Hands of Marrakech
From Clay to Gold
An Artisan Immersion & Cultural Wellness Retreat
Morocco • October 2–12, 2026 • 11 Days
Hosted by Samira Shuruk | Limited to 14 guests
Featured expert in:
Why This Retreat Exists
The first time I watched a Moroccan artisan shape raw plaster into intricate geometric patterns, I forgot to breathe.
He worked without a template. No ruler, no pencil marks. Just decades of practice guiding his hands through curves and angles that mathematicians would need equations to describe. And what takes this from remarkable to sublime is that his grandfather taught his father, who taught him. The pattern was in his hands before he was born.
That moment changed what I wanted to offer the people who travel with me.
I’d been leading international retreats for years—beautiful trips with culture, stretching, gentle Pilates, meditation, nature, and gorgeous settings. But watching those hands work, I realized I wanted to go deeper. I wanted my guests to feel what I felt: the meditative stillness that comes from creating something with your own hands, guided by someone whose family has done this for centuries. Connecting with yourself, with artisans, with love, and with appreciation.
So I built an entire retreat around it. Not a tour with a craft workshop added on. An immersion into the artisan traditions that have shaped Marrakech for generations—zellige mosaic, carved plaster, traditional painting, hand-loomed rugs—taught by the master artisans themselves, in their workshops deep in the Medina.
This is my sixth time leading a group in Morocco. I know these artisans personally. I know which riads feel like home. I know which palace dinner will leave you speechless. And I know that when you sit down with clay or tile or paint, something shifts. The noise quiets. Your hands take over. And you walk away with so much more than a souvenir.
This isn’t a tour of Morocco
It’s a week and a half of creating with your hands, dining in palaces, moving your body on the rooftop terrace, and being welcomed into traditions that have inspired for centuries.
The souks aren’t a shopping stop, they’re the path to your teacher’s workshop. The cooking class isn’t a tourist activity, it’s a professional chef school that trains Moroccan women. The riad isn’t just a hotel — it was first a historic foundouk or caravanserai, beautifully restored into a spacious hotel and then was Mick Jagger’s favorite place to stay in Marrakech.
Every detail has been put together for authentic cultural immersion without sacrificing comfort or guidance. Reserve your space, now.
This Retreat Is For You If…
✓ You’ve ever stopped in your tracks because a room, a tile pattern, or a piece of fabric took your breath away
✓ You’re a fashion lover, interior designer, architect, artist, or anyone who gets weak in the knees over craft and detail — Marrakech will ruin you in the best possible way
✓ You’d rather spend a morning learning from a master artisan than checking five landmarks off a list (although we will visit the biggies)
✓ You want to shop the souks with real knowledge — after learning a craft yourself, you’ll recognize quality, support genuine artisans, and know exactly what you’re bringing home
✓ You want cultural depth and genuine connection, not a tour bus and a flag-waving guide
✓ You’d love someone else to handle every detail so you can be fully present
✓ You’re ready to come home with a lighter heart, new friendships, and four pieces of art you made yourself
Your Journey
Arrival & Your Medina Home
You arrive in Marrakech and are whisked from the airport to our boutique riad in the prestigious Dar al Bacha neighborhood — one of the Medina’s most exclusive and tranquil quarters. Settle into your room. Find the pool, the rooftop terrace, the garden courtyard. Take a breath. You’re here.
Workshop Days
Four mornings, you’ll walk through the souks to a master artisan’s workshop and learn to create with your hands. Zellige mosaic. Carved plaster. Traditional zwaq painting. Hand-loomed rug weaving. Each afternoon is yours — the pool, the hammam, the souks with newfound confidence, or simply the rooftop terrace with a book and mint tea.
Cultural Outings
Three days of guided adventures into Morocco’s heart. A walking tour through the UNESCO-recognized Medina with expert cultural interpretation. A full-day cooking immersion at a professional chef school. An exploration of Majorelle Gardens, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and an extraordinary antique shop that supplies museums worldwide.
