An authentic Moroccan experience to remember.

Delicious plant-based and vegetarian food from local organic produce with inspiration from around the world.

Your own double bedroom with attached bathroom in stunning Riad´s in the heart of the Medina, experiencing Moroccan life on your doorstep

To immerse yourself in painting inspired by the beauty of Morocco.

To begin painting or to rekindle your love for painting in a supportive group of maximum 10 people with individual tutoring whilst using high quality materials.

To really enjoy the process of painting and return home with more confidence, tips and tools to help you continue a painting practise.

Strengthen or start a yoga practise with an experienced and supportive  Hatha yoga teacher. 

Swim in the Atlantic Ocean and take colourful strolls in the Medinas  of Asilah and Chefchaouen

Relax and slow down whilst feeling inspired, alive and cared for with like minded people

Free time to explore

Making strong and lasting friendships

An introduction to traveling in Morocco

All materials, meals and excursions included.

• Making your own watercolours with pigments from Chefchaouen

  During our stay in Chefchaouen we will collect pigments from various local vendors in the Medina. Working on the terrace of our Dar we will grind and blend them finely with binders to make our own paints.

  The typical Chefcheouen blue used to paint the buildings is useful to make as a watercolour during this workshop as l have found this blue hard to replicate when painting with watercolour in the streets and on the rooftops.

• A Hammam experience. An authentic visit to the local hamman or a combination of 1 hour massage/hamman at Hammam Al Alba

• Handmade zelij mosaic tile making with Mohammed. Moroccos centuries-old geometric tile art. Learn about this art and take home your own handmade and designed tile.

• Visits to local craftsmans workshops

• Mixed Media Painting Workshops in Asilah

• Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

• Beach and mountain Walks

  Assilah has its own golden sandy beach just a few minutes walk away. Chefchaouen is in the Rif mountains with nature all around and walks possible from the town.

  Expect warm sunshine, refreshing daily swims, ocean walks and free time to wander through the colourful streets of the Medina.

• Watercolour instruction and Sketchbook Practise

  Opportunities to sketch, explore, record colours, light and patterns for future works will be encouraged, alongside workshops dedicated to learning watercolour techniques. These classes include demonstrations and many tips which will help alot when out and about with sketcbooks.

• Excursion to the Waterfalls and God´s bridge, Akchour.

• Yoga sessions on Medina Rooftops.

  Morning Hatha yoga sessions with Raquel on the beautiful rooftops of Asilah and Chefchaouen.

  Enjoy the sunsets while practising Yin yoga, relaxing and unwinding after a productive day painting.

  Watch the sun setting into the sea. And listen to the call to prayer.

  We can relax and enjoy these moments on any of the beautiful terraces

GILL, Spain-UK

”I had a wonderful time on the retreat! There was so much to see and do I found I needed to pace myself (as I'm no spring chicken 😘) but Annabel and Raquel put together a wonderful week of art and yoga and a fantastic balance of activities and teaching, I learned and experienced so much. Thank you! Staying with Rosie and Nazir at the Beachhouse was amazing too, they are truly wonderful hosts and the authentic home cooked keralan food was incredible. As my first and maybe only experience of India it was absolutely unforgettable and I will treasure the memories. I am so grateful to everyone involved. 🙏🏻 Although it feels like a once in a lifetime experience, I hope I can return one day, who knows what the future will bring. 🙏🏻”

KATY, UK

“Annabel is a very generous teacher. The art retreat was so varied in the material she offered. There is so much on offer and It is very experimental. From mixed media, to collage, paper making and watercolour and demonstrations along the way and inspiring slide shows. You are held and supported along the way. Raquel is also a very generous, giving yoga teacher and the morning sessions really set you up well for the creative day ahead. Rosi is the most amazing hostess at the homestay. Nothing is too much trouble and she is so knowledgable. She will help with travel arrangements and local trips. Not forgetting the absolutely delicious food! You are certainly well looked after on this retreat. Lastly the position of the homestay is so beautiful and peaceful (except for the fireworks when festivals are on!)”

