Sue Taylor Kydd
M O R O C C O
April 13 - 24, 2026
Whispers of Light
A 3-Day Fine Art Photography & Writing Workshop with Sal Taylor Kydd in the Kasbahs and Desert of Morocco
Embark on a twelve-day journey through the untamed beauty of Morocco, highlighted by a three-day immersive Fine Art Photography and Writing Workshop with Sal Taylor Kydd, set amid the storied kasbahs and windswept desert landscapes of the Atlas Mountains.
From the moment you emerge from the Marrakech airport, something inside you stirs. The scent of orange blossom and spice lingers in the air. The melodic call to prayer weaves its way into your soul. The city swirls with pattern, palette, and poetry - and your artist’s eye awakens.
This all-inclusive journey is more than a trip - it is a creative pilgrimage. Led by artist and photographer Sal Taylor Kydd, you’ll travel from the ochre walls of Marrakech to the wild silence of the Sahara, following ancient caravan routes through the High Atlas Mountains to the lush palms of the Draa Valley.
The heart of our retreat unfolds in my private desert atelier, nestled within Kasbah Aitisfoul, where we’ll spend three full days with Sal guiding you in thoughtful image-making and visual storytelling, immersed in creativity, light, and stillness. You’ll experience a sunset camel ride in the golden dunes, and be nourished by traditional Moroccan hospitality each step of the way.
This is the Art of Travel - where photography becomes ritual, and every horizon invites you to see anew.
Michelle x
Sal Taylor Kydd is a photographic artist and writer whose work delicately interlaces photography, poetry, and alternative processes to evoke themes of memory, belonging, and the quiet passage of time. Rooted in personal narrative and a profound sense of place, her practice is marked by a lyrical fusion of image and text. Her fine art photographs and assemblages have been exhibited widely across the U.S. and internationally, including recent shows in New York, Milan, and London. Her work has appeared in Don’t Take Pictures, Lenscratch, Shots Magazine, and Diffusion Annual.
She is the author of several books that blend her poetry with photographic work—volumes that reside in esteemed collections such as The Getty Museum, Bowdoin College, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Maine Women Writers Collection. Her latest book, Crossing, captures the remote beauty and solitude of the Penobscot Bay islands. A 2024 finalist in the Critical Mass photography competition, Taylor Kydd continues to shape contemporary photography through both her art and her teaching. An experienced educator, she has led workshops and portfolio reviews with institutions such as Maine Media, The Griffin Museum, and Nord Photography in Norway. Originally from the UK, she holds a BA in Modern Languages from Manchester University and an MFA in Photography from Maine Media.
About the workshop:
Join photographer and poet Sal Taylor Kydd for an immersive three-day workshop set against the luminous backdrop of Morocco’s ancient kasbahs and sweeping desert landscapes. This journey is designed for photographers and writers seeking to slow down, tune in, and deepen their creative voice through image and word.
Each day will blend guided photographic explorations with contemplative writing exercises, as we wander earthen alleys, trace shadow and texture in sunlit courtyards, and capture the ever-shifting palette of the Sahara at dusk. We will seek out the poetry of place — the quiet gestures, the patina of time, the interplay of light and silence — using both camera and pen to respond.Daily prompts will invite you to reflect on memory, belonging, and transformation — themes at the heart of Sal’s own practice.
This workshop is open to photographers of all levels who are drawn to the intersection of visual and written expression. Whether you work with film or digital, prefer prose or poetry, you’ll leave with a body of deeply personal work and a renewed connection to your creative self.
Highlights include:
Location shoots in the labyrinthine kasbahs and expansive dunes
Daily writing prompts inspired by landscape, light, and memory
Group discussions and image reviews
Time for solitude, reflection, and connection with fellow artists
Optional sunset camel ride and desert meditation
Come with a curious heart and leave with a portfolio that sings with light, language, and longing.
ITINERARY
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, and new opportunities.
Day 1: Marrakech
Monday, April 13, 2026
arrival
Plan to arrive today, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and gently brought to our Riad — your first taste of Morocco’s quiet beauty. A glass of mint tea will welcome you, fragrant and sweet, as you settle in and let the rhythm of this new place begin to find you.
As the sun begins to dip, we’ll gather for our first evening together — a rooftop welcome dinner under the soft glow of twilight. A local henna artist will grace our hands with delicate designs, marking the beginning of our shared adventure in this land of story and soul.
Dinner
Day 2: Marrakech
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
treasure hunting
BREAKFAST 8 AM | DEPART 9:30 AM
Wake to the scent of warm bread and spices drifting through the Riad — a traditional Moroccan breakfast to ease you into the day.
