WATERCOLOUR PAINTING HOLIDAY IN MOROCCO
Holiday Highlights
- Capture the Magic of Morocco – Immerse yourself in a 10-night painting adventure, exploring the vibrant colors and rich culture of Marrakech and Essaouira.
- Stay in Authentic Moroccan Riads – Experience traditional Moroccan hospitality in beautifully restored riads, complete with inner courtyards, stunning tilework, and rooftop terraces.
- Discover Stunning Painting Locations – Sketch bustling souks, tranquil gardens, ancient medinas, golden dunes, and the windswept coastal beauty of Essaouira.
- Expert-Led Tuition for All Levels – Develop your watercolor skills with guidance on capturing light, atmosphere, and the essence of travel sketching.
- Savor the Flavors of Morocco – Enjoy aromatic tagines, fresh seafood, and traditional Moroccan mint tea in a feast for the senses.
A week of inspiration, creativity, and indulgence awaits!
Accommodation |
Price |
| Double Room – single supplement (2 Available) | £4750 |
| Double Room – per person sharing | £4150 |
| Suite (Double bedroom with lounge area) – single supplement (2 available) | £4950 |
| Suite (Double bedroom with lounge area) – per person sharing | £4250 |
| Grand Suite (bedroom with separate sitting room) – single supplement (1 Available) | £5150 |
| Grand Suite (2 separate bedrooms with shared bathroom) – per person sharing | £4450 |
Holidays do not include the following: Flights to and from Morocco | Transfers from anywhere apart from Marrakesh Airport | Travel Insurance
Capture the Magic of Morocco in your sketchbook
Picture yourself in the heart of Marrakech, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, the call to prayer echoes through the ancient medina, and vibrant colors surround you at every turn. Then, after five nights, journey to Essaouira, a coastal haven with whitewashed walls, narrow winding streets, and the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic waves. Throughout your adventure, you’ll soak in the beauty during your painting holiday in Morocco while capturing your experiences in watercolor.
Stay in an Authentic Moroccan Riads
This isn’t just a painting holiday—it’s a chance to experience Morocco like a local. In Marrakech, stay in a traditional riad with exquisite Moroccan architecture, peaceful courtyards, and rooftop views over the bustling city. In Essaouira, your riad offers a serene escape, just steps from the beach and the lively fishing port. Both accommodations provide comfort and authenticity, offering a perfect retreat after a day of creativity.
Discover Stunning Painting Locations
Each day, we take you to breathtaking locations chosen to inspire your artistic journey. Paint the intricate details of Marrakech’s souks, the quiet beauty of the Majorelle Gardens, or the warm glow of sunset over the Medina. In Essaouira, capture the iconic blue fishing boats, expansive golden beaches, and the charm of the old town’s whitewashed buildings. During your painting holiday in Morocco, every scene offers a unique play of light and color, perfect for watercolor sketching.
Expert-Led Tuition for All Levels
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, our personalised tuition helps you develop confidence and technique.
Learn how to:
✔ Capture light and atmosphere in your sketches
✔ Use watercolour to bring your travels to life
✔ Embrace the spontaneity of painting ‘en plein air’
By the end of your journey, your sketchbook will be a treasured keepsake, filled with memories of Morocco’s captivating beauty.
Savour the Flavours of Morocco
Artistic inspiration is just one part of this adventure. Moroccan cuisine is a delight for the senses, and you’ll have the chance to savor a variety of traditional dishes. From fragrant lamb tagines and fresh seafood in Essaouira to delicate pastries and refreshing mint tea, every meal is a celebration of Morocco’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy courtyard dinners under the stars, leisurely lunches in vibrant cafés, and the immersive experience of dining in local markets.
Arrive. Unwind. Create.
Everything is taken care of—your materials, your transport, your meals—so you can simply arrive, unwind, and let your creativity flow. You’ll share this experience with a small group of like-minded travelers, forming connections over a shared love of art, exploration, and slow living.
By the end of this unforgettable journey, your sketchbook will be filled with colorful impressions of Morocco—lasting memories captured forever in watercolor.
Join us for a week of inspiration, relaxation, and creativity in the heart of Morocco.
