Essence of Morocco: A Yoga & Discovery Retreat
Yoga, Culture and a Taste of Moroccan Life
Morocco is a place of contrasts: lively souks and peaceful courtyards, historic architecture and open landscapes, rich flavours and moments of stillness. Designed especially for first-time visitors, this seven-day yoga retreat offers a carefully curated introduction to Morocco, balancing discovery, culture and food with time to slow down.
The group will spend six nights at a peaceful boutique venue in the countryside just outside Marrakech, providing a relaxing base from which to explore. The week includes a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Marrakech, free time to wander the souks and a hands-on cooking experience with a Moroccan chef.
Beyond the city, the journey continues to the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a local animal sanctuary and the striking landscape of the Agafay Desert. Regular yoga practices, relaxed mornings and time to enjoy the venue are woven around these experiences, creating a retreat that feels immersive without becoming a rushed sightseeing tour.
7 Days / 6 Nights
29th September to 5th October 2027
What’s Included in Your Essence of Morocco Retreat?
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Accommodation & Airport Transfers
Enjoy six nights at a peaceful boutique venue just outside Marrakech, with comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool and inviting spaces to relax. Arrival and departure transfers between Marrakech airport and the venue are also included.
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Moroccan Flavours & Cooking Experience
Enjoy all meals throughout the retreat, apart from three lunches, including a hands-on cooking experience with a Moroccan chef and dinner in the Agafay Desert. A delicious introduction to Morocco’s flavours and culinary traditions.
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Yoga & Mindful Practices
Enjoy regular yoga practices led by Miriam, thoughtfully woven around the week’s experiences. From morning sessions to restorative, opening and closing practices, the yoga will provide a grounding thread throughout the retreat and is suitable for all levels.
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Discovering Marrakech
Explore the historic heart of Marrakech on a guided walking tour, discovering its streets, architecture, markets and vibrant atmosphere with a local guide. You’ll also have free time to wander the souks, shop and experience the city at your own pace.
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Aït Ben Haddou & the Agafay Desert
Journey beyond Marrakech to discover the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou and its distinctive earthen architecture. Later in the week, experience the dramatic landscape and sunset atmosphere of the Agafay Desert, followed by a Moroccan dinner.
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Animal Sanctuary Visit
Visit a local animal sanctuary and learn about the work being done to care for and protect its animals. This meaningful visit offers a different perspective on the region while supporting an organisation dedicated to animal welfare.
A Taste of Morocco’s Culture, Flavours and Landscapes Awaits
What’s Not Included in Your Retreat Package?
To help you budget and plan ahead, please allow for the following additional expenses:
International flights to and from Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Visa or entry costs, if applicable
Three lunches throughout the week
Drinks
Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight
Optional treatments, services and personal activities
Travel insurance – we highly recommend comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind.
Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
(Subject to slight changes)
DAY 1 – Wednesday 29th September
Arrive at Marrakech Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to our peaceful countryside venue. After settling into your room, there will be time to relax before we come together for our welcome circle and opening practice, followed by our first dinner at the venue—the perfect beginning to our Moroccan retreat. (Dinner included.)
DAY 2 – Thursday 30th September
After breakfast, we’ll travel into Marrakech for our first introduction to the city. A local guide will lead us through its historic heart, bringing its architecture, colourful markets and vibrant streets to life as we begin discovering one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities.
There will be time to choose your own lunch before returning to the venue. In the late afternoon, we’ll come together for a yoga practice, followed by dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 3 - Friday 1st October
Begin the day with a morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast and a relaxed morning at the venue. There will be time to enjoy the pool, rest or simply settle into the slower rhythm of the retreat before lunch.
Later, we’ll return to Marrakech for a hands-on Moroccan cooking experience, learning about traditional ingredients, flavours and techniques with a local chef. Once our dishes are ready, we’ll sit down to enjoy the meal we have prepared together. Afterwards, there will be free time to wander through the souks, browse the shops or soak up the evening atmosphere before returning to the venue. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
DAY 4 – Saturday 2nd October
Today we’ll journey beyond Marrakech and through the striking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, passing rugged peaks, sweeping valleys and traditional villages along the way. The scenery will be an important part of the experience as we make our way towards Aït Ben Haddou.
