Über das Retreat:
A Journey to you – Slow Yoga & Creative Living Retreat
Nourish your heart, body and mind
Surrounded by vast palm groves, Marrakech – in past times also called the ‚Rose among the Palms‘ – is unlike any other city. Strolling through its narrow allies of rose-hued buildings awakens a childlike sense of wonder. Invoking all of the senses through opulent shapes, lush colours and an abundance of tastes, smells and sounds.
Let yourself get carried away in an oriental tale. Open your heart and your senses to a different world. Feel the mystery of an ancient place buoyant with culture and tradition to let this world embrace you to a new way of being.
This retreat is a celebration for the senses. A journey inward and outward. A contemplation of what really matters and a reminder that you already carry abundance and wholeness within you.
Getting lost to be found again
In the stressful everyday life, the nervous system is often in a mode that makes it difficult to feel the deeper levels of our being. This retreat offers a beautiful setting to unwind, let down your hair, to give yourself away to a new mysterious world and nurture the connection to your heart and soul in a setting far from the mundane.
Move from the heart
Breathe from the heart
Do not let the mind come first
Let the mind come last
Let yourself be held in a safe space, let yourself be inspired, move, connect, recharge, meet new friends, and gain new confidence to authentically live your truth.
Celebrating slowness
When we label things, we close ourselves off to what they can reveal to us if we approach them with an open mind. We invite you to let go of any expectations about how the retreat will affect you, so that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
You can expect to start the day slowly and silently with a cup of warm tea. Let the first rays of sun fall on your face, take a moment to consciously welcome the day. Then, our morning ritual follows, consisting of meditation, breath work, and an invigorating yoga session that both grounds and activates you.
Afterwards, we have a vegetarian breakfast with freshly baked bread, sweet fruits and scented coffee together on the rooftop.
In the late afternoon we will gather again for a slower sunset practice. During the day the program changes daily. You can join a walking tour, attend cooking and creative workshops, explore the city’s garden’s, ancient sites, the Souk markets and culinary treats. Everything is an invitation – so no musts – and there will be plenty of free time and the freedom to move at your own pace.
Move, connect and recharge
Our practices go beyond a traditional yoga and meditation approach, and aim to make ancient wisdom and teachings experiential and applicable in today’s modern world. At the center of Sonja’s teaching is the belief that every person is already unique, worthy, and whole. Whether in an invigorating yoga class, a relaxed yin yoga session, a deep meditation session, breathwork, or an inspiring journaling practice – she draws from numerous yoga trainings, a deep love for personal development, and her own journey.
Finding home away from home
In November, the sandy moroccan earth is brimming with pomegranates, and the summer heat has given way to a mild and warm climate. It all feels like one large exhale infused with the earthy energy of an ancient place.
We will be staying in a beautiful traditional moroccan Riad, a spacious tranquil city villa with incredibly richly adorned courtyards offering coolness in the midday sun and plenty of beautiful niches and moroccan day beds to daze in the afternoon, read a book and connect with new-found friends.
Built in the traditional concept of homes in the central area of Medina in Marrakech it excludes the world outside, to protect the privacy and sanctity of family life and to create a little world of harmony and equilibrium.
The owner, Peter, originally a dane who came to Marrakech in the beginning of the 70s lovingly calls this urban oasis his home and he treats his guests like ‚friends staying over‘. With an exquisite eye for beauty and quality, he knows the city better than most and is kindly embracing his visitors with stories about the city’s past and tipps about where to find the best spices, tailors and places to see.
Connection & space to be you
Let yourself be carried by the safe space of the retreat, even if you are traveling alone or for the first time. On every retreat, a unique and trustworthy community is formed, where we meet each other as equals, inspire each other, learn from each other, and share unforgettable moments.
Next to a comprehensive program, there is plenty of free time for you to enjoy the surroundings and give yourself a break. Explore the traditional Souk markets. Visit Yves Saint Laurent’s home and the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, Let yourself be deeply touched and sustainably transformed by a world that is so different.
Travel services and prices: 1050 €
Early Bird price for booking until 31.07.2023: 990 €
- 5 nights stay in a beautiful town house Riad double room
- Daily nourishing breakfast
- Single room/tent available at extra charge (limited number)
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure
- Daily morning and afternoon Hatha & Yin Yoga Sessions with movement, breath and meditation
- Inspiring creative Workshops
- Walking tour through Marrakech (english)
- A circle of new people
- contribution to the children project Merzouga 30 € per person
- Help and support in planning your trip
Optional activities (offered but not included in price):
- Calligraphy workshop
- Moroccan cooking workshop
- Dinners with the group in selected restaurants
Not included in the tour price:
- Flights
- Tips
Day 1: Salam Aleikum Marrakech
After being picked up at the airport by your driver, you enter the oasis-like tranquility of your riad. A riad is a traditional Moroccan accommodation with a garden-like courtyard that only hints at the hustle and bustle of the city. From here you have the opportunity to explore the old town of Marrakech on your own and familiarize yourself with the atmosphere. Or you can first arrive with a glass of tea on the roof terrace and look forward to the coming days in peace. Overnight stay in a riad.
Day 2: Marrakech up close
You will accompany the early awakening of Marrakech with a yoga class with Ramona. After breakfast you will get to know the traditional sights of Marrakech. Your guide will show you the Koutoubia Mosque (outside visit), the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum. In the souks, the alleys are filled with merchants and craftsmen. On the large square Jemma el Fna, musicians, jugglers and snake charmers can be admired during the day. All together gives the city its impressive oriental atmosphere. At sunset or by arrangement, yoga at the riad.
Day 3 to 5: Marrakech at your own pace
These two days are at your free disposal. How about a visit to the Majourelle Garden? Or would you rather drift down the alleys of the souks again and watch the action on the Jemma el Fna over a coffee? Be inspired by the people’s joie de vivre, for example in a traditional hammam. Yoga classes in the morning and evening or by individual arrangement.
Day 6: Maa-Salama Marocco
Today it is time to say goodbye to the „Pearl of the South“. Enjoy a last yoga session at the Riad and fortify yourself with a delicious breakfast. Your driver will take you to the airport depending on your flight arrangement. If you have chosen an extension program, it will start today.
(Program subject to change)
Our Tip:
For an individual extension stay in Marrakech or on the Atlantic coast, we are happy to recommend a riad we trust and are happy to help you with the booking and preparation of the trip.
About Sonja Heeser:
Over the past ten years, yoga has been a great teacher for me – about myself, others and life. With my sensitive and empathic nature, yoga allowed me to ground myself and reconnect with my body, which helped me overcome unhealthy habits and fears. Mindfulness allowed me to feel and be with my emotions without running away – which changed my life.
It wasn’t until after a few years of practicing dynamic styles of yoga that I discovered the nurturing benefits of a slower, deeper practice and found myself drawn to the yin side of yoga. I observed that slowing down and integrating meditation and mindfulness techniques has a healing effect, bringing us back to wholeness.
Today, I use a combination of Indian Hatha Yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and the art of mindfulness to help people rediscover their inner balance and authentic nature. I can’t wait to share with you the practices that have supported me along the way – so they can support you, too.
Use the coupon code „EarlyBirdSonja“, to secure your Early Bird price! Just enter the code in the discount code field when booking.
Booking Info:
Please add the product „deposit“ to your shopping cart. The remaining amount has to be paid independently at least 60 days before the start of the trip. If your booking is less than 60 days before your trip, you can pay the total amount on our website. The down payment option is then no longer available.
You can add the extra charge for a single room/tent to your shopping cart in addition to the deposit when you make your booking. There are only a limited number of single rooms for each trip, so this option may no longer be available.