Evenings
Dinner in historic palaces from the 16th to 20th centuries, surrounded by intricate tilework and carved cedar. Or at our riad, where the cafe serves modern cuisine with fantastic coffee and a full bar. Sunset will bring the call to prayer along with brilliant orange clouds, or the most remarkable lavender and pink wash in the sky. Post-dinner conversations on the rooftop terrace under Moroccan stars.
No two days look the same. That’s the point.
Your Daily Rhythm
Mornings:
Most mornings begin on the rooftop terrace with gentle movement; a blend of mobility stretch, yoga, and Pilates adapted to every level in the group. It’s optional, but most guests find it becomes their favorite part of the day. Breakfast at the riad, then a short walk through the souks to your artisan workshop, where you’ll spend the morning creating.
Afternoons:
Most afternoons are intentionally open.
This time is for the hammam spa — on-site or at a nearby hammam. For shopping the souks with confidence gained from your cultural immersion. For the pool. For the rooftop terrace with mint tea. For a museum visit with an optional personal guide. For a nap. For whatever your body and spirit are asking for.
I’m always around for recommendations, shopping guidance, or simply good company.
Evenings:
Optional meditation on the rooftop terrace as the city settles into evening. Then dinner — sometimes at our riad, sometimes at a historic palace where the tilework alone is worth the trip. Evenings unfold naturally: post-dinner conversations, star-gazing from the terrace, supportive chats, or quiet reading.
Nothing is forced. It’s all taken care of. Just enjoy.
What You’ll Create
Four mornings with master artisans. Four pieces of art to bring home.
✓ Zellige Mosaic — Master the geometric art of traditional Moroccan tilework, chipping and placing each piece by hand
✓ Carved Gypsum Plaster (Gebs) — Shape intricate patterns in the medium that adorns Morocco’s most treasured palaces
✓ Zwaq Painting — Discover the vibrant world of Moroccan decorative arts with brushwork techniques passed down through generations
✓ Hand-Loomed Rug Weaving — Learn ancient Amazigh weaving techniques on minature traditional looms
Each piece is designed to fit in standard luggage. You’ll bring them home as treasured reminders of our new friends and what your hands can do.
Where You’ll Stay
A beautifully restored boutique riad in the Medina’s most prestigious neighborhood. Heated pool. Traditional hammam. Rooftop terrace. Ensuite rooms with authentic architectural details and modern comfort.
A Culinary Journey Through Morocco
Moroccan cuisine warms rather than overwhelms — fragrant tagines with preserved lemons and olives, fluffy couscous with seasonal vegetables, fresh salads with herbs and citrus. For those who enjoy mild heat, traditional harissa is always on the side.
You’ll dine in historic palaces from the 16th to 20th centuries. You’ll cook at a professional chef school that trains Moroccan women to become chefs. You’ll discover both traditional dishes and contemporary interpretations by modern Moroccan chefs. And you’ll drink very good mint tea.
All meals are included except one flexible lunch in Gueliz for personal exploration. Common dietary restrictions are easily accommodated.
Your guide Samira
I’ve been leading international wellness retreats for over a decade and teaching movement for forty years. My cultural connection to the MENA region runs deep — 25 years as a professional cultural dance artist gave me relationships and understanding that no guidebook can provide.
This will be my sixth time leading a group in Morocco. I know these artisan families personally. I know which streets to turn down and which to avoid. I know how to get the most out of a souk negotiation without anyone feeling taken advantage of. And I know that the best travel happens when every detail is handled and you can simply be present.
My work as a fitness expert has been featured in CNN Health and Prevention. My student base includes NIH scientists, sports medicine professors, and physical therapists — alongside complete beginners. I adapt to every level, every body, every comfort zone. We will talk before we travel so I can plan my classes around you.
I’d love for you to experience Morocco with me.
Guest Testimonials
“So many magical moments, I don’t even know how to begin. I felt like you created this journey just for me.”
— Lindsey, Morocco
“This wasn’t just a vacation, it was a transformational experience. I didn’t just see a new country — I grew as a person.”
— Lauren, Morocco
“As Samira opened our eyes to new Moroccan treasures every day, she was ever encouraging, flexible, knowledgeable, and accommodating.”
— Leila & David, Morocco
"With such a small, intimate group, I felt cared for the whole time by you, and I feel like I've made genuine new friends. We've already made plans to get together when we get back home."