At this UNESCO-listed fortified village, we’ll have time to wander through its narrow passageways, admire its distinctive earthen architecture and take in the surrounding views from its upper levels. We’ll choose our own lunch during the excursion before returning to the venue for dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 5 – Sunday 3rd October
After the previous day’s adventure, we’ll begin with a morning yoga practice and breakfast before enjoying a few slower hours. You can relax by the pool and rest at the venue or make an optional return visit to Marrakech to continue exploring and do some last-minute shopping.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local animal sanctuary to meet some of its residents and learn about the work being done to care for and protect them. After returning to the venue, we’ll unwind with a gentle restorative yoga practice before dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 6 – Monday 4th October
Our final full day begins with the choice of joining a morning yoga practice or taking an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight, subject to weather and availability. After breakfast, there will be time to relax at the venue before lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll gather to travel to the Agafay Desert, where rocky hills and sweeping open landscapes create a striking contrast to the energy of Marrakech. We’ll watch the landscape transform as the sun begins to set and enjoy dinner in the desert before returning to the venue. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
DAY 7 – Tuesday 5th October
We’ll begin our final morning with a closing yoga practice, creating space to reflect on the experiences we have shared before enjoying our last breakfast together.
Afterwards, it will be time to say goodbye to the venue and the group. Transfers to Marrakech Airport will be arranged for your journey home, bringing our week in Morocco to a close. (Breakfast included)
Your Retreat Investment
This retreat is currently being offered exclusively to our mailing list subscribers, giving you early access before it is released publicly.
The Early Bird prices below are available until 30 September 2026 and are the lowest prices that will be offered for this retreat, representing a saving of €300 per person compared with the regular rates.
Choose a shared room with another guest, a private room for yourself, or a private room shared with your travel companion.
Shared Room – €1,995 EUR per person
Private Room (single occupancy) – €2,495 EUR
Private Room for Two – €3,990 EUR total
* THE SMALL PRINT THAT IS NOT SO SMALL *
Please take a moment to read the important information below before booking. It explains the payment schedule, cancellation conditions and practical requirements for joining the retreat.
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A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place. The remaining balance is due by 15 August 2027.
For a shared room:
€500 EUR non-refundable deposit at the time of booking
€1,495 EUR due by 15 August 2027
For a private room with single occupancy:
€500 EUR non-refundable deposit at the time of booking
€1,995 EUR due by 15 August 2027
For a private room shared by two guests:
€1,000 EUR total non-refundable deposit at the time of booking
€2,990 EUR total due by 15 August 2027
The remaining balance becomes non-refundable and payable in full on its due date. If you book on or after 15 August 2027, the full retreat price must be paid at the time of booking. Your place is only confirmed once the required payment has been received.
Payments can be made via PayPal (EUR) or by bank transfer to a EUR account. Any PayPal or bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the participant.
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The initial deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance becomes non-refundable and payable in full on 15 August 2027, as we make advance financial commitments to the accommodation and local suppliers on your behalf.
If you cancel on or after 15 August 2027, the remaining balance remains due even if it has not yet been received. To avoid responsibility for this payment, written notice of cancellation must be received before that date.
You may transfer your reservation to another suitable guest, subject to our approval and any supplier restrictions or additional charges. The replacement guest must complete their booking and make the required payment before the transfer is confirmed.
Once their payment has been received, we will refund the payments you have made, including the deposit, less transaction fees and any non-recoverable costs already incurred. Until a replacement booking is confirmed, the original payment and cancellation conditions continue to apply. A replacement guest or refund cannot be guaranteed.
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This retreat requires a minimum level of bookings to go ahead. Please wait for written confirmation that the retreat is proceeding before booking non-refundable flights or making any other non-refundable travel arrangements.
If the retreat cannot proceed because the required booking level has not been reached, all retreat payments made to us will be refunded in full.
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If circumstances beyond our control ("force majeure") make it impossible or unsafe for the retreat to proceed as planned, we may need to modify, postpone or cancel it.
Any refund or credit offered will depend on the funds we can recover from the accommodation, local operators and other suppliers, less any costs already incurred.
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Once the retreat is confirmed to proceed, you will receive a detailed participant guide covering passport and visa requirements, health documentation and other practical entry information.
