# The Story of a Portrait Art Retreat with Artist Juliette Belmonte in Morocco Join artist Juliette Belmonte for an inspiring art retreat in the exotic landscapes of Morocco. Explore storytelling through art and enhance your unique creative expression. Blending hands-on practice with personalized guidance and immersive experiences, the retreat is best suited to artists with prior painting experience. Over the week, you'll create expressive, layered artworks using acrylics and mixed media. Through Juliette's daily classes, detailed demonstrations, and individual feedback, tap into your playful side and discover your unique artistic voice. Incorporate elements from your surroundings to craft elaborate narratives for your pieces. You’ll stay at the enchanting Atlas Kasbah, an eco-friendly fortress wrapped in an ancient argan forest just outside Agadir, and step fully into Berber hospitality with a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony, a hands-on argan oil demonstration with local women, and a festive farewell dinner serenaded by a live Berber folk band. 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 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 explore the stunning Claudio Bravo Palace. ## Details - **Dates:** June 15 - 22, 2027 - **Location:** Agadir, Morocco - **Starting Price:** $4,350 - **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 Juliette Belmonte 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. Four mixed media art boards per guest (16x20") and four large jars of Golden Heavy Acrylic Gel Medium for the workshop component 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. Wine and non-alcoholic alternatives during dinner service 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 in Agadir, guide and chaperone included 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 and Palais Claudio Bravo with sketching opportunities, entrance tickets, guide and chaperone included 14. Farewell dinner with live Berber folk band with sketching opportunities 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 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 Juliette Belmonte 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 Juliette Belmonte five months before the retreat takes place - Tips — tipping is customary in Morocco - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Portraits with Color and Depth Join artist Juliette Belmonte on an inspiring portaiture retreat set in the heart of Agadir, Morocco. This weeklong adventure will help you discover your unique creative voice as you explore the world of portraits. Dive into a world of color and mixed media, perfecting techniques that seamlessly blend traditional painting with unexpected materials to create expressive, layered artworks. We’ll focus on features of the head and face and creating realistic and atypical skin tones. This art retreat is designed for artists with prior art experience, ideally with an established painting practice and eager to build on their skills. Draw inspiration from the argan-forest surroundings of your venue and from two Moroccan art trips, to the buzzing Souk El Had in Agadir and the imperial city of Taroudant, plus a visit to the famous Claudio Bravo Palace. Juliette’s classes are expertly crafted to refine your skills, offering a mix of hands-on practice, personalized guidance, and insightful demonstrations. Try out creative exercises to loosen up and tap into your playful side, experiment with intuitive mark-making, and incorporate unexpected materials all while expanding your understanding of the portrait. Juliette will guide you in creating narratives through the use of personal objects and imagery, as well as developing effective self-critique and self-inquiry techniques to refine your art. **Some topics covered in your classes with Juliette Belmonte include:** - Creating both realistic and unconventional skin tones in acrylics - Understanding the planes of the face and head - Basic traditional portrait painting - Color theory - Painting from a live model - Combining traditional painting techniques with mixed materials seamlessly - Intuitive mark-making and writing, using your immediate surroundings to tell the story of your art—the story of the now - Using unexpected materials and incorporating them into your work as a means of expression and visual storytelling - Transcending the limitations of a photo reference by combining references, altering, and personalizing - Effectively and mindfully integrating non-traditional media into your art - Exploring color as a means of storytelling - Creating narrative and engagement through the use of personal objects and imagery - Learning to effectively self-critique - Self-inquiry as a means of editing - ...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 environment, 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, with plenty of opportunities to make sketches for your portraits. You'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony, participate in an argan oil demonstration with the local Berber women, and enjoy a wonderful concert played by a Berber folk band. In your down time, rejuvenate with a complimentary hammam bath or take a refreshing dip in the shimmering pool. ### Day 1: Arrival 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 artist Juliette Belmonte, as well as your art group. Join a delightful tour the airy terraces, lush gardens, and inviting common spaces. 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 & tea ceremony Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, setting the tone for a full day of artistic exploration. Join Juliette for a morning check-in to discuss the exciting plans ahead. Tap into your playful side with a couple of fun warm-ups. Make big, expressive marks on paper, working on multiple substrates to create unique foundations for your artwork. Make a creative mess in a non-judgmental environment, freely expressing yourself without constraints. By experimenting and finding ways to make your work unique to you, you'll better define your style. After a leisurely lunch, the afternoon class will focus on further developing your work. Take what you've created and find inspiration to turn it into something more refined. Juliette will offer one-on-one guidance, discuss your goals, and provide hands-on support as she explains more technical aspects. With personalized feedback rather than formal demonstrations, you'll have the space to explore and grow. The afternoon holds one of the week’s most treasured cultural moments, an authentic Moroccan tea ceremony. This revered ritual sits at the very heart of Moroccan hospitality and it is the hosts' traditional way of welcoming guests into their