Morocco Travel Writing Retreat with Claudia Laroye: From Mountains to Medinas

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, a private driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you straight to your accommodation, set right in the heart of Marrakech’s historic center. You'll be staying in an ideal location—just a short stroll from the lively Djemaa el Fna square, with its colourful markets, street performers, and endless little cafés and shops to discover.

After you check in, the rest of the day is yours to simply settle in, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. You might want to take a refreshing dip in the pool, stretch your legs with a gentle walk nearby, or just unwind after your journey. No pressure—this first day is all about arriving, feeling grounded, and easing into the rhythm of Marrakech at your own pace. 

In the evening, meet up with Claudia and the group to go over your upcoming adventure together. Fuel your creativity in the vibrant streets and mountains of Morocco. This creative writing adventure will help you find your voice and nurture new or existing stories. 

Overnight: Riad Diamond of Marrakech (or similar)

Spend half the day discovering Marrakech through the eyes of a local, with a private English-speaking guide who will not just share the city’s fascinating history, but also help you connect to its vibrant present. This specially curated experience is designed to inspire stories, offering rich encounters with the people, places, and traditions that make Marrakech so unforgettable.

With Claudia, you'll learn techniques for transforming your travels into stories. You’ll leave Morocco with a completed travel journal, new creative ideas, and the skills to travel anywhere as a storyteller.

You’ll begin at the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, its iconic minaret guiding travellers for centuries. Then, step into the lively heart of the city at Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where musicians, storytellers, and artisans create a living tapestry of Moroccan culture—an ideal place to gather inspiration for your writing. Visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, an oasis of detailed woodwork, colourful zellige tiles, and serene gardens, and explore the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, once a center for Islamic learning and a masterpiece of Moroccan artistry.

As you stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina, your guide will introduce you to artisans, spice merchants, and other locals whose stories breathe life into the city beyond its famous monuments.

Later this day: This evening, step beyond the tourist experience and into the heart of Moroccan hospitality with a special dinner hosted by a local family. You'll be welcomed into their home with genuine warmth and invited to share a traditional meal, lovingly prepared from family recipes passed down through generations. As you gather around the table, you'll have the chance to learn firsthand about daily life, customs, and traditions in Morocco, from stories of the past to insights about the present. This is a relaxed and meaningful opportunity not just to taste authentic flavours like aromatic tagines and homemade bread, but also to forge personal connections and find inspiration in real conversations.

Duration of the Activities: - Guided Marrakech Tour: 4 hours (9 AM to 1 PM) - Dinner with local family: 2 hours (6 or 7 PM to 8 PM)

Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner included

Accommodation: Riad Diamond of Marrakech (or similar)

This morning, continue soaking in the inspiration of Marrakech with a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Garden, a serene oasis of vibrant blues, exotic plants, and quiet corners that once captured the imagination of artist Jacques Majorelle and designer Yves Saint Laurent. You'll also explore the neighbouring Amazigh (Berber) Museum, offering a deeper look at Morocco’s indigenous cultures through their art, jewelry, and everyday objects.

After, tap into your own creative spirit during an Arabic calligraphy workshop. Guided by a local artist, you’ll learn the graceful strokes and techniques behind this ancient and expressive art form—another powerful way to connect to Morocco's rich cultural traditions. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. After these days spent meeting locals, wandering the Medina, gathering stories and impressions, you'll now have the perfect backdrop to dive into your writing—whether that's finding a cozy corner to reflect, beginning to craft new pieces, or simply letting the energy of Marrakech guide your creativity.

Tomorrow, the journey continues into the calm beauty of the Atlas Mountains, but today is about savouring your final moments in the Red City in whatever way calls to you.

Duration of the Activities: 

- Guided Majorelle Garden Tour: 1 hour (You choose the timing prior to booking)

- Calligraphy Workshop: 2 hours (afternoon) 

 Meal Plan: Breakfast is included

Accommodation: Riad Diamond Marrakech (or similar)

Today, leave the buzz of Marrakech behind as you journey toward the peaceful beauty of the Atlas Mountains. After days filled with colour, culture, and creativity, this transition offers a slower rhythm and a fresh backdrop to continue gathering inspiration.