Meet Simon & Monica
Having spent decades in commercial art, Simon has discovered immense pleasure in capturing moments through watercolour, deeming it the perfect medium for the traveling artist. His passion was reignited during a 7-month solo motorcycle journey from England to Kathmandu, documented meticulously in a illustrated journal which led to the book “Tea with Bin Laden’s Brother” a cult classic in the motorbiking world.
Now, on your painting vacation, he will guide you in mastering watercolour painting, imparting that elusive extra charm to your art. With a lightness, humour, and patience that makes learning feel effortless, Simon ensures that every painter – no matter their experience – feels encouraged and inspired. His commitment is not just to teaching techniques, but to helping you create timeless memories, ensuring that your artistic journey lingers forever.
Monica is the heart of your painting holiday, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can relax and immerse yourself in creativity. She first met Simon while managing a Creative Department at a marketing agency in Bath (UK), where she commissioned him for an illustration project.
Growing up in a creative community and leading a team of creatives, Monica understands that a truly inspiring holiday isn’t just about painting – it’s about creating a welcoming, supportive space where creativity can flourish. Her exceptional organizational skills mean you don’t have to worry about a thing – just enjoy the experience.
And when it comes to food? You’re in for a treat! Monica’s passion for cooking ensures that every meal is not only delicious but also a celebration of authentic Moroccan country cuisine. From home-cooked feasts to fresh, local ingredients, she’ll make sure you’re well-fed and well taken care of throughout your stay on our painting holiday in Morocco.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN MOROCCO
Your Tranquil Watercolour Retreat in Marrakech
Your first five days in Marrakech will be spent in a beautifully restored riad, a haven of tranquility tucked away from the lively hum of the souk. Step inside, and you’re greeted by the scent of orange blossoms and freshly brewed mint tea. The interiors celebrate Morocco’s rich craftsmanship, with intricate zellige tiles, carved cedarwood doors, and handwoven Berber rugs. Locally crafted furniture and antiques lend an air of timeless elegance, creating a peaceful retreat to finish your watercolours after a day of painting en plein air.
Warm Hospitality
The riad’s staff welcome you like family, ensuring your every need is met. As the sun sets, retreat to the rooftop terrace with a glass of Moroccan wine, listening to the distant call to prayer as golden light bathes the medina during your painting holiday in Morocco.
A feast of Moroccan Flavours
Dinner is a feast of fragrant tagines, slow-cooked with saffron and preserved lemons, served alongside warm khobz bread and spiced couscous.
Your Coastal Escape in Essaouira
For the second part of your journey, you’ll be based in an architecturally stunning Kasbah-style Dar set amidst expansive, fragrant gardens. The air carries the scent of jasmine and sea salt, as Essaouira’s coastal breeze drifts through the neutral-toned interiors. Every detail—handwoven textiles, traditional lanterns, and artisanal pottery—evokes the soul of Morocco.
Fresh, Locally Sourced Delights
On our painting holiday in Morocco, our housekeeper and Monica will prepare traditional Moroccan meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect just-caught fish from the Atlantic, slow-cooked lamb infused with aromatic spices, and refreshing citrus salads bursting with colour.
WHAT WE’LL BE DOING
* This is a sample itinerary. All of our itineraries are unique as we take the final group size and the ages of the participants etc into consideration. You will be sent a final itinerary before the tour commences.
Discover the Magic on our watercolour retreat in the Morocco
NON-PAINTING PARTNER PROGRAMME
Bringing a partner who doesn’t want to paint? This area is filled with beauty and history and is a wonderful area to explore even if you are not painting. Your non-painting partner is welcome to join us. Just get in touch for discounted prices.
FAQs
WATERCOLOUR RETREAT IN MOROCCO
Holiday Highlights
From ancient kasbahs to the wild Atlantic coast, experience Morocco through the eyes of an artist.
This is far more than a painting holiday. It’s an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most colourful and inspiring countries, where every day reveals a new landscape, a new culture and a new story waiting to be captured.
