Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains with Weatherly Stroh and Lizzie Larock
April 22-30, 2025
Save my spot in Morocco!spice up your life
ON OUR RETREAT TO MOROCCO
Make room in your spice rack, watch Casablanca one more time, pack your most colorful clothing and save your spot for one of the most vibrant, inspiring, and creative weeks of your life!
It's the Art of Life Creativity Retreat with Weatherly Stroh and Lizzie Larock in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco April 22-30, 2025.
it's a retreat
FOR ALL OF YOUR SENSES
Picture yourself sipping on mint tea, painting in the peaceful gardens, photo walking through colorful palaces, shopping in the souks, dining under the stars, soaking in a Hamman spa, floating in a hot air balloon, riding on a camel in the mountains or tasting all of the traditional tagine favorites in a private cooking class.
This Art of Life retreat is where your creative soul comes alive in one of the most inspiring, vibrant and eclectic places in the world with a group of creative, interesting and fun people.
variety is the spice of life
IDYLLIC HOTELS + ECLECTIC ADVENTURES
We'll stay in two different idyllic Moroccan locations each carefully chosen to wake up to the wonder that is all around you.
Our first three nights will be at the Jnane Tamsna boutique hotel in the peaceful Palmeraie (countryside) area just 20 minutes outside of the Medina of Marrakech. Our stylish designer boutique hotel is surrounded by lush flower, herb and food gardens, 5 saltwater swimming pools and is comfortably shaded by 100-year old palm trees. It's the perfect respite to come home to after each day's Marrakech adventures.
Then we travel to the Atlas Mountains for two magical nights at The Kasbah Bab Ourika, a small hotel oasis tucked away in the hills with jaw-dropping views and endless mountain vistas.
For our final two nights, we'll return to the Jnane Tamsna, our Bohemian garden getaway for several relaxing days, a festive final night party and a few last Marrakech adventures.
Marrakech and the Jnane Tamsna.
DRENCH YOURSELF IN VIBRANT COLORS AND BOLD ADVENTURES
Ochre red, golden hour yellow, cobalt blue, soft desert pink, and lush green gardens are all around.
wake up to
STREAMING SUNLIGHT, A SYMPHONY OF BIRDS
AND THE SCENT OF JASMINE at the Jnane Tamsna. Sip on morning Moroccan tea and evening botanical cocktails. Soak in one of five salt water pools. Savor a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring freshly picked produce from the organic gardens. Stroll through the lush green gardens with a serenade by a symphony of birds.
Borrow a book from the well-stocked library and read in the shade of centennial palms.
This will be our stylish and serene backdrop in the Palmeraie outside of Marrakech.
gentle yoga
TO START THE DAY
We'll start our Marrakech days with gentle yoga guided by our local instructor under the canopy of palms.
Yoga is always optional, if you'd rather linger over your cappuccino longer or stay under the covers an extra hour, that's never a problem.
stories & soulfulness
UNDER THE STARRY SKIES...
From the farm to table meals (with organic produce plucked right from the family's on-site garden at our hotel) to the decadent dining in some of the city's most well-loved establishments to our private tagine and bread-making cooking classes, you will be beautifully sated with this culture's Mediterranean-inspired, delicious hospitality.
For the meals at our swanky Marrakech hotel, Jnane Tamsna, you can expect convivial conversations and enough candlelight to rival the stars!
It's a perfect setting, as our retreats have been known to foster life-long friendships with camaraderie that goes well beyond the usual small talk.
Be ready for meals and stories that will nourish your soul!
Marrakech
SIDECARS, SOUKS AND SUNRISE BALLOON RIDES
Our Moroccan cultural adventures kick off with a sidecar tour of the Marrakech Medina followed by visits to the infamous cobalt blue Majorelle Jardin and the home of Yves Saint Laurent.
We'll photowalk through architectural masterpieces, drench our eyes with the vibrant colors of palaces and riads and we'll dine on decadent rooftops overlooking the city.