Jan, Kenya and Morocco guest
The Investment
11 days, all-inclusive. Every workshop, every meal (except one lunch), every palace dinner, every accommodation, every transfer, every wellness session. See full details in FAQs.
Double Occupancy
Starting at $5,495 per person
$1,000 reserves your place • Payment plans available
Room Options
Double Occupancy (per person):
Deluxe Room — $5,495
Deluxe Room w/ Terrace — $5,695
Junior Suite — $5,895
Junior Suite w/ Terrace — $6,095
Deluxe Suite — $5,395
Deluxe Suite w/ Terrace — $6,395
Dar al Bacha Suite — $7,995
Single Occupancy
Starting at $6,095 per person
$1,000 reserves your place • Payment plans available
Single Occupancy:
Deluxe Single w/ Terrace — $6,095
Deluxe Room — $6,895
Includes
Guidebook, pre and post retreat support
Selected
accommodation
Airport transfer
to/from retreat
Painting class (Zwaq)
Guided meditations
Moroccan mosaic class (zellige)
Walking history tour of Marrakech
UNESCO World Heritage sights
Taxes
Early-bird savings!
Samira shopping and activities guidance
Traditional & modern Moroccan Cuisine
Coffee, tea
Indoor pool time
Moroccan Cooking Class
Museum entries on excursions
Movement classes
Hand loom rug making class
Carved Plaster class (Geb)
Medina Souks right outside!
Excursion transportation
Free time for iluxurious self-care
Come With Your People
Some of my favorite retreat moments happen when friends travel together; indulging and giggling in the hammam, conspiring to buy matching kaftans, sharing mint tea on the rooftop while comparing the day’s creations.
If you’re thinking about bringing a group of four or more, I offer a group rate. Reach out and let’s talk about making it happen.
Your Week
Saturday, October 3
Arrive Marrakech • Airport transfer • Settle into riad • Welcome dinner
Days 2–4
Artisan workshop mornings • Free afternoons • Palace & riad dinners
Day 5
Historic Medina discovery • Guided walking tour • UNESCO sites
Days 6–7
Artisan workshop mornings • Free afternoons • Palace & riad dinners
Day 8
Moroccan cooking immersion • Chef school • Late afternoon free • Riad dinner
Day 9
Majorelle Gardens • YSL Museum • Gueliz arts exploration • Free lunch • Riad dinner
Day 10
Free day • Last-minute souk shopping • Farewell dinner
Monday, October 12
Airport transfer • Departure
An invitation to magic
The first time you walk into a Marrakech riad and look up, something happens. The geometry of the tilework, the light filtering across carved plaster, the colors — it stops you. You don’t need to know anything about design to feel it. The beauty is so layered, so intentional, so everywhere that your eyes don’t know where to land first.
Now imagine sitting across from the artisan who creates that beauty. He’s patient. He’s been doing this since he was a boy, taught by his father, who was taught by his grandfather. He puts the tools in your hands, guides your first cuts, and smiles when you hold your breath as a pattern starts to appear.
That’s what I built this retreat around. Not the Marrakech you get on a five-cities-in-seven-days tour, pouring in and out of buses with thirty strangers and a flag-waving guide. Not two rushed days in the Medina between Fez and Casablanca.
Eleven days. One extraordinary city. Fourteen guests who want to understand the hands and spirituality behind the beauty. And when you do shop the souks — and you will — you’ll know the difference between mass-produced and master-made. You’ll recognize the quality, the soul in the work, because your own hands learned what it takes.
Palace dinners. Rooftop mornings. Afternoons that belong entirely to you.
No one else does this. I’ve looked. Other Morocco tours show you the souks. We walk through the souks to get to our teacher’s workshop. Other trips include a cooking demo. Ours is a full day at a professional chef school. The difference is depth — and depth takes time, and a small group, and someone who knows the artisans by name.
I’m incredibly proud of what this retreat has become. If it’s calling to you, trust that feeling.
Warmly,
Samira
P.S. If you have questions—about the workshops, the riad, the food, anything—reach out and ask me. I’ll give you an honest answer. That’s always been the deal.
