Sparkling Yoga
Join us in Morocco February 2018 for a yoga and meditation retreat that will cultivate strength and flexibility as well as restore inner and outer glow.
Teachers: Elena Mironov & Karina Højgaard
More info and registration: https://www.sparklingyogaretreats.com/locations/morocco/
Hidden away from Marrakech and located in a traditional Moroccan Berber village right in the desert overlooking the majestic Atlas Mountains you’ll find our retreat centre that will provide a wonderful environment for your yoga practice and redefine your idea of relaxation.
A multitude of corridors and courtyard paths lead to authentically-furnished, comfortable and spacious rooms. You’ll enjoy pools, secret terraces, charming gardens and a myriad of secluded corners in which to relax, restore and recharge. After sunset, you'll be savouring traditional Moroccan cuisine in the restaurant or on a terrace, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and distant lights of Marrakech as your backdrop.
yoga
The yoga classes will be led by two experienced teachers. You can read more about the teachers here.
The programme includes 2-3 classes a day, typically a morning class from 7.30-9.00, a pre-lunch guided meditation or pranayama, an evening asana class followed by an optional meditation self-practice.
rooms
The rooms at our centre are spacious and very cosy. They are built in a traditional Berber style using fortified clay (pisé) and eucalyptus tree, featuring hand-woven textiles created by our resident textile master on the premises. Most of the rooms have their own fireplace.
TYPICAL DAY
7.30-9.00 morning yoga practice
9.00-10.00 breakfast
10:00-12:00 time for rest, nap, pool, walks in the desert, spa treatments
12:00-12:30 guided meditation or pranayama practice
12:30-14.00 lunch buffet
14:00-17.30 time for rest, nap, pool, walks in the desert, spa treatments
17.30-19.00 evening yoga and/or meditation practice
19.00-19.30 optional non-guided meditation by the fireplace in the yoga shala
19.30-21.00 dinner
SPA
A visit to the hammam is a Moroccan tradition, and you may notice signs for the hammams within the medina of Marrakech. Our hammam pool and steam bath is for guests only, giving you the space and privacy in which to relax. The massage and beauty therapist at our centre will also be on hand to provide a range of exfoliation and massage treatments using authentic Moroccan skincare products that contain indigenous herbs, fruits and oils.
POOLS AND GARDENS
With two pools (one of them heated) and a wealth of beautiful aromas, the stunning gardens are yours to enjoy. Mazy paths lined with banana palms and orange trees lead you around the beautiful gardens. Roses, hibiscus and orange blossom bring an intoxicating delicate aroma and add splashes of colour to the garden walls. The terrace is showered in sunlight and offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. It’s also home to the the first of the two pools – perfect for cooling off with a quick dip, or stretching your legs with a relaxing swim.
FOOD
Morocco’s cultural influences make for extremely diverse cuisine and we will be enjoying a rich palette of flavours in the vegetarian meals that we will be served throughout the retreat. Breakfast will be served right after yoga, lunch is a rich salad buffet by the pool and 3-course dinner will be offered at a cosy restaurant at our centre.
MARRAKECH AND ATLAS MOUNTAINS
The vibrant city of Marrakech is only a 30-minute drive from our centre and on one of the days you will have an opportunity to take the complimentary shuttle minibus to the city centre and spend late morning and early afternoon exploring the colourful markets and return to the retreat centre before the evening class.
Later that week, we will also dedicate a day to an optional trip to the majestic Atlas Mountains with the local guide. The trip to Atlas Mountains will include a 2-hour transfer each way and a 4-4.5 hour walk up in the mountains and will incur an extra fee which will depend on the number of guests joining.