Magical, mystical Morocco. Sole Dream Holidays is so excited to return to our Design & Desert Moon Lux Retreat, October 20-28, 2024. It is the most perfect combo of modern city and exotic desert, with invigorating yoga, special shopping & sourcing, incredible eats, sunset cocktails, camel rides in the dunes and more! First, we will spend time in Marrakech in the heart of the medina. Our chic riad, after detailed renovations, resembles a building of the 19th century. Its nicely decorated spaces, with cool patios, clinking fountains and sunsets at the terrace makes it a perfect and stunning location for our special retreat. Then, we head to the famous Sahara Desert for a special 3-night experience in this exquisite location under the stars. We will practice yoga on the dunes, enjoy champagne at sunset, camel rides and delicious meals. Then, we head back to Marrakech for a little more time for shopping, hammam or spa treatments and a fantastic Farewell Dinner together.

ACCOMMODATIONS + MEALS

Our stunning riad in Marrakech is a design dream with spacious rooms filled with tiles, colorful rugs and some with private balconies or a charming tea corner. Each room has a private bath. We can enjoy a variety of common areas from the scenic terrace to the indoor pool. There is a sunny patio and a rooftop terrace with umbrellas and sun beds. The location is just a 10-minute walk from the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. The air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated with antique objects brought back from foreign countries. The baths are large (some with tubs) and have super plush towels. We will practice invigorating yoga twice per day either on the sunny terrace or in the courtyard patio. The place will be JUST us yogis, so we can practice anywhere we wish! We will be here the first 3 nights and last 2 nights.

Then, we head to the Sahara Desert. We take an incredible and scenic drive through UNESCO sites and stunning towns in our own air-conditioned, 4x4 vehicles. The drive is approximately 8 hours, but absolutely worth it to experience this secluded and otherworldly place. Our luxurious and spacious tents include plush bedding, wall-to-wall rugs, solar powered lighting and hot water (and yes, bathrooms!) Although it is sunny and hot in the day, the nights cool off and we will be comfortable in our special deluxe accommodations. Here we will practice yoga at sunset (one for the books, that's for sure!) There is drumming and music at night and heavenly meals. For those more adventurous we can try sand boarding and there is even biking in the dunes. Or, you can just chill in the hammocks and enjoy this majestic location.

*NOTE: I have arranged to keep our luggage safe and locked at our Marrakech riad so we only need to bring essentials for 3 nights in the Sahara. Full packing list will be sent to our guests.

Each morning in we will indulge in a heavenly breakfast that we can enjoy in our private dining room or by the pool in Marrakech. In the Sahara, our breakfasts will be under beautiful, bright skies. Moroccan breakfasts are filled with fresh breads, fruits, eggs, yogurt, delicious pastries and mint tea. Three special dinners will be included in Marrakech. Typical menus contain popular dishes such as tajine or couscous, soft cheese briouats, kefta with cilantro and lemon, and smooth garbanzo bean and eggplant creams. Carefully chosen spices and nuts provide the delicious final touch. On our final evening we will enjoy ourselves in the vibrant city taking in all of the wonderful sights, sounds and flavors at an exciting, trendy and delicious local restaurant. One evening we will head to a chic and stunning hotel terrace for cocktails and views of the famous Marrakech medina and Koutoubia Mosque. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included in the Sahara. Fresh bread is baked on site and we will enjoy all of the traditional flavors and dishes. Following dinner, we will enjoy music by the fire. Cold drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are always available and included in the Sahara.

YOGA/PILATES: We will enjoy invigorating vinyasa flow or core pilates from either the airy patio or on our private sunny terrace in Marrakech. We practice 1-2 times per day depending on our schedule. In the Sahara, we will practice at our luxurious camp 1-2 times per day. We have a few gorgeous locations to choose from in the dunes and we have a back-up oasis, should we have a sandstorm. You will be inspired by this unbelievable location! Your host and instructor, Shari will guide you through daily strengthening and invigorating vinyasa and pilates core lessons in the morning and late afternoon. All of our holidays are open to all-levels, but some yoga experience is recommended if you wish to partake in the practice.

