Marrakech Retreat 2018

A Yoga Retreat set in the Labyrinths of Marrakech, May 13 - May 19, 2018

Joie de vivre! Join us for a yoga jaunt in the imperial city of Marrakech. With spirits high, we dive into the heart of the medina for a sensory experience, then retreat back into subtlety, the private enclosure at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. This journey will take place from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018.

I have taken steps to ensure you feel completely at home while at the Four Seasons Marrakech. This is a flawless oasis just outside of the bustling medina. The Resort sits adjacent to the Menara Gardens with majestic views of the Atlas Mountains.

Travel light and bring your yoga mat. Dress to please yourself, perhaps in a flowing caftan or the local cotton djellaba.

Bring a journal and watercolors if you wish, as the colors and flavors of Marrakech will spark your creativity. Your senses will ignite in this vibrant community, with eclectic shopping that will inspire you to bring a bit of Morocco’s bohemian style into your home.

Camel rides across the desert, a belly dancing lesson followed by a delicious tagine al fresco …all this within the healthy paradigm of daily yoga flow.

Eclectic shopping awaits in the labyrinthine souks filled with ceramics, old city lanterns, hand-stitched pillows, carpets and caftans galore!

We will rise together and stretch each morning with movements that will unravel our traveling bodies. Vinyasa flow each day will offer an exploration into our subtle energy centers, understood as our chakras. Evenings will include a slower paced Yin & Yang practice, followed by a festive dinner under the stars.

Yes! I want to go to Marrakech. Retreat registration located here.

Retreat Information

• Space is limited to keep the retreat intimate and personal

• 7 days / 6 nights (May 13 – May 19, 2018)

• Inclusive Retreat Price starting at = $2,895 per person*

• Group discount of 4 or more signing up together = $250 discount per person

• Deposit to hold space = $995**

• *All Prices are based on shared double occupancy. Single supplement available upon request.

• **Final balance due 75 days before retreat start date (February 13, 2018)

• Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions

• All prices are in U.S. dollars

The Four Seasons sits just outside the medina, adjacent to the beautiful Menara gardens. This tranquil location provides a private sanctuary, just west of the medina of Marrakech. Cost of the retreat includes a Superior room or Executive suite with all the coziness you’ll need. Tip: Upon arrival, decompress in a long bubble bath in your deep soaking tub. Beautiful spacious terrace. King size bed. Your space has a soft natural color palette with a fusion of Moroccan and contemporary furnishings. Chill on a daybed in a Berber tent on the rooftop with a panorama of the Atlas mountains. At dusk, we come together to dine after a relaxing Yin & Restorative practice. A five-minute drive to the world famous Djemaa el Fna square and a bustling maze of streets that make up the souk. To truly embrace Marrakech, one should walk through the labyrinthine souks. Two meandering paths lead into the heart of the bazaar. Rue Mouassine will lead you to the exceptional boutiques and the rue Semarine will lead you to the full-on intensity of a bustling bazaar.

Delicious Moroccan and European dishes including breakfast, select lunches, and dinner daily at the Four Seasons or great restaurants in the medina. Plus, there is a wine tasting, a cocktail reception, and even a meal overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the seaside getaway of Essaouira. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Moroccan, using fresh organic ingredients from the local markets. Selections may include inspiring dishes and drinks like saffron couscous, chickpea and cauliflower tagines, fresh mint tea, pomegranate cosmopolitans, and more. We will dine at some of Marrakech’s best restaurants which include Le Tobsil or Al Fassia Guéliz, for example. The retreat includes daily breakfast at Quattro one of the three fine restaurants at the Four Seasons. Quattro has a lovely outdoor terrace, offering a diverse selection of international dishes. The relaxed, open-concept design features two bread ovens, creating an aromatic dining experience. Quattro offers a diverse selection of international breakfast buffet items as well as traditional Moroccan breads and pastries, along with made-to-order classics like Eggs Benedict and at night, Southern Italian cuisine.

