Yoga retreat in Marrakech: what to know before you go
Yoga Amigas ·
A yoga retreat in Marrakech is a week of slow mornings in a riad, yoga on the roof at sunset and day trips (to the Atlas Mountains and the Majorelle Garden). If it is your first time in Morocco, a few practical things will help you relax from the very first day. This is what I would tell a friend before she comes.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn. In March, days in Marrakech are around 24°C and nights around 10°C. From June to September it gets very hot, and on some days it goes above 40°C. In winter the days are pleasant, but the nights are cold, so a warm layer is a must.
That is why I take my groups to Marrakech in spring and in December.
What is a riad?
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around an inner courtyard. From the street you only see a plain wall and a door. It does not look impressive at all. But as you step inside, you are suddenly in another world: it is quiet, with plants, tiles and a roof terrace.
On my retreat, the riad is your home for 7 nights. We practise morning yoga by the fireplace and evening yoga on the roof, while the call to prayer sounds across the city. Breakfast is served in the riad every day: fluffy omelettes, fresh bread, pancakes with homemade jam, mint tea and coffee.
I love our mornings there. First the silence in the riad, when we are all just waking up and coming down for yoga, the cool walls and the calm. After yoga we are wide awake, and so is the city. The sounds and smells of breakfast drift in from the kitchen, the girls are already chatting away, the sun rises high over Marrakech, and I feel grateful after another class with you.
Is Marrakech safe for women?
The honest answer: the medina (the old town) is loud, busy and full of sellers, and some of them can be pushy. This is more tiring than dangerous, but it helps to know what to expect. On the retreat you are with the group and with me the whole week. These simple habits help:
- A friendly "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on is enough.
- Do not follow people who offer to show you the way.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a bag that closes.
- Use the transfers and taxis we arrange for you.
Before you travel, also check your government's official travel advice for Morocco.
What should I wear?
In the medina, clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are respectful, and they are also more comfortable in the sun. A light scarf is useful. In the riad you can wear whatever you like, including yoga clothes. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the Atlas Mountains trip, and a warm jumper and a jacket for the evenings.
Money
Morocco uses the dirham (MAD). You usually cannot buy it before you travel, so change money or use a cash machine after you arrive. Carry some cash: small shops and market stalls often do not take cards. Bargaining in the souks is normal, and it can be fun.
What do we do during the week?
Nothing is compulsory. A usual day looks like this: morning yoga, breakfast together, free time in the medina or on the roof terrace, and yoga at sunset. On some days we go on trips:
- The Atlas Mountains: a visit to a women's argan oil cooperative, a walk to a waterfall (about two hours each way) and lunch by the river.
- The Majorelle Garden: the garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, full of bamboo, colour and quiet.
- The hammam: close to the riad there is a spa with a shared hammam, a pool with a view of the Atlas Mountains, and massages. Pure bliss. This is optional and paid separately.
The women have told me that each of these trips is a big experience, but they are completely different. In the Atlas Mountains we admire the vastness of nature and get to know the Morocco beyond Marrakech: you will see the difference, I promise you. The Majorelle Garden, on the other hand, is pure beauty and culture.
Read more about a typical day in Morocco.
Documents and flights
Citizens of many European countries, including Poland and the UK, do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. You need a passport, not an ID card. For Polish citizens, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day you enter Morocco. Rules can change, so check them before you travel.
You fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Flight connections change with the season, so check the current schedule from your city. We collect you when you land and take you back on your last day.
What is included?
7 nights in the riad, airport transfers, breakfast every day, a welcome dinner, daily yoga, guided meditations and cultural excursions. Flights, other meals, spa treatments and travel insurance, however, are not included.
Frequently asked questions
I have never done yoga. Can I come? Yes. The retreat is for all levels, including complete beginners. I adapt the practice to each woman.
Can I come on my own? Yes. Many women do. You can share a room with another woman or have a private room with its own bathroom.
Do I need travel insurance? It is not included in the price, and I strongly recommend it.
How cold is it in the evenings? In spring, nights are around 10°C. Bring a warm layer. The riad has a fireplace, and the tea is always hot.