Looking Beyond the Horizon
MOROCCO
Yoga Retreat
September 24 - October 1, 2023
Marrakech and Agafay Desert
Experience the delight of getting lost in a maze of medieval alleyways in Marrakech, then finding yourself in the vastness and quietude of the Agafay Desert.
Imagine soaking in the vibrancy of the red city... and then retreating to peaceful havens where you will turn inward, reflecting on the imprint this place and its people have left on your soul.
Immerse yourself in culture and your yoga practice.
Why Morocco
Trip Highlights
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![Rooftop yoga in Marrakech]()
Daily Yoga Practice
Each morning Angela will guide our yoga practice on the roof of our traditional Moroccan home. Imagine saluting the sun while the birds chirp and the call for prayer rings out over the city. As the sun sets, we will gather around the pool in the courtyard of the house for our evening practice.
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![Bram leading walking tour in Marrakech]()
Guided Walking Tours
Bram will lead two immersive walking tours of the Marrakech medina, teaching the history and culture of Morocco as we explore the city's historic sights, its bustling souks, and its spiritual landmarks.
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![Arabic calligraphy class in Marrakech]()
Moroccan Cultural Activities
We have hand picked and planned an assortment of cultural experiences & excursions to learn more about our host country. These range from historical sites to classes on Arabic calligraphy. We even have our local friend to teach you about buying Moroccan rugs in the souk. (Save extra space in your bags!)
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![Rooftop dinner in Marrakech]()
Delicious Meals
Experience the flavors of Moroccan & Mediterranean cuisine from some of the best local restaurants and cafes in Marrakech. Did I mention that Bram’s superpower is finding the best ‘off the beaten track’ places to eat wherever we travel? You’re welcome. ;-)
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![Inside of tent in Agafay Desert]()
Glamping in the Stone Desert
After five days in the city, we’ll visit the Agafay Desert, where we can get lost in its vast and natural beauty. Surrounded by dunes, we will journey inward to awaken a different part of ourselves. And when you want an oasis from the vastness of the desert, you can relax in comfortable tents or dip into the natural pool.
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![Hammam in Marrakech]()
Time to Relax
You will get spoiled during your stay with us with a visit to a traditional Hammam to experience a full body scrub and massage. Then, relish in “the sweetness of doing nothing” during our time in the Agafay desert…no set plans besides yoga and moments to reflect and enjoy golden hour around the campfire with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop.
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8 days, 7 nights accommodation
5 nights accommodation at a boutique riad in Marrakech medina (old city)
2 nights accommodation ‘glamping’ in Agafay Desert
Breakfast and dinner every day
4 lunches are included
Every meal will offer vegetarian and vegan options
Airport transfers to/from Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Welcome circle with mint tea
Themed Yoga and meditation class(s) each day with Angela
Daily discussion circle about the history and culture of Morocco with Bram
2 days of walking tours in Marrakech medina with visits to cultural and historical sites, including
Ali Ben Youssef Medersa (16th Century Quranic School)
Historic ‘Secret Garden’ to soak in nature’s beauty surrounded by Islamic art and architecture
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most important mosque & its magnificent minaret
Jemaa el-Fna, the main square with vibrant night market
The Souks, the famous open-aired market place
Monumental Saadian Tombs with their beautifully decorated colored mosaics
Traditional hammam with 1 hour massage
Moroccan tajine cooking class
Learn the art and history of Arabic Calligraphy (lesson includes all materials and lunch)
Meditative hike in the quietude of the Stone Desert
Closing fire circle in the desert with storytelling & stargazing
Hotel taxes & site fees
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Airfare
Travel insurance
Spending money
Alcohol
Camel riding in the desert
Lunch on 2 days
Tips for local staff
Any optional excursions (we can suggest a few!)
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Our Morocco retreat is much more than a yoga holiday. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and learn from the Moroccan people. As we get lost in the streets of Marrakech and the dunes of the Agafay desert, you will also have the opportunity to explore inward to learn about yourself.
As Proust’s famous line says, the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new places but in seeing with new eyes.
The Third Eye chakra establishes a connection with the external world through inner vision. It is through our eyes that we see the world, and through our consciousness that we perceive its meaning.
This is the spirit of our retreat.
Bram will lead the outward portion of our journey. He will be guiding us during our exploration of the sites of Marrakech and teaching about the history and culture of Morocco.
Angela will guide the journey inward, teaching themed yoga and meditation classes that will help you to dive deep within yourself to notice the imprint of this unforgettable place and its people.
“Thus travel spins us round in two ways at once: It shows us the sights and values and issues that we might ordinarily ignore; but it also, and more deeply, shows us all the parts of ourselves that might otherwise grow rusty. For in traveling to a truly foreign place, we inevitably travel to moods and states of mind and hidden inward passages that we’d otherwise seldom have cause to visit.” - Pico Iyer
Accommodation
Riad in Marrakech
We have secured exclusive rental of a gorgeous, 8-bedroom riad in the Marrakech medina (old city) for the first 5 nights of the retreat.
