Morocco + The Sahara Yoga Retreat

Register Now
May 4 - May 14, 2025
SOLD OUT - Please contact Mikki Trowbridge directly to be put on the waitlist - mikkitrow@gmail.com

INCLUSIONS: airport transfers, all accommodations, meals as listed (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), private vehicle, private local guide, daily yoga, cooking class, walking tour of Marrakech and the souks, village walk of Agdez, 4x4 desert adventure, music performance, tea with local family, tour of Ait Benhaddou, all entry fees, lunch with women’s cooperative, visit to weaving cooperative, and all bank/wire processing fees.

At The Village Experience, travel inspires impact. To date, TVE has operated over 600 responsible tourism programs around the world. Our programs have immersed nearly 2,500 travelers into our partner communities and impacted more than 20,000 people on the ground. Together, we have implemented programs to tackle social justice issues such as access to education & healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainability in these communities.

It is only through this unique relationship of responsible travel + philanthropy, that we have been able to raise $3,000,000 for our partner communities. You inspire and contribute to the impact…so keep traveling with The Village Experience!

Travel with The Village Experience and Mikki Trowbridge Yoga to Morocco in May 2025.

Enjoy yoga every day with beautiful, natural scenery around every corner as we travel from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. Explore the medinas and souks, walk among the palm groves, stay in ancient Kasbahs, cook your own tagine, bargain for intricate Moroccan carpets, try traditional food, and glamp under the stars in the incredible Sahara Desert. This trip will appeal to your adventurous soul and leave you wanting more!

 


Pricing

$3599 – Per person – Double occupancy
$4499 – Per person – Single occupancy
$1,000 – Deposit due with Registration

Dates to Note:

October 1, 2024 – Final balances and Extension Commitment due
January 15, 2025 – Flights and travel insurance due

Itinerary

Main Trip

May 4 – Arrive to Marrakech Menara International Airport. Meet your Village Experience representative and transfer to riad located inside the Medina.

May 5  – Morning Welcome Yoga on the rooftop followed by breakfast.  We’ll then make a visit to AMAL Non-Profit for a traditional Moroccan tagine cooking class. This organization focuses on empowering single mothers by teaching them essential culinary skills. Enjoy lunch here. Return to riad for rest or evening sunset meditation. (B,L)

May 6 – Morning Yoga on the rooftop followed by breakfast. We’ll then embark on a walking tour of Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youseff Madrasa, and Katoubia Mosque. Stop for coffee and lunch at Bacha Coffee. Afternoon walking tour of the souks to see leather, metal, and wool artisans at work. Do some shopping for shoes, baskets, handbags, carpets, and more. (B)

May 7 –  Morning drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ksar Ait Benhaddou (4 hours). This fortified village is located on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert and dates back to the 11th Century. Enjoy a local lunch of Saffa from our friend, Laila, and her women’s cooperative. Then explore the village. Check into kasbah style hotel in the afternoon. Sunset yoga. (B,L,D)

May 8 – Morning yoga followed by breakfast. In the afternoon, visit our friend, Fatima, at her women’s weaving cooperative to learn about the traditions and importance of Berber symbols in the carpet making process. Return to hotel. (B,L)

May 9 – Morning yoga followed by breakfast. Today is a free day to schedule hammam/spa appointments, enjoy the pool, and relax. We can all meet for happy hour at sunset and take in the stunning views. (B)

May 10 – Morning yoga followed by breakfast. We’ll then drive to the gateway of the Sahara Desert – Merzouga (5 hours). Stop for lunch along the way. Check into boutique hotel bordering the desert. Enjoy the setting! (B)

May 11 – Morning yoga followed by breakfast. Board 4×4’s and head out into desert communities to learn about local music, tea and food. In the afternoon, hop on your camel and head to your tented camp in the Sahara Desert. Check in and enjoy the desert hospitality for the evening. (B,L,D)

May 12 – Morning yoga in the desert. After breakfast,  depart for the village of  Agdez (4 hours). Stop for lunch along the way. Check into boutique hotel. Embark on a short walk around the village before enjoying a relaxing evening. (B,D)

May 13 – Morning yoga followed by breakfast. Check out of hotel and depart for Marrakech (5 hours) Stop for lunch along the way. Check into boutique hotel in Gueliz, the new section of the city, for overnight. Farewell dinner in the evening. (B,D)

May 14 – Transfer to airport or begin extension trip to Essaouira. (B)

 


Extension Trip to Essauoira

  

  


Extend your time in Morocco and see more of this beautiful country by traveling to the seaside town of Essaouira. This laid back, colorful town is easy to navigate, has great shopping, and is fun to explore on your own. After your adventure to the Sahara, this is a great way to unwind.

Pricing
$700 – Per person – Double occupancy
$899 – Per person – Single occupancy
(Pricing based on minimum of 6 passengers)

May 14 – Morning drive to the seaside town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Check into boutique riad upon arrival. Head to Il Mare Restaurant for drinks, seafood dinner, views of the ocean, and a beautiful sunset. (B)

May 15 – Morning tour of the Medina, Skala, Fishing Port, and Jewish Quarter. If this place looks familiar, it’s because many movies and TV shows have been filmed here including Game of Thrones, Othello, Alexander, and Kingdom of Heaven, among others. Free afternoon for lunch, shopping, or time on the beach. There are MANY shops, cafes, and restaurants to try here. (B)

May 16 – Free morning. After lunch, depart for Marrakech. Check into boutique hotel in Gueliz for the evening. (B)

May 17 – Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)

INCLUSIONS: accommodations, meals as listed, private vehicle, private guide, tour of the Medina, airport transfer, and all bank/wire processing fees


Flight Reservations

Arrival & Departure: Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK)

Vaccinations

Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date requirements for Morocco (www.cdc.gov) and/or speak with a local travel doctor regarding vaccinations.

Recommendations for Morocco include:

  • Covid-19
  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid

We also advise that you speak with your doctor regarding a prescription for an antibiotic to combat food and water borne illnesses.

Entry Requirements

  1. Passport
    Your passport must have at least two blank pages with more than six months’ validity from the date of entry.
  2. Visa
    Visa NOT required for stays under 90 days.
  3. Travel Insurance
    The plan must include medical evacuation, repatriation, medical coverage. We strongly recommend you purchase trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
  4. Health Form
    Arriving passengers are required to complete a passenger public health form (FSP) online via the following link: http://www.onda.ma/form.php
    The form must be printed out and signed before boarding your flight.

 

 

 

Your Trip Guides

Mikki Trowbridge

Mikki Trowbridge is an Oregon yoga teacher and instigator of community through Yoga + Beer and Resonance Yoga Collective. In addition to teaching yoga, Mikki is a Board Member for The Village Cooperative, and loves traveling, reading, sipping on craft beers and getting outdoors for a hike, a paddle or to catch a sunset.