Then, we step into the winding heart of the Medina, where a guided walk will lead us through the vibrant souks — a tapestry of basketry, leatherwork, fragrant herbs, and vivid spices unfolding around each corner.
After lunch, we’ll visit the photography museum, a quiet moment of visual inspiration, before returning to the lively rhythm of the market to try our hand at the art of bartering — a dance of language, laughter, and exchange.
Lunch/Dinner
Day 3: Marrakech
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
hunt & wander
BREAKFAST 8 AM | DEPART 9 AM
After breakfast, we set out to explore the iconic Jardin Majorelle — a lush, cobalt blue oasis once tended by artists and dreamers — followed by a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where fashion and Morocco entwine in timeless elegance.
After lunch, the afternoon is yours — to wander, to rest, to let the city settle into your bones.
For tomorrow, we begin our journey along the ancient caravan route — where the red city fades behind us and the road stretches toward desert and legend.
Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Ouarzazate
Thursday, April 16, 2026
journey through the ancient trade route
BREAKFAST 8 AM | DEPART 9 AM
This morning we leave Marrakech behind and ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the legendary Tizi n’Tichka Pass. As we rise, the landscape shifts — Morocco begins to reveal a wilder, more elemental side. Jagged red rocks meet fertile green riverbeds, and the dry breath of the desert begins to whisper.
By afternoon, we arrive at an ancient Kasbah — a place steeped in story. Here, we’ll settle in for a Berber-style stay: simple, soulful, and rich with warmth. The hospitality is heartfelt, the connection real.
In the quiet of dawn, we’ll rise together to witness the Kasbah at sunrise — the kind of beauty that slips beneath the skin.
Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Aitisfoul
Friday, April 17, 2026
valley of the Draa
BREAKFAST 8 AM | DEPART 11 AM
Today we journey deeper into the south, following the winding path of the Draa River — a lush ribbon of life lined with millions of palm trees and timeworn Kasbahs that rise like echoes from another era.
We’ll pause for lunch in the oasis town of Zagora before continuing on to the village of Tamegroute, where an ancient library holds fragile manuscripts that whisper the knowledge of centuries past.
In nearby Amzrou, we’ll meet local artisans — skilled jewelry makers whose craft has been passed from hand to hand across generations.
By evening, we’ll arrive at Kasbah Aitisfoul — our home at the edge of the desert — where the silence stretches wide, and the stars begin their nightly dance overhead.
TOMORROW WE BEGIN OUR WORKSHOP WITH SAL
Day 6, 7 & 8: Workshop
Saturday, April 18 - Monday, April 20, 2026
Whispers of Light
Our days in the desert will unfold gently, shaped by your own creative rhythm. Whether you choose to dive deep into the workshop or wander slowly with your camera in search of golden light, there is space for it all. Sketch, sip mint tea, or simply be — this is your time.
DAILY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
10am to 12:30pm: Workshop
1:30pm - 2:30pm Lunch
2:30pm - 5:00pm Workshop
The studio doors will remain open into the evening for those who wish to continue creating under the hush of the desert sky.
One afternoon, we’ll step beyond the studio for our Souk to Tagine Experience — visiting the weekly market, gathering fresh ingredients like the locals do, then returning to Aitisfoul to cook alongside our chef in a hands-on feast of scent, spice, and shared joy.
Day 9: Marrakech
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
on the road to Marrakech
BREAKFAST 8 am I DEPART 9:00
After greeting the sunrise and sharing a final breakfast in the quiet of the desert, we begin our journey back to Marrakech — winding once more through breathtaking landscapes, where every curve in the road reveals another view to marvel at, another memory to tuck away.
Dinner at our Riad
Day 10: Marrakech
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
a day to relax
BREAKFAST 8:00 am I 10:00 am
After breakfast, we ease into the day with intention — a morning to slow down, to breathe, to let the stillness settle. For those who wish, hammam and massage appointments have been arranged throughout the day — a time to cleanse, to release, and to wash the desert from your skin and soul.
Lunch will be available at the Riad between 1:00 and 3:00 pm — order when you’re ready, eat when it feels right.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish — rest, wander, reflect — until we gather again for dinner at 7:30 pm
Dinner
Day 11: Marrakech
Thursday, April 23, 2026
a day to shop
BREAKFAST 8:00 am I DEPART 9:30
After breakfast, we’ll dive into the vibrant mayhem of the Medina — a sensory tapestry of color, scent, and sound — before pausing for a relaxed lunch.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace: lose yourself in the souks, discover hidden corners, or simply soak in the pulse of Marrakech.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather at 7:00 pm and make our way to our final evening dinner together and toast the journey we’ve shared.
