning to mix your own colors to reflect the beauty around you and explore techniques such as wet-on-wet blooms, washes, soft bleeds, and the loose marks that make the medium so forgiving. After a leisurely lunch, continue the day with another unhurried afternoon class, learning to see with fresh eyes. Amy will introduce you to a way of drawing that welcomes imperfection, walking you through patient contour studies of a natural object so your hand learns to follow your eye instead of chasing a perfect line. This drawing style is meant to help you embrace the beautiful details that surround you and learn how to break things down into simple shapes that are easier to draw. As the class comes to an end, enjoy some spare time to recharge before dinner. Round off the day over a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, every bite complemented by a glass of wine and the warmth of Amy and your fellow artists finding your creative rhythm together. ### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Enjoy a delicious breakfast and settle into a relaxed coffee check-in as you map out the 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 at your side, weave through the market's winding corridors, surrounded by the kind of color and texture that fills a journal in minutes. Photograph and sketch anything that catches your eye, from intricate tilework and hand-dyed fabrics to mountains of saffron and cumin. From the market, 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. Make quick sketches if you feel inspired, or take reference photos of the sweeping views over Agadir. Head back to the venue for a relaxing lunch, then join Amy and your fellow artists for another afternoon session where you'll focus on trip-inspired sketches. Channel the details that captured your attention and turn them into finished sketchbook pages, practicing the techniques from previous workshops. Play with colors, textures, and patterns, recording your trip in beautiful journal spreads. Take the late afternoon to rest and unwind before dinner. Enjoy 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 4: Classes at the venue & argan oil demonstration Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then settle in over coffee with Amy to talk through the day's creative plans. Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn to connect with the natural world through mindful drawing techniques, studying the subtle shifts and shapes of your subjects. Each brushstroke becomes a chance to pause, breathe, and enjoy the simple meeting of ink and paper. After a relaxed lunch, continue the day with another afternoon class dedicated to exploring patterns in watercolor, taking inspiration from pottery and textiles found in Souk El Had. Amy will encourage you to release the pressure of perfectionism and focus on the process itself, building confidence in your skills and filling your sketchbook with the beautiful details that surround you every day. As the class comes to an end, enjoy some spare time to relax. Before dinner, take part in an argan oil demonstration led by local Berber women. Sketch if you feel inspired or simply take in the atmosphere and cultural immersion of the moment. In the evening, gather for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine. ### Day 5: Trip to Taroudant & visit to Claudio Bravo Palace Grab a tasty breakfast and settle into a relaxed coffee check-in as you prepare to fully immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. 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. 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. Sketch, if you feel inspired, or take reference photos to use later back in the studio. 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. Return to the venue as the sun sets over the Atlas Mountains and take some time to relax before dinner. Enjoy a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and share your impressions of the day over a glass of aromatic wine in the lovely company of Amy and your fellow artists. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and a coffee check-in with Amy and your fellow artists, settling into the gentle rhythm of the day. The morning will focus on color palettes and combinations. Amy will show you how to mix the colors of your surroundings, building a palette from the greens, ochres, dusty pinks, and warm tones found throughout the kasbah, then layering glazes and washes for real depth on the page. After a simple and delicious lunch, continue the day with a lesson on how to blend together the patterns and botanicals you have been drawing into lively, inspired pages full of life. You will look at color combinations, composition, and freedom of expression. With Amy’s prompts for self-kindness, the inner critic softens, and experimentation becomes expansive and free. As the afternoon unfolds, take some time to recharge before dinner. Join Amy and your fellow creatives for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine wine, sharing stories and impressions from the day. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Begin your final day on the retreat with a relaxed breakfast and a coffee check-in with Amy and your fellow artists, reflecting on your creative journey so far. Step into the spacious studio and join Amy for a relaxing and mindful morning session that weaves everything together. A silent wander through the gardens leads into reflective writing to deepen your art practice, with short journaling bursts that capture sensations, insights, and intentions. Focus on the small details that impacted you throughout the retreat, finding the beauty that is all around you. From there, layer watercolor and drawings, fully developing finished pages. Create a luminous spread that celebrates a week of seeing, feeling, and making. There will be time to complete and refine your journals, adding final layers, textures, and details that bring together all the mindful techniques explored during the retreat. Immerse yourself in each element, moving with care and curiosity, allowing the journey to come together through color, shape, and story on the page. After a filling lunch, Amy will offer a little surprise for students. As the class comes to an end, take some time to unwind before dinner. Gather with Amy and the group one last time for a special farewell dinner prepared by the private chef. Raise your glass to a day filled with culture and creative discoveries, all while a live Berber folk band fills the evening with music, drums, and celebration. Immortalize the moment with a sketch of the mesmerizing performers, if you feel inspired. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a warm final breakfast together and exchange contacts with Amy and 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 - [Amy Maricle](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/amy-maricle) — Mindfulness Artist ## Accommodation ### Moroccan eco-lodge estate Your home for the week is a stunning eco-lodge, located in southwestern Morocco, in the unique region of Souss-Massa. Perched at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the kasbah harmoniously blends modern amenities with traditional Berber-inspired architecture. You’ll be surrounded by pure natural wonder, with a jaw-dropping 360° view of mountain peaks and the vast, UNESCO-protected argan forest! This incredible three-story Kasbah, a traditional Moroccan fortress-like home, is a triumph of sustainable living, being the very first permaculture project in all of Morocco! Built with the local community at its heart, the entire structure uses earth-conscious materials like rammed earth (a technique using compressed layers of natural raw materials like earth, chalk, and lime) and timber. Each room, outfitted with Wi-Fi and reversible air conditioning, combines European and Moroccan elegance with antique furniture, Berber decor, carved wooden doors, and warm earthy tones that perfectly complement the panoramic views of nearby Berber villages and nature. Other amenities of the venue include a tranquil salt-treated swimming pool, a holistic spa, spacious dining and lounging areas, terraces, and a serene private garden dotted with argan and olive trees, featuring an herb and vegetable garden. Your classes with Amy will take place in two spacious studios: an indoor studio (1180 sq. ft./110 sq. m.) with views of an expansive argan forest and an impressive outdoor, partially shaded, swimming pool terrace (3660 sq. ft./340 sq. m.) with panoramic views of the surrounding nature. Please note that navigating the venue will involve climbing a few sets of stairs, which may present challenges for those with low or limited mobility. ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy between two same-gender participants. Located on the second floor of the venue, the room will be fitted with comfortable twin beds. The room is equipped with Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning, a shared ensuite shower bathroom, bath and hand towels, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer for your comfort and convenience. The rooms feature panoramic views of the argan grove and are decorated in a traditional Berber style with woven rugs and warm, earthy colors. ### Shared superior ensuite room Three superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy between two same-gender participants. The rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning, shared ensuite shower bathrooms, bath and hand towels, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer for your comfort and convenience. Situated in the towers on the third floor, each room will be fitted with twin beds. Tower rooms also have access to a stunning shaded terrace equipped with sunbeds, xeric plants, tables, and chairs, great for relaxation or for sketching, painting, and writing if inspired. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Situated on the first and second floors, the rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning, ensuite shower bathrooms, bath and hand towels, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer for your comfort and convenience. Recharge your creativity in a cozy and tastefully decorated room. Draw or take notes at the rustic wooden table and relax in a comfortable armchair while sipping on some organic mint tea. ### Single superior ensuite room Three superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located on the first and second floors, the rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning, ensuite shower bathrooms, bath and hand towels, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer for your comfort and convenience. Relax in a tranquil space with lovely antique furniture and lots of natural light. Take in the stunning views outside your window while sipping your morning coffee in a comfortable armchair. ### Single deluxe suite Three single deluxe suites are available for single occupancy. Situated on the second floor, the deluxe suites are outfitted with a comfortable four-poster European king-size bed, an ensuite shower bathroom, Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning, bath and hand towels, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer. Each suite consists of a spacious master bedroom and a smaller adjacent room. Gorgeous antique pieces and traditional Berber decor, including woven rugs and delicate canopies draped over the bed, adorn this spacious suite, creating the perfect setting to reflect on your experiences while enjoying herbal tea at the intricately painted table and taking in the beauty of Souss-Massa. ## Food Nourish your body and creativity as you embark on a culinary journey that highlights the depth and richness of Moroccan cuisine. Each meal, meticulously prepared by a private chef, is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy wild almonds, tangy goat cheese, amber argan oil, and mountain carob honey, alongside ripe fruits and crisp vegetables from the venue's garden! Discover the mix of bright and earthy flavors found in staple Moroccan dishes like vegetable couscous and tagine, where complex spice blends and aromatic herbs enhance the taste of the nutritious vegetables. All meals are included, along with herbal teas, coffee, and water available throughout the day. During full-day trips, lunch consists of a packed picnic enjoyed on-site, surrounded by nature, enhancing the immersive outdoor experience. As evening approaches, the atmosphere shifts to one of relaxation with an aperitivo hour, where aromatic wines set a pleasant tone before dinner begins. The exact menu served varies based on the availability of regional ingredients. Please let us know in advance about specific dietary requirements. However, note that we cannot cater to severe or life-threatening allergies. ## Getting There Taking place at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the art retreat with Amy Maricle 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 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, with plenty of time for exploration and immersion in the local life of Morocco. **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 September 17, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on September 24, 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:** **September 17, 2027** — 1:00 PM (leaving from Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **September 24, 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 previous UpTrek retreats with artist Amy Maricle:** - "I learned so much from Amy’s methods and enjoyed our conversation and discussions around techniques and methodologies. Learned many new techniques. The group coalesced into a cohesive and supportive group. What a wonderful retreat." - "Amy was amazing as well Sharon her assistant. I learned so much and beyond that I feel that Amy really care about you and your learning process. Everything was amazing and magical" - "Amy and her teaching was marvelous and inspirational. Participants all meshed really well. Wonderful experience." - "Amy was a wonderful teacher. Her content was good. She was very attentive and responsive to the groups needs. She created a cohesive community for the week. I couldn’t recommend her enough 5\*\*\*\*\*\*\*" - "Loved everything about it. Amy was everything that I hoped for and more!" **Reviews from previous 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 welcomes all levels of experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Amy Maricle in Agadir, Morocco, takes place between September 17 - 24, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 17, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the retreat, September 24, 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?** Yes. 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/the-little-things-watercolor-journal-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-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 late September?** The weather in Agadir, Morocco, in late September 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 17°C / 63°F at night. Agadir sees around 11 hours of sunshine each day in September, 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 Amy Maricle 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, a printer-scanner, and flowers for reference material during the workshop are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s 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 low or 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 instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's 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/the-little-things-watercolor-journal-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-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/the-little-things-watercolor-journal-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-morocco **Last updated:** 2026-10-20