Do you crave meaningful travel experiences that go beyond the predictable?
Do you long to immerse yourself in authentic cultural exchanges that forge lasting connections?
Are you curious about the folklore and deep roots of the world’s musical traditions?
Then say YES to this extraordinary journey to Morocco, where ancient melodies echo through the labyrinthine streets of centuries-old cities and vast desert landscapes.
Join me on this mesmerizing journey through the South of Morocco, where music and mystery intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure for musicians and music lovers alike. We will journey south from the bustling chaos of Marrakech, across the Atlas Mountains, through tranquil oases in the Draa valley, to the expansive desert skies of the Sahara.
Music will play the leading role in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Who am I, and why should you travel with me?
I'm Zani, founder of Journey Beyond Destination. I'm a passionate singer/songwriter driven by a deep wanderlust. Having been born into a multicultural family where music was revered, my connection to the rich genre known as “World Music” dates back to my childhood, long before that title was ever coined. I've been immersed in this genre for decades. From hosting my own World Music radio show in southern Spain to curating live world fusion music series in Madrid's vibrant clubs and fronting my band, TribuNovo. Drawing from my love of sharing authentic, deep-rooted music and folklore, I've personally crafted this experience for fellow music enthusiasts eager to explore Morocco's diverse musical heritage.
This is more than just a trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring music and mystical allure of Morocco. I’d love for you to join me on this extraordinary journey.
Experience firsthand the trance-inducing rhythms of Gnawa music, and the haunting melodies of Berber folk songs. We'll delve into a tapestry of diverse musical genres that have been passed down through generations, many of which are unknown in the West.
During our journey, we will be treated to exclusive private concerts in intimate settings, allowing for personal interactions with various talented bands and musicians, and creating unique opportunities to exchange musical ideas and insights. We'll have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on workshop where we can experiment and play with unique traditional instruments such as the guembri, qraqebs, rebab, tarija, and oud.
But the real magic awaits in the Sahara Desert, at our exclusive desert camp. From our camp, we will take a short ride on a camel caravan through undulating dunes. Our path leads to the tallest dune, which we’ll climb to take in the serenity and vastness of the desert landscape, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the desert at dusk. It's a moment of profound beauty and stillness, which I’m sure will rank as one of your lifetime favorites.
After dinner, back at our camp, under the vast expanse of the desert sky, we'll settle in for a spectacular evening of stargazing. Our knowledgeable, and professional astronomer will guide us through an awe-inspiring stargazing session. We'll peer into the heavens through his telescope at the myriad stars and constellations that adorn it. It's going to be an unforgettable night, full of wonder and camaraderie as we soak in the beauty of the moment together. of pure enchantment. In this magical setting, sitting around a campfire, music, and rhythm will fill the night air and our souls.
For the first 3 travelers who secure their place on this trip by leaving their deposit by May 31, 2024, you will be gifted a HAMMAM SPA PACKAGE in Marrakech!
This 60-minute spa package includes:
Hammam with eucalyptus black soap and body scrub with gloves, accompanied by a relaxing 30-minute massage.
Hi, I'm Zani, founder of Journey Beyond Destination. A project that began as a side hobby while living in Morocco from 2017 to 2020 has now become my full-time passion.
Welcome to my world of slow, soulful, culturally immersive travel through Morocco. If you're a curious traveler or a wanderer seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path, you've come to the right place.
I specialize in organizing intimate experiences for small groups of no more than 8 travelers at a time. These bespoke adventures are designed for individuals who crave hands-on cultural experiences and aren't afraid to mingle with local communities, embracing their traditions with open arms. Choose from themed journeys focusing on music, artisans, and local craftsmen to nature adventures that take you off the grid.
I understand the importance of privacy, tranquility, and personalized attention, which is why the accommodations are carefully selected, small to medium-sized boutique hotels, many of which are nestled within historic sites steeped in rich history.
Through my many years of experience living and traveling in Morocco, I’ve fostered strong,
trusting partnerships with local certified guides, drivers, shopkeepers, artisans, café owners, and restaurateurs, ensuring that you, the traveler, will always receive exceptional quality, service, and value throughout your journey.
Things to know before you go.
Before embarking on your journey to Morocco, it's important to address some common questions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Firstly, be aware that alcohol consumption in public is strictly prohibited, and even in private settings, it is often only tolerated at best. You'll find that most restaurants and cafes do not serve alcohol of any kind, so it's best to be prepared for this cultural difference when planning your trip. Additionally, it's crucial to note that drug use of any kind is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties. In contrast to the strict prohibition of drug use, tobacco products are available in Morocco, and smoking is permitted in designated areas where allowed.