DIERDRE, USA

“What a well conceived well crafted retreat, in details and execution..from the place choosen, with its beach setting, delicious and nutritious Keralan meals, well stocked plein air style art studio, inspirational cultural events, yoga sessions amidst the coconut forests and at night time candlelit on the beach by the Arabian Sea, and the teachings of the chakras to mirror the 7 days.

I was aware of and enjoyed such comfort with the attentiveness of both Annabel and Raquel, who responded to the individual requests of the 8 artists- be it about art, yoga, physical needs, engagement style, emotional stirrings, tuktuk requests and so much more.

I felt we formed into an open, warm and caring group in response to how you both held the retreat. I loved all that I learnt.”

MELISSA, USA

“If India was not so far away, I would definitely do this retreat over and over again!

Annabel and Raquel are a great team! They combine their artistic and yoga talents beautifully and top it off with their shared kindness, genuine care for their students and respect for the environment. Annabel exposed us to several different approaches to painting and mixed media along with some art education and Raquel guided us through nurturing yoga stretches, mediations and beautiful chanting sessions. Together, they took us on a few field trips where we were able to interact with locals and learn more about the culture while painting or sketching along the way.

Rosie, the host of the guest house, makes you feel at home in her rustic setting by a seaside forest. She and her staff prepared amazing meals for us from which we learned about and tasted different Indian specialties and spices. We greatly appreciated how Rosie and her family often joined us for meals and tolerated all our questions and curiosities about life in India.

The retreat provided an intimate experience in creativity and self-care while navigating our way through a foreign land.”

VANESSA, UK

”I absolutely loved the retreat, as a professional artist myself, I found your approach refreshing, and I learnt a few new tricks, thank you for your very generous teaching. I think my favourite tip was the glazing one and I loved the principles of making good paper. I really enjoyed Raquel's Yoga and meditations especially on the beach!”

SALLY, UK

”Thanks to Annabel & Raquel's total care-giving from the heart I had the best time ever on the retreat. Starting as someone new to painting and little experience of yoga I never felt uncomfortable, in fact I felt very welcomed and accepted. For me learning new aspects of painting, mixed with the invitation to experiment was very exciting and freeing. I left inspired and full of curiosity to develop my new knowledge.

The yoga practice was equally well planned and delivered with such a calm and deep level of skill and modelling. I felt so privileged to have been part of this first retreat with such amazing tutors. There was not a single thing I would change. It fed my soul, my body and my creativity. Thank you so much. “

Our group came together very quickly and i immediately felt a part of a special group of people. Anyone in need of nuturing their creativity and their soul should come on this retreat. I loved the journey through the chakras. Everyday the yoga class varied and i loved it. Raquel is an excellent teacher who put us at ease with her lovely voice and warm spirit. 

I loved the workshops, they were very well planned and totally engaging, with helpful and fun excercises. Tons of materials to use, free use of everything in the art space, lots of one-to-one help and advice.

Location of the art space was wonderful, and I felt I had enough space to work in. I learnt alot in a week. Loved every second of this. Excursions were interesting and fun, and added variation to the days. Thank you both for making this such a special amd memorable trip.

Charlotte UK

If you got your head spinning with ideas and colour the yoga was there to ground you. The gentle nature of Annabel was encouraging, with guidance that gave confidence. I particularly liked that each one was encouraged to their own style. 

Both of you gave it your all and took care of all our needs with love and generosity.

Julia, France

I felt more and more relaxed as the days went on. It's a very magical place. Very nice yoga classes, calm and powerful at the same time....Thank you!

Paul, France

At the end of the retreat I am left with a strong sense of the richness of the experience, thank you for your generosity and the feeling of abundance.

The yoga was professional, expert, flexible. Raquel is also kind and I liked the way she adjusted my pose.