We'll shop in the infamous souks of Marrakech, see the snake-charmers and storytellers of the Unesco cultural site: Jemaa El Fna, and float peacefully above it all in a sunrise hot air balloon. It's both the art of life AND the spice of life!
"Wow. You two did an amazing job making a very creative and festive retreat. We all had a wonderful time! We ate, laughed, danced, sang, wrote, drew, painted, photographed, cooked, shared and just plain LIVED. Thank you for putting together this retreat. It was such a gift!" -Pam, Art of Life retreat guest
next, we venture to
THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
For two jaw-dropping nights of our retreat, we will be staying at The Kasbah Bab Ourika, our heavenly hotel in the Atlas Mountains.
We'll relax, rejuvenate and soak up the gorgeous scenery.
Here our days will include easy to moderate picnic hikes, a nectarome bread making class and a Henna tattoo party and plenty of creative downtime as we enjoy this serene getaway.
signature creativity sessions
SKETCHBOOK | PHOTOGRAPHY | JOURNALING
All Art of Life retreats include our signature creativity workshops where you'll learn the art of bringing little moments to life through reflective journaling, travel sketchbook watercolors and creative smart phone photography.
Much of the Moroccan artistic experience will happen while we are out and about seeing and experiencing the beautiful colors and creative chaos of Marrakech and the mountains. The whole country is our studio with our creative lessons offered on-the-go before or during our daily adventures with more time to sit, savor, sketch, snap, share, write or paint in the relaxation hours before dinner.
painting
& SKETCHING
You'll travel through the paintbox as Morocco truly is a color wheel come to life with rich hues and bold patterns just begging to be matched by your watercolor palette.
With the easy painting and simple sketching lessons from Weatherly, you'll let the soul of this magical place spill out onto the page, regardless of whether or not you have ever painted before.
No painting, sketching, photography or art experience needed for any of our mini creativity workshops. These are informal optional creativity sessions meant to inspire and delight everyone.
photography
& WRITING
From the markets of the Medina, the flower gardens at our hotel, the contrasting colors of the palaces, the jaw-dropping majestic mountains to the golden hour that lasts all day, Morocco is one of the most photogenic places you will ever visit.
Lizzie will show you how to use your smart phone and your journal to be more creative, curious, present, joyful and in awe long after you get home from the retreat.
Not only will you create photos that capture your new found love of the Moroccan scenery, but you will take all of these creative and transformative tools home to start seeing your everyday life through a whole new lens.
"Thank you for one of the most magical weeks of my LIFE! Truly. I have had more inspiration and moments of joy than I have had in as long as I can remember. This is what my soul was screaming for. Here is to the next chapter of Art of Life retreats. I will be there." - Hadley
sample of our itinerary
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
- Day 1: Welcome to Marrakech. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to our boutique hotel just outside of the Medina. Relax, refresh, and join the group for a ceremonial welcome and delicious farm-to-table dinner in the courtyard.
- Day 2:
breakfast, yoga, sidecar tour of Marrakech. Lunch at our boutique hotel. Afternoon: creativity time, massages, relaxation by the pool. Botanical cocktails at our hotel host's designer home.
Dinner at the extraordinary Palais Suleiman - Day 3:
breakfast, yoga, photowalks through Majorelle Garden, see the exquisite retreat of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, Villa Oasis and the Yves Saint Laurent museum of his collections inspired by this stunning pocket of the world. Architectural tour of Palais Bahia - 19th-century mix of Andalusian and Moorish architectures + the hidden treasure: the trapezoidal garden. Rooftop lunch at Lmida afternoon shopping at the infamous souks of Marrakech. Relaxation time or watercolor garden painting back at hotel. Moroccan dinner under the stars. - Day 4:
breakfast, yoga
visit to the Medina of Marrakech. Optional visits to the Secret Garden and Maison Photographie or Medersa.
