MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Beya Rebaï | Pastel Sketching & Drawing
December 6 - 13, 2024
Join Illustrator Beya Rebaï in Marrakech, Morocco, a city steeped in ancient artistry that continues to thrive, kept alive by the craftspeople of the souks and surrounding creative communities. Through dedicated teaching, Beya will guide you through experiments with wax pastel illustration. Learn various techniques and focus on creating colour palettes, mixing shades + creating custom colours. Drawing studies will be inspired by the beauty and character of Marrakech - from the street life of the vibrant and busy medina to lush urban gardens and desert landscapes. You’ll use travel sketchbooks, mini + panoramic artworks, all of which the results of the workshop will take various playful aspects. The workshop days will feature a mix of in-class and on-the-go sketchbook learning sessions.
Full Itinerary below. This workshop is open to all skill levels.
DATES
December 6 - 13, 2024 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Twin Shared Room $3895 USD
Private Room $4595 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Pastel Drawing workshops with Illustrator Beya Rebaï
Explore the artists and gardens of Marrakech through guided tours
Souk Walking Tour
Special Dinner in the Agafay Desert
Transportation during included tours and meals
Airport Arrival Transfer on December 6
Travel + Learn with Beya Rebaï
Parisian-born Beya Rebaï is a prolific artist, always with a sketchbook and wax pastels in hand. Fascinated by colour and inspired by the artistic current of the Nabis, Beya builds her drawings with a narrow and carefully selected colour range which is central to her work.
Everything is an excuse to draw; a bouquet of flowers, a girl in a cafe, the grace of a mountain. She draws on real life, her imagination and memories to create illustrations that tell a story.
Follow along with her on Instagram.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Morocco! Guests arriving on December 6 will be met at the airport and transferred to our riad.
Take some time to settle in before we have a meet + greet welcome dinner with Beya. Our riads are located within the historical medina and there is a lot to explore!
Day 2
This morning we venture out on a guided walking tour to explore the souk areas of the Medina, the spices, the dyeing of fibres, the people, all while observing colours, shapes + smells. We take inspiration to notice and document the various moments throughout this new landscape and discover the new ways it might inspire our creativity in an abstract sense.
This afternoon you’ll have an introductory workshop with Beya. Beya will introduce her creative practice, discuss forms of inspiration. She will then explain how to work with various supplies and you will begin designing your own colour palettes.
Group dinner this evening at one of our favourite restaurants in the medina
Day 3
Today we have a full day workshop session with Beya at the riad, which will focus on Pastel Drawing Techniques. You’ll learn how to combine colours to create custom palettes, light and shadows, blending and textural techniques to incorporate into your practice. Beya will lead you through a variety of exercises to experiment and get familiar with these techniques.
Dinner this evening is free time to explore the medina on your own or with others from the group.
Day 4
This morning we head out to explore the lush green spaces and botanical wonders of the city. We will visit some of Marrakech’s most renowned gardens, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of these natural oases. Vibrant greens contrast the pastels of the medina with citrus orchards, palm groves and giant cacti.
During your tours we find quite moments for Beya to lead you through a series of guided ‘on-the-go’ sketches. You’ll focus on drawing static plant life and learn how to incorporate living scenes of movement.
Dinner this evening we visit a design forward restaurant. Set on a nine-acre garden just outside Marrakech, this is a fairytale oasis overflowing with lush gardens, palm trees, tropical plants, and artisanal details.
Day 5
This morning’s session with Beya will be free sketching based on the techniques you’ve learnt throughout the week. There will also be time for each guest to have a one-on-one session with Beya and discuss your work and ask for advice about your future projects.
After your session with Beya, you’ll have some free time to relax or explore on your own before we reconvene late afternoon and travel to the Agafay Desert for a special dinner under candle light with the calmness of the desert as your backdrop.
Day 6
This morning you’ll have a final session with Beya with the opportunity to review and share your work and techniques with the rest of the group in a “mini-showcase”.
Late morning we depart the riad and venture to the Gueliz neighbourhood to one of our favorite lunch spots. After lunch we will visit visit the studio and shop of a contemporary weaving + painting artist in Marrakech, who revises materials’ purpose and spontaneously combines elements to create uniquely designed pieces.
Dinner this evening is free time to explore the medina on your own or with others from the group.
Day 7
This morning delve into one of the most unique art experiences in Marrakech. Get to learn about the vivid art scene in the city from a few of the artists leading the way themselves. Learn more about Morocco’s “Andy Warhol”. Discover the thought-provoking installations of Mounir Fatmi and discuss the themes that inspire his work. Learn about Mahi Binebine fascinating personal story and how art was a therapy that healed a deep family trauma. Learn about how they tackles social and political issues through art. Today is the day for conversation and discussion about art in Marrakech and Morocco.
Return to the riad early afternoon and the rest of the afternoon is free time to relax, shop and explore. This evening we celebrate our final evening together with a farewell dinner at the riad.
