the design expedition with reyna noriega in morocco
the design expedition with reyna noriega in morocco
27 may - 2 june, 2023 (memorial day weekend)
***early bird pricing of $3500 ends 25 january (save $500). regular pricing of $4000 from 26 january***
marrakesh to agafay desert to essaouira
the ochre city of marrakesh thrums of gnawa music snaking its way through the spice-scented alleyways decorated with intricate architecture. frenetic souks filled with mesmerising art, textiles and potteries. a kaleidoscopic of vibrant blues, greens and gold, the marjorelle garden boasts a plethora of rare flora amidst art deco architecture. you will also revel in yves saint laurent artwork located in a terracotta building made from the very moroccan earth. travel to the desert for a lux glamping experience unlike any other. then, visit the seaside town of essaouira, renowned for its artisans, as you admire the stone city mixed with splashes of blue and white hues. be ready to have your flame of creativity rekindled as you explore moroccan cities spilling with artistry and colours. participate in creative workshops and learn new skills like pottery!
itinerary
WELCOME, your life-changing Moroccan adventure is about to begin
SETTLE into your boutique hotel in Marrakech, the ochre city
GREET your wonderful host and fellow travellers
REYNA’S WORKSHOP: how to connect with your inner world in order to bring beautiful things to life
WINE and dine on the local delicacies Morocco has to offer
MORNING exploration of the tropical jacques marjorelle garden
BE INSPIRED by the legendary work of yves saint laurent
EXPLORE the labyrinth of streets that comprise the red city
MEDINA and food tour experience in the historical djemaa el-fna square
TEA break at riad yima while contemplating hassan hajjaj’s artwork
SCULPT and shape as you learn about popular moroccan pottery techniques
STROLL through the souks permeated with splendid colours
DRIVE to Agafay Desert
CAMEL RIDE into the sunset
FIND your Arabian Moroccan lux tent for the night
WAKE up and get ready to travel to the picturesque town of essaouira
WONDER at the charming whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters
STEP into the medina, senses heightened by the bustling energy and woody scent
HUM along to a haywire of gnawa music as you navigate the sandstone walkways
BREATHE in the salty scent of the atlantic ocean as fishermen auction their day’s catch
INDULGE in a delicious breakfast on the terrace overlooking the tangerine sun
LEISURE day with a multitude of activities to choose from or relax with a mint tea
REYNA’S WORKSHOP on how to find inspiration in the world around you
ARTISAN shopping tour to meet local creators and shop
RUG and textile making workshop
FREE TIME to explore the medinas, browse art galleries, boutiques and port
FINAL morning in essaouira
RETURN to the ochre city after lunch, bidding farewell to the windy bohemian haven
REYNA’S WORKSHOP: the best tools to overcome creative blocks with reyna
REVEL one last time in the shimmering souks, ancient artistry and islamic architecture
RELAX and cleanse your soul with a moroccan hammam massage
GATHER at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your new friends
RISE for your final moroccan sunrise
FAREWELL breakfast altogether
MISS you already
meet your host
reyna noriega is a 29 year old visual artist and author, born, raised and working in miami, fl. having seen the power of introspection, self reflection and healing, reyna’s work centers that aspect of our journeys as we seek to rise and be our best, most authentic selves so that people may experience sustainable peace and happiness.
in her creative work, she has centered women of color. as an afro-caribbean latina she has seen firsthand how damaging it can be to not see positive representation. she aims to fill the world with vibrant, joyful depictions of marginalized peoples. her work has graced covers such as science magazine and the new yorker and thousands of people collect and showcase her art in their homes around the world.
her writings are muses from her own journey condensed into a poetic form that people can digest and insert their own experiences, similar to her faceless drawings. she aims not to be a voice for the voiceless, but to lead them to feel empowered using their own voice.
an invitation from reyna
“Happy New Year! I came into the year with the intention to be more open to the journey ahead and fill it with as many beautiful experiences as possible. Art and travel have always been huge catalysts for growth and understanding of my inner world, being able to merge the two is nothing short of a dream. Now I have the opportunity to go through that exploration with all of you!
