OVERVIEW - RITUAL & RENEWAL

YOGA + CEREMONY + BREATH - We are excited to announce this brand new itinerary for Marrakesh (after 50+ retreats here in 15 years!) We will focus on an itinerary of true renewal with yoga, meditation, breathwork, daily ceremony (cacao, water, fire, altar-making), combined with exciting daily day trips and onsite activities so that you get a full taste of the magic of this exotic land. Plus we will highlight time to rest and renew with later mornings, journal prompts for you to spend time on your own, whether it be sleeping in or waking early for a silent meditation in nature. Then our days begin and will be filled with meaningful work designed to renew our spirits and bodies. Join us for this intimate time and come with an open heart.

Our time will be based around the elements which will provide a framework for this special itinerary. We will start the retreat with an opening sharing circle to set the space and intentions for the retreat, and end our time together with a closing circle as well to recount some of the things we will take away with us. Below is a list to give an idea of the special activities that we’ll be partaking in during this themed itinerary:

EARTH ELEMENT
Grounding Yoga, Earth Meditation Walk, Altar-making Workshop, Henna Party, Moroccan Alchemist & Tea Class

WATER ELEMENT
Breath work Session, Water Ceremony, Day trip to Hammam for treatments and “water ritual”, Freetime in Souks, Poolside Meal, Yoga Nidra

FIRE ELEMENT
Breathwork Session, Visit to Desert with Camel Rides on Dunes + Lunch in Opulent Berber Tents, Fire & Cacao Ceremony, Night Cinema

AIR ELEMENT
Hot Air Balloon Ride by Atlas Mountains, Soundbath Healing, Closing Circle & Breath, Farewell Dinner with Bellydancer

ACCOMMODATION

This fantastic wellness retreat will take place at the fabulous Peacock Pavilions boutique hotel. Located in Marrakesh on 8.5 acres of land, including 5 acres of olive grove, this stylish and eco-friendly abode has been featured in worldwide publications, including National Geographic Traveler. Breathtakingly beautiful and luxuriously designed, the living quarters where guests will stay during the retreat feature gorgeous fireplaces and a glamorous bathroom in each room. Each bedroom also has its own private terrace - "just the right place to enjoy a minty tea or a zingy cocktail"!

The entire pavilion property has been decorated with care and "loaded with art, special fabrics, and exotic good stuff from all around the world...A swanky place to relax, the salon/great room has a stunning lacy plasterwork that took weeks to complete. There are also seating and dining areas for intimate discussions and cozy meals. A spiral staircase leads to a catwalk high in the air, where you can sit on vintage embroideries and admire the view." Not only is this place gorgeous, but it's also eco-friendly. Observing "green" building and gardening techniques, you'll feel good about the organic bounty served to your plate, and the hot water you use is heated by the solar panels! Spend some free time at the lovely, inviting pool and patio, or join us for a henna and cocktail party in the painted tent, or perhaps an outdoor cinema night on the lawn.

Peacock Pavilions is owned by Maryam and her husband Chris, both recently featured on HGTV's House Hunters International. Chris is an architect, and Maryam a freelance photographer, travel and lifestyle writer, and the author of the award winning blog, My Marrakesh. Both make a perfect team in putting this amazing estate together.

ACTIVITIES

Guests will not only enjoy the grounds of Peacock Pavilions and the outdoor areas (including a lovely pool, patio, private terraces, and beautiful yoga space), but the retreat also includes off-site visits to surrounding sites.

A day will be spent exploring the desert outside of the city, where we’ll experience camel rides on the dunes and lunch. Another day entails a trip to a luxury hammam spa. Plus, we will have an exciting morning out for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with views of the Atlas Mountains. During the week, we’ll enjoy activities on-site such as a henna party, a fire ceremony and outdoor cinema night, plus a bellydancer!

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Moroccan, using fresh ingredients from the on-site organic gardens or local markets. Selection may include tempting dishes and libations like stuffed dates, almond couscous, vegetable terrine, avocado dip, leek tarts, mint tea, pomegranate martini, rose water, and more. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite.

*In the yogic tradition, meals on our retreats are vegetarian. When the company was founded, we wanted to create consistency and integrity within our yogic lineage as well as finding the most consistent way in each location to leave a light footprint. We know not all our guests are vegetarian, but we ask that they be open and understanding of the principles that guide this choice for just the few days that we are together. That said, breakfast is an open menu with all diets being represented, so there are usually options of meat / fish. Plus, a couple of the provided meals at sea-based locations will have an option for seafood, and of course guests can choose whatever they prefer from menus when we are on our own for a few meals during the week. Special allergies can be addressed and noted.

GIVE BACK RETREAT

This retreat is part of our GIVE BACK initiative, where EPM will donate at least 10% of profits to a humanitarian partner in the community where each retreat is held. Our partner in Marrakesh is PROJECT SOAR who works with underprivileged communities and young women to empower with design, clean-up projects, and creative ventures.

