Relax and Renew Marrakesh Retreat
Join my supportive and relaxing women's retreat to Marrakesh and leave feeling nourished, inspired and vibrant.
Experience 5 days of gentle yoga and relaxation, whilst exploring the vibrant, mystical city of Marrakesh with like minded people.
You deserve this “me” time to focus on your needs.
I want to remind you that you are worthy of rest and play, to nourish your mind, body and spirit.
*Please note this retreat is a mixed retreat and not exclusively BIPOC*
Experience 5 days of gentle yoga and relaxation, whilst exploring the vibrant, mystical city of Marrakesh with like minded people.
You deserve this “me” time to focus on your needs.
I want to remind you that you are worthy of rest and play, to nourish your mind, body and spirit.
*Please note this retreat is a mixed retreat and not exclusively BIPOC*
This is your opportunity to join a group of likeminded women who want to relax and take care of themselves, whilst enjoying local customs and traditions in a respectful way.
The values of the retreat include,
- Engage in a supportive community with likeminded people.
- Dream and practice healthier ways of being in right relationship with one another, without competition.
- Respect and reciprocity for people and traditions outside of our own ancestral heritage
Joining the retreat will give you the support and structure of some planned activities, whilst at the same also giving you the flexibility to explore and enjoy your time and create a fabulous holiday experience.
During your free time you are encouraged to do what nourishes and inspires you to create a unique and meaningful experience.
The city has lots of cultural, historical, fun and relaxing experiences for you to enjoy depending on how you feel each day.
During the retreat you will experience a daily class of gentle yoga, meditation, Yoga Nidra and journalling to help balance and restore the body and mind.
The yoga programme is lovingly designed to help you feel calmer, more grounded, confident and relaxed in your new exciting surroundings.
Experiencing the commitment to a daily yoga practice will help you feel grounded, at ease in your body and support your nervous system adjust to a new environment and people.
The yoga and meditation classes will support you to feel refreshed and calmer to enjoy your time in Marrakesh.
The classes are suitable for all body shapes, sizes and beginners to more experienced students.
During your free time you are encouraged to do what nourishes and inspires you to create a unique and meaningful experience.
The city has lots of cultural, historical, fun and relaxing experiences for you to enjoy depending on how you feel each day.
During the retreat you will experience a daily class of gentle yoga, meditation, Yoga Nidra and journalling to help balance and restore the body and mind.
The yoga programme is lovingly designed to help you feel calmer, more grounded, confident and relaxed in your new exciting surroundings.
Experiencing the commitment to a daily yoga practice will help you feel grounded, at ease in your body and support your nervous system adjust to a new environment and people.
The yoga and meditation classes will support you to feel refreshed and calmer to enjoy your time in Marrakesh.
The classes are suitable for all body shapes, sizes and beginners to more experienced students.
This Marrakesh retreat will be my sixth international yoga retreat, and my fifth one to Marrakesh.
I'm incredibly passionate about the transformational power of solo travel for women and this is why I love creating empowering, transformational international retreats.
My passion for travel began in 2013, when I travelled solo through South East Asia for 5 and half months, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. I've also travelled to India, Bali, Turkey and Ghana.
These solo trips helped develop my confidence, self esteem and independence to make positive changes in my life. including changing careers from a social worker to yoga teacher.
Without going off on these journeys on my own, I would never have been brave enough to make positive changes to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
I'm incredibly passionate about the transformational power of solo travel for women and this is why I love creating empowering, transformational international retreats.
My passion for travel began in 2013, when I travelled solo through South East Asia for 5 and half months, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. I've also travelled to India, Bali, Turkey and Ghana.
These solo trips helped develop my confidence, self esteem and independence to make positive changes in my life. including changing careers from a social worker to yoga teacher.
Without going off on these journeys on my own, I would never have been brave enough to make positive changes to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
I know the first time travelling on your own can be really daunting, but it can also be the most rewarding experience to embrace the feeling of freedom, independence and adventure.
I understand the potential nerves for solo women travellers and being a person of colour, I hope to alleviate some of the associated anxieties about this by providing pre-retreat information in the FAQ section and an in person or online meet up closer to departure time to help you feel prepared and empowered for a rewarding experience.
I understand the potential nerves for solo women travellers and being a person of colour, I hope to alleviate some of the associated anxieties about this by providing pre-retreat information in the FAQ section and an in person or online meet up closer to departure time to help you feel prepared and empowered for a rewarding experience.
Each day of the retreat will include 1 yoga class the morning practices will help clear the mind and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated ready for the day ahead. This will take place on the roof terrace as you look over the waking city and the Atlas mountains in the horizon.
There will be 1 evening class on the day of arrival, focused on relaxation and grounding. This session will take place in the quiet courtyard of our private hotel. You will hear to the sound of birds, the call to prayer from the mosques and the sound of water cascading from the water feature.