home. Take your time and savor every sip of the high-quality mint tea, engaging all your senses. ### Day 3: Trip to Souk El Had in Agadir Greet another day with a wholesome breakfast, then settle in for a relaxed coffee check-in as you talk through the morning’s art trip, a half-day visit to the vibrant Souk El Had in the heart of Agadir’s Medina. Souk El Had is one of Morocco’s most cherished markets and a true feast for the senses, spanning more than 30 acres of color, texture, craft, and local flavor. Weave through stalls piled with spices, leather goods, handwoven fabrics, antiques, pottery, and fresh produce, accompanied by a chaperone and an English-speaking guide. Sketch and photograph anything that catches your eye, filling your ever-growing source of inspiration. While you’re browsing, why not pick up a souvenir for your loved ones back home? After the market visit, a scenic cable car carries you high above the rooftops for a sweeping panorama of the Agadir coast before depositing you at the historic Kasbah of Agadir Oufella fortress, perched dramatically over the Atlantic. Return to the venue in time for a delicious lunch, then head back to the studio to dive deeper into your creative process. Discuss the morning's experiences with Juliette and the group, and weave the trip's influence into your portraits, enriching them with narrative depth. Juliette will offer one-on-one feedback, guiding you through technical aspects and helping you refine your abilities. Savor the late afternoon however you please. Cool off in the swimming pool, wander the argan groves, or swap impressions with your fellow artists on the rooftop terrace. Wrap up the day with a three-course dinner paired with wine, perfect for sharing stories from the trip. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Enjoy another delicious Moroccan breakfast and join a check-in session with Juliette, where you’ll chat through your progress so far. Today's focus is on exploring advanced mixed-media techniques to enhance your artistic storytelling. Juliette will show you how to design a personal background to better tell a story through your portraits. Experiment with selecting a color palette that truly resonates with you. Fine-tune your material choices and techniques to make your colors more sophisticated. Juliette will guide you in analyzing color palettes drawn from your environment. Using references from your trip to Agadir, narrow down the elements that most interest you. You'll soon be able to make confident decisions about what you want to develop or finish in your artwork. Toward the end of the class, dive into advanced mixed media techniques such as layering different materials, incorporating textures, and experimenting with collage elements like fabric or found objects. After a relaxed lunch, change your focus to storytelling through art. Use your unique experiences to inform what resonates with you artistically, combining the many techniques you tried out during the morning class. Juliette will offer personalized feedback, ensuring your artwork reflects your personal journey. Wind down with a stroll through the argan groves or a dip in the swimming pool. The evening culminates in a three-course dinner paired with wine under the Moroccan stars. ### Day 5: Trip to Taroudant & the Claudio Bravo Palace Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and gather for a coffee check-in with Juliette. Get ready for a full-day trip to Taroudant, often called “little Marrakesh," a stunning imperial city that sits about an hour away from the venue. Taroudant is famed for its towering ochre ramparts, medieval gates, centuries-old souks, and bustling artisan quarters, all bathed in that warm southern-Moroccan light. Spend the morning wandering its cobbled lanes and artisan workshops with Juliette and your art group. As you explore, make loose on-location sketches or take reference photos of eye-catching scenes, ornate doorways, geometric patterns, and weathered facades. After exploring the town, 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 a wealth of inspiration. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the palace grounds and take in the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. Spend the rest of the trip exploring the palace gardens, wandering through hidden paths, exotic plants, and beautiful historic buildings. 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 6: Classes at the venue & argan oil demonstration Wake to a filling breakfast of fresh Moroccan bread, seasonal fruit, mountain honey, and mint tea. Catch up with Juliette and your fellow artists before heading to the studio. Set up your easel among the blooming gardens for another display of Moroccan customs and traditions. Joined by a group of local Berber artisans, you'll witness an argan oil demonstration. Learn more about the history of this noble oil, how the local Berber women have harvested it for centuries, and how it was used in beauty rituals. During the demonstration, take this opportunity to paint and sketch, with the Berber women as your subjects. After a refreshing lunch, Juliette will guide you through non-obvious and non-linear methods to transform your newest sketches into fully fledged paintings. You will shift between observation and emotion as you build layered compositions. Focus on discovery rather than planning, allowing each stage of the painting to evolve from the one before it. By the end of the day, your work will reflect the journey you've been through so far, telling your story through portraits. Unwind with a soak in the complimentary hammam, a dip in the swimming pool, a solo sketch on the terrace, or a wander through the argan groves as the mountains glow gold. Close out the day with a three-course dinner paired with wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Over breakfast with Juliette, share any last highlights and questions as you prepare to put the finishing touches on your work. Use this time to add any finishing touches to your pieces. Juliette will guide you through thoughtful questions to help you decide if your paintings feel complete or if they need further refinement. Discuss the main takeaways from the retreat and how to apply these insights to your artistic practice back home. After a light lunch, reconvene for a special afternoon session. Take part in a mini-exhibition, where you'll showcase your artwork and share the stories behind your creative journey. This closing circle offers an opportunity to reflect on your progress, receive feedback, and celebrate the growth you've achieved during your time here. The evening is made even more memorable with a live performance from a Berber folk band, encapsulating the magic of Morocco. Immortalize the moment with one last sketch of the mesmerizing performers. ### 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 - [Juliette Belmonte](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/juliette-belmonte) — Multimedia portrait artist ## 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 Juliette Belmonte. 