See you in Marrakech
October 2–12, 2026 • 14 guests maximum
Starting at $4,595 all-inclusive
Marrakech Retreat FAQs
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This is boutique small-group travel. My retreats vary between 5 and 14 guests.
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11 days/10 nights of authentic artisan immersion with luxury accommodations
Pre-retreat preparation guide and cultural orientation meeting. This includes packing lists and more. I want you to feel prepared.
Daily morning movement sessions – gentle mobility stretch, yoga, core-work and/or Pilates adapted to guests’ levels
Rooftop mindfulness meditation sessions with optional somatic healing
Four hands-on craft workshops with master artisans: Moroccan rug weaving, zellij mosaic creation, zwaq painting, and carved gypsum plaster (gebs)
Authentic Moroccan cooking class at a chef school that trains women to become chefs
All meals included except one flexible lunch in Gueliz for personal exploration
Expert-guided historic tour of Marrakech Medina with cultural insights
Luxury accommodations in a stunning riad in the prestigious and calm Dar al Bacha neighborhood of the Medina
Airport transfers to/from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and all local transportation
Visit to Les Jardins Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Berber Museum, plus exclusive antique and modern artisan shopping
Daily time for riad amenities: pool, traditional hammam spa, rooftop terraces, and gardens
Take home all your handcrafted creations – designed to fit in standard luggage
Small group experience with personalized attention from start to finish
Not included:
International airfare
Travel insurance (with international travel you want to purchase genuine travel insurance, such as with Faye Travel. Credit card insurance is more of just an “add-on” service and does not provide the same level or ease of coverage.)
Beverages beyond water with your meals
One lunch while we are in Gueliz on free time
Souvenirs and other purchases
Spa (hammam), extra tours or other optional add-ons (I can arrange them for you)
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Your Medina Sanctuary: Where historic luxury meets modern comfort
Step into the Medina's magical maze from your private oasis – a meticulously restored boutique retreat venue that perfectly balances authentic Moroccan architecture with contemporary luxury amenities. Your home base features:
Heated swimming pool for year-round enjoyment in our private courtyard
Traditional hammam spa on-site for authentic Moroccan wellness experiences
Rooftop terrace where morning movement classes unfold with gorgeous blue skies and the aroma of fresh bread baking!
Full-service cafe and restaurant offering both international and Moroccan cuisine
WiFi throughout for staying connected when desired (Although I encourage unplugging!)
Spacious, elegant accommodations with authentic architectural details and modern comfort
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Single and double occupancy options are available.
If you want to travel double occupancy but do not have a roommate in mind, please contact me before registering.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Pay in full, or pay $1000 reservation fee.
Payment plans are available.
PricingEarly Bird (register by February 28, 2026):
$4,595 and up per person, double occupancy
$5,195 and up single occupancy
Regular Rate (starting March 1, 2026):
$5495 and up per person, double occupancy
$5,995 and up single occupancy
Registration & Payment
$1,000 is due at registration to reserve your space and payment amount. This includes a $500 non-refundable reservation fee. A payment plan is available
Or pay in full today.