At the end of the session you will feel grounded, calm and enjoy a great nights sleep.
The yoga sessions have a truly magical feel with all the sounds and sights of Morocco enriching your experience.
There will be 1 evening class on the day of arrival, focused on relaxation and grounding. This session will take place in the quiet courtyard of our private hotel. You will hear to the sound of birds, the call to prayer from the mosques and the sound of water cascading from the water feature.
At the end of the session you will feel grounded, calm and enjoy a great nights sleep.
The yoga sessions have a truly magical feel with all the sounds and sights of Morocco enriching your experience.
You will have plenty of free in between classes to give you the flexibility to enjoy a relaxed holiday, within a retreat experience.
Marrakesh has an abundance of fun, enriching, relaxing experiences, some of which we can help to organise and facilitate for you.
This includes a pool day and lunch at a desert oasis and spa visit.
If you are looking to unwind and recharge and not wanting go out and about exploring each day, there is a lovely roof terrace at the hotel where you can sunbathe and read a book.
This is your holiday, so it's encouraged you take this opportunity to do what your body needs, whether this be rest, eat, shop or play.
Marrakesh has an abundance of fun, enriching, relaxing experiences, some of which we can help to organise and facilitate for you.
This includes a pool day and lunch at a desert oasis and spa visit.
If you are looking to unwind and recharge and not wanting go out and about exploring each day, there is a lovely roof terrace at the hotel where you can sunbathe and read a book.
This is your holiday, so it's encouraged you take this opportunity to do what your body needs, whether this be rest, eat, shop or play.
The venue for the retreat is a lovingly designed small, boutique hotel located within the historical part of Marrakesh. It's located in a perfect place to easily access all the main tourist sites within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
The hotel is called Riad Mur Akush and it's located down a quiet lane and is an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You will be welcomed into the Riad as if it is your home, the staff will be on hand to make your stay unforgettable.
The hotel is lovingly decorated with traditional Moroccan design and hand crafted pieces throughout, with a serene atmosphere to help you unwind and relax.
I keep returning to Riad Mur Akush every year due to the excellent hospitality.
Riad Mur Akush has a 5 out of 5 rating on trip advisor with over 600+ reviews. You can see the details here:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-d942778-Reviews-Riad_Mur_Akush-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html
Each room in the hotel is unique and differs in size. Therefore, when booking the bigger rooms will be on a first come, first serve basis.
The rooms are en suite and will have 1 double bed and 1 single bed in each room.
The hotel is called Riad Mur Akush and it's located down a quiet lane and is an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You will be welcomed into the Riad as if it is your home, the staff will be on hand to make your stay unforgettable.
The hotel is lovingly decorated with traditional Moroccan design and hand crafted pieces throughout, with a serene atmosphere to help you unwind and relax.
I keep returning to Riad Mur Akush every year due to the excellent hospitality.
Riad Mur Akush has a 5 out of 5 rating on trip advisor with over 600+ reviews. You can see the details here:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-d942778-Reviews-Riad_Mur_Akush-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html
Each room in the hotel is unique and differs in size. Therefore, when booking the bigger rooms will be on a first come, first serve basis.
The rooms are en suite and will have 1 double bed and 1 single bed in each room.
During your stay you will have the amazing, generous breakfasts each morning, which include freshly baked breads, pancakes, seasonal fruits and much more. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day in Morocco!
During two evenings of the retreat you will enjoy a lovingly home made Moroccan 3 course meal to enliven the tastebuds. The in house cooks will lovingly prepare the most delicious traditional tagines and other local delights.
On our final group meal there will also be live traditional Moroccan music and singing to create a vibrant, authentic cultural experience.
These evening meals in the candlelit Riad are so much fun!
As a retreat leader I have created a nurturing, supportive transformational experience, combining my many years of travel and attending and leading several international yoga retreats.
This is your time to explore, have fun, relax and leave feeling healthy, energised and inspired.
During two evenings of the retreat you will enjoy a lovingly home made Moroccan 3 course meal to enliven the tastebuds. The in house cooks will lovingly prepare the most delicious traditional tagines and other local delights.
On our final group meal there will also be live traditional Moroccan music and singing to create a vibrant, authentic cultural experience.
These evening meals in the candlelit Riad are so much fun!
As a retreat leader I have created a nurturing, supportive transformational experience, combining my many years of travel and attending and leading several international yoga retreats.
This is your time to explore, have fun, relax and leave feeling healthy, energised and inspired.
What's Included
What’s not included in the price
- Twin share or single occupancy rooms.
- Vegetarian breakfast each morning of your stay.
- 2 evening meals in hotel.
- 5 yoga classes
- Onsite support and advice for local activities.
- Airport transfers.
- Transfer to pool day and lunch desert venue.
What’s not included in the price
- International Flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunches.
