The Ultimate Guide to Morocco’s Best Yoga Destinations
September 14, 2018
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Craving a travel experience that takes you beyond the usual Western world destinations? Why not try the exotic lands of Morocco? It’s not only a land rich in history, culture, and beauty but it is also an ideal yoga destination.
Of course, it’s not just yogis that flock towards Moroccan lands, but also surfers and foodies, since the country is home to plenty of wonderful surf spots and an impressive fusion cuisine.
Whatever your main interest in Morocco is, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you won’t be bored. The Sahara Desert, the souks of Casablanca and Fez, the lush oasis areas and the popular beaches make Morocco a perfect vacation spot.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about traveling for yoga in Morocco and everything else you can admire on the side.
Morocco at a Glance
One of the best-known countries from the Maghrebian region (the Maghreb is an alternate name for the entire North of Africa), Morocco has been a dream destination for Westerners as early as the early 20th century.
Well-adjusted laws, promotion and conservation efforts managed to keep Morocco more or less the paradise that it was and to develop its beauty even further. In 2016, over 10 million tourists visited Morocco, and every year this beautiful has been the top African destination for international travelers.
The geography of Morocco is spectacular. Just over the sea from Spain and Portugal (one-hour flight away), the country is very close to Europe but nonetheless decidedly different. While touring Morocco, one can visit the Sahara Desert and its fascinating dunes, the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the enticing Malabata Coast in Tangiers. You can basically have it all in Morocco!
But one of the most fascinating aspects of Morocco is its culture. The cities are bustling with life, in vibrant mixes of old and new town areas, full of impressive cutting-edge architecture and traditional souks to get lost in. Mosques, old Bedouin city ruins in the sand, Renaissance architecture buildings, stunning botanical gardens, the mélange of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Berber influences all blend in a most unforgettable mix.
The scents of Morocco are also amazing. Given the country’s appetence for floral oils and perfumes, as well as its love of spices, you can hardly walk the streets of a Moroccan city without being enticed by its complex aromas. Some of these amazing smells are also worked up into yoga retreats around Morocco, for their aromatherapy and relaxation effect.
The Best Destinations for Yoga Retreats in Morocco
There are plenty of stunning places to visit in Morocco, so if this was a general travel guide, I would hardly manage to fit all of them in one single post. However, we will focus on the best places to visit in Morocco where you can also have a wonderful yoga retreat.
All of the following yoga destinations of Morocco are great for getting to know the country and its culture as well, so your retreat will be about much more than yoga in the end.
One of the greatest things about Morocco is that there’s plenty to explore, so it’s not a destination you can cross off your travel bucket list easily. Each of the following places is unique and with plenty of stories to tell.
1. Yoga Retreats in Casablanca
Photo credit: Mohammed Dekkak
The famous city of love from the movie named after it, Casablanca is a beautiful port city, still bearing strong French influences from its colonial period.
The Moorish architecture and the European art deco style blend in a unique look that earned the city its alluring reputation. While visiting Casablanca, you have to visit both the Casablanca Cathedral and the Hassan II Mosque, as well as take a long walk along the water shore.
2. Yoga Retreats in Fez
The former capital of Morocco, Fez is still considered to this day to be the de facto cultural capital of the country.
While visiting Fez, you’ll have abundant opportunities to bask in the country’s rich history and culture, through the diverse museums and old buildings on the city’s to-see list. If you only have 2 days in the city, you should make visiting the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Dar Batha (craft museum), and the Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate of Fez) your priority.
3. Yoga Retreats in Taghazout
Photo credit: Surf Berbere
Taghazout is a picturesque fishing village in southwestern Morocco, just north of Agadir. While there’s not much to visit in Taghazout in terms of history and culture, it’s the absolute capital of surf and yoga on the Maghrebian coast.
While enjoying a yoga retreat in Taghazout you can also take a quick day trip to the beautiful city of Essaouira, see how Argan oil gets extracted, explore the beautiful Paradise Valley (and understand why it’s named thus), as well as enjoy the aromatic Moroccan cuisine of the area.
