Bookings for 2026 classes open!
8 days
Join internationally acclaimed embroidery artist Kate Barlow for an unforgettable week of stitching, inspiration and cultural discovery in the heart of Marrakesh. From 3rd to 10th March 2026, this Creative Experiences retreat blends four full days (24 hours) of expert embroidery tuition with curated excursions that celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Morocco.
Our base for the week is the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden, a 5-star hotel ideally located in the city’s vibrant Gueliz district. Enjoy contemporary comfort, excellent amenities, and a beautiful light-filled studio space with floor-to-ceiling windows—perfect for detailed hand embroidery and creative focus.
Kate’s unique teaching style and refined techniques will guide you through a thoughtfully developed embroidery project over four days, giving you time to learn, create, and connect with like-minded textile enthusiasts in an inspiring setting.
Beyond the studio, we’ll explore Marrakesh’s dynamic spirit. Wander through the famous Souks on a guided tour highlighting the city’s traditional crafts and exquisite textiles. You'll also enjoy an exclusive visit to the iconic Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, where design, fashion, and Moroccan artistry come together in stunning harmony.
Whether you're refining your skills or immersing yourself in something new, this retreat promises relaxation, creativity, and a true cultural escape.
Highlights:
Every detail of your retreat has been carefully curated to ensure a seamless and inspiring experience. From luxurious accommodation to exclusive excursions, this package includes everything you need for a week of creativity, culture, and connection in vibrant Marrakesh.
Accommodation
Seven nights at the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden – a contemporary oasis in the heart of the city, offering spacious rooms, exceptional amenities, and a peaceful studio space bathed in natural daylight.
Meals
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Most meals will be served at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring Moroccan and international cuisine. One dinner will be held at a carefully selected local restaurant to enhance your culinary experience.
Excursions & Entry Fees
A curated programme of guided excursions designed to celebrate Marrakesh’s rich artistic and cultural heritage – including a private tour of the historic Souks and a visit to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and Jardin Majorelle. All entrance fees are included.
Studio Access
Enjoy access to a dedicated light-filled studio space within the hotel, equipped with magnifying lamps and designed for your comfort and creativity.
Tuition Fees
Four full days of expert embroidery instruction (24 hours in total) with renowned embroiderer Kate Barlow. Guests will select from a curated range of project kits from Kate’s exclusive catalogue. Teaching is delivered in a relaxed, small-group setting to encourage personal attention and inspiration.
While we aim to provide an all-encompassing retreat experience, the following items are not included in the package price:
Travel to and from the retreat venue
Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden, including flights and airport transfers. Private airport transfers can be arranged upon request, and we are happy to assist with booking this service.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the package and will be charged separately.
Meals away from the hotel
Two lunches and one dinner during excursion days will be taken off-site and are not included in the package price, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy Marrakesh’s vibrant local cuisine.
Gratuities
Gratuities for hotel and excursion staff are not included. However, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities during your final booking process should you wish to do so.
Project Kit
The embroidery project kit is not included in the tuition fee. Guests will choose from a pre-selected range of kits from Kate Barlow’s exclusive catalogue, with prices and details provided in advance.
The retreat will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden, conveniently located in the heart of Marrakesh’s modern district, Gueliz, and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions.
By Air
The closest airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is well connected to major cities across Europe. Direct flights are available from numerous UK and European hubs, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid.
Airport Transfers
Private airport transfers can be arranged through Creative Experiences to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival. The hotel is approximately 15–20 minutes by car from Marrakesh Menara Airport. We will contact all participants ahead of time to coordinate transfer details if you wish to book this service.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport. Be sure to agree on a price before departure, or use the airport’s official taxi service counter for fixed rates.
Travel Assistance
If you would like help arranging your journey or have any questions about your travel options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we are happy to assist with recommendations and bookings.
Your retreat base is the Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden, a contemporary 5-star hotel combining modern elegance with Moroccan flair. Situated in the lively Gueliz district, the hotel offers a tranquil haven with stylish rooms, lush gardens, a refreshing pool, and a beautifully appointed studio space filled with natural daylight—perfect for embroidery.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy seven nights in spacious, air-conditioned rooms, each offering modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and luxurious bedding. The hotel also features a wellness spa, gym, and rooftop terrace with views over the city and distant Atlas Mountains.
Meals
Your stay includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner—most of which are served at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant offering a blend of Moroccan and international cuisine.
