Creative Retreats:
Los Angeles/Ojai &
Morocco 2026

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For years, Cheema’s Travel was known for small-group, low-key bougie culinary retreats that brought people together through food, story, and deep cultural connection.

Food was the bridge — a way to slow down, step off the tourist path, and remember what it feels like to be human together. Sharing stories, laughs, cultures, and history over food.

In 2025, everything shifted for Cheema’s Travel. That year became one of letting go: old identities, old structures, and the version of the business that no longer fit. It was a year that I let go of Cheema’s Travel and leaned into Cheema Travels.

What emerged wasn’t a departure from travel, it was a return to something even more essential; creativity, making, and art as a living practice.

Creative Retreats (coming in 2026) are being reimagined not as trips in the traditional sense, but as invitations for creatives, makers, and people who spend too much time behind screens to reconnect with their hands, their imagination, and their inner world & child. Inspired by a creative reawakening sparked abroad in Portugal, India, and Mexico, and a deeper commitment to supporting art as medicine in these times, these retreats will honor process, place, and presence, creating space not just to go somewhere new, but to remember something true.

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❋ Intentional Structure

Structure without rigidity.

Each residency has a loose but intentional rhythm, time to make, time to rest, time to share, without over-scheduling or rushing.

the length (1 week for international)
the pace (slow, rooted, still)
the creative spine (art every day)

You decide:
Hotel choice (curated by me, voted by you)
Meals & experiences (curated by me, voted by you)

❋ Collaborative Energy

This is key.

These retreats are co-created, with you. I curate the container, then the group shapes it together by choosing where we stay, how and when we gather, and what we explore.

I am your Type A Virgo travel buddy who will do the research, give the group options to choose from

❋ Expert Facilitation

You’ll be led and supported by experienced guides and artisans with a combined 20+ years of experience who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.

What to expect from me:

  • pre-trip reading

  • group regression / sober journeys

  • post-trip integration reading or coaching

  • daily creative time

  • show & tell / witnessing each other

❋ A Supportive Space

This is a focused and supportive space designed for people who want to slow down, stay put, use your hands and make something meaningful together.

You might not understand it yet but, you making art heals the world, just trust that. You’re desire to make is the sign of the universe.

  • ★★★★★ “Wow, what a trip! Rani’s curation of such unique experiences and thoughtful personal touches made this an unforgettable journey. I wanted to take off my planning hat and travel in comfort, and this trip delivered completely. My fellow travelers were the best group I could’ve imagined. Many thanks to Rani and her team for such an amazing experience.”

    — Phumelele T, first time traveler

  • ★★★★★ “This trip was full of wonderful experiences centered on food, wine, and history. It was a privilege to travel with such a great group of people who shared similar interests.”

    — Whitney A, repeat traveler

  • ★★★★½ “If 4.5 stars were an option, I’d choose it. Incredible experiences you wouldn’t find on a typical tour—cheese making, bread baking, cooking classes, tastings, and plenty of wine. Rani’s pre-trip interviews helped create an amazing group, which mattered a lot to me as someone who doesn’t usually do group tours. Minor logistical uncertainties were understandable given weather and COVID. Bottom line: an amazing trip, and I highly recommend Rani and Cheema’s Travel. If you’re on the fence—go for it.”

    — Joseph D, first time traveler

  • ★★★★★ “Bring your stretchy pants for the incredible food and wine, comfortable shoes for the picturesque walks, and an easy-going attitude for your new travel friends and wonderful hosts. This trip did not disappoint—well organized and full of fun surprises!”

    — Hillari H, first time traveler then turned coaching client

  • ★★★★★ “An amazing adventure exploring the Algarve! Everything was so well organized, with plenty of learning and tasting alongside locals who truly love their land. Rani, Gloria, and Mateo made magic happen.”

    — Maureen C, first time traveler

  • ★★★★★ “A truly transformative trip. Every location challenged my perceptions of Egypt in the best way. Our guides, Eric and Noura, were incredibly knowledgeable, and I felt safe and well cared for throughout the journey. The guided tours of Saqqara, the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum were mind-blowing—but just as memorable were the meals prepared by Syrian women in Cairo and a Bedouin family in Sinai.”

    — Karly L, first time traveler

  • ★★★★★ “The group Rani brought together was fantastic—we were often running behind because we talked too much! Wonderful stops, relatable guides, pleasant drivers, and excellent food and wine. Portugal was beautiful and surprisingly diverse from city to city. Just the right balance of history, culture, and incredible meals.”

    — Gail F, repeat traveler

  • ★★★★★ “I’m so glad I joined this fabulous trip. Rani planned an incredible itinerary with the perfect mix of guided activities and free time in stunning locations. She oriented us to each city, chose great accommodations and meals, and hired outstanding local guides. When I had a small medical issue, she immediately helped me get care. She’s caring, enthusiastic, and truly invested in her travelers—and I loved my fellow travelers too.”

    — Anne S, first time traveler

  • ★★★★★ “This trip was wonderful. Rani Cheema is a terrific guide and an exceptional planner. Navigating constantly changing COVID conditions couldn’t have been easy, yet the experience was seamless. I would travel with her again in a heartbeat—and plan to!”

    — Elizabeth V, repeat traveler

  • ★★★★★ “An exceptionally well-organized and thoughtfully curated trip, including a perfectly matched group of travelers. Rani is deeply committed to creating unforgettable experiences, builds meaningful local connections, and brings genuine excitement to every activity. Truly outstanding.”

    — Jenna M, repeat traveler

Past Trips

SOUTH KOREA __ 2018, 2019, 2022

TUSCANY ________ 2022

EGYPT ___________ 2021, 2022

PORTUGAL______ 2021, 2022, 2023 x 2

CHEF SARA HENKE WITH BUDDHIST MONK JEONGE KWAN IN SOUTH KOREA COOKING

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