I am excited to welcome you to Morocco, with me as your tour guide, an artist and author, as we will be opening our eyes to all the inspiration Morocco has to offer. On our 7 day tour of the Marrakesh and Essouira we will be roaming through tropical gardens, historic streets and architecture. We will be seeing beautiful Morocco through the eyes of artists and artisans, we will use traditional Moroccan customs to incorporate rest and relaxation into our experience. It will be an opportunity to fill ourselves up and express ourselves in new ways with curated art and pottery classes.
The experience will help us dive deeper into ourselves, and broaden our horizons of what we will manifest in the years to come. I can’t wait to have the adventure of a lifetime with you all!”
-Reyna x
exclusions
flights to and from morocco
visas
tipping and gratuities
meals not mentioned on itinerary
travel insurance
optional activities
inclusions
workshops facilitated by reyna noriega:
imagination workshop: how to connect with your inner world in order to bring beautiful things to life in the physical world.
forever inspired workshop: How to find inspiration in the world around you
unleash your creativity workshop: the best tools to overcome creative blocks
6 nights accommodation
1 group airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 7
24/7 english speaking local tour guide
6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
extra local guides at marrakech and essaouira
private transport for 7 days
guided tours of marjorelle garden, yvest saint laurent museum, red city, essaouira medina
camel ride in agafay desert sunset
pottery workshop
rug and textile making workshop
entrance/admission fees with included activities
locations
the places we are staying at are beautiful, all representing their location. located in medina of marrakech we will stay at a riad conveniently close to numerous attractions and restaurants offering local delicacies. you will stay at high luxury tents with breathtaking mountain views in the agafay desert. you will also be staying at a riad in essaouira that is characterised by its andalusian style, along with each bedroom having oriental shimmering tapestries, textiles and furniture. last but not least, you will be staying at another riad in marrakech renowned for their traditional moroccan design and delicacies complemented by views of atlas mountains.
FAQs
How will we experience awe?
Everyday you will be inspired and exposed to a stunning city, architecture, philosophy. This itinerary is brimming at the gills with history and inspiration. You’ll experience medinas, desert landscapes, mountains, cities that inspired the greats. This is the trip of a lifetime.
How is the trip themed?
The trip is designed to expose you to as much stimuli and inspiration as possible. While our focus is art and literary, thanks to our host, Reyna Noriega, we will visit icons of architecture, design, religion, history. For instance, Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakesh, to the very charming town of Essaouira filled with bustling streets, spiritual music and intricate architecture. This can all be used as a jumping point for creativity, reading, and writing. we will send you a reading list prior to the trip so you will learn the words that Morocco has inspired.
How do I get there?
Our journey begins and ends in Marrakesh so fly into RAK, Marrakesh Menara Airport. Your tour guide will pick you up via one group departure on day 1 in a private shuttle and take you to your accommodation. Flight details are needed 30 days in advance. Formal activities start at 3pm, so you’ll have time to relax for the afternoon and check in at 2pm to shower after your flight. Return airport transfers will take place with one group departure on day 7.
What is the rooming configuration?
The trip is priced on a twin share basis, so you get to know your fellow travellers and have a bestie for the entire journey.
When should I book my flights?
You will receive an email to book your flights once we hit minimum numbers for the trip to go ahead.
How can I pay?
Pay the deposit now, and we will contact you for final payment due 45 days prior to trip departure. Alternatively, you can pay in full when you book.
How many people are on the trip?
Minimum 10, maximum 16, for a great group dynamic.
What should I pack?
Day pack for carrying essentials.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.
Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
Light layers for the daytime, including more modest clothing for visits to sacred sites (clothing items that cover the shoulders, or skirts and trousers that go below the knee).
Warmer layers for night time.
Sandals, flip flops, or any kind of water shoe.
Swimmers.
Electrical adaptor.
Water bottle.