Please note that two lunches and one dinner taken during excursions are not included, allowing you the freedom to explore local food spots at your own pace. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
To ensure you have a comfortable and inspiring stay in Marrakesh, especially in early March when the weather is typically warm and sunny with cooler evenings, we recommend packing the following essentials:
Embroidery Supplies
Bring your own embroidery tools such as scissors, magnifiers, and any preferred accessories you enjoy using. Kate will share project kit options in advance, and you’ll select your kit from her curated catalogue before the retreat.
Comfortable Footwear
Marrakesh’s souks and gardens are best explored on foot. Pack well-cushioned, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and stone pathways.
Light Layers & a Warm Wrap
Early spring days are generally sunny and warm, but mornings and evenings can be cooler. Light, breathable clothing layered with a jumper or shawl will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sun cream, and a wide-brimmed hat are highly recommended, particularly for outdoor excursions to the Souks and Jardin Majorelle.
Modest, Lightweight Clothing
While Marrakesh is cosmopolitan, it’s respectful to dress modestly when out and about. Lightweight tops with sleeves, long skirts or trousers, and a scarf to drape over your shoulders will keep you cool and culturally appropriate.
Smart-Casual Attire
Include a few smart-casual outfits for dinners, especially for our evening at a local restaurant.
Travel Adapters
Morocco uses standard European plugs (Type C and E). If you're travelling from outside Europe, be sure to bring a suitable adapter.
Camera or Smartphone
To capture Marrakesh’s rich colours, textures, and your embroidery progress throughout the week.
Small Day Bag
Perfect for excursions—pack a crossbody or small backpack for essentials like your water bottle, phone, purse, and sunhat.
Having these items will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and ready to embrace the magic of Marrakesh.
We want every guest to have a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience during their time in Marrakesh. Due to the nature of this retreat and the setting of the city, we kindly ask guests to consider the following before booking:
We will always do our utmost to support your participation and provide suitable recommendations where possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help ensure your time with us is both comfortable and rewarding.
We want every guest to have a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience during their time in Marrakesh. While we strive to accommodate a range of needs, we kindly ask guests to consider the following before booking:
Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to support you in making an informed and comfortable decision.
Your wellbeing during the retreat is important to us. Please consider the following health-related guidance to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco from the UK or most European countries. However, the following are generally recommended:
Please consult your GP or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
If you have any specific health questions or require further guidance, we are happy to assist.
Class Description
Kate will design a new project for this class combining the colours of Morocco. First sneak peak of the new design will be shown soon.
Kate Barlow
Kate Barlow is a master embroiderer known for her artistry, warmth, and world-class teaching. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, she began her creative career in costume design before transitioning into the world of fine embroidery.
Kate trained at the prestigious Royal School of Needlework, graduating with distinction and multiple awards, including the Elizabeth Elvin Goldwork Award and Merchant Taylors Company Outstanding Achievement Award. Her celebrated silk shaded budgie “Smuggler” was even exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition.
Today, Kate teaches widely across the UK, Europe, and North America and has collaborated with respected organisations including the Crewelwork Company, Needlework Tours, and the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She also had the great honour of contributing to several historic pieces for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including the Queen’s Robe of Estate and the Anointing Screen.
With her deep knowledge, approachable teaching style, and boundless enthusiasm, Kate makes every class both educational and inspiring—perfect for stitchers of all levels.
Your creative journey begins as you arrive in the enchanting city of Marrakesh. We recommend arranging a private airport transfer for a smooth and stress-free arrival; these can be organised in advance through Creative Experiences.
Our base for the week is the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel in the vibrant Carré Eden district. With a rooftop pool, modern rooms, and a light-filled studio with floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel offers the perfect mix of comfort and creative inspiration.
After settling into your room or perhaps enjoying a short stroll around the nearby gardens and shops, we will meet for a relaxed welcome drink in the hotel bar. This will be followed by a delicious group dinner, giving you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and embroidery enthusiasts.
Highlights:
We begin our adventure with a sensory-rich guided tour of the legendary Marrakesh souks. Led by an expert local guide, you'll discover colourful textiles, hand-dyed threads, and exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship. The souks are a treasure trove of inspiration for embroiderers and creatives alike.
At midday, we’ll pause at a well-regarded local spot where guests can enjoy a light lunch. While food is optional and at your own cost, we recommend trying one of the authentic Moroccan dishes such as tagine or pastilla.
The afternoon offers a little free time for shopping, sketching, or photography before returning to the hotel to relax. In the evening, we reconvene for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Highlights:
After breakfast, we step into the hotel’s beautifully lit studio space for our first full day of embroidery with Kate Barlow. Guests will have selected their kits in advance from a curated range in Kate’s catalogue — each one thoughtfully chosen to suit a variety of interests and experience levels. Kate will introduce the chosen projects and guide you through the materials, techniques, and plan for the week.
