COLOURS OF THE SUN
8-15 April 2025
A TASTE OF MOROCCAN TEXTILE CULTURE
Start your adventure in Marrakech. We’ll whisk you away from the hustle and bustle to the peaceful countryside in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. You will be staying in a beautiful country house with swimming pool and lush gardens, taking part in hands-on workshops in dyeing and weaving.
We’ve also included an excursion or two to ensure you really get a taste of authentic Moroccan country life with plenty of time to relax and explore your own creativity using local materials, enjoying home grown produce and healthy meals.
“I am writing to say what a fantastic holiday I have had in Morocco; it was a wonderful mix of workshops which was quite magical - food and accommodation was first class The workshops were extremely informative and enjoyable; I really learnt a lot. The visit to the countryside was also interesting.. I would thoroughly recommend the holiday for any textiles people who want to have a great holiday and learn a great deal about dyeing and weaving.” Gail G, Somerset.
7 NIGHTS - 8-15 APRIL 2025
Prices from £1875 per person sharing an ensuite room for 2
(one double, one single bed)
£2175 per person sole occupancy in an ensuite room with double and single day bed.
Price includes
Transfers to and from Marrakech/Airport.
All workshops and transport for excursions.
Refreshments and lunch provided for the 3 full day workshops Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
7 nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast/Sunday brunch.
Bottled water/tea available on request at Dar Tasmayoun.
Does not include
Flights to and from Marrakech/Morocco.
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks. Beer/Wine available at Dar Tasmayoun for an additional cost.
Refreshments and lunch on Saturday and Monday excursions .
Sunday Yoga session, Hamman and Massage.
Staff Gratuities.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Participation is limited to 8 guests to ensure you have a hands-on experience with like-minded people. All workshops are delivered by the Atelier Talasin team, with Aviva joining you as facilitator and companion throughout the experience.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
7 nights in the beautiful Dar Tasmayoun, a short drive from the Talasin workshops. Located in the beautiful countryside with views of the Atlas Mountains, the house is built in the traditional adobe style, with courtyards and patios and an organic garden with fruit trees that surrounds the swimming pool and terrace area.
There are five bedrooms, all en-suite with a double and single bed with different price options for shared or single occupancy.
Breakfast and Dinner provided each day at Dar Tasmayoun. Other meals as per itinerary. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements when booking.
TRANSPORT
Transport is provided from/to Marrakech and for all workshops and excursions on itinerary.
PRICING + PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit of £275 is required to reserve your place. The remaining balance is payable by end of February 2025.
GETTING TO MOROCCO
You will need to make your own travel arrangements to get to and from Morocco. There are several flights from the UK to Marrakech Menara. We recommend taking the earlier flights to arrive in Marrakech around mid morning.
PRE-TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Vaccinations: Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all travellers going to Morocco
VISA: A visa is not required for UK citizens visiting Morocco for less than 90 days.
Passport Validity: Passport must have at least 6 months validity at time of entry as well as at least one empty page.
What to Pack: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country. We ask that you respect local dress etiquette by covering chest, arms and legs while out and about. Dont forget to pack swimsuit, suncream and yoga attire for your retreat at your country home!
Pre-travel info: Aviva will send out a full list of what to bring with more details on where you are staying, contact details, etc.
NEED MORE INFO? CONTACT AVIVA
ITINERARY
April 8
Arrival/ Marrakech
You will be met by a private driver who will whisk you through the bustling streets of Marrakech to Dar Tasmayoun, your tranquil home in the countryside, a 40 minute drive away. Get settled in to your room, enjoy a simple lunch and relax by the pool, explore the gardens.
In the evening Aviva will join you at Dar Tasmayoun for welcome drinks and dinner, with an introduction to the week’s activities.
High Atlas Mountain visit to villages, preparing the wool
April 9
After a delicious breakfast we will take a drive up into the High Atlas Mountains to meet the women who wash and prepare the special Siroua wool in the local stream. After tea we will take a walk to another nearby village to enjoy a delicious lunch after which you will have an opportunity to learn the technique of drop spinning!
Visit to local weave studio and one day workshop dyeing wool with Henna
April 10
Today you will visit the local weavers to see them making hand knotted carpets using plant dyed Siroua wool. We then go to nearby Atelier Talasin for the first of your one day workshops. Meet Ahmed who will teach you how to dye the hand spun wool with Henna and use different natural ingredients to modify the colours to obtain a variety of beautiful shades as used in their carpets. You will use this wool to create your own weave designs in our workshop tomorrow.
One day weave workshop
April 11
We return to Atelier Talasin for the one day weave workshop - you will thread up a vertical loom and learn different carpet weaving techniques, including the Berber knot, to create your own mini rug design, using henna dyed wool. You will also have the unique opportunity to visit the gorgeous showroom where there are a number of hand knotted rugs and woven accessories available to buy.
Saturday Souk and Cookery Class
April 12
Experience an authentic Moroccan souk! We visit the local Saturday market, where the locals go to purchase everything they need from animal feed to vegetables! - you will have an opportunity to shop for spices and other goodies to take home and we will pick up some of the things we need for our cookery class this afternoon back at Dar Tasmayoun.
Moroccan Cookery Class - today you will be preparing your own dinner! In this special cookery class with Nadira you will learn how to make various Moroccan salads, a traditional tagine and a delicious dessert.
Enjoy a gentle morning yoga session (optional) on the lawn followed by a delicious brunch and a chance to relax by the pool. Spend the day relaxing, exploring the garden or continue working on your weave project.
You may wish to book a pamper session (optional) with a hamman (steam bath and exfoliation followed by a massage with a visiting therapist)
This morning we visit the beautiful Ourika Valley, taking in The Anima Sculpture Park designed by Andre Heller, visit a local pottery, enjoy lunch at the picturesque riverside cafes in Sitti Fatma with an afternoon visit to the Aromatic herb garden where you can enjoy a fragrant foot bath and purchase some of their fabulous organic beauty products. Farewell dinner with Aviva at Dar Tasmayoun.
April 14
Ourika Valley excursion with gardens and lunch by the river.
April 15
Transfer to Marrakech Airport or city.
Sunday Brunch and pamper me day…
April 13
Check out after breakfast. Transfer by private taxi back to Marrakech Airport to catch your flight home. If you decide to linger in Marrakech for a few days and take in some of the sights, we can drop you off in the city at a convenient location.