2023 Designer Retreat- French Riviera
From Riad inspired living spaces, patterns, pillows, and rugs crafted into countless home décor essentials, you don’t have to look far to see the influence of Moroccan Design. We will explore traditional and modern Moroccan design elements that will translate into your client spaces. This is a unique opportunity to meet like-minded designers with a love for global inspired décor. During this retreat designers will connect with the artisan design community and have the opportunity to source product selections for their clients.
- Guided group tours and activities
- Mini Workshops:
- On the go design sketching to inspire future design projects, textile
- design, furniture design
- An introduction to designing your own textiles
- Sourcing products both in Morocco and from home
- A private tour of the Souks to get you comfortable shopping and exploring on your own
- A behind the scenes look at how things are made and the cultural influences behind them
- A first hand experience into global style for a global market .
Itinerary
Day 1-Sunday
Welcome to Marrakech Plan to arrive in Marrakech for late morning/midday. Airport Transfer to Maison 28 will be provided. You will be welcomed with a glass of Atay (Moroccan Mint Tea) and you own personal pair of Maison 28 house slippers. After a little time to settle in we will head out to lunch at a local restaurant. Followed by a walking tour through the nearby souk markets for an introduction and orientation to our neighborhood in the medina. As the evening approaches we will gather for cocktail's and dinner Maison 28. Day 2- Monday A Magic Carpet Ride: Moroccan Rugs After breakfast, we will head out to the souks for an insider look at Moroccan Rug design. After a lovely lunch at a lovely local restaurant we will head to do a little shopping in the souks Then off to the Musee Boucharouite where you will get an inside look at ingenuity and artistry of the Berber women who create carpets. We will finish the evening with a rooftop dinner at La Foundouk Day 3- Tuesday A Journey Through Time:Moroccan Architectural Design Breakfast at Maison 28 Exploring Traditional Moroccan Architecture Workshop: Design Sketching On-the-Go Lunch Exploring Modern Moroccan Architecture Additional time after lunch to explore After our morning breakfast we will head out to explore some traditional Moroccan Architecture at Palais Bahia. Following our tour, we will gather for a mini workshop on Design Sketching On-the-Go. You will have some time to explore, take photos and sketch before heading out to lunch Royal Mansion. After lunch we will head out to take in the gardens and created by Spanish landscape Designer Luis Valliejo. Here you will also have an opportunity to explore both Modern and Traditional Moroccan Architectural design Day 4- Wednesday A Day at the beach: Day Trip to Essaouira After Breakfast at Maison we will head out for a day trip to the seaside city of Essaouira. After a stop to see goats in the Argan trees we’ll see how the women’s cooperatives turn the nuts of those trees into Argan oil. Once in Essaouira, you will have the opportunity to tour in some local boutiques and galleries. We will break for lunch and then you are free to explore the area and shop. We will end the day with a caravan camel ride/photo shoot and dinner on the beach. Day 5-Thursday Flea Market Finds We will head out after breakfast to do a little treasure hunting at a Moroccan style flea market. Here you will find everything from carpets to vintage treasure. After lunch we will head back to Maison 28 for a little show and tell of the goodies we found. You will have the rest of the evening on your own to relax or head out into the souks. Day 6-Friday Pull Up a Seat: Moroccan Furniture Design Following morning breakfast we will head up to the studio for a little workshop on Moroccan furniture design, techniques, patterns, and materials. Then off to the souks, to meet some of the craftsman in the souks. After a delicious lunch at El Fenn we will take some time to explore and you are free to head out to shop. We will meet back at Maison28 to freshen up and head out to dinner at local restaurant near the 'Big Square' Day 7- Saturday Let your Light Shine: Moroccan Lighting Design After breakfast at Maison 28 we will head out to the Blacksmith Souks and explore the art of Moroccan Metal work. Here you will get a glimpse at everything from lighting to locks being hand crafted by local artisans. We will then explore some great places in the souks to by lighting. after a delicious rooftop lunch at Terrasse des Epices we will head out to explore a few Moroccan hardware shops. You will have a little time to explore around the areas we stop. As the evening approaches we will lead over to have dinner under the lemon trees at Limoni. Day 8-Sunday Relax and Take it All in No retreat is complete without a day of rest and relaxation. We will start our day with breakfast at Maison 28. Then we make our way to La Bains De Marrakach where you can enjoy a famous Moroccan hamman/gommage treatment (steam bath & scrub) followed by a soothing 1-hour massage. After our morning spa day we will head back to Maison 28 to freshen up and relax. Then we will head out for a special evening to stimulate your senses at La Mamounia. Here we will have time to walk through and explore the indoor and outdoor spaces , followed by dinner at Le Marocain Day 9- Monday Modern Moroccan flavor in the New City Following Breakfast, we’ll head to Gueliz to explore Modern Moroccan design and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Then a visit to the famously enchanting Jardin Majorelle, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (created the famous Majorelle Blue color) and was later restored by designer Yves Saint Laurent. Then back to Maison 28 for a Dinner and Henna Party. Day 10-Tuesday Bislama, Until we Meet Again Breakfast at Maison 28 Transport to the airporte Jardin is the creation of the Spanish landscape designer Luis Vallej |
Whats Included
Included:
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Payment and Terms
$2995 private queen room
$2695 shared twin room
(all Maison 28 rooms have ensuite private baths)
A non-refundable deposit of $695 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments approximately 6 months and 3 months before the retreat day. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
IF you are forced to cancel prior to 3 months before the start of the retreat and your reserved spot can be transferred to another person, we will refund any previous payments less the $695 deposit. No refunds or transfers will be available after your final payment.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.
