Moroccan Mindfulness Retreat

Jackie has developed a wonderful package of mindfulness, fun and exploration of the hidden treasure that is Essaouira in Morocco. She fell in love with this place many years ago and can't stop going back for more! She even bought a beautiful riad in the heart of the Medina. Situated on the coast of Morocco, this World Heritage Site has a fantastic history and a wondrous setting. Just two hours from Marrakech it offers year round sunshine and with sea breezes that avoids the stifling heat that can engulf Marrakech. Essaouira is a magnet for discerning tourists, including Moroccans, with its range of delights and cultural experiences. The range of restaurants is almost overwhelming; multicultural from sardines at street stalls to the finest international food, all reasonably priced. It even has its own airport just outside the city!

Jackie’s passion and knowledge of mindfulness combined with her deep love of Morocco makes a perfect combination for a mindfulness retreat. She has created two retreat packages to suit a variety of budgets and preferences; one based at a luxury hotel just outside Essaouira and one at authentic riad hotels within the Medina. The group is typically around 8 people in many combinations of friends, couples or individuals all looking to undertake or continue their mindfulness journey.

There will be a chance to practice mindfulness in a variety of settings each day as well as having plenty of time to explore Essaouira and the surrounding area, or take a spa or hamman. Jackie can recommend the best places to visit, eat and shop. And the packages include cultural experiences such as cookery schools, jewelry making and African music.

The five or six day packages provide 3 hours of mindfulness each day in a variety of settings. There is time to enjoy guided approaches to relaxation and meditation and explore and develop ways to reconnect with your inner voice. These can take place in the morning sunrise, through the day or an evening session. There is then plenty of free time for you to enjoy as you wish. The cost of the retreat includes a delicious Moroccan breakfast each morning and so enabling you to indulge your own preferences for lunch and dinner, either in the hotel or the city.

The retreats include a traditional Moroccan evenings with music and delicious food and walking tours of Essaouira. In addition, amongst other things, we are able to arrange massages and treatments, Horse Riding on the beach or excursions to nearby places of interest. These are bookable in advance (and sometimes when you arrive) and charges are payable locally.

The luxury hotel retreat.

Set in acres of botanical gardens in a luxury, discrete hotel just outside Essaouira the retreat is delivered in private villas within the hotel grounds. Each has four en-suite bedrooms and its own private pool. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s restaurants, bars, spa and other pools. click below for images of teh hotel and villas.

Mindfulness in the Medina

Getting there

Ryanair has flights on Wednesday and Saturday direct to Essaouira from Stansted, meaning a very short transfer on arrival (arranged and included in your retreat price). Alternatively you can fly in and/or out via Marrakech (2 1/2 hour transfer) with various airlines, including two flights a day from Stansted. You might choose to extend your stay with extra nights in Essaouira or Marrakech. We ask you to arrange and book your own flights as you know your travel plans best.

Whilst we are fully insured to enjoy your company throughout your stay with us, we do advise you to make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your own personal needs as we cannot be held responsible for problems with your flight or transport to or from your home.

Testamonials

This was by far the best experience I could have imagined. It was not overloaded with mindful sessions, the balance was just right. We got to feel and be part of the culture too. My experience was Mindful and eye opening. Jo Ramos, Fleet.

This was my first retreat and my first time doing anything like this on my own. I was made to feel relaxed and welcome and accepted immediately. Essaouira is so beautiful and the riad was amazing. What I loved about this retreat was the balance with the work on meditation and discussion and just having a little bit of a holiday. Even our trips out were lessons on mindfulness in a natural relaxed way. Jackie is a vibrant, enthusiastic and acting teacher with a fun personality. This experience was a profound and enjoyable one for me. I have made friendships I hope to have for ever. Thank you so much Jackie xx. Collette

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