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Overview

Tides of the Heart . A Journey Into the Parts That Shape Relationships
Essaouira, Morocco
Nov 24 - 28, 2025
James Elphick image
James Elphick
£1,299
Deposit: £649

About your trip

A Return back to your Wholeness.

In this small, intimate retreat, we weave parts work, and embodiment practices, with the magic of Essaouira, a Moroccan coastal town where sea and sky meet, the medina winds like a labyrinth, and ancient ramparts quietly hold space for what’s inside.

This retreat is for those who are curious about:

  • Why we get close to relationships, then pull away

  • What our inner protectors are truly guarding

  • How to soften the places we’ve armoured

This is for you if…
You long for deeper connection , with yourself, with others, and with life.
You’ve already done some inner work, and now you’re ready to go further, not by pushing, but by softening and exploring.
You’re curious about your inner protectors, child, and teenagers that shape how you relate , and you’re ready to meet them with compassion.

Tides of the heart is a small, immersive retreat blending:

  • Parts work (IFS-inspired)

  • Group process.

  • 1:1 presence

  • Playful, soul-connected time in a vibrant, mystical, bohemian town by the sea

All held in a nourishing rhythm of rest, connection, reflection, good food, and Moroccan magic.


Accommodation.

We have our very own rustic Moroccan Riad, where traditional comfort meets simplicity. Amidst earthy tones and intricate tilework, find serenity in the shaded courtyard or on the expansive rooftop. Each corner boasts beautiful touches of Moroccan craftsmanship, inviting you to relax and rejuvenate in timeless tradition.

Within this riad there are three comfortable double bedrooms, a twin room and a single room.

Browse our photos to glimpse the riad's charm, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this oasis deep in the medina. 


A smooth journey and practicalities.

Arrival.

Essaouira has its own airport (ESU) with international flights. Alternatively you can fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or Agadir airport both  a 2.5-hour scenic drive by taxi.


Whatever option you choose you will be met by a trusted transfer provider and be taken to Essaouira medina. From there you will be escorted through the medina by a porter to the riad.

This service is £30 to those coming from Essaouira, £100 if coming from Marrakech or £130 from Agadir.

I can help assist you find a reputable company.


Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Exchange money at the airport or banks. ATMS widely available in Essaouira and cash is vital for most local purchases.


Prepare for a moderate climate; pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and light, modest clothing. But also pack for colder windier days. Evenings can be chilly so bring suitable clothing. Essential items include a refillable water bottle, comfortable shoes for exploring, and a travel adapter for Type C/E sockets.


Travel insurance is is strongly recommended.


Morocco has a very different culture to it's neighbouring Europe. To give respect to their culture brings back in dividends.


What's included

Daily Breakfast/lunch.

Everyday a sumptuous traditional Moroccan breakfast. A light lunch at the Riad.

Yoga.

Three beautifully curated yoga sessions on the rooftop that align to the themes of the day. and are led by a soul aligned yoga teacher

Daily group sessions.

Daily group sessions weaving IFS-inspired parts work, and gentle embodiment practices , a safe space to explore the patterns, protectors, and desires that shape how you relate.

1 x 1:1 session

A personal 1.1 session with James, offering focused parts work and compassionate presence to support your unique journey and deepen the insights from our group explorations. Up to 60 minutes.

Welcome dinner.

A traditional meal of tagine and cous cous for the first evening at the riad.

What's not included

Flights.

Flights are very good value from most European countries.

Travel insurance

It is strongly advised that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, health etc.

Transfers.

These can be arranged with a trusted transfer service.

Evening dinners.

You will be given recommendations for restaurants nearby.

Day 1. A Gentle landing

Day 1.  A Gentle landing image

Welcome to your Riad.

Guests arrive, settle into rooms, have mint tea on arrival.

  • 6:00 pm – Welcome Circle: introductions, agreements, and a short grounding practice.

  • 7:30 pm – Shared Moroccan dinner in the riad.

  • 8:30 pm – Gentle evening meditation / breath practice to arrive fully in the space.

Day 2. The Vast Self.

Day 2. The Vast Self. image

The Self and the protectors.

8:00 am Rooftop yoga (gentle, opening).

  • 9:00 am – Breakfast in the riad.

  • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Workshop: Introduction to parts work in the context of relationships. What is the Self, and Self energy? Meeting your inner protectors and understanding how they shape intimacy and connection.

  • 1:00 pm – Lunch in the riad.

  • Afternoon – Free time to wander the medina, rest, or take a sea walk/1.1 session.

  • 5:00 – 6:30 pm – Group sharing & reflection circle.

  • 7:00 pm – Dinner out in a local restaurant.


Day 3. The Tender self.

Day 3.  The Tender self. image

Meeting the Exiles & Inner Child.

.8:00 am – playful yoga on the rooftop.

  • 9:00 am – Breakfast.

  • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Workshop: Meeting the vulnerable parts of self — deep guided processes. How exiled parts show up in relationships and sure ways to reassure them.

  • 1:00 pm – Lunch.

  • Afternoon – One-to-one sessions (60 mins each) while others rest or explore.

  • Evening – Sunset at the ramparts (optional group walk), and meal at restaurant.


Day 4 Integration.

Day 4  Integration. image

Creating Space for New Ways of Relating

8:00 am – Optional yoga.

  • 9:00 am – Breakfast.

  • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Workshop: Integration practices, creating new relational patterns, and commitment to self. Tools to keep that life long consistent relationship to yourself and others.

  • 1:00 pm – Lunch.

  • Afternoon – Free time for last medina wander or beach.

  • 5:00 pm – Closing Circle & group blessing.

  • 7:00 pm – Celebration dinner.

Day 5. Closing circle.

Day 5.  Closing circle. image

Morning Reflection & Farewell

We’ll gather one last time over a slow Moroccan breakfast, sharing reflections, moments of gratitude, and intentions to carry home.

Location

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1. Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira, Morocco

About your organizer

JE
James Elphick
James Elphick is rooted in decades of supporting others through change. From years working in therapeutic social care to leading deep transformational retreats and one-to-one journeys. His work weaves intuitive insight, body-based awareness, and Parts Work into a grounded path of healing and wholeness. James creates safe, compassionate spaces ,both online and in person, where people can meet the parts of themselves that have long waited to be seen, and step into greater clarity, ease, and self-trust. He has guided seven transformationa

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