WELLNESS

Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and vinyasa flow. Plus meditations such as yoga nidra, guided meditation, and walking meditation will be offered. Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga and meditation classes during our time together will take place at beautiful setting in the castle, while some of our ceremony spaces will vary between the garden, forest, outdoor fire circle, and terraces.

Our sessions of movement, yoga, breath, and ceremonies will be led and shared by our two facilitors: Special Guest Collaborator, Michele Anne Barocchi, and EPM Founder, Erin Lewis.

MICHELE ANNE BAROCCHI
Michèle Anne Barocchi MPH PhD (Scientist, MAPS Italia - President, Transformational Breath® Facilitator, MAPS MDMA-AT trainee, Teacher and Founder of Inbodhi Yoga, E-RYT500, Certified Vedic Chant Teacher) defines her experience as a long journey that, through different disciplines and techniques, has led her to work with the human body and its capacity for self-healing. The journey began with a PhD in Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of California, Berkeley. The lifestyle of a medical resident can be very stressful, and Michèle found relief in the regular practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga at a small studio in San Francisco. She soon realized that she had found a simple yet powerful tool for connection.

In August 2015, Michèle personally experienced the importance of the teachings she had learned, especially the power of breath. Involved in a nearly fatal car accident, she used breath to stay conscious and survive until help arrived. The accident resulted in the amputation of her left leg and confined her to bed for 8 months, giving her the opportunity to explore non-physical forms of connection and healing. A year after the accident, she encountered Transformational Breath®, a technique that deeply supported her journey towards reclaiming her personal power and helped her let go of a toxic relationship and any remnants of victimhood. Once again, breath saved her life.

She soon completed professional training as a Transformational Breath® facilitator and studied healing techniques from Amazonian tribes, such as the Paqo Andino - Despacho rituals - from the sacred mountain traditions of Peru. Her mission as a facilitator of these practices is to support others in learning the necessary means for healing, thus making each individual independent in their transformation journey.

Currently, Michèle is collaborating on the creation of MAPS Italia, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about psychedelic medicine, research, and therapy in Italy. This initiative has the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of psychedelic science and its therapeutic applications in the country. It is essential to support and collaborate with initiatives like MAPS Italia to promote dialogue, research, and education on psychedelic substances and their potential benefits for mental health and well-being. What matters is not what happens to you, but what you do with that experience.

ERIN LEWIS

The Eat Pray Move founder has practiced yoga since 1998 and has trained in various disciplines such as Ashtanga, the Rocket series, core power yoga, as well as the Strala method, and also incorporates practices from the yin, restorative, and yoga nidra styles as well. Having taught in studios in Florida, New York City, and Florence, Italy, Erin has also led thousands of guests around the world for over 13 years on EPM yoga retreats. She continues to evolve in her personal practice which naturally makes its way through her teaching. She loves sharing not only the asana (movement) limb of yoga with others, but also the many other facets which lead to life-changing shifts in our daily habits. Throughout the years she has deepened her study with ongoing education and certifications and finds there to be truth in what Sri K Pattabhi Jois famously stated: "Practice, and all is coming." She’s been blessed throughout her yoga practice to be surrounded by beautiful teachers who grow with their students, adjust lovingly, and practice what they teach...and continues to strive to be such a facilitator of yoga herself.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 Days / 5 Nights (Mar 14-19, 2027)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $3895 (shared room*) +$895 single room supplement

• Deposit to hold space = $1500

• Max # Guests = 12
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. Please note that shared rooms will not be confirmed until both spaces are full.
  ** 50% final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Use of estate premises (terraces, pool, gym, etc.)

• Daily Breakfast at Peacock Pavilions

• All Dinners & Lunches (minus 1 lunch during freetime in town)

• Welcome Reception

• Airport Transfers

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Yoga & Meditation Classes

• Breathwork Sessions

• Ceremonies (Earth, Water, Fire, Cacao)

• Soundbath

• Tour guide on various day trips

• Daytrip to Luxury Desert Camp for Tasting Lunch

• Camel Rides in Desert

• Henna Party

• Breakfast in Berber Tent after Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Final Dinner with Bellydancer

• Massages on-site

• Spa Treatment day at Luxury Hammam

• Freetime in Medina / Souks

• Hot Air Balloon Ride by Atlas Mountains

• Taxes

* airfare not included
**activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

TRAVEL:

13km outside the old city (Medina) of Marrakesh Nearest airports: Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) Nearest train station: Marrakesh Transfers between airport or train station and villa will be provided. After signing up, we will guide guests on best options for flights and travel to Marrakesh.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• Yoga mats and some props are provided

• Bathing suit (on-site pool, spa)

• Layers of clothing for weather changes

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Journal