- Day 4 (cont'd)
lunch in the gardens
visit to the Unesco cultural site: Jemaa El Fna. Drinks at La Mamounia Dinner at Folk Moroccan - Day 5
hot air balloon ride with buffet breakfast. Travel to High Atlas Mountains. Lunch in the Atlas Mountains. Hamman spa treatments. Optional camel rides. Relaxation or creativity time. Dinner overlooking the gorgeous jaw-dropping mountain vista. Overnight at our mountain hotel. - Day 6:
breakfast, hiking & picnic lunch in Atlas Mountains (easy or moderate hiking options).
Afternoon free time for creativity and relaxation.
Dinner in the mountains. Overnight at our mountain hotel. - Day 7:
breakfast, Nectarome bread making workshop. Picnic lunch & footbath. Return to the Palmeraie of Marrakech for relaxation in the gardens. - Day 8:
breakfast, yoga, relaxation in the gardens and by the pool of our boutique hotel in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, creativity workshops, optional sightseeing. Final farewell dinner and signature white party. - Day 9:
breakfast goodbyes
and departures to the RAK airport.
"The location, the people, the hosts and the food were all sensational.
You are both truly unique and talented leaders. It is a gift for anyone who has the opportunity to be in your presences at one of your retreats.
Thank you for giving us time and space to expore, paint, take photowalks, drink wine and eat way too much food. I can't wait to do it, again, on another one of your retreats." -Katy M.
about
Morocco
Morocco has long been a haven for artists and writers, drawn by its rich tapestry of culture and history.
The vibrant medinas, intricate mosaics, and sweeping desert landscapes provide endless inspiration. The blend of Berber, Arab, and French influences, evident in everything from the architecture to the cuisine, make Morocco a feast for all of the senses.
The food is delicious with flavorful tagines, fresh couscous, and an array of spices creating a culinary adventure at every meal. And the locals are known for their warmth and welcoming hospitality.
Mint tea ceremonies, historical henna, the colorful souk markets, the gorgeous mountain backdrop and surrounding dessert make Morocco a truly unforgettable destination for our retreat.
the ochre city
AND THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Marrakech, is known as the "Red City" or the "Ochre City" due to the natural red clay used in its buildings.
Just a short drive from the bustling city, the enchanting Atlas Mountains offer a serene escape into a world of towering peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages.
The air is crisp and refreshing, with picturesque trails that wind past terraced fields and cascading waterfalls.
The panoramic views from the mountain passes are simply stunning, a contrast to the vibrant energy of Marrakech below.
how to get there
We recommend you fly directly into Marrakesh (RAK) airport. We'll take care of the transportation to and from our hotel just outside of the Marrakech Medina (and back to the airport, again, at the end of the retreat), so you can relax and enjoy yourself completely.
We are providing all transportation into our various excursions into Marrakech, as well as our transportation to and from our hotel in the Atlas Mountains.
Taxis are readily available, however, we have your retreat group transportation covered, so you don't need to worry about a thing.
your hosts:
WEATHERLY & LIZZIE
Weatherly
STROH
Weatherly has been a full-time artist for 13 years now, but has had a lifelong love of travel. She first visited Morocco in 2014 with a then-boyfriend and immediately fell in love with the culture and country (and out of love with the boyfriend!) vowing to return one day.
Ten years later she made good on her promise and traveled solo to this exotic land to hand-pick our hotels and cultural adventures (they are her favorites!). A 6-foot blonde, she didn’t exactly blend with the locals, but felt completely safe traveling alone.
Inspired by the magical light, land and overall feast for the senses, she’s excited to share her fascination with Morocco with all of you on this special Art of Life Creativity Retreat.
Lizzie
LAROCK
Lizzie is a writer, photographer and positive-psychology based coach.
She teaches creativity, writing and photography workshops through her signature Life Feast mashup of curiosity, awe, mindfulness, wonder & photography.
She's taught everyone from 8 year olds to 78 year olds, CEOs, lawyers, accountants (and anyone else who doesn't think they are creative) how to find beauty in the tiniest details of everyday life.