The morning and afternoon sessions are designed to give ample time for hands-on work, with one-on-one guidance from Kate. A light lunch will be served onsite to keep energy levels up and the creative flow going.
After class, unwind by the pool, enjoy a cocktail, or take a short walk before we meet again for our group dinner.
Highlights:
Today offers another opportunity to dive into your embroidery under Kate’s expert guidance. As your project develops, you'll find moments of quiet concentration balanced by supportive conversation and collaboration.
We’ll break for a light lunch at the hotel and continue into the afternoon. After class, you might enjoy a soak in the hotel’s spa or browse local artisan boutiques.
In the evening, we head out together for dinner at one of Marrakesh’s charming local restaurants. This shared meal is a wonderful chance to experience the hospitality and warmth of Moroccan culture.
Highlights:
Today we immerse ourselves in the artistic legacy of Marrakesh with a visit to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, which houses a striking collection of haute couture and textile inspiration. Afterwards, we’ll explore the nearby Jardin Majorelle, famed for its vibrant cobalt blue architecture and exotic botanical collections.
Guests are encouraged to enjoy lunch at one of the stylish cafés located onsite, offering delicious light fare in a lush setting. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to wander, sketch, or simply relax before we return to the hotel.
Dinner will be served back at the hotel.
Highlights:
With fresh inspiration from yesterday’s excursion, we return to the studio to continue work on your project. Kate will be available throughout the day to answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and provide individual support.
Today is also a good opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned so far, refine your stitches, and connect with fellow guests. The relaxed pace allows space for both productivity and connection.
Highlights:
Your final full day in the studio is the perfect time to complete your project or add those personal finishing touches. Kate will be available to support each guest as they wrap up their creative work.
In the afternoon, we will host an informal "show and tell" session for those who wish to share their work and reflect on the week. This celebratory closing offers a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.
We finish with a festive group dinner back at the hotel — a joyful and flavourful end to our week in Marrakesh.
Highlights:
After a rich and colourful week of creativity, discovery, and connection, it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with new friends before your departure.
Hotel check-out is at 12:00. Private airport transfers can be organised on request for your convenience.
Highlights:
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Deposits
For any holiday, we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of holiday cost. If your deposit payment is not received within 7 days, the holiday may be offered to other interested parties.
Payment of holiday cost
The balance of your holiday cost must be settled 8 weeks prior to the commencement date of your holiday. If your holiday booking is made within 8 weeks of commencement, payment must be made in full immediately on booking. If payments are not made in accordance to this schedule, bookings will be treated as cancellations and deposits will not be refunded.
Insurance
Every person for whom a holiday is booked with Creative Experiences must have adequate insurance cover and must be able to show us proof of insurance upon request.
Cancellation by the client
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Alteration by Creative Experiences
If in the unlikely event that there have to be any alteration made by Creative Experiences, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.
We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
Our holidays require a minimum amount of guests to be able to to continue with the holiday. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the holiday in case the minimum number has not been achieved.
Changes
Should you wish to change your booking, Creative Experiences will endeavour to accommodate any changes subject to any differences in price and availability, but cannot guarantee that changes can be made. Creative Experiences will make an administration charge of £50 for any change in booking. Bookings cannot be changed within 2 weeks of the start of your holiday.
Responsibility
Creative Experiences will not be liable for any loss or damages occurred to any client as a result of:
Any event or circumstance which could have been avoided if the client had taken reasonable care.
Any circumstance or event which Creative Experiences or its suppliers could not have foreseen or prevented even with all due care and attention.
Circumstances out of the reasonable control of Creative Experiences such as strikes, wars, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, terrorism, government actions, natural or nuclear disaster adverse weather conditions including injury or illness to staff thus reducing level of service.
Injury, illness or death due to any activity at any time during your holiday, except where such injury or death is caused by the negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences.
Loss of, theft of or damage to any of your belongings at any time of your holiday, whether within the chalet, in the neighbourhood or otherwise.
Injury, illness or death associated with the consumption of any food or drink we may supply except where such illness, injury or death is caused by the wilful negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences or its directors, officers or employees.
Excursion days
We do not accept responsibility if an artisan or person does not show up or cancels private booked excursion such as walking tours, artisan lessons, cooking lessons, wine tastings etc. Should this situation arise, Creative Experiences will try their very best to book another excursion and find an alternative at no cost to the client.
Our suppliers
Creative Experiences is working with third party suppliers such as hotels, villas, transfer companies and others. We are more than happy to discuss any of your requirements such as food allergies with hotels, specific room allocations, pick and drop off times with transfers companies, however we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. In case of special client requirements not being accepted by the third party, we will be contacting you at our earliest convenience to let you know.