Your destination is the lush Ourika Valley, a land of terraced fields, rushing streams, and traditional Berber villages. Upon arriving, stretch your legs with a soft hike alongside your guide, taking time to breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the natural beauty around you. Along the way, you may meet local villagers and see a quieter side of Moroccan life, rooted in tradition and deeply connected to the land.

After your walk, settle into your accommodation at Kasbah Agounsane—a serene, welcoming retreat tucked into the heart of the valley. The rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy the calm surroundings, and perhaps find a quiet spot to reflect and write, inspired by the landscapes that now embrace you.

Travel Time: 1 hour

Duration of the Activities:

- Guided soft hike: 2 to 3 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast is included

Overnight: Kasbah Agounsane (or similar)

Today is yours to fully embrace the quiet beauty of the Ourika Valley. With no set schedule, you’ll have the freedom to settle into your writing workshop with Claudia—whether you choose a cozy corner at Kasbah Agounsane, a shaded terrace overlooking the mountains, or even a peaceful spot out in nature where inspiration flows as easily as the river nearby.

This is your time to dive deeper into your stories, share ideas with one another, or simply pause and reflect on everything you've experienced so far.

If you feel like exploring, your private driver will be available throughout the day, ready to take you to a nearby village, a scenic viewpoint, or wherever the day might lead you. Whether you spend your day writing, wandering, or just breathing in the mountain air, this is a chance to reconnect with your creativity at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast is Included

Accommodation: Kasbah Agounsane & Spa  (or similar)

This morning, you'll continue your mountain journey as you transfer from the Ourika Valley to the charming village of Imlil, a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the High Atlas. Upon arrival, take time to settle into your accommodation and breathe in the fresh, crisp mountain air and enjoy some Moroccan tea.

Soon after, meet your local guide (and friendly mules if you want!) for a gentle hike through the terraced fields, walnut groves, and stone villages that scatter the hillsides. Along the way, enjoy simple moments of connection with the land and people who call this area home.

Your walk will lead you to a local Berber family’s home, where you’ll roll up your sleeves for a traditional cooking workshop. Learn the secrets behind age-old recipes as you help prepare an authentic meal—kneading dough for bread, blending spices for tagines, and even baking in a traditional clay oven. After the cooking session, sit down to share a hearty, home-cooked lunch with the family, savouring the flavours of the mountains and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.

This experience, part trek, part cultural exchange, part hands-on cooking, offers a true taste of daily life in the Atlas, leaving you with not only delicious memories but also new stories to tell.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Travel Time: 1 hour

Duration of the Activities:

- Guided Soft hike, cooking workshop, and lunch with local family: The entire afternoon

Accommodation: Kasbah du Toubkal (or similar)

Your last day in Imlil is all about slowing down and soaking in the peaceful energy of the mountains. There’s no agenda—just plenty of time to reflect on your journey, find inspiration in the stunning surroundings, and dive into your writing workshop. You could set up a quiet spot at Kasbah du Toubkal, perhaps on a terrace with breathtaking views of the peaks, or head into nature for a serene picnic in the fields, with the sound of the mountains as your soundtrack. The calm atmosphere is perfect for letting your thoughts flow freely as you work on your pieces or simply enjoy the stillness of the moment.

Today, join Claudia for a writing workshop. From crafting your book proposal to landing a publishing deal, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the world of book publishing. Should you self-publish or follow a more traditional path? We’ll spend time talking about what’s the right route for you.

Whether you choose to write in solitude, reflect on your experience, or perhaps even share ideas with fellow travellers, today is your chance to connect deeply with your creative side. There’s no rush—just space to be and create, knowing that tomorrow marks the end of your journey, but the stories you’ve gathered will stay with you long after. As the day winds down, get ready for your departure the next morning with memories of the Atlas Mountains and a fresh perspective to carry with you.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: Kasbah Toubkal (or similar)

As your time in Morocco comes to a close, you'll be transferred from the serene mountains of Imlil to Marrakech airport for your flight home. While it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country, the memories of your adventures—whether it was exploring Marrakech's vibrant streets, connecting with locals, or the peaceful moments in the Atlas—will stay with you long after you leave. Safe travels as you head home, and may the stories and inspiration from this journey continue to inspire your work and your life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Travel Time: 1 hour

TBD

Please join our WhatsApp group - TBD

Claudia - TBD

Emergency Contact Numbers in Morocco - TBD