She loves traveling and can't wait to take photos of every single ceiling in Morocco Long live the #ceilingselfie!
Weatherly and Lizzie have been close friends for over 39 years.
Weatherly has always been taller and Lizzie has always been louder, but we've shared a deep friendship along with a mutual love of art, creativity, travel and a hilarious history of tweenage and teenage shenanigans. Don't ask us about the Guns 'n Roses Toledo Speedway incident in 1991...
Our previous Art of Life Creativity retreats have been to Lucca, Italy (Tuscany), Sardinia, Italy and Torrita di Siena, Italy (Oct 2024). We can't wait to be in Morocco with you.
about Meryanne
LOUM-MARTIN
Meryanne is the unofficial host and owner of our farm-to-table boutique hotel, Jnane Tamsna, in the Palmeraie of Marrakech.
She's of French, Senegalese and Guadeloupean descent. She fell in love with Marrakech on vacation back in 1985 and traded in her career as a lawyer in Paris to design, build and run the 10-acre creative oasis that will be our hub for the retreat.
She runs the Jnane Tamsna hotel with her daughter, a storyteller and musician and her husband, an American ethnobotanist and environmentalist. He carefully planted the surrounding gardens that are a signature feature and she decorated every inch of the hotel with the art and artifacts from her travels around the world.
She's not only as vivacious and welcoming as the city of Marrakech itself, but she personifies being daring and bold, a fitting mantra for the cultural and creative adventures of our retreat.
Meryanne's charisma and careful planning of our retreat will ensure that each day feels like waking up in a beautiful home with one big, inviting, outdoor living room and layers of fascinating stories, interesting art and gorgeous gardens around every corner.
it's the perfect spot
for our Art of Life retreat!
our retreats give back...
At Art of Life Creativity Retreats, we feel it's crucial that we do our part to protect and positively contribute to the areas around the world that we visit.
A portion of our Moroccan retreat sales will be donated to GDF: Global Diversity Foundation. GDF helps communities globally, as well as in the High Atlas mountains, by reviving traditional practices, supporting livelihoods, and protecting nature. Since 2013, they’ve partnered with the Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA) and other groups to focus on job creation, sustainable farming, education, youth opportunities, land management, policy-making, and biodiversity conservation across 5 regions, with plans to expand. They assist 200 rural cooperatives, mostly women-led, to boost incomes for 5,000 households by producing and selling local goods while preserving cultural landscapes. The project also supports social and environmental justice, especially after the 2023 earthquake.
"This week has been above & beyond. Such a beautiful, picturesque setting and experiences I will remember forever. And to have you both guide us and impart wonderful words and share your knowledge has all been icing on top." - Amie (Tuscany Retreat)
artists love
MOROCCO
Meryanne and Weatherly aren't the only creatives who fell in love with this inspiring country in an instant.
The painter, Delacroix, spent considerable time and produced volumes of paintings while he was in Morocco, as did Henri Matisse (80 years later).
Matisse famously returned to Morocco several times to capture the intense yet whimsical essence of Morocco on his canvas. Matisse called Morocco a "painter's paradise".
Yves Saint Laurent famously retreated to Morocco several times a year with his life partner, Pierre Berge, to relax, retreat and plan his Parisian collections. He always said, "Marrakech, for me, is paradise."
writers
AND ROCKSTARS TOO
Tennesse Williams, William S. Burroughs, Edith Wharton, Jack Kerouac and Paul Bowles wrote stories and prose within the landscape of magical Morocco.
And the who's who of rock and roll (Led Zeppelin, Mick Jagger, Cat Stevens and others) all enjoyed the artistic sanctuary of this stunning country.
Everyday experiences in Morocco feel exotic! From the colors to the spices to the golden light that bathes the city all day long, it'll be impossible to NOT feel inspired on our Art of Life Creativity Retreat in Morocco.
have questions?
Do I have to paint, write or do photography?