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 Juliette Belmonte 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 spend a whole day exploring the city of Taroudant and the Claudio Bravo Palace, located only an hour away, as well as Agadir's Souk El Had, Africa's largest urban market (in addition to a cable car panorama tour of the coast and a visit to an old fortress). **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 15, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on June 22, 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 15, 2027** — 1:00 PM (leaving from Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 4:00 PM) **Departure transfer:** **June 22, 2027** — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Marrakesh Menara Airport RAK at approximately 1:00 PM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** - Spend extra days at a hotel in Marrakesh before or after the retreat and catch the transfer shuttles to/from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). - Land in Agadir and take a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Atlas Kasbah, Tighanimine El-Baz, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco; approximate cost: US$32 - 300 MAD/Moroccan Dirham). Taxi fares may vary. - Land in Marrakesh and take a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Atlas Kasbah, Tighanimine El-Baz, 80 000 Agadir, Morocco; approximate cost: US$160 - 1500 MAD/Moroccan Dirham). Taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from the previous UpTrek retreat with Juliette Belmonte:** - “I had the good fortune to attend Juliette’s art retreat in France, and it was truly one of the most inspiring weeks of my life. I went in with no expectations, just the hope to learn and grow as an artist, and left feeling completely renewed and deeply grateful. Juliette is a wonderful teacher - so generous with her time, knowledge, and spirit - and together with her amazing assistant Sui, she created an atmosphere filled with creativity, laughter, and genuine connection. The setting was idyllic, the staff warm and attentive, and the chef prepared meals that were absolutely delicious. I came home feeling grounded, inspired, and reminded of why I fell in love with art in the first place. Truly an unforgettable experience.” - “Like my son's former music teacher used to say to our son,when he was practiced and prepared for his lesson, "Nothing to say." Every element of our experience at the retreat was an "A+". Juliette, Sui, accommodations, staff and food, all were "A+". My heartfelt gratitude for an experience of a lifetime!” - “Couldn't have been better. Marie and Agathe welcomed us warmly and made sure we were well-cared for. We sure were! My goodness. But we all came for the art, and Juliette and Siu delivered. Juliette tailored instruction to fit individual needs, and Siu's guidance was spot-on. The camaraderie and ease among and within the group were beyond any art retreat I attended in the past. We laughed and hugged (some teared up), sharing stories about what motivates our work -- and that kind of experience is always a reflection of the facilitators.” - “Wow! What a fabulous retreat. Juliette was an amazing teacher and Siu was very very helpful.” **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?** This art retreat is designed for artists with prior art experience, ideally with an established painting practice and eager to build on their skills. **When is the art retreat available?** The art retreat with artist Juliette Belmonte in Agadir, Morocco, takes place between June 15 - 22, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 15, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the art retreat, June 22, 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/the-story-of-a-portrait-art-retreat-artist-juliette-belmonte-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 June is warm and sunny. You can expect average highs of around 28°C / 82°F during the day, dropping to pleasant lows of around 17°C / 63°F at night. Agadir sees around 11 hours of sunshine each day in June, so days are long and bright, though a light jacket is still worth packing for evenings and early mornings. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue. **What art supplies do I need for the art classes?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Juliette Belmonte will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, paper towels, glass containers, appropriate disposal bins, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, French easels, four mixed media art boards per guest (16x20"), and four large jars of Golden Heavy Acrylic Gel Medium are available on location. **How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?** There is a maximum number of 16 participants. **Are SPA treatments included?** A complimentary relaxing Moroccan steam bath 'hammam' is included in your retreat. A full range of massage treatments, salt cave spa treatments, salt therapies, and purifying wildflower baths can be scheduled upon arrival to be paid for on location. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Morocco for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance. **Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?** Credit cards are becoming widely accepted in big cities (hotels, restaurants); however, most of the country runs on cash. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in Morocco. Take out cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for taxis, small purchases, market visits, and tipping. Tipping is customary in Morocco. **Are there any age restrictions?** There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **Is the art retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven streets. Getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the relaxation areas requires a short walk and climbing stairs. **What language is used during the art workshop and other activities?** The art retreat is available in English. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artists or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the 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-story-of-a-portrait-art-retreat-artist-juliette-belmonte-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-story-of-a-portrait-art-retreat-artist-juliette-belmonte-morocco **Last updated:** 2026-05-27