with
Anna Kwiecinska, Samir
and Fessi artists & artisans
19 - 26 April, 2025
8 days/7 nights
Day 1- arrival day - Welcome dinner
Day 9 - departure day - no program
6 Days with Curated tours and cultural experiences with artisans . The AIRPORT is FES
(unless you arrive by the preceding TOUR from MARRAKECH)
Soak up the art and atmosphere of the world's most complete medieval medina
When I decided to rent a riad in Fes several years ago and stay for six months in the medina, I was really working on the hunch that I was in the presence of a mesmerising city whose artistic vibrance I was only just beginning to grasp.
The Background
That year was one of the most exhilarating I've enjoyed in my travelling life - Fes is richly endowed with fascinating architecture - the legacy of the most refined dynasty in its long history, its mosaics are superlative and astounding in their complexity, To witness their manufacture, using the same materials and methods that have remained unchanged in centuries is to step back into time with only a few steps behind the glittering souks whose gilded wares beckon even the most seasoned traveller.
Fes was, and is, the beating artisan heart of Morocco. whether its beaten metal work and finely cut filigree, superb leather crafstmanship, delicate needlework, tassels to thrill, or calligraphy to wonder at, Fes has it all. Not only that, its Arabic past has created a cuisine which is unrivalled in Morocco.
Fes has born gifted writers and feminist authors - Fatima Mernissi for one, and today contemporary artists create works informed by ancient heritage. We will meet them together and take workshops during the week whilst having the art space at our beautiful medina riad to take time to make your own art, work on a journal, write, design ... whatever feeds your creative soul this week.
For all of these reasons, and more, Fes is a place that draws true afficianodos of Moroccan culture - both Arabic and Berber - and it is why I personally invite you to join me here in the perfect season of late April to experience with me, and my many friends in this magical city, a week to indulge in Fessi culture, life and art.
You have organised us beautifully, Anna!
Huge thanks for every day you pulled together for us
WHAT YOU'LL DO
This 8-day/7-night retreat offers you a quietly relaxed week to focus on creating two beautifully full and potent personal visual journals of your explorations, discoveries and meaningful moments in Marrakech, with the guidance and inspiration of British artist and designer Becky Blair, whose lively and eclectic style, combined with her vivid use of colour and dream-like reflections, has seen her highly-sought-after work sold through exhibitions and private commissions internationally.
With 18-hours of art tuition (3 hrs art time per day for 6 days), in various settings) sharing Becky's techniques and processes for exploring the motifs and things you’ve noticed, re-creating them in an abstract way by playing with them and evolving them into a personal lexicon of forms from which you can draw on in all of your following work. You will also, later in the week, use these motifs and methods to create works on paper which you'll be able to take home, ready to display.
You will take home a collection of works on quality paper, providing not only souvenirs of a memorable holiday on this unique island, but as a compendium of enhanced motifs which you'll be able to draw on and even elaborate on in your own studio work.
Gina S. U.K,- Hydra Art Retreat October 2024
WHO WILL THIS RETREAT SUIT?
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Coming to this retreat with curiosity to discover and experience all that Fes can offer you once you get below the surface a bit is really what this week is about. Give yourself more than fleeting moments to let a culture settle around you will allow you to soak up this destination and let its character leave a mark on your creative spirit.
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If you have some prior art-making experience at any level, then this retreat will add to your repertoire of motifs and ways in which you can apply them
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
A French general who knew Morocco well in the period of the French mandate described Morocco as "a cold country with a hot sun" This is generally a season of mild weather in Fes, but come prepared for a few showers, or a hot spell!
Anna has a long histroy with Morocco, designing retreats and leading tours
With a background as an art historian and art gallery owner, my collaboration with artists continues to be a fascinating career which evolved into specialist art retreats designed to combine seriously good art tuition with authentic cultural experiences.
Over the last 14 years, hundreds of people over dozens of retreats have experienced the depth of wellbeing that being creative can foster.
Creative Living Retreats are a source of focus for creative inspiration, Anna has designed and led several tours in Morocco since 2018.. Most recently, in 2024, she curated and led a tour through the north leading to an art retreat in Fes, and then this was followed by another tour across the Sahara to Marrakech and beyond.
THIS RETREAT IN FES is STAND-ALONE, BUT IS DESIGNED TO BE PRECEDED BY AN OVERLAND TOUR LED BY ANNA FROM MARRAKECH to FES VIA THE SAHARA DESERT - a six night journey which concludes in Fes .
SEE THE TOUR DETAILS HERE
catch up with my Morocco stories here
Over a decade, many retreatants have returned for our thoughtfully curated weeks of supported creativity, and I very much look forward to welcoming you to Morocco More info
Loved the whole thing ... I just thought you did the retreat so well. I felt totally satisfied with the way you made it all happen and made us all feel very special.
You really were the glue. Very professional.
The exhibition was just so beautifully put together.
Lyn Mowday, Busselton, Australia, 2019 on a BALI RETREAT
How does the retreat work?