Good balance of excursions and workshops, I have learnt SO much. Annabel is so encouraging. I felt she "saw" me and me in my work. Her many suggestions added light, depth, complexity and beauty to all my paintings. 

Penny. UK 

Excellent food, wonderful company. A lot of nature..combination of painting and yoga- "it was perfect"

Hans, Germany 

It was the best decision to go to India with you. You both are so lovely and caring and I felt comfortable from the 1st minute. The Beach House was also a perfect place and there is nothing I would complain about. 

The painting classes were well structured and very stimulating. I learnt alot and definitely will continue to do some of the things at home.

Birgitta, Germany

Peaceful, relaxed, timeless.Fabulous! So much shared and taught!

Glen, Spain

• A small sketchbook. A5 is ideal. (Paper must be over 300 grams and ideally suitable for watercolour and mixed media)

• At least 3 to 4 different sized watercolour brushes. Sizes 2/6 or 8/12/18 or 24

• A container for water (for watercolour excursions)

• Suitable clothing for painting with acrylic paint
  
  All other materials will be provided, including a set of watercolours, abundant acrylic paint, lots of different papers, Arches watercolour paper and many tools.
  

The nearest airport to Asilah is Tangier.

We can arrange a taxi pick up from the ferry port or the airport, which normally costs about 30 euros and takes 45 minutes.

Alternatively there is a regular train service between Tangier and Asilah and a ticket can be paid for at the station or in advance online.

Ferry crossings from Spain (Tarifa or Algecias) are every hour and can be booked online.

We will be ending the retreat in Chefchaouen. From here there is a bus to Tangier which takes nearly 3 hours. Taxis can be arranged and would take roughly 2 hours and could be shared with other participants.

• , Healthy, Organic Vegetarian Moroccan feasts!

  Food is always an important part of a retreat and you will not be disappointed!

• We will feed you very well.

  During the retreat we will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Sabina is French and lives in Assilah, she will serve food which is locally sourced, organic, and a combination of European, Moroccan and Middle Eastern flavours.

  Snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day. At Dar Ambrosia there is a fully equipped kitchen with everything you might need day or night. Alcohol will not be served.

• In Chefcheouen breakfast is served at Dar MD. All other meals will be served in recommended restaurants

• At Dar Ambrosia Sabina can cater to a vegan or gluten free diet.

  
  

You can change money at an Exchange Centre in the Medina in Asilah, very close to Dar Ambrosia. There are also ATMs at the airports and in all towns.

Please let your bank at home know that you will be traveling so that your debit/credit cards are not blocked , and it's a good idea to bring 2 incase one doesn't work.
Most shops and all restaurants accept credit cards.

Wifi is available at the Riads.
However, if the internet is important to you then I would advise buying a roaming package of data from your mobile company before traveling. This can be very useful during stop overs and assures good coverage at all times.
A cheaper option is to buy a Moroccan Sim Card which includes data when you arrive. It's possible to buy this in Asilah. It will be about 5 euros for the cheapest package.

Travel and Health insurance is strongly advised.

Incase of a surprise doctor or hospital visit we will, of course, do everything possible to care for you in unforeseen circumstances. However we are not responsible for the costs incurred.

Both Raquel and I love teaching and sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm with you, and we also love working together. Our experience is that we will quickly form a friendly and supportive group with a relaxed atmosphere where curiosity to learn, experiment and find your own unique painting style is encouraged.

During the mixed media workshops Annabel will guide you into this through fun experimental exercises supported by lessons in composition, colour and texture, and how to achieve depth in your work. We will use watercolour, acrylic paint and mixed media. You will use different tools, not only brushes, and try new and fun techniques to apply and layer paint.

These workshops will be complimented by relaxing yoga sessions with Raquel, excursions with our sketchbooks, and taking time to experience and absorb a new culture.

Expect lots of individual guidance, demonstrations, tips and feedback and professional quality materials.