- Evening meals on the nights where this is not included.
- Excursions and day trips such as spas and desert.
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“I was inspired to book a place, albeit with a little trepediation as a solo traveller whose experience of yoga is to put it mildly, very rusty.
I was not disappointed. Meeting Emma and the other ladies was just lovely. The Riad we stayed at could not have been more accommodating. Each morning’s gentle yoga sessions were inspirational and set one up for the day. I felt comfortable and had the added bonus of meeting new people with similar mind sets in a safe way. Opportunities also presented themselves for discovering a new city and enjoyment gained from distinct cultural vibes. You will not be disappointed.” Jennie Clarke |
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“I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to join such a special retreat, the whole experience was really positive and a great energy throughout with amazing people I really enjoyed the energising morning yoga class and the yoga Nidra in the evening was so relaxing”. Saima Akhtar |
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“As my first ever yoga retreat it was a wonderful experience, I made new friends, ate delicious food and explored a new country with a great group of people in a friendly and relaxed environment. I came away from the retreat feeling so much better as it encouraged me to embrace healthier lifestyle choices. I would highly recommend joining Emma’s yoga retreats”. Shereen Ingram |
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"I really enjoyed attending Emma's Marrakesh retreat I loved the Riad Mur Akush because the staff were so warm and welcoming and it felt like a family.
The homemade food was delicious and I loved the traditional Moroccan singers and musicians who came in one evening this was so much fun! The location of the accommodation was ideal and allowed me to visit all the interesting tourist sites with ease. The daily yoga on the roof terrace every morning was delightful, with the city and mountains in the background was a magical setting. Attending the retreat helped me to establish my health and well being goals and restart my regular yoga practice. I really enjoyed my time with Emma and I can't wait to join her next one!" Aurore Brahami |
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I’ve attended two of Emma's retreats and they have been amazing experiences from start to finish with a great group of people. I came away from the experience feeling relaxed and inspired to travel more. I am so excited to join the next one." Jacque Patterson |
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"Attending Emma's yoga retreat has helped improve my confidence and self esteem in relation to my body and I have learned to start loving myself.
I have struggled with poor body image and the experience helped me to feel more comfortable being myself during the retreat as there was no competition and the group was very supportive and friendly. Since returning from the yoga retreat I feel calmer due to learning about the practice of yoga Nidra meditation. Feeling calmer has had a positive impact on my family life feel as well. . I had an amazing retreat experience and would recommend it to anyone who would like to relax, but also try something new with a supportive group of like minded women." Nicola Loasby-Kings |
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"Emma's yoga retreat was such a wonderful experience.
I didn’t know anyone, not even Emma and hadn’t done any yoga for twenty years so I was quite apprehensive. There was no need to be: Emma was immediately welcoming and nurturing and the group of women who were there were respectful and fun. The yoga was wonderful, in stunning locations and the meditation in the evening is something I am trying to introduce into my everyday life. The daily yoga and meditation gave me the time and clarity to consider what changes I wanted to make back home. I found the whole retreat well organised, calming and above all healing. Thank you Emma Julie Maisy |
Your investment in this retreat is
Marrakesh private room
FAQ's
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
No, you will need to fill out a landing card on arrival and you will need to have at least 6 months until expiry on your passport to enter the country.
Which flights do I need to book?
There are several airlines that fly direct to Marrakesh airport, including Ryanair, Easyjet and British airways.
https://www.skyscanner.net/
The flight time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Can the airport transfer be arranged for me
Yes this can be arranged and is included in the price, the transfer is approximately 15 minutes.
When do I need to arrive and leave the retreat?
Please make sure you are at the hotel to have the welcome meeting by 3 pm on the first day and the retreat will finish after breakfast on the final day.
I don't have a friend to book twin share with, can I still book this option?
Yes, you can book this option and you pair you up with someone, many of the participants are likely to be travelling on their own also.
Will I be safe in Marrakesh on my own as a women?
Marrakesh is generally quite safe to explore as a women, although you can experience local men wanting to talk with you as you will stand out as a tourist, although you don't need to engage in conversation or a firm no is sufficient if you don't want to be bothers. Another important aspect to navigating the city is wearing suitable and respectful clothing due to it being a Muslim country with legs and shoulders covered being essential to feeling comfortable.
It is recommended to consider taking taxis at night for extra safety and precaution.
Is Morocco safe for LGBTQ friendly?
We won’t skirt around it: Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and punishable by up to 3 years in prison. That said, the discriminatory law is seldom enforced. Even more rarely in tourist hot spots like Marrakesh. While we recommend avoiding PDA (see #2), the chance of a run-in with the law is extremely unlikely.
Public Displays of Affection are frowned upon for gay AND straight people. So while you may want to share a passionate kiss under the Casablanca sunset, you’re best to keep it behind hotel doors. That said, holding hands — even between two men or two women (usually heterosexual) — is completely normal.