This guidance will be researched carefully, but requirements can change, and each guest remains responsible for checking the latest official information applicable to their nationality and personal circumstances.
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We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your retreat.
Your policy should include cover for the full value of the retreat, trip cancellation and interruption, illness or injury, emergency medical care and evacuation, flight disruption, and lost or delayed baggage.
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If you reserve a shared room without a travel companion, we will match you with another guest of the same sex. Room allocations will be arranged according to availability and the accommodation configuration at the retreat venue.
Ready to Discover Morocco?
Is the Essence of Morocco Retreat for me?
It is for you if:
You have always wanted to visit Morocco, but would feel more comfortable experiencing it as part of a small, supportive group than travelling there alone.
You love discovering new places but don’t enjoy organising every detail yourself. You appreciate having the logistics and key experiences thoughtfully arranged, while still retaining some freedom to follow your own interests.
You want a holiday that feels both enriching and restorative. You enjoy exploring and making the most of a destination, but also value unhurried mornings, time by the pool and space to simply rest.
You are curious about cultures different from your own and are happy to approach Morocco with openness, respect and a willingness to adapt to local customs.
You enjoy connecting with others but still value your independence. You appreciate shared experiences and meaningful conversations without feeling expected to spend every moment together.
You also enjoy hugs, because Miriam is a serial hugger. You have been warned ;)
It is not for you if:
You’re looking for a traditional yoga retreat with several classes a day and a full program of workshops. Yoga is woven throughout this experience, but it is not the sole focus.
You would find the energy, crowds and sensory intensity of Marrakech overwhelming rather than exciting. Time in the city includes busy streets, markets and souks.
Having animal products with your meals is important to you. All meals included in the retreat will be plant-based, although you are free to choose whatever you wish during the three lunches that are not included.
Having alcohol freely available wherever you go is important to you. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with different laws and customs around alcohol. It is available in some licensed venues, but drinking openly in public is not permitted.
You are uncomfortable with long journeys by road. Our full-day excursion to Aït Ben Haddou involves significant driving through the Atlas Mountains.
You prefer to travel completely independently and make every decision as you go. This is a small-group experience with organised activities and shared transport, although free time is built into the week.
Meet Your Host
Miriam Rodríguez Márquez
After an international career in aviation, a documentary about veganism inspired Miriam to rethink the way she wanted to live. She became a certified Health Coach specialising in plant-based nutrition, trained as a 500-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher in India and eventually settled in Nicaragua, where she co-founded Villa Laguna, a vegan retreat centre on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo.
Now based in Nicaragua for over a decade, Miriam shares her home with a rather sizeable family of rescued animals and brings together her background in yoga, health coaching and retreat hosting to create thoughtful, welcoming experiences.
Her retreats are intentionally judgement-free spaces where everyone matters and people can leave the pressures of everyday life behind and come exactly as they are. Her classes are gentle, accessible and suitable for all levels, while her work is deeply connected to ethical travel, local communities and animal welfare.
Much of the woman Miriam is today—and the work she has chosen to create—was shaped by the loss of her daughter, Aixa, in ways she could never have planned. Aixa remains at the heart of what she does and the life she has built.
For someone born and raised in Andalucía, southern Spain, it is perhaps surprising that Miriam has not yet visited Morocco. She has tried to plan the trip more than once, but life always seemed to get in the way. Marrakech in particular has held a place in her imagination since childhood, when her parents travelled there and first introduced her to Morocco. Finally getting to experience it—and sharing that first discovery with a small group—makes this retreat especially meaningful to her.
What Previous Retreat Guests Have Said
“Traveling with Miriam makes everything easy- she's so detailed, delivers hospitality like no other, and is full of positive vibes that your adventure is sure to be a memorable one. I don't know how she does it, but everyday was perfect - from the food, to the sights and even her power to make the weather cooperate! I'd go anywhere in the world with her and can't wait for the next trip!”
— Kelly Y. (USA)
“This retreat was exactly what I needed. The yoga, daily tours and experiences, and fully plant-based meals were all exceptional and I say that as a non-vegan. The host is genuinely one of a kind, warm and welcoming in a way that made her feel like a friend from the very start, and the group of participants she brought together were equally kind and authentic. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking to reset and recharge.”
— Betty T. (USA)