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Typical Hands-on Workshop Day
A Perfect Rhythm of Learning, Creating, and Relaxing
7:15am - Rooftop terrace morning movement practice (optional) - gentle mobility stretch, yoga, Pilates, and mindful preparation for the day
8:15am - Breakfast in our boutique hotel
9:00am - Hands-on craft workshop with master artisans in traditional settings:Moroccan Rug Weaving—Learn ancient techniques passed down through generations
Zellige Mosaic Creation—Master the geometric art of traditional tilework
Zwaq Painting—Discover the vibrant world of Moroccan decorative arts
Carved Gypsum Plaster (Gebs)—Shape intricate patterns in this traditional medium
1:00pm - Lunch at our riad or local restaurant
2:00pm - Free time for personal exploration:Hammam spa experiences (on-site or nearby)
Shopping in the vibrant souks
Museum visits and cultural sites
Pool time and rooftop terrace relaxation
Personal rest and reflection
7:00pm - Optional evening meditation on the rooftop terrace
7:30pm - Dinner at our riad or one of several historic palaces
Evening: As you wish—post-dinner chats, supportive conversations, reading, and stargazing! -
Cultural Immersion Outing Days
Three Guided Adventures Into Morocco's Heart
Historic Medina Discovery Day
Journey through UNESCO-recognized Marrakech with expert cultural interpretation. Visit architectural treasures including Ben Youssef Madrassa, Badi Palace, and Bahia Palace. Navigate the legendary souks, experience the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and discover hidden gems like traditional bread ovens and rooftop city vistas. Throughout your explorations, you'll have opportunities to support contemporary Moroccan artists while learning about traditional craftsmanship. Each tour is uniquely crafted by our guides to reveal layers of history and contemporary life.Moroccan Cuisine Culinary Immersion
A full-day cultural and culinary journey beginning with an exploration of Moroccan culture and traditional teas. At my favorite professional cooking school, where Moroccan women train to become chefs, you'll master the art of preparing fresh salads, authentic tagines, and traditional couscous. Stroll through their beautiful gardens and enjoy the feast you've created together, returning to Marrakech in the afternoon enriched with new culinary skills and cultural understanding.Gueliz Arts & Gardens Exploration
Discover Marrakech's artistic legacy at Les Jardins Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Berber Museum. Explore the modern quarter's sophisticated cultural offerings, then visit a special shop described as "Ali Baba's cavern" – an extraordinary antique store that supplies museums with rare treasures and supports contemporary Moroccan artists. Choose lunch among the gardens, at the museums, or at a charming street cafe as you explore this day of artistic discovery. -
Every afternoon has several hours of free-time.
All activities are optional as well. If you prefer to sleep in over morning class before breakfast, please do! -
We will have a mix of traditional Amazigh meals (tagine, couscous, etc), modern Moroccan food, and European options at many spots.
All the most common food restrictions are accommodated. -
The optional classes are modified for all levels. Class will be a mix of yoga, gentle Pilates, strengthening and stretching, along with meditation. Morning classes are on the rooftop terrace, where we get to enjoy the smell of fresh bread baking in the neighborhood ovens.
The Medina has many cobblestone streets and uneven steps. Your FitBit will be busy, and you will want to wear comfortable shoes for walking! -
My events are always inclusive, and where we are going is considered safe.
Morocco is a more conservative country, and as such, ALL couples practice discretion and avoid PDAs. I go into more details in our pre-retreat meeting and welcome questions in the meantime. Please reach out and we can find a good time to chat.
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Every trip is different because the mix of guests changes. I have many repeat guests, and friendships are often formed.
Approach travel with intellectual curiosity and an open mind and heart. Be sure to also pack your sense of adventure and joy. You’ll fit right in!
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Samira Shuruk has been teaching fitness and movement for 40 years and leading international retreats for a decade.
She is a big animal, nature, and culture lover and spent 25 years as a professional cultural dance artist. This will be her sixth time leading a retreat in Morocco. -
Retreat Dates: October 2 - 12, 2026
Depart US East Coast: Friday, October 2 (this may be different from other departure regions)
Marrakech Arrival: Saturday, October 3
Marrakech Departure: Monday, October 12Airport in Marrakech: RAK
Note: Marrakech arrival date refers to your planned arrival in Marrakech accounting for overnight flights and international travel schedules.
I arrange your hotel transfers.
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Registration & Payment
$1,000 due at registration to reserve your space and payment amount. This includes a $500 non-refundable reservation fee
Payment plans are available in 2 or 4 payments (4.5% service fee on balance)
~ All early bird registration single payment balances are due by July 1, 2026
~ All other registration single payment balances are due by Sept 1, 2026
You’ll receive email invoices for balance payment
Balance payments made via invoice
Or you may pay in full
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All international retreats are subject to a $500 non-refundable reservation fee.
Full cancellation details are in the Terms and Waiver, which you agree to when you make your first payment. -
Visa and vaccination requirements are dependent on where you are from and where you are traveling from.
For this trip you are required to protect your investment with travel insurance. You shall send proof of insurance within 14 days of initial reservation payment.You will receive more information on both after registration.
Member of the Transformational Travel Council
Photos from Samira’s retreats in Marrakech