Secondly, respecting the dress code is essential. When venturing into religious or conservative areas, dressing modestly is not only appreciated but also a sign of respect for local customs and traditions. It's essential for women to cover their shoulders, knees, and chest when visiting mosques or other religious sites, and to avoid wearing revealing clothing in public spaces. For a complete list of suggested and appropriate attire, feel free to contact me for further guidance tailored to our specific itinerary.
When capturing moments in Morocco, it's important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities, especially when photographing ordinary people in their daily lives. Taking photos of locals without their consent, particularly in intimate or private settings, can be considered intrusive and disrespectful. It's essential to always ask for permission before taking someone's photo and to respect their wishes if they decline. Additionally, remember to approach photography with sensitivity and empathy, considering the impact your actions may have on the subjects and their communities. By showing respect for the privacy and dignity of the people you encounter, you can ensure a positive and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Lastly, showing respect for religious traditions, such as refraining from public displays of affection and being silent during the calls to prayer, is extremely important.
Remember, we are guests in this ancient land, and it is essential to honor the cultural heritage of this vibrant country.
Keeping these considerations in mind will help you enjoy this journey through Morocco with ease and respect for its customs and traditions.
Morocco boasts a rich culinary heritage with a diverse array of traditional dishes, many of which are centered around animal-based proteins.
For vegetarians and vegans traveling to Morocco, dining options vary depending on the location. In tourist areas, restaurants tend to be accommodating to diverse dietary preferences, offering a range of vegan and vegetarian options on their menus. From flavorful tagines bursting with aromatic spices and hearty vegetable stews to vibrant salads and couscous dishes, Moroccan cuisine offers a wealth of plant-based delights.
However, in more remote or less visited areas, finding these alternatives may prove more challenging. To ensure you can maintain your plant-based diet throughout your journey, consider bringing along protein bars or other snacks to supplement your meals.
As a vegetarian myself, I've personally sought out eateries that cater to both omnivores and plant-based eaters, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all of us.
Shopping in Morocco is an exhilarating adventure that offers a unique cultural experience. In bustling tourist areas, you'll quickly notice that set prices are not the norm when it comes to merchandise. Instead, bargaining, or "haggling," is deeply ingrained in the local shopping culture.
While negotiating for the best price can seem intimidating at first, it's also an opportunity for lively interaction and cultural exchange. Many visitors find the haggling process to be a thrilling and entertaining aspect of their Moroccan journey, allowing them to engage with local vendors and immerse themselves in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
As I used to live in Morocco, I am familiar with the actual cost of most things and can guide you a bit on the art of the haggle. So, brace yourself for the excitement of bargaining and enjoy the spirited exchanges as you explore the markets of Morocco.
Be sure to read our policy before booking, and feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
We strongly advise all travelers to consider holiday insurance—it's not included in the price, but it's absolutely worth it for peace of mind!
Payments: We kindly ask that all payments be settled in full no later than 45 days before the first day of the journey. If payments aren't completed by this time, unfortunately, we won't be able to accommodate you on this trip, and refunds won't be possible. There is a payment plan available for those who prefer to pay in installments, guaranteeing full payment before the trip begins.
Cancellations by the traveler: Once you receive confirmation of your booking, you'll have 24 hours to cancel and receive a full refund, including the deposit.
After this timeframe, the following conditions will take effect:
A) If you, or any member of your party, need to cancel your travel arrangements at any time, written notification from the person who made the booking must be received by me as soon as possible by email at journey.beyond.destination@gmail.com.
B) If you decide to cancel your booking without providing valid proof of a good reason (check below for details), unfortunately, we won't be able to issue a refund. However, if you do have documentation of severe illness, loss of employment, or the passing of a close family member (like a life partner, children, siblings, or parents), we can offer a refund, minus a handling and cancellation fee of 20%. We highly recommend getting comprehensive travel insurance that covers everything from flights to medical expenses and even participation in the trip. This way, if anything unexpected comes up, you may be able to make a claim using the invoice we provide in those situations.
C) Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, the following policy will be applied:
1. Cancellations made between 120 - 90 days: A 70% refund will be provided on cancellations made between 90-119 days before the start date of the booked retreat. This excludes the deposit-per-person booking fee, which is non-refundable.
2. Cancellations made between 60 - 90 days: A 30% refund will be provided on cancellations made between 60-89 days before the start date of the booked retreat. This excludes the deposit-per-person booking fee, which is non-refundable.