Where in Morocco are we staying?
What if I'm traveling solo?
What are the Payment & Cancellation Details?
What's not included in the price?
What is included in the retreat price?
What if I have additional questions?
Terms & Conditions
"5 stars! Would highly recommend!
I have had so much fun, laughed so hard, and I learned so much about the world and myself. I made new friends, learned how to tap back into my creative self that's been long dormant and was welcomed with such warmth.
I can now paint in gouache, curse in Italian and know how to look for 3 good things. And I can't wait for your next retreat." - Sue
creativity, connection, camaraderie
AND ROCKIN' THE CASBAH!
Not only will you be immersed in all things creativity, cuisine, culture, camaraderie, and connection, but there will be time for just relaxing.
Our retreats are not about how artistic or creative you are (not at all), or how many activities you can squeeze into a week (we will squeeze in a lot) or how delicious the food is (it's amazing) ... this retreat is actually about seeing, savoring, and waking up all of your senses to the magic and spice of life.
We'd love to have you join us in Morocco!
Book now before we sell out this extraordinary 8-night Moroccan retreat.
Weatherly & Lizzie
you had me at Morocco!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Wonderful! We can't wait to be in Morocco with you!
BOOK NOW FOR THE BEST EARLY BIRD PRICING ($500 savings!)
The all-inclusive retreat price is based on single, double or triple occupancy in deluxe or superior accommodations.
BOOK BEFORE NOV 15, 2024 for our best early bird pricing and the generous four-part payment plan.
**See all room types and availability below.
INCLUSIONS:
The retreat price includes 8-nights of lodging at our two beautiful boutique hotels, all meals, wine and soft drinks at our group dinners, (additional beverages available for purchase*), transportation to our group excursions, transportation to and from the airport and transportation to and from our Atlas Mountain hotel, all of our retreat activities (sidecar tour, hot air balloon ride, museum and garden visits, market visits), all art supplies for the workshops, painting, photography, writing and positive psychology workshops.
EARLY BOOKING RATES - A $500 savings! These rates and our payment plan only go until Nov 15, 2024 (book now to lock in the lowest prices)
Price includes lodging plus all retreat inclusions.
**Choose from a superior or deluxe room double occupancy, or reserve single occupancy with an $1800 supplemental fee.
We have a generous four-part payment plan that is available only for bookings before Nov 15, 2024 and a $150 discount will be applied at checkout for payment in full. Rates listed below are our early bird booking rates - you're saving $500 by booking before November 15, 2024.
SUPERIOR ROOM:
SUPERIOR ROOMS ARE SOLD OUT $7995 early bird discount: $7495/person - double occupancy superior room. (Only three available of the superior room type).
*single occupancy supplement of $1800
DELUXE ROOM - Only three left
$8495 $7995/person - double occupancy deluxe room
*single occupancy supplement of $1800
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
SPACE IS LIMITED & EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS NOV 15, 2024.
Reserve a spot at this coveted retreat with our pay-in-full discounted rate or our easy 4-month retreat payment plan (early bird discount and payment plan only available until Nov 15, 2024).
All payments are non-refundable.
Our Art of Life retreats are an experience you do not want to miss. Choose your room type below and book now to reserve one of these limited spots in this exclusive retreat at our lowest early bird pricing. Your spice of life is waiting!
**Early bird discounted retreat pricing ($500 savings) and our generous four part payment plan are available only until Nov 15, 2024
Have a question? Email: [email protected] and Lizzie or Weatherly will get right back to you.
We know this is going to be a spectacular feast for all of your senses. We can't wait to have you join us for our 2025 Art of Life Creative Morocco Retreat.
Your life is a masterpiece. It's time to RETREAT YOURSELF! Join us for the most magical 8-nights and experience both the art of life and the spice of life at the Art of Life Creativity retreat in Morocco.
Weatherly & Lizzie
(A few photos below from our 2023 and 2024 retreats in Tuscany and Sardinia)