Morocco Yoga and Culture Retreat

Ourika, Morocco

NG
Nicole Griffin Wellness
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10 reviews
Oct 15 - 22, 2022
Group size: 6 - 9
Morocco Yoga and Culture Retreat
Ourika, Morocco

Nicole Griffin Wellness
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • LinkedIn verified
10 reviews

Oct 15 - 22, 2022
Group size: 6 - 9

About this trip

Only 2 more spots left!!


Spend 8 days and 7 nights in the stunning Ourika Valley, about 45 minutes south of Marrakesh. We will stay in a beautiful retreat center that offers striking mountain views, an expertly landscaped garden, and a fully-equipped yoga studio.  Eat delicious homemade Moroccan food, drink as much mint tea as you'd like, relax, renew, and immerse yourself in Morocco's beauty and hospitality.  


Throughout your stay, you will enjoy daily yoga classes (appropriate and accessible for all levels of experience), carefully curated cultural activities, and opportunities to interact in meaningful ways with the diverse people of Morocco.  


Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required to book this trip.  

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to chat!

Website: https://nicolegriffinwellness.com/
Email: nicole@nicolegriffinwellness.com
IG: @nicolegriffinwellness
Phone: 510-250-7242

Activities

  • A private cooking class at the Amal Women's Center
  • A guided hike in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and a home-cooked picnic lunch
  • A stop at a women's carpet cooperative
  • A sunrise hot air balloon ride over local Amazigh villages
  • A guided tour of historic sites in Marrakesh
  • A second trip to Marrakesh that includes free time for shopping
  • Two private concerts at our retreat center, featuring traditional Moroccan music
  • Visits to a local saffron farm and a local Amazigh market
  • Visits to the beautiful Anima Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Gardens
  • A traditional bread making lesson
  • A traditional Moroccan hamam (bath) session 
  • Tea at the world-famous La Mamounia Hotel
  • Drinks at the stunning, five-star property, Kasbah Tamadot
  • Lunch and tea at an Education for All Morocco boarding house to learn about girls' education in rural Morocco

Yoga

We will have 1-2 movement sessions each day.  Our morning sessions will include mindful yoga and short meditations and our evening sessions will include yin and restorative yoga.  While a basic level of yoga is very helpful, all movement sessions are appropriate for all levels of experience.  


Our retreat center has a fully stocked indoor yoga space, with props, mats, and beautiful views of the property.  They also offer an outdoor yoga terrace.

Meaningful Cultural Immersion

In attending this retreat you will benefit the local economy of Morocco in many meaningful ways.  We are intentionally including opportunities to support local communities and non-profits.  A portion of the proceeds of this retreat will be donated to benefit these organizations.  


Nicole lived in Morocco during grad school while she was studying Arabic and fell in love with the country.  On her retreats, meaningful cultural immersion is the centerpiece while yoga provides the container  to process the trip.

Sahara Desert Extension Trip

You will  have the option of adding on a Sahara Desert extension trip for an additional 5 days.  Sleeping under the crystal clear night sky, watching the sunrise over the dunes, riding camels and learning about local Bedouin cultures is an experience not to be missed! 

See all the details and book here: 

Sahara Desert Extension Trip

Payments & Cancellation Policy

To secure your spot, place a 30% deposit; final payments will be due by August 15, 2022. 


Trip insurance is required to protect against any unforeseen circumstances.  Plan to budget about $200-300 for insurance. Squaremouth is a great resource for comparing different plans.  I highly recommend selecting a plan that has a “cancel for any reason’ upgrade and purchasing travel insurance within 14 days of booking this trip to maximize your coverage options.


Your deposit is non-refundable. The remaining fees are fully refundable (minus any unrecoverable transaction fees) 91 days in advance. Cancellations 61 to 90 days in advance are eligible for a 50% refund of fees above the deposit. Payments made in the 60 days prior to the retreat are non-refundable. If you are able to find a replacement, we will refund your payment less your deposit and any non-recoverable fees. 


This policy exists because we need to ensure that we can meet financial obligations to our venues and in-country partners. This is why trip insurance is so helpful (and required)!


If the trip is canceled due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen circumstances, all payments, minus the deposit will be fully refunded. Deposits are transferrable to a rescheduled trip. 


Please inquire about payment plans as we are happy to make them available.   


*The itinerary and daily schedules may change slightly. 

What’s included

  • Accommodations
  • Daily Yoga Sessions
  • Most Meals
    Excluding one dinner out in Marrakesh
  • All Activities
  • Airport Transfer
    Plan to fly in and out of Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
  • All Entrance Fees
  • Daily Transportation
  • Local Guides
  • Two Private Concerts
    of Kora and Diqqa traditional music
  • A Hot Air Balloon Ride
    A sunrise adventure over local Amazigh villages
  • A Charitable Donation
    To the local charities we interact with during our trip

What’s not included

  • Airfare
  • Tips
  • Alcohol
  • One Dinner in Marrakesh
  • Drinks at Kasbah Tamadot
  • Travel Insurance

Available Packages

Double Room with Shared Bathroom
$2,595
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
$3,095
Single Room with Ensuite Bath
$3,295


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrivals + Welcome Dinner

Saturday Oct. 15


-Arrivals to Marrakesh Airport 

-Transfer to retreat property outside of Marrakesh (45 minute drive)  

-Plan to land by 3:30 pm in order to arrive in time for dinner


6:30 pm - Welcome dinner and restorative yoga practice to follow.