You have the option to rise early for morning tea and self-guided morning meditation at the start of each day. This is followed by Vinyasa flow yoga each morning.

Vinyasa is linked to rhythmic breathing linked with movement. This is balanced with gentle stretching, which may feel beneficial after a long flight and jet lag.

At dusk, we come together for reflection and a yoga practice designed to meet your personal needs. Our evening practice will take shape based on the way you’re feeling at the moment. You will be encouraged to embrace your intuition. Classes will be held at the pool, rooftop or indoors, as needed.

Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced. Sporting injuries and health concerns can be discussed prior to the retreat via a personal call from Jodi. Your health and happiness remain an open dialogue during the retreat.

Included

• Hotel Accommodation & VAT taxes

• Airport transfers from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) to Four Seasons Resort and return

• Welcome Reception Cocktails

• Daily Breakfast at the Four Seasons

• Daily Dinner at the Four Seasons or in select Restaurants in the Medina

• Transportation to/from day trips if out of town

• Belly Dancing show and lesson

• Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated – Please advise 30 days prior to retreat

• Morning Vinyasa Flow Yoga

• Late afternoon Relaxing Hatha / Yin Yoga

• Full use of hotel amenities at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

• Tour guide on organized group day trips

• Entrance fees to sites in Marrakech on retreat organized tour

• Guided Tour of Marrakech (Introduction to Souks, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs)

• Day trip to the seaside town of Essaouira with its long beach, abundant seawater spa treatments, camels for hire, and dramatic sunsets over the Purple Islands just offshore, makes for easy relaxation. After the guided tour of this UNESCO world, heritage site have lunch in the medina or on the beach overlooking the islands and vibrant beach scene.

• Au Revoir dinner party

• Optional day trip on May 18 to Atlas mountains or for hiking and sightseeing is not included, price TBD

• Lunch, drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included

• Airfare not included

Superior Room

Superior Room – $2,895.00 per person, Only 9 rooms 1 room available. A blend of contemporary and traditional Moroccan styles and furnishings, color palette in soft, natural hues imparts a feeling of relaxation with handcrafted Moroccan woodwork and Zelige tiling add beauty and warmth. Spacious marble bathroom with dual vanity with separate walk-in rain shower and  42-inch LCD television. Stay connected with high-speed Internet access and a dual-line speakerphone. Located on the first and second floors for easy entry and exit. Ample outdoor terrace creates additional space for living, working, and entertaining. Prices listed are per person based on shared double occupancy. Single supplement available upon request. Yes! I want to go to Marrakech. Retreat registration located here.

Executive Suite

Patio Suite with Private Pool – $4,895.00 per person, Only 3 rooms 0 room available.  Situated on the ground floor of the main building or in one of our pavilions, these cool, elegant rooms have separate living rooms for in-room relaxing as well as quiet desk space if you have work to catch up on. Walled-in terraces screen a private plunge pool and give direct access to the gardens. An exotic blend of contemporary and traditional Moroccan furnishings and objects with color palette in soft, natural hues. Handcrafted Moroccan woodwork and Zelige tiling. Two full bathrooms with dual vanities perfect for sharing. Deep soaking tub and rain shower. Keep in touch with high-speed Internet and a dual-line speakerphone. Media hub with connectors or cables for iPods/iPads, USB, and HDMI as well as a universal charger. Intimate dinner in the dining area, with seating for four. Sitting area with comfortable leather chairs. Spacious outdoor terrace with chaise lounges. Spread out on the king-size bed or pull out the sofa bed. Prices listed are per person based on shared double occupancy. Single supplement available upon request. Yes! I want to go to Marrakech. Retreat registration located here.

Map of Marrakech

Arriving at the Four Seasons Resort

Guests will plan to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and transfers will be arranged and provided. If arriving at Casablanca Airport (CMN), we can help with a private transfer (not included in price), or a pickup from the Marrakech train station can be arranged for those arriving from other locations in Morocco.