Farewell Dinner
Day 12: Marrakech
Friday, April 24, 2026
farewell… for now
BREAKFAST 7- 8 AM | DEPART 9AM ONWARD
This morning brings our farewells and transfers to RAK - Marrakech Menara Airport or onward, if your Moroccan journey continues.
If you feel called to stay a little longer or explore more of this captivating land, let me know — I’d be happy to help you shape your dream extension into something unforgettable.
THE INVESTMENT
This is a 12 day all inclusive Art of Travel Experience, including a 3 Day workshop with Sal Taylor Kydd in Morocco.
$2000 USD NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS DUE UPON ENROLMENT
April 13 - 24, 2026
TOTAL AMOUNT || $5700 USD
DEPOSIT || $2000 USD
(maximum enrollment 12 person)
April 13 - 24, 2026
TOTAL AMOUNT || $6900 USD
DEPOSIT || $2000 USD
(limited availability for private room)
PLEASE NOTE:
PLEASE NOTE
Due to the intricate planning and logistics involved, all payments for this journey are non-refundable. Before registering, please ensure you are well informed about traveling to Morocco and feel confident in your commitment.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Pick-up is included only for arrivals on the indicated dates.
If you choose to arrive earlier and stay at the hotel, you will be responsible for your own transfer fees. That said, we are more than happy to help you arrange any additional nights and private transfers as needed.
TRIP AND PRICE DETAILS
Please hold off on booking your flight or purchasing travel insurance until you receive written confirmation from us that the retreat is confirmed and minimum numbers have been met. If the retreat does not go ahead, your deposit will be fully refunded.
• Non-refundable deposit: $2000 USD – due upon registration
• Final payment due: November 13, 2025
(An invoice and payment instructions will be sent two weeks prior)
PASSPORTS
Travellers to Morocco must hold a passport valid for at least 180 days beyond your planned arrival.
Let us know if you have any questions — we’re here to help make the lead-up to your journey as smooth as the desert sand beneath your feet.
What’s included
Airport transfers to and from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) on designated arrival and departure days
Lodging in shared accommodation (double occupancy with twin beds)
Limited single rooms available for an additional supplement
All meals: daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Personally guided and accompanied by yours truly throughout the journey
All local guides and entrance fees
A lovingly curated welcome gift bag
Creative workshop with Sal Taylor Kydd
All in-country transportation
Traditional hammam + relaxing massage experience
Laughter, sisterhood, unforgettable memories — and yes, plenty of beautiful photos to take home with you
This journey is more than a trip — it’s a soulful adventure.
What’s NOT included
International airfare and travel to/from Marrakech
Travel medical insurance (mandatory)
Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Art supply list (to be provided upon registration)
Additional nights of accommodation or custom add-on adventures (we’re happy to assist with arrangements)
Personal spending money
Tips and gratuities
To simplify, we suggest a “tip kitty” of $20 USD per person, per day — collected on the first day and thoughtfully distributed to the many wonderful local people working behind the scenes to make your experience extraordinary.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM MICHELLE
Travel medical insurance is required for this journey — I personally use World Nomads, but there are many providers to choose from.
Trip cancellation insurance is also strongly recommended.
Morocco is a land of beauty, contrast, and surprise. For first-time visitors, it can feel intense — a kaleidoscope of sound, scent, and color. This experience is designed for the open-hearted traveler: someone curious about culture, comfortable with the unexpected, and able to flow with changes in plan or rhythm. Flexibility isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
This retreat is ideal for those who want to explore Morocco with the support and camaraderie of a group. It’s for the adventurer — the one who wants to taste, feel, and witness a world far from their own, while still being held within a thoughtful, guided experience.
If you have serious food allergies (such as peanuts, wheat, gluten, dairy, etc.), please know that while not impossible, Morocco may be a challenging place to accommodate strict dietary needs. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer customized meal plans. However, all group meals will include vegetarian options.
Please consult a travel clinic, doctor, or healthcare provider at least six weeks prior to departure, especially if you have ongoing health concerns. If you’re uncertain whether this trip is right for you, I encourage you to speak with your doctor before registering.
If you have any questions at all before signing up, don’t hesitate to reach out — I’d love to hear from you.
You can email me here.
Frequently asked Questions . . .
“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”
What People Are Saying:
Michelle was genuinely enthusiastic about the entire trip and made friends with the locals wherever we went. She reassured us when we were uncertain and clarified directions/instructions so we were absolutely clear about the “mission at hand”. Michelle’s love of place and infusive energy set an adventurous tone for every excursion we went on – she’s fun!
— Katie Kendrick
“The desert has a way of distilling everything down to the essential. Thank you for nourishing us in every way, allowing us to focus on our creativity and make discoveries about our own essence.”
- Ingrid Miller