Details from above from the gay travel blog, for more details please follow the link,
www.outadventures.com/gay-travel-blog/gay-tour-morocco/
Is Marrakesh safe for Black people and people of colour?
Morocco is a mix of Arab and Amazigh people, Amazigh people are the indigenous people of the country. Sadly, the indigenous people have faced discrimination and continue to to face this in modern society today, including the limiting of opportunities and not being able to access certain spaces.
As a light skinned black/mixed race woman travelling I have mainly experienced catcalling and aggressive sales techniques.
Societally, anti blackness is present and something to be aware of. However, Marrakesh does have a mix of other African decent people present.
How much spending money do I need?
This is difficult to answer as it depends on how many trips you want to make and how much shopping. All budgets are catered for in this area and this can be discussed individually.
Can extra night be booked at the hotel?
Yes extra nights can be booked through me as long as their is availability. Booking through me will give you a discount on the advertised price.
Terms and conditions
All payments for the retreat is non refundable, although should the retreat not take place you will be fully refunded.
What are the covid travel rules for Morocco?
It's important to stay up to date with rules as they can change. At this current time you will need to complete a passenger location form and show this at immigration on arrival.
Please read the information on the government UK Foreign Travel Requirement website,
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
What are the covid rules in Morocco?
Mask wearing indoors and temperature checks take place in public indoor spaces. Social distancing is also recommended. Visit Morocco website outlines the current rules as of July 2022.
www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel-info/covid-19-travel-safely-to-morocco
Please read and sign the agreement below at the time of booking.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
No, you will need to fill out a landing card on arrival and you will need to have at least 6 months until expiry on your passport to enter the country.
Which flights do I need to book?
There are several airlines that fly direct to Marrakesh airport, including Ryanair, Easyjet and British airways.
https://www.skyscanner.net/
The flight time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Can the airport transfer be arranged for me
Yes this can be arranged and is included in the price, the transfer is approximately 15 minutes.
When do I need to arrive and leave the retreat?
Please make sure you are at the hotel to have the welcome meeting by 3 pm on the first day and the retreat will finish after breakfast on the final day.
I don't have a friend to book twin share with, can I still book this option?
Yes, you can book this option and you pair you up with someone, many of the participants are likely to be travelling on their own also.
Will I be safe in Marrakesh on my own as a women?
Marrakesh is generally quite safe to explore as a women, although you can experience local men wanting to talk with you as you will stand out as a tourist, although you don't need to engage in conversation or a firm no is sufficient if you don't want to be bothers. Another important aspect to navigating the city is wearing suitable and respectful clothing due to it being a Muslim country with legs and shoulders covered being essential to feeling comfortable.
It is recommended to consider taking taxis at night for extra safety and precaution.
Is Morocco safe for LGBTQ friendly?
We won’t skirt around it: Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and punishable by up to 3 years in prison. That said, the discriminatory law is seldom enforced. Even more rarely in tourist hot spots like Marrakesh. While we recommend avoiding PDA (see #2), the chance of a run-in with the law is extremely unlikely.
Public Displays of Affection are frowned upon for gay AND straight people. So while you may want to share a passionate kiss under the Casablanca sunset, you’re best to keep it behind hotel doors. That said, holding hands — even between two men or two women (usually heterosexual) — is completely normal.
Details from above from the gay travel blog, for more details please follow the link,
www.outadventures.com/gay-travel-blog/gay-tour-morocco/
Is Marrakesh safe for Black people and people of colour?
Morocco is a mix of Arab and Amazigh people, Amazigh people are the indigenous people of the country. Sadly, the indigenous people have faced discrimination and continue to to face this in modern society today, including the limiting of opportunities and not being able to access certain spaces.
As a light skinned black/mixed race woman travelling I have mainly experienced catcalling and aggressive sales techniques.
Societally, anti blackness is present and something to be aware of. However, Marrakesh does have a mix of other African decent people present.
How much spending money do I need?
This is difficult to answer as it depends on how many trips you want to make and how much shopping. All budgets are catered for in this area and this can be discussed individually.
Can extra night be booked at the hotel?
Yes extra nights can be booked through me as long as their is availability. Booking through me will give you a discount on the advertised price.
Terms and conditions
All payments for the retreat is non refundable, although should the retreat not take place you will be fully refunded.
What are the covid travel rules for Morocco?
It's important to stay up to date with rules as they can change. At this current time you will need to complete a passenger location form and show this at immigration on arrival.
Please read the information on the government UK Foreign Travel Requirement website,
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
What are the covid rules in Morocco?
Mask wearing indoors and temperature checks take place in public indoor spaces. Social distancing is also recommended. Visit Morocco website outlines the current rules as of July 2022.
www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel-info/covid-19-travel-safely-to-morocco
Please read and sign the agreement below at the time of booking.