With desert dunes, mountain peaks, ancient cities, and rich culture, Morocco is a destination like no other. This gateway to sub-Saharan Africa is a country of rich diversity and warm hospitality mixing centuries-old tradition with a firm view of the future. We will begin in Marrakech and explore the labyrinth medinas, excellent restaurants, and visits with local artisans. We will be dazzled by the snake charmers as we imbibe the ubiquitous fresh-pressed mint tea and take in everyday life in this bustling city. From Marrakech will be driven to the nearby Stone Desert to sleep in gorgeously designed desert tents. We will take in the expansive night sky, enjoy camel trekking, and a yoga practice overlooking the expansive dunes. Another short drive will take us to the spectacular Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s highest mountain range, where we will stay in an exquisite Kasbah surrounded by green fields and groves of olives, lemon, and orange trees while gazing at the nearby snowy mountain peaks. Our retreat will be led by an expert guide to ensure we experience a unique vantage point of this incredible country.

TAKE ME TO MOROCCO >

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! You will be picked up at the Marrakech airport by a private driver who will transport you directly to the boutique hotel or ‘Riad.’ This traditional hotel is nestled inside a quiet neighborhood in the heart of Marrakech’s bustling ancient medina and will be your base for the next four nights. Take some time to unpack and settle into the tranquil and lovely hotel. Later in the evening we will meet for orientation with our expert guide and enjoy a warm welcome cup of mint tea together. Our first yoga class will take place on the covered rooftop overlooking Marrakech with the Atlas mountains in the distance. Hors d’oeuvres A welcome dinner will be held in the gorgeous private dining area.

Day 2: Explore Marrakech

We will begin the day with morning yoga on the rooftop terrace followed by a generous breakfast of traditional Moroccan pastries, fruits, tea, and coffee. We will then head into the bustling medina on a guided walking tour to explore the market maze of Marrakech and visit cultural sites, local artisans, and shops. We will enjoy lunch inside the medina at a restaurant that has been hand-selected by our expert guides. After lunch we will view the work of local artisans, exploring everything from pottery to textiles, leather goods, and tiles. We will have a chance to learn about these traditional crafts that have been practiced for centuries and make Morocco a top destination for design. You will have the option to stay and continue shopping with our skilled guides or head back to the hotel to relax or enjoy a traditional hammam (steam bath). Afternoon yoga on the rooftop terrace with the rest of the evening free. A curated list of restaurant suggestions will be provided for your dining pleasure.

Day 3: Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Today we will again begin with a rejuvenating morning yoga practice on the rooftop terrace followed by breakfast. From there we will take a short drive to the newly built Yves Saint Laurent Museum – an award-winning architectural marvel housing YSL’s designs. The museum includes a hall for temporary exhibitions, a research library with over 5,000 volumes, a 140-seat auditorium, a bookshop, and terrace cafe. The afternoon is open for you to enjoy the traditional hammam at the hotel, continue wandering the medina, or go shopping on your own. We will have a private guide available to accompany you should you wish to explore on your own. Yoga will take place in the late afternoon on the rooftop terrace and will be followed by dinner at your leisure.

Day 4: Traditional Berber Cooking Class

Another wonderful morning in Marrakech begins with yoga on the rooftop and breakfast at the Riad. Plan to eat light this morning as we will depart in the late morning to visit a traditional cooking school in the Medina where you will learn how to make bread, salads, the classic Moroccan tagine, and pastries. The afternoon is open for you to enjoy the traditional hammam at the hotel, continue wandering the medina, or go shopping on your own. This is our final afternoon in the bustling medina of Marrakech and a perfect opportunity to pick up any handcrafted pieces you might have been eyeing in the days prior! We will have a private guide available to accompany you should you wish to explore on your own. After yoga in the late afternoon, we will provide you with a list of recommended restaurants for dinner.

Day 5: Marrakech → Agafay Desert

Today we journey to our next destination, the Agafay Desert. Private vehicles will transport us to our luxury camp accommodations in the Stone Desert, just one hour away. Set against an elegant but simple backdrop, the natural materials, African woven matting, ethnic cushions, and flickering Moroccan lanterns will transport you to another time. The welcoming staff will show us to our tents where we can settle in, enjoy a cup of tea, and take in the magical surroundings before regrouping for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax or to enjoy any of the optional leisure activities such as camel riding, lawn bowling, board games, massages, or horseback riding. Late afternoon yoga will take place on a sea of carpets embracing the wide-open views of the surrounding desert landscape. Tonight we will dine on a feast of traditional Moroccan cuisine underneath the stars!

Day 6: Agafay Desert

After morning yoga overlooking the sunlit expanse of the desert, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a half-day trek accompanied by a local mountain guide. Midway through we will pause to share a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot along the hillside. The afternoon is free to relax or to enjoy any of the optional leisure activities such as camel riding, lawn bowling, board games, massages, or horseback riding. Late afternoon yoga will embrace wide-open views of the surrounding desert landscape and Moroccan wilderness. Dinner will include fresh bread that is baked in a small traditional earthen oven as well as seasonal vegetables cooked to perfection. Enjoy the evening next to a fire and under the sky aglow with starlight.

Day 7: Agafay Desert → Atlas Mountains

We will greet the morning one final time in the Agafay Desert with a morning yoga practice and breakfast at the camp. We will depart by late morning and begin our final transfer by private vehicles to our final destination - the Atlas Mountains, just one hour away. Set upon a hilltop overlooking the Ourika valley with lavish gardens, secluded swimming pools, and panoramic views of the mountains, peace, and relaxation await. After settling in, you will have an opportunity to relax in your individually decorated rooms or unwind by the beautiful swimming pool. Together we will enjoy a lunch of seasonal Moroccan dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Yoga in the late afternoon will be the perfect way to complete the day.

Day 8: Atlas Mountains

Morning yoga at the Kasbah will include views of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak of

North Africa. After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a local hike in the Ourika Valley. Our journey by foot will lead us to a local Berber village where we will enjoy lunch at a traditional Berber home. Returning to the hotel in the late afternoon, we will have one final yoga practice followed by a farewell dinner to conclude our journey! 

Day 9: Trip Concludes

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before you take a private car back to the airport for your departure home.

Please note that exact timing and details are subject to change with each trip.