About The Retreat

Escape the cold weather and feel the warm Moroccan sun. Join us on our adventure yoga holiday in the beautiful city of Essaouira, Morocco. Enjoy culture and history on a city tour, hike along the coast and surf in the perfect conditions. All whilst being based at a serene and sustainable hotel in your very own ‘Ecodome’.

You can be active with yoga, surfing and other water-sports whilst also leaving yourself the time to take in the stunning scenery, swim in the pool and eat delicious food. The average temperature is 22 degrees celsius with highs of 25, relax and explore with this combination yoga holiday of adventure, culture and relaxation.

Your 5 night stay in Essaouira will include yoga twice a day, a surf lesson, three delicious veggie/plant food dishes a day, Essaouira city tour, as well as optional extra water-sports, water-fall hike and more. Create space in your day to day by immersing yourself in yoga and activities, allowing you to return home feeling reset.

What makes this holiday so special is the stunning venue. Nestled in the Swiri countryside amongst the Argan and Tuaya trees, our boutique venue is a peaceful haven a mere 10 km from central Essaouira. There is a swimming pool to cool off and shaded areas to relax with a good book.

Yoga will be in a newly designed wooden yoga shala with a glass front looking out to the argan farm. The bedrooms are in ‘Ecodomes’ and have been built with the utmost respect for sustainability, from local materials found in Essaouira.

Alongside this, all the food is locally sourced, they use renewable energy and the venue’s staff are from the local community.

Compared to the bustling cities of Marrakech and Casablanca, Essaouira offers a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

The architecture reflects a mix of Moroccan and European influence, with charming whitewashed buildings with blue accents. The medina of Essaouira is a world heritage site, making the city rich in culture and history, which you will learn more about on our city tour. Essaouira locals are extremely warm and friendly and it is a city of natural beauty, boasting sandy beaches.

Location

Essaouira, a coastal city in western Morocco, is a vibrant blend of historical significance and modern charm. On our Essaouira yoga retreats we offer a diverse array of activities making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

The city was designed by a French engineer, giving it a unique blend of Moroccan and European architectural influences. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, bustling markets, vibrant souks and artisan workshops, exuding a timeless ambiance.

Accommodation

Your accommodation is 20km outside central Essaouira, situated in the Swiri countryside, surrounded by Argan and Tuyra trees.

On your 5 night stay in Essaouira you will be staying in a newly designed eco-conscious venue. Constructed in 2020, the ‘Ecodomes’ have been built with sustainability at their core, they’re built from local materials and they’re round structure makes them energy efficient – warm and cosy on colder evenings and cooling in the heat of the day. There is an outdoor heated pool and daybeds and plenty of spots of shade to read your book.

On our retreat we have 10 domes all of which are en-suite and you have the choice between a standard or superior ecodome, single occupancy or twin:

The standard ecodome has either a double bed or two singles, an in-room sitting area and adjoining dressing room.

The superior ecodome is larger, with a double bed or two singles, separate living room and dressing room. The bedrooms are authentically Moroccan in design and give a sense of peace and serenity.

Yoga

The yoga classes on our yoga holiday in Essaouira will be suitable for all levels and abilities. We love introducing total beginners to yoga.

Our morning yoga classes will be a blend of grounding Hatha, strong flows and creative movements to energise you for the day ahead. Evening sessions will be a blissful end to the day with restorative, yin and meditation.

Yoga Teacher

Claire Yates

Claire started her yoga journey way back in the 1990’s at dance school, and after a career of more than 25 years as a dance teacher, decided to hang up her ballet shoes and retrain to become a yoga teacher. It was the best decision ever!

Claire believes each class is a personal journey. She carefully crafts the class to the student, looking at ways to adapt asana (postures) to every individual in the room. She really would like to encourage people who don’t think they are bendy enough or look a certain way to come and experience yoga in a welcoming accessible environment!

Aside from asana, the physical practice, Claire’s classes will also have a strong emphasis on pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation). Her restorative classes bring a focus to pranayama and meditation that make them feel safe and accessible to everyone.

