Trying to solve the mystery between yoga, wellness and Essaouira
Essaouira is a small town, compared to Marrakech, Agadir and Casablanca. If you would count the percentage of health practitioners, however, you know there must be something this town offers that no other place seems to have.
Ask any local, any expat that moved here about what 'it' is and you get this undefined answer...
"there is something, I don't know what, but it makes me want to stay." (Believe me, I live there and I say the same 😀)
In the next articles, we are going to try to get this clear for you who might consider a health, yoga or pilates and fitness retreat here!
Living and loving the moment
This week I asked Shari Hochberg from
about the reasons for her yearly returns to the little blue white town by the sea.
Shari -
"I fell in love with the town of Essaouira immediately on the first yoga retreat that I hosted there in 2013. I was instantly drawn in by the water, the bohemian-chic vibe, the laid-back attitude of locals...It felt as though I truly belonged there.
Our location has been the same ever since and has become a place that I call 'home', just a quick walk from the bustling fishermen and souks dripping with treasures.'...
Dromedaries on the beach in Essaouira
...The staff at the riad are like family to me and treat my guests like royalty! No request has been too big or too small over the years. And perhaps there may be more glamorous locations or riads with larger rooms or better bath amenities, but for me it is all about the hospitality for my guests.
Breakfast on the terrace is one of our favourite times of day. Having mint tea with a view of the picturesque sea is unforgettable.
Our daily yoga takes place in a special room reserved just for us. Natural light pours in as we enjoy our twice daily sessions. Sometimes live and local music from the patio trickles inside and we are instantly transformed to a magical place!...
The magic of a sunset from a rooftop while you listen to the call for prayer
I met
last year after she took my group on an exclusive behind-the-scenes shopping excursion in Essaouira.
After so many visits to here, I had no idea of some of these hidden treasures and places that she took us to. Plus, before and after the retreat she helped create a personal interior for a few of my guests.
I knew that I wanted to add something unique involving design and space with Marlene.
Her creativity is unmatched as well as her ability to scope out that perfect piece - a rug, a lamp, a colourful painting, etc. What a perfect way to bring a bit of magical Morocco home with you!
Our stylish home in Marrakech
This year, I decided to add 3 days of Marrakech into the retreat. I always spend time here before and after every yoga holiday and it made perfect sense to make this a second location. Marrakech is captivating and filled with pleasures for every sense!
It is a shopper's dream with rows and rows of souks and special boutiques hidden in the alleys and down quiet pathways.
Our designer riad in the heart of the city is a stunning and quiet oasis filled with inspirational design. There is a sparkling pool and a gorgeous terrace where we will do yoga and learn about creating our special space at home with Marlene.
More than anything, my goal for my Morocco retreat is to create a special, safe and wonderful environment for my guests. Morocco is one of the most beautiful countries filled with warm and friendly people. It is place that everyone should experience and with the elements of yoga and design, it will be unforgettable!"
Limited Spaces available on this annual yoga adventure.
For more info and bookings visit
In the yoga space in Essaouira
The magical snowy backdrop of Marrakech!
Striking a camel pose
Midnight magic in one of the tiny streets of the Marrakech medina
Ancient architecture and craftsmanship