Travelling from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the dramatic coastline of Essaouira, we’ll explore ancient fortified villages, bustling souks, sweeping desert landscapes, fishing harbours, blue fishing boats, windswept beaches and timeless architecture. Everywhere you look, Morocco offers endless inspiration.
Along the way, Simon will guide you with daily demonstrations, practical tuition and plenty of individual support, helping you develop both your artistic confidence and your travel sketching skills. Whether you’re an experienced artist or relatively new to watercolour, you’ll be encouraged to paint at your own pace in a relaxed, supportive environment.
But what makes this journey truly special is everything that happens between the painting sessions.
Sharing mint tea beneath the Moroccan sun. Wandering colourful markets filled with spices and handcrafted treasures. Watching the Atlantic waves roll in as the sun sets over Essaouira. Discovering hidden corners that most visitors never experience.
Our groups are intentionally small (no more than 10 guests), allowing us to travel at a relaxed pace while creating the warm, friendly atmosphere that Paint Your Travels has become known for. By the end of the journey, guests often tell us they feel as though they’ve travelled with friends rather than joined a tour.
This fully hosted experience includes carefully selected accommodation, daily tuition, transport throughout the tour, many meals and a thoughtfully planned itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in Morocco’s extraordinary colours, people and landscapes without worrying about the logistics.
Whether you’re looking to improve your painting, fill a sketchbook with unforgettable memories, or simply experience Morocco in a completely different way, this is a journey that will stay with you long after you return home.
Come and discover Morocco… one painting at a time.
Accommodation |
Price |
| Double Room – single supplement | £4750 |
| Double Room – per person sharing | £4150 |
| Suite (Double bedroom with lounge area) – single supplement | £4950 |
| Suite (Double bedroom with lounge area) – per person sharing | £4250 |
| Grand Suite (bedroom with separate sitting room) – single supplement | £5150 |
| Grand Suite (2 separate bedrooms with shared bathroom) – per person sharing | £4450 |
Holidays do not include the following: Flights to and from Morocco | Transfers from anywhere apart from Marrakesh Airport |Travel Insurance
Capture the Magic of Morocco in your sketchbook
Picture yourself in the heart of Marrakech, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, the call to prayer echoes through the ancient medina, and vibrant colors surround you at every turn. Then, after five nights, journey to Essaouira, a coastal haven with whitewashed walls, narrow winding streets, and the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic waves. Throughout your adventure, you’ll soak in the beauty during your painting holiday in Morocco while capturing your experiences in watercolor.
Stay in an Authentic Moroccan Riads
This isn’t just a painting holiday—it’s a chance to experience Morocco like a local. In Marrakech, stay in a traditional riad with exquisite Moroccan architecture, peaceful courtyards, and rooftop views over the bustling city. In Essaouira, your riad offers a serene escape, just steps from the beach and the lively fishing port. Both accommodations provide comfort and authenticity, offering a perfect retreat after a day of creativity.
Discover Stunning Painting Locations
Each day, we take you to breathtaking locations chosen to inspire your artistic journey. Paint the intricate details of Marrakech’s souks, the quiet beauty of the Majorelle Gardens, or the warm glow of sunset over the Medina. In Essaouira, capture the iconic blue fishing boats, expansive golden beaches, and the charm of the old town’s whitewashed buildings. During your painting holiday in Morocco, every scene offers a unique play of light and color, perfect for watercolor sketching.
Expert-Led Tuition for All Levels
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, our personalised tuition helps you develop confidence and technique.
Learn how to:
✔ Capture light and atmosphere in your sketches
✔ Use watercolour to bring your travels to life
✔ Embrace the spontaneity of painting ‘en plein air’
By the end of your journey, your sketchbook will be a treasured keepsake, filled with memories of Morocco’s captivating beauty.
Savour the Flavours of Morocco
Artistic inspiration is just one part of this adventure. Moroccan cuisine is a delight for the senses, and you’ll have the chance to savor a variety of traditional dishes. From fragrant lamb tagines and fresh seafood in Essaouira to delicate pastries and refreshing mint tea, every meal is a celebration of Morocco’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy courtyard dinners under the stars, leisurely lunches in vibrant cafés, and the immersive experience of dining in local markets.
