Marrakech Painting Adventure May 2-14, 2014
Join Melanie Royals for our 6th magical Peacock Painting Retreat to Marrakech, Moroccan Dreams, May 2-13, 2014. Past painting retreats have had us creating amazing ceiling treatments, one-of-a-kind murals, patterned patchwork concrete, stunning stenciled stair risers, an embroidery inspired stenciled tent fit for a Sultan, and much more! Once again, we will be collaborating with Maryam Montague of My Marrakesh, and using newly designed mylar stencils for Royal Design Studio andModello® masking stencils to create paint MAGIC at Peacock Pavilions in Morocco.
Retreat participants will have the opportunity to learn new and exciting decorative paint applications while creating a lasting artistic expression in a land of exceedingly rich design history. In addition to our creative paint and stencil classes and on-site group stencil project, we will enjoy amazing Moroccan cuisine, soak up the friendly hospitality and culture of Morocco, savor incredible sights, dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean, ride camels, learn from local artisans, and shop the souks for exotic treasures.
Our past Peacock Painting Projects have been featured, admired, and applauded on the top international design blogs around the world, and we are sure that this will be no exception. Additionally, our projects have captured in photo shoots for magazines such asLonny, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, and others, with to come…
Many of our previous painting projects are also featured in Maryam’s book, Marrakesh by Design, a comprehensive and thoughtful look at Moroccan decorating styles, their history, and their meaning-and how to translate the beautify of Moroccan design into your own home.
Download and Print our Inspiring Moroccan Dreams Trip Flyer
Moroccan Dreams Itinerary
Friday May 2
Evening departure from JFK on Royal Air Maroc Flight (recommended). Note that you will need to reserve your own flights and more details provide upon registration. The airfare cost is not included in the trip package price. You may choose an alternate route to Marrakech, if you wish!
Saturday May 3
Arrival day includes transfer from Marrakech airport. Get acquainted, swim, and relax for a Cocktail Reception and Grand Welcome Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
Sunday May 4
Morning event for Project Soar: A paint/craft class for girls from the nearby village
Free time at Peacock Pavilions
Late Afternoon Stencil/Paint Class
Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
Monday May 5
Morning Stencil/Paint Class
Noon transport to Medina for Lunch, Guided Tour and Souk Shopping
Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
Tuesday May 6
All day/evening trip to seaside town of Essaouira
Group Lunch on the beach/Shopping/Camel Ride
Independent Dinner in Essaouira
Late evening return to Peacock Pavilions
Wednesday May 7
Paint Project Day
Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
Movie Night at the Outdoor Cinema
Thursday May 8
Paint Project Day
Evening Cocktail and Henna Party
Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
Friday May 9
Free morning at Peacock Pavilions
After-lunch transport to our residence in the Medina
Afternoon Hammam&Gommage at Les Bains de Marrakech
Free Evening
Saturday May 10
Free Morning
Lunch in Gueliz with shopping and visit to Le Jardin Majorelle
Free Evening
Sunday May 11
Hands-on Zouak wood painting decorative workshop with local Moroccan artisans
Special group lunch
Free Evening
Monday May 12
Free Morning
Optional afternoon visit to famed La Mamounia Hotel*.Entrance to gardens, pool /spa facilities
Farewell Celebration
Tuesday May 13
Transport to Marrakech airport
*Additional Cost
Your Marrakech Painting Adventure Includes:
- Luxury accommodations (double occupancy bedrooms/private baths)
- Breakfast and lunch daily
- Grand Reception Dinner at Peacock Pavilions
- 5 dinners with wine
- Private van transportation throughout, including airport transfers
- Tours of the Majorelle Gardens and Medina, including entrance to historical sites
- Outdoor Cinema at Peacock Pavilions
- Cocktail/Henna Party
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Spa Treatment at Les Bains de Marrakech
- Hands-on workshop with local Moroccan Artisans
- Stencil/Paint classes and participation in hands-on projects completed at Peacock Pavilions
- Farewell Celebration
- Great Shopping Opportunities
Peacock Painter’s Retreat Pricing and Registration
Total Cost: $3290 (airfare not included)
Participants: 10
Payment Details:
$690 non-refundable deposit** to reserve your space
$1300 due 45 days after registration
$1300 due by March 1, 2014
**Deposit and payments non-refundable, but may be transferred to another guest, if available
Flight Information
Airfare is not included in the trip package and must be booked independently. We recommend flying Royal Air Maroc on a direct flight from JFK to Casablanca, with transfer to Marrakech. More information available upon registration.
You will need a valid U.S. Passport. We highly recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance to cover and unforeseen illness or circumstance.
Testimonials from Past Peacock Painters!
I learned so much about the culture, the people, the geography….i cam back from this trip a changed person! ~Bernadette Forese
Marrakech is a magical place that fed my appetite for adventure and creativity. A new home away from home! ~Ellie McIntosh
We enjoyed the perfect blend of hands-on activity, luxury, inspiration and camaraderie. I had very high expectations. This exceeded every single one. ~Anna Edmondson
I’ve been on two trips to Morocco with Melanie. Both were an amazing experience that will stay in my soul for a lifetime. Being immersed in the culture, meeting beautiful people, eating exotic food….I will always have the urge to return. ~Barb Skivington
I wish that I was better with words. Looking back on this trip I feel…..soulful, exotic, sensuous, enlightened, and peaceful, to say the least. ~Gwen Ware
The main cultural difference that sticks out in my mind is that they still care for other people. They are not trying to get ahead in the frenzied sort of way that Americans do. I was blown away by their gentle spirit. They weren’t just kind to us, they were kind to the homeless and anyone that crossed their path. They truly believe that it takes a community to raise a child. ~Robin Johnston
The trip to Morocco was akin to a ‘magical, mystery tour’…it became a rich life experience that moved and inspired us all beyond what we anticipated before our departure. The art and architecture was so exotic, rich and layered with character and timelessness. Everywhere I swiveled my head was a visual feast….I felt like a bobble-head doll! All I could to do was look all around with wide eyes and smile. Morocco was a place to glean many ideas and inspiration for our work as decorative artists.One day, I stood in the middle of the Jmaa el Fna square…slowly rotating 360 degrees….intoxicated by the sights, sounds, and smells. I felt in the midst of a dream; snake-charmers, belly-dancers, tribal drummers, spicy smoke swirling around late afternoon sun rays…then the prayers and chants from the mosques filled the air. ~Heather Bruno Sears
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