1 Boulevard de la Menara Marrakech, 40000 Morocco. A 5-minute drive to the Bab El Ksour gate, the Four Seasons is only a 7-minute drive to Djemaa El Fna square and its labyrinthine souks.

We recommend Suntastic Holidays for all flight booking arrangements. Please contact Keith Silverberg at keith@suntastic.com or +1(416) 636-8971 for best pricing. Flights from Toronto to Marrakech with connections through Europe and Casablanca are available on TAP Portugal, Royal Air Maroc, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Iberia. From the USA fly from New York on Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca and connect to Marrakech. From the UK and elsewhere in Europe, British Airways (www.ba.com), Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com), EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) fly into Marrakech.

The Moroccan state railway, ONCF (www.oncf.ma), runs inexpensive (but limited) services to Marrakech from Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. Look for TCR (Train Climatisé Rapide) trains to guarantee an air-conditioned journey in summer. You’ll find plenty of taxis waiting at the city’s charming, if slightly run-down, the station on Avenue Hassan II.

Driving in Marrakech can be horn-filled and hectic, but if you insist, hire a car from one of the desks at the airport. To reach the hotel, follow Avenue de la Menara to the city center.

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• Yoga Mat

• Personal yoga props (1 block)

• Plug adaptors/converters

• Bathing suit (on-site pool, spa)

Terms and Conditions

CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that because Flying Lotus Yoga Retreats are limited to smaller groups to allow for a more personable, intimate experience, our cancellation policy is in place to help guests and us alike work together sharing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.
a. Hold Deposits of $995.00 and $1495.00 are nonrefundable even during the cancellation grace period.
b. Hold Deposit is transferable to another attendee.
c. Full balance is due 75 days before start date of the retreat.
d. Cancellation requests submitted 75 days prior to retreat date, 100% of total amount (less Hold Deposit) will be refunded or transferred to another attendee.
e. Cancellation requests submitted between 45 days and 74 days prior to the retreat date, 50% of the total amount (less Hold Deposit) will be refunded or transferred to another attendee.
f. Within 44 days of your retreat: sorry but no refunds given, no exceptions.

No one books a holiday with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance.  Please read our cancellation policies. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury or illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat, or for arriving late or leaving early. We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance. We encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance in order that your trip fees will be covered should you or your family have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip. Trip insurance should also be purchased to cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident while on the retreat. Most travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation. We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest, in which case, not all money paid will be refunded. Notification of cancellation will occur at least 60 days prior to retreat start date except for civil strife or disease outbreak which we reserve our right to cancel the retreat at any time and a full refund (less hold deposit) will be given. We cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries, missed connections or retreat cancellations.

All payments are processed by our TICO registered travel retailer partner, Suntastic Holidays Ltd., located at 4117 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M3H 3P4. TICO registration number 1249318.

ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change prior to the start of retreat without prior notice. Please check the schedule for the latest itinerary and times

RESPONSIBILITY OF TRIP OPERATORS

Flying Lotus Yoga Retreats and Suntastic Holidays Ltd., their owners, employees, outfitters, and agents (the “Companies”) shall not be held responsible for any injury or damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may be caused to person or property in connection with any services included in any tour. The passenger understands that in the course of the trip certain risks and dangers may occur, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, jungles, rivers, accident or illness in remote places with or without medical facilities, and the forces of nature. By taking part in these activities the passenger acknowledges and assumes the risk inherent therein. The Companies accept no responsibility nor liability arising from failure on the part of Contractors including transportation companies relating to the performance of their contracts. The Companies reserve the right to cancel any trip at any time (subject to a full refund of all payments received), or to withdraw, alter or otherwise modify itineraries or specific activities at any time and without notice. Where a booking is made for persons other than the passenger, he/she confirms to be acting with the full knowledge, consent and authorization of such other persons to bind them to this agreement, and that such persons are aware of the terms and conditions of this agreement. This agreement shall bind the undersigned, his or her heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, personal legal representatives and all family members.