DESIGN + SHOPPING: We are so thrilled to bring Marlène Pauly from Coco Morocco to our retreat for our exclusive shopping tours. Marlène is an expert in all things Moroccan and will create a plan for the group with another local guide to lead us through the many souks filled with magical shops and boutiques. She will help us find exactly what we need and want for our own personal style. For those wanting their own individual shopping, our Red Carpet Experience, we will offer this as an extra option. This is perfect for those in need of a major style change or design upgrade. With this option, Marlène will contact you prior to the retreat to discover a little more about you and your personal needs. Our shopping will take place in Marrakech as we explore everything from art to rugs, lamps to leather poufs and culinary delights such as local spices.

OTHER EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES: In Marrakech, we will explore the famous and colorful Majorelle Gardens. Cocktails and our Farewell Dinner will take place at sunset our last evening on the gorgeous roof terrace of the ultra-chic, El Fenn. In the Sahara, we will take camel rides, enjoy golden sundowners on the dunes and for those more adventurous, there is sand boarding or biking.

SCHEDULE: Typical Schedule/ Full Schedule Provided at Retreat
8.00: Tea, Coffee, Juice
8.30-9:45: Vinyasa Flow (all levels)
10.00: Gourmet Breakfast
10.30-5.00pm: Free Time (shopping, excursions, relax, massages)
5.30-7.00pm: Vinyasa Flow or Yin/Restorative
8.00pm: Dinner (3 included in Marrakech, All included in Sahara)

PRICING DETAILS
Here is what our annual Magical Morocco holiday includes:

• 5 nights Accommodations at a Gorgeous Riad in Marrakech
• 3 nights Luxury Desert Camp in the Sahara
• 1-2x Daily Vinyasa & Core Yoga/Pilates (all levels welcome)
• Daily Breakfast Buffet in Marrakech
• City and Shopping Experience
• Private Guides for Shopping
• 3 Dinners in Marrakech
• All Meals in Sahara
• Lunches on drive to/from Sahara
• Sunset Cocktails & Dinner at famous El Fenn Terrace
• Entrance fee to Majorelle Gardens
• Transport to/from Marrakech Airport (day of/ departure days only)
• Transport to/from Marrakech to Sahara Desert
• All activities in Sahara Desert (camels, sand boarding, biking)
• Special Gift Bag

Not included: airfare, travel insurance (REQUIRED), 2 dinners Marrakech, lunches, snacks in Marrakech, alcoholic beverages (except for one at El Fenn), additional waters, teas/coffees or other beverages at riad (outside breakfasts), gratuities for Sahara drivers & staff, gratuities for riad staff in Marrakech, gratuities for shopping guide, additional transportation outside of provided times (*appx. gratuities per person 300€)

SINGLE ROOM/EN SUITE BATH: 4499€
COUPLES/FRIENDS SHARING (ONE BED): 3799€ EACH - MUST SIGN UP TOGETHER
Retreat Limited to 9 people
Spaces Secured with a 750€ non-refundable / non-transferable deposit

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL INFO:

We will provide taxi service for pick-up from Marrakech (RAK) airport or center of Marrakech on Oct 20. Please arrange arrivals on Oct 20 by 5pm (our first activity is Welcome Dinner and Orientation). Transport via taxi to Marrakech airport on Oct 28 is included. Our riad will help arrange all transportation needs upon check-out. Please download travel & important info on Morocco here. We can happily accommodate any schedule, just ask.  Additional shuttle fees may apply. Options provided for hotels and travel assistance in Marrakech, if you wish to extend your stay. Packing lists will be sent prior. Explicit transportation details will be provided one week before your departure to ensure a smooth pick-up!