Day 8
After breakfast this morning we pack our bags and say our farewells. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey around the captivating city of Marrakech.
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, some activities may be dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Where We’re Staying
Nestled amongst the historical sights of the city, we have two boutique riads next door to one another which are located at the heart of the Mouassine district, just a 5-minute walk from the vibrant Jemaa El-Fnaa Square and two minutes from the Mouassine Mosque. They features a roof-top terrace with views of the Medina and a courtyard with a small plunge pool.
WHAT IS A RIAD?
A riad is traditional house in Morocco and is characterized by having an inner courtyard or a garden as the central element of the building. Following the Islamic idea of privacy and inward reflection, a riad doesn’t usually have large windows facing the outside. Instead, rooms will have windows facing the opened-ceiling inner courtyard and garden.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 11 guests.
All Prices are in USD.
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM PRICE
Room Notes: Shared rooms have two individual twin beds. You will share a room + bathroom with one other guest for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
The fee for this trip is $3895 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due August 7, 2024: $1900
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM PRICE
Room Notes: You will have a private room for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique. Our group will stay in 2 small riads located next door to one another. If you are travelling with another guest please let us know and we will do our best to assign you rooms in the same riad.
The fee for this trip is $4595 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due August 7, 2024: $2600
Important Trip Notes + Details
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Morocco can be overwhelming for the first time traveler. It is not for the fearful traveler nor for the person who is not open to exploring new cultures, trying new foods, or a schedule which may go awry.
If you prefer a journey free of hassle and without being hectic - this may not be the Ace Camp for you.
CULINARY NOTES + RESTRICTIONS
We cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, egg-free, dairy free or gluten free meals.
While we do our best to manage some dietary concerns with prior knowledge, during certain meals, local dishes may be served family style and will not be possible to modify ingredients.
Most Moroccan food is made of humble things: tomatoes, peppers, onions, pumpkin, olive oil, herbs, spices, eggs, honey, grains, couscous, legumes, fragrant waters. There are certain components essential to real Moroccan cooking: preserved lemons, preserved butter (called smen), olives pickled with aromatics, and vegetables preserved in brine or in raipe (a kind of yogurt in which milk is thickened by an element in the centers of wild artichokes). There are also the delicious preserved meat called khlea, yeast-raised breads, and the onionskin-like pastry leaves called warka used for bisteeya.
We cannot accommodate any dietary preferences if you do not advise us when you register.
Please contact us before registering if you have any questions or concerns.
WORKSHOP SUPPLIES
Essential supplies for your workshop will be supplied but you will need to bring a few things of your own. A workshop supply list will be sent to you prior to your departure. All items will be easy to travel with.
ACCESSIBILITY
You should be comfortable walking or standing for extended periods. Excursions may include navigating uneven terrain such as hilly and cobblestoned streets and possibly a gravel/rough trail. Our hotel and workshop space have several sets of stairs and no elevators.
THIS ACE CAMP INCLUDES
Seven nights accommodations in Marrakech; transport during included tours.; private tours with local guides; exclusive hands-on workshop led by Beya Rebai; Marrakech Airport arrival transfer on December 6; seven breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International roundtrip airfare; Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance that at minimum covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Alcoholic Drinks during included meals; activities and meals not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, expenses during free time; laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary.
COVID DISCLAIMER
While we strive to deliver all aspects of the included itinerary and specific accommodation, due to challenges some vendors may be facing, certain aspects of your Ace Camp may be changed according to the situation beyond our control. In the small chance this does occur, we will work to offer comparable accommodations and/or activities when possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Individuals will be responsible for ensuring they are able to travel to the destination selected. Countries have various Covid-19 related entry requirements including but not limited to: providing proof you are fully vaccinated, taking a test before entry and after entry etc. You should be prepared to meet all necessary entry requirements. This may also include wearing masks in all public settings.
Ace Camps Inc. will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the requirements provided by the country you are visiting.
Please read our full COVID-19 Policies + FAQ’s HERE
WEATHER
Days are usually sunny and hot with balmy evenings, guests should pack light and breezy clothing. The average daily temperature during the month of December hovers around 22 degrees Celsius. Overnight can dip to a potential low of 10 degrees Celsius, and a high of up to 30 degrees Celsius during mid day sun. * Please note that should the weather prove challenging some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
ACE CAMPS TOUR MANAGER
An Ace Camps Tour Manager is a part of your group and is there to look out for your safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Your Tour Manager is not a local guide but will work with all local vendors and partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Ace Camps will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also be sending you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START + FINISH?
This trip starts and finishes in Marrakech, Morocco.
The closest airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is serviced by international + domestic airlines.
BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel on or before August 6, 2024 and receive a full refund minus a $1000 USD per-person admin fee. If you cancel on or after August 7, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee and all funds paid are non-refundable.
Please ensure you read through our full Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy.
QUESTIONS + FAQ’S
If you have any further questions about this Ace Camp please feel free to contact us.
You can also read more FAQ’s here.