Claire believes the practice of yoga should lead you to find some quietness of the mind. To press pause on the constant chatter of the brain and external distractions and let yourself be present, at that moment, whether you are in child’s pose, or headstand the intention is the same. Being present, allowing the breath to flow.

Claires personal practice is Ashtanga, and she has studied both at the Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in Mysore, and with Authorised Teachers of the lineage throughout Asia. After Mysore she went to work on a Yoga Retreat in Thailand, and another, a little closer to home in the Carpathian Mountains. Returning home, she came back to the UK in 2017 and has been teaching in the UK ever since.

When she is not on the mat you can find her walking in the countryside with her dog, or on a board either in the sea, lake or mountains!

Cuisine

Three meals a day are included in the price of our Essaouira holiday, and the venue’s local Moroccan chefs cater to our group. The day starts with a hearty Moroccan breakfast, served with a selection of baked Moroccan delicacies, homemade jams and other tasty options.

Lunch is a relaxed Mediterranean affair with various seasonal salads and roasted vegetables. A Moroccan feast is served for dinner, highlighting the diversity of Moroccan cuisine. The menu changes according to seasonality.

It is possible to cater to dairy, gluten- and other intolerance-free diets. Please inform us before departure. Lunches are not provided whilst out on day trips.

Retreat schedule

Once you have landed in Marrakech for your yoga holiday in Essaouira, you will meet for our transfer at the airport at 12:30 and enjoy the scenic drive to Essaouira.

Your first evening starts with a short yoga class and then dinner.

On the last day enjoy breakfast before your transfer leaves at 8:00am for Marrakech airport.
7:30am – 9am

Energising morning yoga

9:30am

Wholesome breakfast by the pool

11am – 5pm

Guided hike, city tour, optional water-sports or sea swim

1:30pm

Lunch when at venue

3pm – 5pm

Relaxation time

5pm – 7pm

Restorative evening yoga

7:00pm

Delicious Moroccan style vegetarian evening meal

Retreat price

Twin / double standard Ecodome en-suite room: £1299pp

Single standard Eco-dome en-suite room:
£1599

There are superior eco-domes available, which are larger and have a relaxation space, as well as a bedroom area and private bathroom.

Twin / Double Superior Ecodome:
£1399pp

Single Superior Ecodome: £1699

Included

• Beautiful twin/double or single ‘Ecodome’ with en-suite
• Large spacious grounds with a pool and outdoor seating areas
• Transfer to & from Marrakech airport
• Essaouira city tour
• Surf lesson
• 5 x Delicious breakfasts
• Delicious Mediterranean-style lunches whilst at the venue
• 5 x 3 course evening meals
• 4 x Morning yoga classes to energise
• 5 x Evening yoga classes to unwind
• Yoga mats, blocks & bolsters
• Assistance in organising extra activities

Not included

• Flight
• Transfers
• Insurance
• Extra excursions
• Massage treatments
• Spa
• Extra non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks

How to get here

The closest airport is Marrakech where we will be providing our transfer included in the price. You must arrive at the airport on time for the transfer times we have provided otherwise you will need to arrange a private transfer. The transfer time from Marrakech airport to the venue is 2 hrs 30 minutes.

Fly:

On arrival day, please make sure your flight arrives at Marrakech airport before 12:00pm ready to be picked up 12:30

On departure day, please book a flight that departs after 13:00 as your transfer will be arriving at the airport at 11:00am.

Please note: It is possible to book flights to Essaouira airport (30 minutes from the venue), however the transfer is not included in the price and you will have to arrange this yourself. If you decide to fly to Essaouira we can put you in contact with a trusted private transfer company recommended by our venue.

We highly recommend arriving the day before the start date of the holiday so you can explore the beautiful bustling city of Marrakech. Please contact us if you would like hotel recommendations. You can then meet us in arrivals at Marrakech Airport at 14:00.

Booking

To enquire about or make a booking on this Autumn Sun Adventure Yoga Holiday in Essaouira, please fill in the form below.