Arrive. Unwind. Create.
Everything is taken care of—your materials, your transport, your meals—so you can simply arrive, unwind, and let your creativity flow. You’ll share this experience with a small group of like-minded travelers, forming connections over a shared love of art, exploration, and slow living.
By the end of this unforgettable journey, your sketchbook will be filled with colorful impressions of Morocco—lasting memories captured forever in watercolor.
Join us for a week of inspiration, relaxation, and creativity in the heart of Morocco.
Meet Simon & Monica
Having spent decades in commercial art, Simon has discovered immense pleasure in capturing moments through watercolour, deeming it the perfect medium for the traveling artist. His passion was reignited during a 7-month solo motorcycle journey from England to Kathmandu, documented meticulously in a illustrated journal which led to the book “Tea with Bin Laden’s Brother” a cult classic in the motorbiking world.
Now, on your painting vacation, he will guide you in mastering watercolour painting, imparting that elusive extra charm to your art. With a lightness, humour, and patience that makes learning feel effortless, Simon ensures that every painter – no matter their experience – feels encouraged and inspired. His commitment is not just to teaching techniques, but to helping you create timeless memories, ensuring that your artistic journey lingers forever.
Monica is the heart of your painting holiday, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can relax and immerse yourself in creativity. She first met Simon while managing a Creative Department at a marketing agency in Bath (UK), where she commissioned him for an illustration project.
Growing up in a creative community and leading a team of creatives, Monica understands that a truly inspiring holiday isn’t just about painting – it’s about creating a welcoming, supportive space where creativity can flourish. Her exceptional organizational skills mean you don’t have to worry about a thing – just enjoy the experience.
And when it comes to food? You’re in for a treat! Monica’s passion for cooking ensures that every meal is not only delicious but also a celebration of authentic Moroccan country cuisine. From home-cooked feasts to fresh, local ingredients, she’ll make sure you’re well-fed and well taken care of throughout your stay on our painting holiday in Morocco.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN MOROCCO
Your Tranquil Retreat in Marrakech
Your first five days in Marrakech will be spent in a beautifully restored riad, a haven of tranquility tucked away from the lively hum of the souk. Step inside, and you’re greeted by the scent of orange blossoms and freshly brewed mint tea. The interiors celebrate Morocco’s rich craftsmanship, with intricate zellige tiles, carved cedarwood doors, and handwoven Berber rugs. Locally crafted furniture and antiques lend an air of timeless elegance, creating a peaceful retreat to finish your watercolours after a morning of painting en plein air
Warm Hospitality
The riad’s staff welcome you like family, ensuring your every need is met. As the sun sets, retreat to the rooftop terrace with a glass of Moroccan wine, listening to the distant call to prayer as golden light bathes the medina during your painting holiday in Morocco.
A feast of Moroccan Flavours
Dinner is a feast of fragrant tagines, slow-cooked with saffron and preserved lemons, served alongside warm khobz bread and spiced couscous.
Your Coastal Escape in Essaouira
For the second part of your journey, you’ll be based in an architecturally stunning Kasbah-style Dar set amidst expansive, fragrant gardens. The air carries the scent of jasmine and sea salt, as Essaouira’s coastal breeze drifts through the neutral-toned interiors. Every detail—handwoven textiles, traditional lanterns, and artisanal pottery—evokes the soul of Morocco.
Fresh, Locally Sourced Delights
On our watercolour retreat in Morocco, our housekeeper and Monica will prepare traditional Moroccan meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect just-caught fish from the Atlantic, slow-cooked lamb infused with aromatic spices, and refreshing citrus salads bursting with colour.
WHAT WE’LL BE DOING
* This is a sample itinerary. All of our itineraries are unique as we take the final group size and the ages of the participants etc into consideration. You will be sent a final itinerary before the tour commences.
Discover the Magic on our painting holiday in the South of France
NON-PAINTING PARTNER PROGRAMME
Bringing a partner who doesn’t want to paint? This area is filled with beauty and history and is a wonderful area to explore even if you are not painting. Your non-painting partner is welcome to join us. Just get in touch for discounted prices.