MARRAKESH, MOROCCO
Magical is the perfect way to describe Marrakesh, with its intricate Moroccan designs,
colorful carpets, mint tea and camels. We dive in to the sensory overload of the souks,
then retreat to a serene olive grove for our nights.
Why do we go to Marrakesh?
Marrakesh is the ultimate culture shock. We believe that yoga can be experienced both on and off the mat, and that it is a practice that can improve our lives and lead us into the present moment. Traveling to a new place and experiencing a new culture also helps lead us to the present moment by heightening our senses and putting a mixing up our day to day. While other retreats take place in remote, removed locations, we like to throw ourselves in the chaos of life and learn how to find balance in the midst of it.
Traveling to Marrakesh is like stepping back in time, but to a place more magical and luxurious than any you have ever known. From the souks to the hammams to the historic palaces, many traditions have remained the same for ages. This setting is a feast for the senses, keeping you on your toes to stay present and invigorated.
Where do we stay?
We have been staying at the same boutique hotel for nearly 10 years now: Peacock Pavilions. It is our Moroccan home-away-from-home. One feels at home as well as on a designed vacation while staying at this abode which is located outside of the hustle and bustle of the city center. Located in Marrakesh on 8.5 acres of land, including 5 acres of olive grove, this stylish and eco-friendly abode has been featured in worldwide publications, including National Geographic Traveler. Part of the M.Montague offerings, Peacock Pavilions was designed and built by American author, blogger and designer, Maryam Montague, and her American husband, Chris Redecke. The hotel, like the rest of M.Montague brand, supports Project Soar, a non-profit organization established the couple to empower local Moroccan girls through art and sports, as well as health and English language education.
Why take a wellness retreat to Marrakesh?
For one thing, a well curated trip to Marrakesh is hard to find and can be quite intimidating. Many find it daunting to visit or plan on their own, and we have carefully selected the places we visit over years of experience. In addition, the food is comforting and full of healing spices, the hammams give incredible spa treatments and the landscape is full of quiet beauty. From the time you wake up and hear the distant calls to prayer ringing over the olive groves to the traditional pouring of mint tea in friendship to the time you finish the night in a dining tent with fluffy, patterned rugs underfoot, it’s the ultimate way to experience Marrakesh with balance and harmony.
FEATURED MOROCCO BLOG POSTS
GUEST TESTIMONIALS FROM MOROCCO
CURRENT MOROCCO RETREATS
MOROCCO GIVE-BACK PARTNER \ PROJECT SOAR
We started working with Peacock Pavilions, our hosts in Marrakesh, to help lead small yoga workshops for the girls of the nearby village on the days surrounding the retreats. Then, shortly afterwards, Peacock Pavilions officially announced their new non-profit company PROJECT SOAR which will continue to do work with their neighborhood village of Douar Ladaam, just on the outskirts of Marrakesh. Now each Marrakesh retreat pledges 10% of profits to go directly to the efforts of PROJECT SOAR! We have also began to build in small opportunities throughout the retreat weeks where guests can have a chance to see and help first-hand with the group.
PROJECT SOAR uplifts underprivileged communities through art, design and movement. Cultural constraints sometimes allow girls fewer opportunities, so PROJECT SOAR empowers girls to grow strong, smart and creative. They also bring beauty to communities through art, rehabilitation and cleanup projects, helping them thrive for years to come.
Marrakesh, Morocco is one of our favorite locations we visit on retreat every year. No matter what the season, one thing we always make sure we pack are comfortable, stylish pieces that we can use no matter how the weather changes. We thought we would share with you the top 5 things that are in our travel bag and some places we love to shop for these versatile pieces!