Your Organizer


NG
Nicole Griffin Wellness
10 reviews
Explore the world alongside Nicole Griffin, a masterful restorative yoga teacher and seasoned retreat leader. With a passion for mindful travel, she expertly fuses cultural immersion + restorative practices, crafting journeys that nourish body + soul. Let Nicole guide you through mindful retreats that transcend the ordinary, inviting you to connect, discover, and expand amidst breathtaking landscapes. With 15 years of experience, she brings mindfulness to every adventure, ensuring your travels are as transformative as they are inspiring

Reviews

This retreat was beyond amazing. Nicole has curated a trip that lets people see the ins and outs of Morocco while teaching practice to regulate your nervous system! We met so many wonderful people with such inspiring stories (and delicious food)! Our group of travelers were hilarious, open minded, and kind hearted humans that I couldn’t be more grateful to have met! From Marrakech to the Sahara, sunrise to sunset, our drivers, hosts, tour guides, photographers etc. everything and everyone were perfect! Thank you so much Nicole! ♥️✌🏼
By Haley D for Morocco Mindful Travel + Art Retreat on Nov 18, 2023
Nicole hosted an amazing trip through Marrakesh and the Sahara desert. Everything was organized and planned out very thoughtfully. Taking this trip with someone who knows the area and the people of Morocco made for a unique experience and brought us to many hidden gems of Morocco. In addition, I always felt extremely safe and at ease amidst a language and culture I knew nothing about, thanks to Nicole and her network of people to guide us. I have already recommended that many of my friends book the same trip!
By Kristonn C for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Jun 04, 2023
Nicole has created a WONDERFUL retreat itinerary rich with attention to detail and an understanding of the broad sweep of a cohesive experience. She does all this in her soft spoken manner, never intrusive but steadfast in the understanding of what makes a great experience for travelers who are meeting for the first time embarking on a wild ride of smells, colors, tastes, sensations and moving experiences. Nicole's understanding of the nervous system and how this aspect of the body MUST be attended to, especially when out of a person's comfort zone, is what sets her apart as a retreat leader. Her directional flow of the retreat itinerary meets the amp-ed up energy of the body that comes with long travel days and the excitement of landing at the destination. Nicole expertly meets the traveler "where they are at" with rich professionally guided experiences through the ancient Marrakesh Medina to the calming long days of driving towards the desert with stops at various places of interest. She does this in a way that I never felt hurried or shuffled along, ticking off this and that. By the time we arrived at the desert, the collective group energy was relaxed, cohesive and ready for the expansion the Sahara desert offers. Bravo! Nicole anticipated needs from her travelling "go bag" with all manner of medicinal helps to having snacks always at hand, just in case, she had us covered with her sweet and generous smile. Nicole responded to almost every question with a variation of, "sure, let me see what I can do to help you with that." This infectious attitude made our particular group excited to rise to any and all occasions to support each other. Lover of all things beautiful, entranced by the magic of Moroccan arts and the skill of the artisans, Nicole's obvious love of this magnificent country will seep into the very marrow of your bones. Say Yes! to Morocco with Nicole. 
By Tina R for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on May 09, 2023
I have been fortunate to enjoy some wonderful travels so far in my life. This time with Nicole in Morocco is now the shining star at the top of travel memories. I had been curious about Morocco for years, and now I know exactly why I was so drawn. I didn’t think I wanted to plan all the details or navigate my way independently. Finding this supported small group with Nicole was so meant to be! Nicole pulls together all the people, places, and authentic cultural experiences that will show you why she loves Morocco so much. This carefully curated journey really showcased the artisans and craftspeople who help make Morocco the beautiful magical place that it is. And meeting with local women who are creating their own unique paths in this country was especially inspiring. There may be some truth to stereotypes about challenges you encounter in Morocco, but I promise you that the beauty, and kindness, and hospitality you can find far outshines any of that. And with Nicole and her support team managing so many details you will feel so well taken care of. Nicole also weaved in her very kind, wise mindfulness and centering practices to help us hold the full days. All of your senses will be overflowing with the wonder of Morocco!
By Susan F for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Apr 15, 2023
I cannot recommend Nicole and this retreat enough. Morocco is an aesthetically beautiful place and the vibe is so different than where I am from in the United States (KCMO). This retreat was a reminder of the expansiveness of the world and that there are so many different ways to pace oneself. Nicole is a thoughtful group leader. There is not one detail that is left unconsidered. She knows the region, the language, and the cultural norms to help one feel at ease. There is enough activity to keep one engaged and enough down time to keep one rested. I will continue to recommend this retreat to everyone. It was an experience that I will hold dear for my entire life. Thank you Nicole!
By Sharese Y for Morocco Art and Culture Retreat on Apr 11, 2023
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References

Nicole hosted an amazing trip through Marrakesh and the Sahara desert. Everything was organized and planned out very thoughtfully. Taking this trip with someone who knows the area and the people of Morocco made for a unique experience and brought us to many hidden gems of Morocco. In addition, I always felt extremely safe and at ease amidst a language and culture I knew nothing about, thanks to Nicole and her network of people to guide us through the trip. I have already recommended that many of my friends book the same trip!
By Kristonn C on 04 Jun, 2023
LP
I traveled with Nicole to Morocco for a Yoga and Culture Retreat. Words cannot do this experience justice! It was an incredible, exciting and varied trip, always returning to the peaceful oasis of Bab Zouina. Nicole planned a series of amazing visits and locations for us to enjoy. Her breadth of knowledge and love for the art, culture, enviroment, and the Moroccan people shined in the passion that she put into planning this retreat. Her love for Morocco is inspriring and it's contagious! That love spread to me after experiencing the country and all that it has to offer through this once-in-a-lifetime trip. I cannot wait to return to visit my new Moroccan family! I highly recommend Nicole and her retreats.
By Laurie P on 02 Dec, 2022
This retreat exceeded expectations for its combination of culture and yoga. Each day was constructed to accommodate a great deal of activity with yoga to complement. I hope to join Nicole someday again!
By Sondra A on 06 Jan, 2021
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