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Gayle Kabaker is a painter, writer, teacher and visual storyteller

Why I keep returning to Morocco

Discover the retreat that blends art, culture, wellness and soul-deep inspiration.

Gayle Kabaker

Oct 24

READ IN APP

Morocco Click here

Jennifer Orkin Lewis and I are so excited to share that we’re going back to Morocco to teach for the fourth time! Sept 16-23, 2026
This will be our third workshop at the same venue — the beautiful Atlas Kasbah — and it remains our absolute favorite out of all our trips over the past four years. To say I am inspired by the colors, textures, people, light and pretty much everything in Morocco would be a major understatement.

Why do I love it so much?
The venue is incredible — authentic, inspiring, and breathtakingly beautiful. Every time I stepped out of my super-comfy bedroom, I found myself taking photos: the light, the views, the way the shadows fell — everywhere you turn, it’s inspiring. Oh, speaking of the comfy room? The beds and bedding are so luxurious, the showers are excellent and you’re given wonderful bath products to use. (If you read my last newsletter you know this is super important to me :)

The staff treats us like royalty. Once they know your preferences, breakfast might begin with, “Are you ready for your soy latte?” The food is delicious, and there’s a spa and hammam right on-site! The pool and painting area are stunning. Once, during a heatwave, we painted in our bathing suits and aprons, dipping in and out of the water about one foot away from our painting tables whenever we got hot. You never know what the weather will bring, but we’ve always had great luck — and even the heat feels fine when you can cool off in the pool!

Unforgettable cultural experiences
This trip offers more rich, creative, and cultural experiences than any of our others. Local women from an Argon oil cooperative visit us in traditional dress to demonstrate how the oil is made — and we draw them! Afterwards, we can purchase their high-quality oils and products, knowing we’re supporting a local women’s cooperative. It’s a win-win for everyone. Do you know about the anti aging properties of cactus oil!? It’s my favorite since I started using it two years ago in Morocco.

We always sketch the wonderful owners as they share the history of the place and lead us in a traditional tea ceremony. A lively Berber band performs for us (another chance to draw!), and we take two half-day excursions — one to the local Medina (the largest in Morocco!) for shopping, and another to the beach in nearby Taghazout. (Everyone always wants me to show how I paint water) We even get a lesson from the manager of the Kasbah on writing in Berber and Arabic!

We find that having our students draw so much of what they are seeing in a very lose interpretive way, helps them to learn what they actually love and want to paint. We offer the freedom to interpret rather than try to get exact scenes or likenesses. This is so freeing for many, especially those who are frustrated & stressed by trying to capture something in a realistic way.

Wellness

With daily yoga (optional and designed for all levels) plus the hammam and spa services, it’s a week that nurtures both your creativity and your body.

Last years wonderful group.

We have SO MUCH FUN!

Jennifer and I always spend a few days in Marrakech when we arrive. We stay in a wonderful riad that we love and have kept in touch with a fantastic local guide — we’re happy to share this information with you! There’s a lovely shop in the Marrakech Medina where the owner always remembers us, even when it’s been a few years.

From the Marrakech airport, an Uptrek bus takes everyone to the Kasbah, about a three-hour drive near Agadir. Never traveled alone? This is the perfect way to start! You’ll meet like-minded women who get excited about a paint color. We always feel completely safe traveling solo in Morocco — people are kind, helpful, and respectful, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable walking around, even on my own.

This retreat has only been offered just to our past groups and Patreon and it’s selling fast!

Morocco

We’d love for you to join us! I am happy to answer any questions.

Here’s a bit more of the art I made on our last trip this past June.