Join me on African soil for this exotic escape filled with fun, sun and adventure. You can expect temperatures of mid-late 20s during the daytime and balmy nights.
Watch the full retreat video at the bottom of this page.
Venue:
Our hilltop villa is pure tranquility, topped off with private pool, rooftop yoga space, expansive views across the mountains and ocean plus multiple cosy nooks for reading/writing/contemplation. The neighbouring villages are small traditional berber communities. Just a 10-20 minute drive and you can be nestled in among vibrant coastal surf and fishing towns.
You will enjoy four nights of private, twin/double or triple share accommodation (some rooms have already been booked, see below) to suit your budget and preference within our traditional moroccan ‘riad’ - open courtyards in between the exterior bedrooms designed for beautifully bright yet private interior spaces while keeping heat out of bedrooms (without depleting vital resources in the community). Simple sleeping under the stars.
Location:
Our nearest city is Agadir and the airport is called Agadir Al-Massira. There are very cheap direct flights from Manchester, London Stanstead and many more (£120 direct return Manchester - Agadir). Our villa is roughly a 90 minute drive from the airport, close to but further on than Tamraght and Taghazout, up the mountain. This area is one of the most famous surf spots in all of Africa.
This south western region has particular importance ecologically too. UNESCO says “The Arganeraie (the argan tree and its ecological system) is unique in the world, as it has adapted to a particularly arid climate, creating an ecosystem for various species.” The Argan tree makes the most expensive (and delicious) edible oil in the world.
Agadir also houses one of the largest souks in Morocco - Souk el Had - a trip there is included! (Different to the souks we’ve visited in previous years.)
Food:
You will be served three delicious meals per day, except for two lunchtimes where you’ll be out catching a wave, relaxing in the spa or wandering the souk - on these days, you can let your tastebuds seek out a new local flavour (I have a few recommendations).
Imagine not needing to food shop, plan the meals, cook, clean up… this is one of the things that people actually love most about coming away on retreat! It feels like such a luxury. On top of the that, the produce is fresh from the souk, meals are designed with health and wellbeing at their centre and you get the chance to try traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, cous cous and zaalouk.
You know I’m a huge foodie (and retreat chef) and this aspect is, and always will be, one of the most important parts of retreat.
Flow of the Retreat:
Ella Young Wellness Retreats are about offering a fresh perspective on our daily lives.
Beginning each day with the devotional practice of yoga helps to take us outside of ourselves, connect to the larger forces at work - the blazing sun, the powerful waves, spirit. From yoga, we enjoy a silent breakfast to allow those miraculous moments to ooze further into the day.
After that, the day is open to do as you please. There will always be a period of free time. Some days we will have excursions (detailed below in ‘what’s included’) where you can tie in a beach trip and/or wandering through the colourful local towns.
Sunset time naturally brings with it a moment for reflection. On some days, we will gather for a restorative practice to assimilate the day through yoga. Then comes a grounding dinner together - a celebratory affair to indulge in mouth-watering food and often eye-watering laugher. Enjoy a bedtime tea before a restful sleep.
Extend Your Trip:
You may like to fly in/out a few days earlier/later than the retreat days an do some exploring on your own. The coast is a beautiful route, as are the Atlas Mountains. Many like to make a visit to Marrakesh and flights here can be incredibly cheap. You can take buses or hire a car. I would also highly recommend the north but that is quite far away so depends what you’re seeking from this trip. There’s lots to do and see in Morocco!
What’s included:
4 night’s mountain top accommodation in traditional riad
6x holistic yoga practice (daily sunrise class, alternate afternoons)
A trip to one of Morocco’s largest souks
Hike through the Anti-Atlas mountains
Lots of free time to relax at our tranquil riad, soaking up the sun, pool and ocean/mountain views
3 meals a day (except for 2 lunchtimes when you can sample food in the local seaside towns)
Shared arrival airport transfer on 23rd from Agadir Al-Massira at 7pm
Shared departure airport transfer on 27th to arrive at the Agadir Al-Massira at 3pm
Option to book in for a surf lesson or spa trip (payment in Moroccan Dirham)
Not included:
Flights
Travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of times/locations listed above
Exchange:
Triple room*, £645pp until 5th April, then £745
Twin/double room*, £895pp until 5th April, then £995
Shared occupancy double with open plan en suite, £995pp until 5th April, then £1,095
Single occupancy double*, £1,295 until 5th April, then £1,395
Single occupancy double with open plan en suite, £1,395 until 5th April, then £1,495
*bathroom shared with just one other (single occupancy) room
SOLD OUT
£200pp deposit to reserve your space.
Early bird prices (in bold) are available when the full payment is transferred by 5th April.
Retreats are non-refundable so please make sure that you want to book and have insurance.