Each day we will explore a new destination, chosen to bring you into contact with a new aspect of Fessi life and culture. In the medina we will walk with Samir, my most trusted guide and friend in Fes, to visit artisans for real insights into their craft.
There will be specialist workshops in Arabic calligraphy which you can use in abstract ways to enhance your own art,; we'll sit with women who'll teach you the art of embroidery stitches unique to Fes, and whilst that happens you'll learn their about lives - and hopefully you'll feel inclined to share your stories with them too.
Pottery workshop? a mosaic workshops, a cookery lesson to make the most delicious tagine,... you ca even make your own hand-bound leather tooled notebook.
Evenings are filled with dining possibilities in elegant courtyards, beautiful secret gardens and fountained enclaves ....
On one day we take an all-day tour into the Middle Atlas mountain town of Sefrou to visit a womens' cooperative - and visit the weekly market of Azrou when nomads come to town with their rugs to sell.
In all, the retreat comprises 18 hours of 'class time' with Becky Blair, and after this art session concludes, usually before lunch, you're free to lunch, explore, continue with your art, or visit any of the many museums that Marrakech has to offer - Anna will give you a comprehensive list of possibilities, and is available to assist you finding them or getting there.
Where does the retreat take place ?
The retreat hub offers accommodation, breakfast and relaxed and private places for relaxing ... two ground floor salons are filled with Moroccan treasures with forms to inspire.
The courtyard has a swimming pool, and on warm days we can work outside, but if it's cooler or even wet, our terrace studio is perfect as we can leave all of our art gear there throughout the week, and you are free to work anytime..
The spacious riad is in the medina, near the Bahia Square, it's quiet, not on a crowded thoroughfare, and will be easy for you to find after the first time.
What does your Retreat include?
see all the inclusions >
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Accommodation with Breakfast for 7 nights in a luxury riad within the medina of Fes
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Gala Welcome Dinner
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Gala Farewell Dinner
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Art and history walks through the medina over 5 days
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a day trip to Sefrou and Azrou
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Some Art Materials
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2 artisan workshops of your choice
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other artisan workshops available of you wish to participate (extra cost)
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entrances to all sites on our itinerary
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porterage
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gift bag with art goodies
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Anna's assistance during, and arrangement of all activities before and during the retreat
- optional day trip to Chefchaouen is available if you wish (extra cost)
What's Not Included
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airfares
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airport transfers ( these can be arranged with Anna - cost applies)
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meals not described in the list of inclusions
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your personal insurance
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all alcoholic beverages
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any entrance tickets to places not described in the itinerary supplied on this site
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all personal expenses laundry, telephone etc.
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any extra activities
Thank you Anna for convening this fabulous experience.
Your style, grace and attention to detail made everyone feel important. Sharing your home for those days of art and food and armchair yoga will be a special memory for me to hold.
You have gathered an amazing staff around you ... thank you again.
Gloria C. Queensland, Australia.
ART RETREAT in Bali 2022
What's not included
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airfare
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travel insurance
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personal expenses
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return taxi after arrival at Piraeus port on retrun
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return boat from Hydra to Piraues as you may wish to stay on Hydra longer (this can be organised by Anna for you)
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GETTING THERE
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You can fly into FES AIRPORT OR
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fly to Casablanca and take a train or taxi to Fes ( Anna can help arrange this )
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THE IDEAL COMBINATION IS TO DO THE MARRAKECH to FES TOUR WITH ANNA which is designed to work together with this retreat week.
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THIS RETREAT STARTS on 19 APRIL which is an arrival day for anyone not doing the preceeding tour
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IF YOU ARE DOING THE PRECDING TOUR, the 19th is a FREE DAY for you (maybe enjoy a Moroccan hammam (scrub and steam bath) and relax fully with a massage special Moroccan skin treatments?
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ALL RETREAT PARTICIPATNTS WILLMEET FR WELCOME DINNER on the 19th APRIL
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The RETREAT FINISHES after breakfast on 26th APRIL
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Extra nights may be available at the retreat hotel - enquire with Anna - please mention this on your booking form.
ART MATERIALS
AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO USE :
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Gelli plates and rollers
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inks
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papers for printing
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stencils
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A5 concertina sketch book with a hard cover, with quality paper for watercolour work
WHERE DOES THE RETREAT TAKE PLACE ?
Our retreat hub is a magnificently restored medieval riad.
WHERE DO YOU STAY?
We have two riads, both managed on-the-spot by their charming French owners, people who have lovingly restored their properties to create warm and welcoming spaces that offer you truly unique environments in which to relax.
Our riads are situated in a quiet area of the medina, with easy access to a main gate, and are only a 5-minute walk from one anothet.
both offer both suite and superior room accommodations - it's worth noting that we have to riads because we are using traditionally riads, not hotels, so each room is unique, and each riad offers only 6 to 8 rooms each.
HAVE A LOOK AT OUR RIADS
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