4. Yoga Retreats in Marrakech
The absolute capital of spices on the African continent, Marrakesh is also the most important formal imperial city of Morocco.
Its rich history and stunning views make it one of the most fascinating (and romantic) destinations in the country. Explore over 1,000 years of history of the city, while admiring plenty of mosques, palaces, breath-taking gardens, kingly tombs, and mausoleums, as well as modern hotels and business centers.
5. Yoga Retreats in Tamraght
The Tamraght valley is a region in the proximity of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, known for its highly appealing sights waiting to be explored.
It’s also home to the famous Paradise Valley, naturally landscaped with impressive rock pools and an abundance of small waterfalls. High up in the mountains, in such a beautiful place, seems to be the perfect setting for meditation, exercise and finding yourself. It’s no wonder that the Tamraght Valley is host to so many incredible yoga retreats.
Morocco and Yoga
While there isn’t a significant history of yoga practice in Morocco, once yoga had its revival and expansion a few decades ago, the country began to be a very popular yoga destination.
The blend of beautiful sights with Morocco’s delicious and exotic cuisine and along with the strong history and culture just make it a perfect setting to have a spiritual awakening in.
Personally speaking, Morocco indeed seems like the perfect place to go on a yoga retreat - especially among the dunes of the Sahara.
There’s just something about that overwhelming peace and solitude that invites towards simplicity and self-reflection, all while offering you plenty of interesting things to visit, just in case the stillness gets old after a few days.
Top Yoga Holidays in Morocco
Here are some of the most popular yoga holidays in Morocco that any yoga & travel lover should experience at least once in their lifetime.
8 Days Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Imi Ouaddar
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$848 per person for 8 days/7 nights
- Yoga styles: Hatha, Yin, Dynamic, Nidra, Ashtanga
Tucked away on the edge of a nature reserve in Imi Ouaddar, north of Taghazout, this yoga retreat features two villas with a yoga shala, meditation area, rooftop terrace, lounge area, and swimming pool. You’ll stay in the small fishing village Imi Ouaddar, next to the famous Paradise Plage, one of the longest beaches in the area.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy yoga and meditation classes twice a day. The morning classes are dynamic and powerful, inspired by Vinyasa and Ashtanga. The evening classes are restorative, based on Hatha, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. Breakfast, afternoon snacks, fruits, and dinner are provided, as well as unlimited water, tea, and fresh juices.
4 Day Yoga Retreat in Marrakech
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$722 per person for 4 days / 3 nights
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa
Are you ready to stay in the heart of Marrakech’s Old Town, practice yoga, and soak up the ancient city life?
This retreat offers daily yoga sessions, a one-hour relaxing massage, and daily scrumptious vegetarian food.
You’ll be staying in a Riad, a small boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town. The attractive decorate rooms have a private bathroom, there’s a plunge pool in the courtyard, as well as a rooftop terrace. The yoga studio is located next to the Riad.
The package includes daily vegetarian brunch, dinner, and snacks.
Thanks to staying within the Old Town, you’ll be able to take some time and visit the souk market, get lost in the streets of the Medina, and soak up the ancient city life.
8 Days Authentic Yoga & Surf Camp in Tamraght
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$669 per person for 8 days/7 nights
- Yoga styles: Hatha
One of the highest-rated retreats in Morocco, this surf-and-yoga vacation is one of the best experiences you can have in North Africa travel.
It will guide you through the best surf spots, stunning landscapes, and sights, while also providing you with all the equipment you need during the retreat. The 3 healthy meals offered daily will also contribute to the feel-good vibes you’ll be left with at the end. If it’s rejuvenation you crave, this is the ideal trip for you.
*All prices are valid at the time of publication and are not guaranteed. They are subject to change without notice.
Just beginning your practice & looking for ways to stretch out in the golden sands of Morocco? Browse through beginner yoga retreats in Morocco and book your favorite!