You are invited on a 5 night/6 day adventure to the enchanting Morocco for a short and sweet spring retreat hosted by Souljourn Yoga Foundation and Alma Retreats. Join Souljourn Yoga founder, Jordan Ashley, and inspiring curator and cofounder of AORA, Jenn Ellis on this cinematic yoga and art journey where we will be supporting Education For All Morocco (EFA), an organization that provides secondary education and boarding houses to rural girls from the High Atlas Mountains.
We will begin our journey in the ancient city of Marrakech, where will be staying deep in the historic Medina at the Riad Zam Zam, and will explore the incredible art galleries, barter in the souks for traditional goods (hand woven textiles, silver jewelry, perfume oils, dried fruits, kohl, etc) and replenish in the tranquil hammam. We will finish our adventure at Kasbah du Toubkal, a rustic guesthouse with panoramic mountain views, delicious Berber dining, and a mountain hike before meeting up with the young women from Education for All Morocco (EFA). Infused on our adventure is daily yoga, meals, tours, activities*, airport pick up/drop off, and a $300 tax-deductible donation for EFA. *spa treatments/hammam and cooking class are additional.
Souljourn Yoga Foundation is a US 501(c)3 non-profit that raises awareness and funds for young women’s education in less economically developed countries (LEDCs) by using yoga as an inclusive vehicle for change. Inspired by seva, the Sanskrit word and yogic principle of selfless service, and ‘sojourn’ which captures the essence of being in a place for a time, we collaborate with local community based projects and international nonprofits. We endeavour to support sustainable educational pathways for women across the world and believe all women deserve equal access to education and that all women deserve their own space to breathe, connect and grow.
We carefully craft abundant opportunities to explore, practice, and educate through yoga both on and off of the mat. We offer diverse workshops, teacher immersions, and global retreats to continue to promote female empowerment and education in communities where equal opportunities are not always available. Due often to the limitations of endemic poverty and gender inequality, we believe it is important to provide a platform for yoga to universally inspire kaivalya (liberty) to connect people across spaces, empower global gender development, enable female education and to promote economic self-sufficiency.
We may have different spiritual practices across the planet, yet a deeply powerful element of yoga is that it does not adhere to one particular belief system or community; it is a fluid bridge for anyone and everyone to connect to their internal wellbeing. It is through this core observance and respect for community and collaboration that we are able to connect. We co-design retreats with our vital partner organizations on the ground, whereby we consciously weave social heritage and local practices of tradition, meditation, and movement so that it is a culturally contextual experience focused on equity, inclusion, and a shared experience for all involved.
Currently, over 130 million young women around the world are denied an education, which also means they're often denied the right to make fundamental and unique choices. Choices which can improve their overall wellbeing, access to opportunities and individual health and gender equities. A young woman with safe access to an education, is also less likely to be endangered by violence, child marriage and premature pregnancy which are ubiquitous issues that women face universally. Education provides choices, and choices can provide liberty.
Please go to http://www.souljournyoga.com/faq to read and sign our Terms and Conditions
Note that the $500 deposit is non-refundable
Welcome to Marrakech! After getting picked up from the airport (plan to arrive by 2pm please), our adventure begins with a healthy, organic lunch at the Riad Zam Zam. Lounge on the rooftop, indulge in a traditional Moroccan beauty ritual (complete with mineral mud and a massage) . We will have our first delicious dinner at the riad together with offerings of tagine, couscous, and mint tea to transport your taste buds.
Overnight at Riad Zam Zam