Our hostess: Maryam
October 1 -11. 2011 his story begins in the fall of 2007. I had started my own blog, Designamour, and had become smitten with the words and images on a delightful little blog by Maryam Montague out of Morocco called My Marrakesh. You see, she and her architect husband were building a dream in an old olive grove just outside of Marrakech. The dream was a series of boutique bed and breakfaststyle guest houses to be called Peacock Pavilions. Blogging comments and creative conversations ensued, and it was decided that I would plan for a group of decorative painters to come there for the chance to experience the magic and beauty of Morocco under Maryam’s guidance, while leaving something beautiful and lasting in return: original and exclusive decorative art on the walls, floors, and ceilings of the guest houses in the olive grove. Well, one trip was not enough to satisfy the yearnings of these two ladies. Morocco has taken hold of my heart, and Peacock Pavilions has blossomed into a beautifully decorated jewel that still offers creative inspiration and decorative painting opportunities. 25 different people have now accompanied me on three different trips, and each has found it to be a life changing experience. We have seen the transformation of Peacock Pavilions from a construction site to chic boutique hotel. Our decorative painting projects there have been featured to the world in the top design and decorating blogs. Books and magazine features will soon follow. This October, I will be returning to Marrakech for what may be a final painting adventure in Morocco, and I hope that you can join me there to leave YOUR mark on this amazing place. Gracious hosts and hospitality, creative painting, exotic cuisine, amazing ancient architecture, and so much more await you on what will be yet another magical, memorable journey! I hope you can join us...
Melanie Royals
Our Itinerary (subject to slight changes)
Friday September 30 -
Depart JFK @6:45pm, EST Note that you will need to reserve your own flight. The airfare cost is not included in the trip package price. See Flight information on page 4.
Saturday October 1 - Arrive at Casablanca airport @6:10am
Private van pickup for transport to Casablanca for breakfast and a 9am guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. Travel to Peacock Pavilions @ 11am for late welcome lunch! Afternoon guided souk shopping in the Medina. Dinner at Peacock Pavilions.
Sunday October 2 -
Van to Medina All-day guided walking tour of historical sites with a local guide. Group lunch in Marrakech. Return to Peacock Pavilions in late afternoon for a cocktail/henna party. Dinner at Peacock Pavilions.
Monday October 3 -
Paint Day at Peacock Pavilions! Private van in the afternoon to visit the gardens and enjoy cocktails at the legendary La Mamounia hotel. Group dinner in the Medina.
Tuesday October 4 -
Paint Day at Peacock Pavilions! Private Van to the Medina for independent souk shopping and dinner on own in Jemaa el Fna square.
Wednesday October 5 - Paint Day at Peacock Pavilions!
Dinner at Peacock Pavilions includes a movie at the outdoor cinema on site.
Thursday October 6 -
Final Paint Day at Peacock Pavilions! Transfer to Maison du Tresor, our exclusive private, riad residence in the heart of the Medina. Dinner independently.
Friday October 7 -
Morning shopping in Gueliz (new city area of Marrakech). Group lunch in Gueliz Afternoon trip to walk through the famous Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech. Group dinner at chic Le Comptoir Darna
Saturday October 8 - Private van for day trip to Essaouria
Group lunch on the beach, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll and shop on your own all afternoon. Return in early evening for independent dinner back in Marrakech.
Sunday October 9 -
Some Suggestions for your Free Day, Oct. 9th • • •
Quad or Camel Excursions Classic Moroccan Hammam and Massage Cooking Classes: - Souk Cuisine - La Maison Arabe • Day trip to High Atlas Mountains • A very good, basic travel site on Marrakech/Morocco (click to link to websites)
A free day to do as you wish: shop, sightsee, book a hammam and massage, take a cooking class, ride a camel, travel to the Atlas mountains…we will assist you with plans and reservations as needed.
Monday October 10 -
Special Tadelakt Workshop! We will attend a hands-on, 4-hour Tadelakt workshop with local craftsmen at an atelier in a small village just outside Marrakech. Practice working with Tadelakt on a wall, as well as on a piece of pottery to take home. Farewell group dinner.
Tuesday October 11 - Depart Marrakech for Casablanca
Take Royal Air Maroc Flight 200@ 12:30pm to JFK. Arrive at JFK airport in New York @ 4:45pm EST.
Discover Marrakech Discover the magic of Peacock Pavilions, and participate in our special, on-site decorative painting projects.
Explore the history and mysteries of the Medina on a guided, private tour. Experience exquisite dining in ultra-chic night spots. Take a leisurely stroll through the famed Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech.
Discover hidden shopping treasures amongst the souks.
Enjoy the seaside town of Essaouira, famous for its laid-back vibe, shopping, and stunning blue doors Try your hand at tadelakt plaster, the famous Marrakech plaster that is “hard as �. stone, and soft as silk
r Live like a Rock Sta e in our exclusive privat ina. residence in the Med
Flight Information
This exclusive trip includes:
• Luxury accommodations (double occupancy bedrooms/private baths)
Reservations from NYC to Casablanca can be made through Delta OR through Royal Air Maroc, as they are code share partners. If you have a connecting flight into/out of NYC, we recommend that you try to book on Delta so that you can book your bags through Kennedy on your originating flight.
• Breakfast daily • Lunch 5 days at Peacock Pavilions, on Medina tour, Essaouira day trip, Gueliz shopping day • 6 dinners, including wine and cocktails • Private van transportation throughout, including airport transfers • Guided tour and entrance to Hassan II Mosque/ Casablanca • Privately guided tour of the Medina, including entrance to historical sites • Visit and drinks at La Mamounia • Guided shopping with Maryam • Outdoor cinema showing at Peacock Pavilions • Le Comptoir Darna dinner and show • Day trip to Essaouira • Hands-on Tadelakt workshop • Paint class and hands-on projects completed at Peacock Pavilions
NOT INCLUDED: Meals where indicated Airfare (estimated currently at $1400 round trip fare from JFK-Casablanca)
These suggested flights allow you to arrive and depart with the group, and take full advantage of all included activities and private transportation: September 30, 2011 Delta Flight 7849 (Royal Air Maroc #201)
October 11, 2011 Delta Flight 7847 (Royal Air Maroc #200)
LV NYC-Kennedy
6:45pm
LV Casablanca
12:30pm
AR Casablanca
6:10am
AR NYC-Kennedy
4:45pm
Trip Package Cost: $3190 SAVE $200 and pay only $2990 when you pay in full upon registration. Hurrry! This offer expires July 31, 2011 Staggered Payment Plan Option: $1000 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot upon registration $1095 due July 1, 2011 $1095 due August 15, 2011 $3190 Total Note: A 3% surcharge will be added to ALL payments made by credit card. You may call in your registration to Danelle Hildebrand at 800-663-3860. Email: danelle@modellodesigns.com Please mail checks to: Modello Designs 3517 Main Street, #301 Chula Vista, CA 91910 Attn: Morocco 2011 For more trip information, please email melanie@modellodesigns.com
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