Riads are traditional houses constructed around a central courtyard and garden. Riad is an Arabic word that means “gardens” in English.
Throughout our stay in the red city, this private boutique hotel will be our safe haven of peace, a timeless cocoon preserved from the bustle of the vibrant medina.
Glamping in Agafay Desert
Located deep in the heart of the stony desert of Agafay, our camp is a secluded, magical setting for reflection and inner transformation.
Less than an hour away from Marrakech, you will be transported to a desert landscape with the contrast of snow peaked Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Far enough away from crowds and traffic to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy a peaceful experience of complete stillness.
You will spend two majestic nights in a luxurious, spacious tent fitted out in a style mixing local handicraft and French Art Deco with a private ensuite bathroom.
The property boasts a stunning pool, breathtaking views, delicious Moroccan food, and outstanding care to make your desert dream come true.
Testimonials
Fes Extension
If you want even more Morocco, we offer an optional three-day extension to Fes, home to the largest medina in the world. Visiting Fes’ medina is like stepping back in time. Its alleys encourage exploration. Everywhere you turn are shops and artisans busily at work. And no visit to Fes would be complete without seeing the world famous Chouara tannery, which has been continuously operating for 1,000 years. At the end of each day, another beautiful riad will provide a place to rest and recharge.
Pricing
Single Occupancy (private room) = $3900
Double Occupancy (shared room) = $3200
The Fes extension is $800 for a shared room, and $1100 for a private room.
FAQs
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Weather
Spring (March-May) is one of the best times to visit Morocco. The weather is warm, but you will avoid the extremes of scorching hot days and cold nights. Days are usually hot with balmy evenings, so visitors should pack light and cool clothing. The average daily temperature is 80º F during the day and 64º F at night.
Amenities & Internet
Wi-fi access is complimentary. Laundry service is available in Marrakech for an additional cost.
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We will travel to Fes as a group via train.
The extension includes
- Accommodation at a traditional riad in the medina
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- 1 lunch
- Daily morning rooftop yoga sessions led by Angela.
- Daily evening integration sessions led by Angela and Bram
- Daily walking tours of the medina
- Visit to a hammam
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What Airport Should I Fly Into?
Marrakech (RAK) is the most convenient. RAK airport is approximately 30 minutes from our Riad in the Medina. Airport transfers from RAK are included in the cost of the retreat.
**If you are going to Fes, you should fly home from the Fes (FEZ) airport.
What Airlines Do You Recommend?
Royal Air Maroc is the Moroccan national carrier
Tap Air Portugal
Delta/Air France
What Time Should I Plan to Arrive and Depart?
Plan to arrive in Marrakech no later than 2 pm on Friday, April 11 for check-in. Yoga and Welcome Circle begins at 4 pm, followed by dinner in our Riad.
If you are flying home on April 18, please book your flight departure no earlier than 4 pm. We will depart from the Agafay Desert by 11 am, and you will need a few hours before your flight to check-in.
What are Good Resources to Look for Flights?
Our preferred search engine to first look for an international flight is Kayak. Expedia and JustFly are also good resources. We also recommend looking at an airline’s website after you find a flight on a search engine. There are sometimes better deals on the airline’s website.
How Long Should I Wait to Buy My Flight?
The recommended time to purchase international fares at the best deals varies. You’re likely to find the best deals 6 months to 3 months before your travel date.
Kayak also makes recommendations about when is a good time to buy a flight.
Flight Booking Advice
We recommend booking flights directly with the carrier, rather than through a third party. Some tickets booked through third parties can be difficult to change due to unexpected events, such as inclement weather.
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The $800 deposit secures your place and is non-refundable.
If you wish to cancel your trip, you must notify Angela and Bram via email. Once we’ve received your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
If cancellation takes place before November 1, 2024, any payments made will be refunded, minus your deposit.
If cancellation takes place after November 1, 2024, all payments will be forfeited and no refunds will be given.
Any refunds will incur a 6% administrative cost
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Always purchase travel insurance that covers your trip interruption, trip cancellation, luggage and/or valuables loss, and medical assistance, including repatriation if necessary. We recommend travel insurance that includes "cancel for any reason" coverage.
Please ensure that your passport is valid, with at least 6 months until expiry, and that you are aware of immigration/visa laws in Morocco.
Visas: As a US citizen, if you want to travel to Morocco for tourism or other short-term purposes, you are not subject to any visa requirements at all. US citizens, along with several others, are exempt from Morocco visas and can visit the country with just their passport and a return flight ticket for up to 90 days.
If you have any questions that we have not answered, please write to us HERE.