3. Cancellations made less than 60 days: No refund will be provided on cancellations made between 59-0 days before the start date of the booking. Cancellations made less than 60 days before the start date are non-refundable and will result in a 100 % loss of revenue.
4. No refund will be provided for premature leaving of the trip or failure to arrive at the start point for any reason other than sudden, severe illness, or the passing of a close family member.
5. No refund will be provided for only part of a booking, for example, if a room is booked for two guests who are sharing and one guest is unable to attend, the booking would need to be canceled as a whole for the above refund policy to apply.
6. If paying via installments, the above conditions will apply based on the entire price of your booking and not just on any installments paid.
7. Please note that no refunds will be issued for deposits.
Cancellations made by Journey Beyond Destination:
A) We retain the right to cancel or reschedule a trip at our discretion. If a trip is canceled or rescheduled, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule it within twelve (12) months from the original start date.
B) In the event that Journey Beyond Destination needs to cancel or change the start date of a trip for any reason, guests have the option to transfer the funds paid to another trip at a later date to be used as credit. Alternatively, guests may request a refund of payments made, which will be accommodated to the best of our ability, taking into account any non-recoverable costs incurred in anticipation of the trip.
Additional considerations
Room Damages
In the event that you cause damage to your room or any property within it, you will be held solely responsible for covering any associated costs incurred by the hotel. These costs will be deducted from the card you have registered with us for payment.
General Waiver
By participating in any trip with Journey Beyond Destination, you acknowledge that you are engaging in all activities voluntarily. To the extent permitted by law, you waive any right to pursue legal action against Journey Beyond Destination, its partners, contractors, and collaborators for any loss or damage to persons or property, including death, that may occur during the trip.
If you are currently pregnant or under medical or psychiatric supervision, you must provide a doctor's certificate confirming your fitness to travel and participate in the activities.
Journey Beyond Destination will not accept liability for: any of the above events, or others beyond our control. Loss, injury, or damage (to you) or your personal property. Physical, medical, or psychiatric conditions developing during or after your retreat.
By accepting these terms and conditions, you confirm that:
You have the authority to use the debit or credit card and/or PayPal account.
You will not initiate chargebacks, disputes, or reversals for any payments.
You have reviewed and agree to the Payment, Cancellation, & Refund Policy.
You consent to abide by the terms and conditions outlined above.
We retain the right to suspend or terminate any account or individual with
Thanks for your understanding.
Space is limited, so secure your place by leaving a deposit today. A payment plan is available for your convenience.
We're happy to offer an early bird discount to the first three travelers who book and pay the discounted rate in full before June 30, 2024.
Sensory Overload. We'll arrive and get settled in. This day is mostly for recovering from the long trip and getting heads, hearts, and souls aligned, rested, and ready for the days ahead.
We will spend the first three nights in Marrakech, then head out towards the desert.
Cultural and musical experiences while in Marrakech include:
1) A private storyteller: He will enchant us with details about the historic route we will be traveling on down to the desert. Storytelling is a deep-rooted and revered tradition in Morocco.
2) A private Gnawa ceremony, the Lila. It's a mesmerizing ceremony of song, music, dance, costume, and incense that takes place over the course of an entire night, ending around dawn. However, this special Lila, presented exclusively for our group, will be only 1.5 hours long, just to give us a taste of the real deal.
3) A private tour of the old Medina, where we'll visit local shops where some instruments are crafted.
4) A meet and greet/Q&A, with the band Houariyat, followed by a show, This well-known band is formed by five women from the region of Marrakech. They perform the traditional music of the Huara.
https://youtu.be/KkPAAdHVYik?si=KZbblH-Mn0D-LXTn
In addition to these experiences, there will be time to explore the medina* and souks* for some shopping and to take in the vibrancy of this city.
*What's a medina? The medina is the old core of a city in Morocco, usually from the Middle Ages. It is surrounded by a wall, and you can only enter through the old city gates, called Bab. There are seldom proper roads, mostly, it’s more or less narrow streets that you share with motorbikes, donkeys, juice sellers, and, of course, lots of people walking. Sometimes it feels like walking through an elaborate maze.
*What's a souk? The souk is the market. In some places, this is an outdoor space where the souk is held once a week. The vendors come from near and far in their vans and lay out their wares on improvised tables. In the bigger cities, it is a permanent structure open every day. In the bigger, touristy cities, the word is also used for the parts of the medina that these days are mostly used for souvenir shopping. In Marrakech, for example, there are different parts of the souks for different goods. Carpet souk, spice souk, metal works souk, leather souk.