Marrakech Yoga Retreat

Hatha Yoga holidays in  Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

8 days/7 nights of Hatha yoga, relaxation & fun..

17th-24th October 2013 

L'oliveraie de Marigha in the Atlas Mountains & Riad Biba in Marrakech.

Morocco is only a short flight away, you can be sunbathing in the hot sunshine of North Africa and immerse yourself in the Arabic atmosphere in no time. Morocco is known for its relaxing way of life and its gracious and warm welcome. One thing is certain: you will be swept off your feet by the sheer variety of culture, outdoor activities, relaxation and exotic scenery.

You will be able to combine yoga classes twice a day with the thrill of a colourful and cosmopolitan city. Explore the markets and souks, the hammams, the mosques and the palaces, the food and the music. Go hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Or simply sip a mint tea and eat sweet "gazelle horn" pastries whilst watching the evening sunset. Hospitality is king in Morocco and I am thrilled to be able to offer you this unforgettable experience.

During these holidays, you will have the privilege of staying in two different beautiful venues:

Riad Biba in Marrakech and L’oliveraie de Marigha in the Atlas Mountains.

Riad Biba is a tranquil haven in the Kasbah of Marrakesh. This traditional house has been refurbished into an ultra chic, welcoming and comfortable boutique Riad. 

Riad Biba is fitted with four, large, en suite double bedrooms with wet room/bathroom and its own toilet, all decorated in their own individual styles. Three of the rooms contain fireplaces. Down on the ground floor, a deep and refreshing plunge pool has been built in traditional black Tadelakt. A mix of traditional African deco and 50's and 60's style furniture decorate both the living room and the game/reading room where you can relax, play and socialise with the other guests. On the top floor, with the most amazing views over the Medina and beyond to the Atlas Mountains, the two-tiered roof terrace is the gem of the riad. It is comfortably large enough to accommodate 8 people. The fittings include a hammock, cold shower, shady lounge area, beds and chaise longues. This tranquil area is where our yoga practise will take place in the sun drenched mornings and evenings.

The fully modern kitchen is the domain of our Berber cook, who will prepare the most divine and delicious traditional Moroccan dishes such as delicate, herb infused couscous and rich tagines.
 

L'oliveraie de Marigha is located in the countryside, an hour away drive from Marrakesh, nestled at the feet of the Atlas Mountains.

L’oliveraie has 9 bungalows (6 guest rooms and 3 suites) situated in the centre of an ancient olive grove. All the accommodation is spacious with luxurious upholstery, large private bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Furthermore, there is a large pool perfect for a refreshing and restorative swim. The pool is surrounded by an expansive garden, liberally sprinkled with olive trees and a dazzling array of blooms. There are also terraces where you can have your meals alfresco. Though if you so choose, there is also an indoor restaurant which caters to vegetarians and offers a selection of mouth-watering traditional dishes.

L’oliveraie de Marigha has two petanque strips (French boules game) and a games room where you can lose yourself in a book or enjoy a quiet board game with friends. If you’re seeking indulgence then there are also massage therapies available.

...and if that is not enough, one of the hotels features is a helipad for VIP access!

The manager and his staff can arrange for you to go hiking or for donkeys trips into the Atlas Mountains and in Toubkal national park. It is the perfect setting for high altitude, outdoor meditation and relaxation.

The Yoga. ( all levels)

            In the morning

We will work with traditional Hatha yoga postures and sequences to prepare you for the rest of the day. Each day’s classes are focused on a different part of the body. You will be able to discuss with me how to improve your practice, your goals and to how best to work around any ailments or health conditions. The practice will be a mix of the gentle and dynamic.  We will explore breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that you will be able to practice at home yourself. 

 In the Evening

After a long day of fun and activities, I'll teach a gentle and restorative Hatha class with particular focus on gentle stretches and releasing tension from the body. Most essentially we will be bringing lightness to the spine, focusing on our breathing and learning to meditate away the stresses of the day. I will also be teaching yoga Nidra which is a deep relaxation technique.

For all descriptions of yoga styles taught during the holiday, please click here.

The Activities.

VISIT the historical Marrakech inside the walls of Koutoubia Mosque, next to the thriving and infamous square Jemaa El Fna. Go back in time at the museum of Marrakech and or the Ben Youssef Mosque. Maybe you might prefer to start the day by climbing into a horse-drawn calash for a circuit of the city walls followed by a visit to the beautiful and exotic Jardin Majorell and its 30's blue villa owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

SHOPPING is the most incredible experience in the great souks with alley upon alley of little boutiques where you will be able to master the art of haggling for those yellow sleepers or a bottle of Argan oil! Spices, pottery, carpets, leather goods, lanterns, intricate clothes, all will be filling your suitcases in no time, I am quite sure!

 HAMMAMS are a day to day ritual with every Moroccan family and you too will be able to indulge yourself and experience a revitalising and cleansing few hours. The experience starts with a scrub with black soap to remove all impurities, followed by a body and face mask and a good sweating session in a rosemary scented hammam. You may opt for a relaxing massage with Argan oil. Riad Biba will be able to give you a list of hammams to suit all budgets.

 NIGHTLIFE starts early in the evening in the enormous square, Djerma El F"na, where you will be able to taste traditional Moroccan dishes. There are hundreds of food stands serving all different types of fish, grilled meats, Berber food, snails, dark sweet coffees and tempting cakes. You can wander around the square and have fun watching belly dancers, snake charmers and Berber musicians. You could finish the evening at the smart, cosmopolitan "Kosybar" where you can recount the day's events over a lovely cocktail, listening to live jazz music. Alternatively, you might want to stay at the riad for a peaceful way to unwind after the day.

OUTDOOR: various outdoors activities like hiking, donkey rides with Berber guides, visit of Argan oil factory, mini golf, petanques, salt mines visit, sunset aperitif on the plateau Kick.