$2695 shared twin room
(all Maison 28 rooms have ensuite private baths)
A non-refundable deposit of $695 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments approximately 6 months and 3 months before the retreat day. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
IF you are forced to cancel prior to 3 months before the start of the retreat and your reserved spot can be transferred to another person, we will refund any previous payments less the $695 deposit. No refunds or transfers will be available after your final payment.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.
Ellie McintoshEllie is an Interior Designer and Textile Designer based out of North Carolina. She holds a BFA in Interior Architecture Design from The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado. Her work can be found throughout the United States and Morocco and often showcase her various creative specializations. Her diverse body of work incorporates global style, innovative design applications, and artistry. Her Moroccan textile collections express her love for Moroccan design and Arabic calligraphy.
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Good To Know
Travel To Morocco
Travelers from the US only are required to have a valid US Passport – but it must NOT be due to expire within 6 months of your return flight.
Your flight destination will be Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK). Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that has direct flights from the US to Morocco, from both JFK and Washington Dulles.
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, as there are many connecting flights to Marrakech through economy airlines such as Ryan Air, Easyjet, Iberia, etc. We’ve found that it is easier to find good connecting flights on the way to Marrakech than on the return, but you can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in Spain, France, Portugal, England….
Immunizations are not required or necessary but check here for CDC recommendations.
Your flight destination will be Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK). Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that has direct flights from the US to Morocco, from both JFK and Washington Dulles.
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, as there are many connecting flights to Marrakech through economy airlines such as Ryan Air, Easyjet, Iberia, etc. We’ve found that it is easier to find good connecting flights on the way to Marrakech than on the return, but you can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in Spain, France, Portugal, England….
Immunizations are not required or necessary but check here for CDC recommendations.
What to Wear
Weather is predictably unpredictable so be sure to check on the estimated conditions the week before you travel. Even though Marrakech can be quite warm by day, it is usually quite cooler at night so pack light clothes that you can layer. We recommend cotton pants, long skirts, wraps or large scarves over tank and tee shirts, and a sweater or light jacket for chilly nights.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for traversing the Medina on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Morocco is a Muslim country and women generally dress more modestly than in the US or Europe. Maison 28 is located in a more conservative, residential area in the old Medina. Like elsewhere, dress codes are gradually becoming more lax and there is a lot of tolerance for tourists, but wearing clothing that covers your best “assets”, and that your grandmother would approve of, shows cultural respect, good taste, and common sense.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for traversing the Medina on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Morocco is a Muslim country and women generally dress more modestly than in the US or Europe. Maison 28 is located in a more conservative, residential area in the old Medina. Like elsewhere, dress codes are gradually becoming more lax and there is a lot of tolerance for tourists, but wearing clothing that covers your best “assets”, and that your grandmother would approve of, shows cultural respect, good taste, and common sense.
Money Exchange
The currency here is the Moroccan Dirham, and the exchange rate usually hovers these days around 10 Dirhams/1 Dollar. You CANNOT exchange for Dirhams outside of Morocco, but there are several currency exchange booths in the airport when you exit Passport Control and also located all around the Medina. Larger stores and restaurants may take Euros, but it’s really best to have dirhams.
If you bring large bills ($100) to exchange be sure that they are newer bills with holograms. Otherwise they will slide them back to you with a shake of their head.
Another good option for padding your wallet with dirhams is to use the ATM machines which are located around the medina. The exchange rate is a little better, especially if your bank or credit card doesn’t add foreign transaction fees (some homework for you). Be sure to notify your bank of your foreign travel destination so they don’t flag you for fraud. I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged (happens!) and find too many things you just can’t live without.
If you bring large bills ($100) to exchange be sure that they are newer bills with holograms. Otherwise they will slide them back to you with a shake of their head.
Another good option for padding your wallet with dirhams is to use the ATM machines which are located around the medina. The exchange rate is a little better, especially if your bank or credit card doesn’t add foreign transaction fees (some homework for you). Be sure to notify your bank of your foreign travel destination so they don’t flag you for fraud. I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged (happens!) and find too many things you just can’t live without.
Rooms and Amenities
Maison 28 offers:
- Free Wifi access in all rooms and common areas
- Bedside Mineral Water
- Hair Dryers
- One-time complimentary laundry service for retreat weeks
- European Plug adapters
- Electricity Converter for hair appliances (cellphones and computers generally have built-in converters)
- Ear Plugs – especially if you’re a light sleeper. Maison 28 is in a quiet neighborhood but there is local “wildlife”, i.e. Medina cats and a neighborhood rooster who sometimes like to make themselves heard. Also, the first call to prayer from the surrounding Mosques occurs about an hour before dawn.