Complaints and Problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday, you must immediately inform the Creative Experiences representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to solve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. We regret we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint or claim which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.
Website Accuracy
Please note that the information and prices shown on this website may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices, regrettably errors occasionally do occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. The website is the sole responsibility of Creative Experiences. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Emergency
Creative Experience will provide you with assistance in case of emergency during your holiday with us. We can help you bringing you to health services, working with local authorities and international consulate in case you lost your passport or important papers.
If you have an emergency because of your own negligence, Creative Experiences may ask you for a fee occurred during the process such as extra transfers, missed bookings with third parties and more.
Conduct
When you enjoy your holiday with Creative Experiences, you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you. In case of damage in a hotel or villa (third party supplier), the client has to pay the damage charges directly to the supplier.
We do reserve the rights to cancel your holiday, in case you put others in danger through your actions, verbal abuse and by causing significant distress to other holiday makers who are joining that group. We do not tolerate violence or abuse in any form to our clients or staff members.
Deposits
For any holiday, we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of holiday cost. If your deposit payment is not received within 7 days, the holiday may be offered to other interested parties.
Payment of holiday cost
The balance of your holiday cost must be settled 8 weeks prior to the commencement date of your holiday. If your holiday booking is made within 8 weeks of commencement, payment must be made in full immediately on booking. If payments are not made in accordance to this schedule, bookings will be treated as cancellations and deposits will not be refunded.
Insurance
Every person for whom a holiday is booked with Creative Experiences must have adequate insurance cover and must be able to show us proof of insurance upon request.
Cancellation by the client
Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable
Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable
Alteration by Creative Experiences
If in the unlikely event that there have to be any alteration made by Creative Experiences, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.
We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
Our holidays require a minimum amount of guests to be able to to continue with the holiday. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the holiday in case the minimum number has not been achieved.
Changes
Should you wish to change your booking, Creative Experiences will endeavour to accommodate any changes subject to any differences in price and availability, but cannot guarantee that changes can be made. Creative Experiences will make an administration charge of £50 for any change in booking. Bookings cannot be changed within 2 weeks of the start of your holiday.
Responsibility
Creative Experiences will not be liable for any loss or damages occurred to any client as a result of:
Any event or circumstance which could have been avoided if the client had taken reasonable care.
Any circumstance or event which Creative Experiences or its suppliers could not have foreseen or prevented even with all due care and attention.
Circumstances out of the reasonable control of Creative Experiences such as strikes, wars, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, terrorism, government actions, natural or nuclear disaster adverse weather conditions including injury or illness to staff thus reducing level of service.
Injury, illness or death due to any activity at any time during your holiday, except where such injury or death is caused by the negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences.
Loss of, theft of or damage to any of your belongings at any time of your holiday, whether within the chalet, in the neighbourhood or otherwise.
Injury, illness or death associated with the consumption of any food or drink we may supply except where such illness, injury or death is caused by the wilful negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences or its directors, officers or employees.
Excursion days
We do not accept responsibility if an artisan or person does not show up or cancels private booked excursion such as walking tours, artisan lessons, cooking lessons, wine tastings etc. Should this situation arise, Creative Experiences will try their very best to book another excursion and find an alternative at no cost to the client.
Our suppliers
Creative Experiences is working with third party suppliers such as hotels, villas, transfer companies and others. We are more than happy to discuss any of your requirements such as food allergies with hotels, specific room allocations, pick and drop off times with transfers companies, however we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. In case of special client requirements not being accepted by the third party, we will be contacting you at our earliest convenience to let you know.
Complaints and Problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday, you must immediately inform the Creative Experiences representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to solve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. We regret we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint or claim which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.
Website Accuracy
Please note that the information and prices shown on this website may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices, regrettably errors occasionally do occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. The website is the sole responsibility of Creative Experiences. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Emergency
Creative Experience will provide you with assistance in case of emergency during your holiday with us. We can help you bringing you to health services, working with local authorities and international consulate in case you lost your passport or important papers.
If you have an emergency because of your own negligence, Creative Experiences may ask you for a fee occurred during the process such as extra transfers, missed bookings with third parties and more.
Conduct
When you enjoy your holiday with Creative Experiences, you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you. In case of damage in a hotel or villa (third party supplier), the client has to pay the damage charges directly to the supplier.
We do reserve the rights to cancel your holiday, in case you put others in danger through your actions, verbal abuse and by causing significant distress to other holiday makers who are joining that group. We do not tolerate violence or abuse in any form to our clients or staff members.