The Wild Times - Africa
Morocco
Yoga and adventure retreats amid epic scenery for rest, relaxation and recharge
Set in the tranquility of a Berber village, with a backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the distant twinkle of the medina, these adventurous, off-the-beaten-track yoga retreats urge you to slow down, rest deeply and embrace the healing power of nature, while tapping into your inner wild. Run by experienced yoga teacher Jenny Clark, week-long breaks blend yoga and hiking with culture and relaxation, leaving you feeling renewed and revitalised.
Queen of Retreats says:
‘These retreats are the stuff of bucket lists. Jenny loves sharing the practice of yoga and any tools, techniques or little things that she has figured out along the way that can help you feel more connected to your body, others and the world. Expect lots of lie downs, sensing into your belly and heart, flowing to music, and feeling stronger, more at home and freer in your body and mind’
Experiences
The signature offer is the Marrakech, Deserts, Souks and the Atlas Mountains retreat – all are virtually on your doorstep and waiting to be explored. You’ll take a hike in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where lunch will be brought to you by well looked-after donkeys. On the penultimate evening, there’s a trip to Agafay Desert to watch the sunset and enjoy a three-course dinner.
Seasoned teacher Jenny will lead vinyasa and yin yoga, along with meditation, each day. There will also be a yoga workshop - asana analysis.
An on-site spa offers a range of massages, hammams and other treatments and you can float around in the retreat’s two pools, explore secret terraces, gardens, courtyards and rooftops, meditate by a fountain, or relax and read in sunny corners.
You’re invited to unplug from technology to give yourself headspace, and you’re provided with journals, pens, paper and art supplies so you can record your retreat.
There’s an optional day trip to the souks of Marrakech, with a rooftop lunch overlooking the spice square. You can also visit other souks – taxis are available and there is a free shuttle bus once a day from the retreat.
Spaces
You’ll stay at Tigmi, a haven of peace and quiet, tucked away from the hubbub of Marrakech, with meandering, flower-lined paths that lead to scented gardens and secret courtyards.
The 24 bedrooms are spacious and air-conditioned. They’re either twins or doubles, and are furnished in local Moroccan style, with comfortable beds. All have fireplaces, hairdryers, towels, toiletries and robes. There are also three larger suites.
Yoga will take place on the rooftop or in the large, light studio twice a day.
There are plenty of quiet spots where you can relax. The retreat has two pools – one heated, one refreshing, along with gardens and terraces in the sun.
There’s a large dining room with a big fireplace, and a large terrace overlooking the pool and sunset – this is where you’ll have a pre-dinner, sunset drink and eat most of your meals.
Sustenance
The retreat caters for most dietary needs, which you can mention when you book.
Breakfast includes homemade juices, honey, yoghurts, pancakes, cheeses, breads, fruit salads and cereals. Omelettes and eggs are available as extras.
Lunch is usually a healthy and generous salad buffet, with around ten choices, along with fruit and bread.
Evening meals are traditional North African dishes created by the resident chef and his team. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.
Teas and coffees are available at mealtimes. You can buy extra drinks – this includes alcohol.
Douar Tagadert el Kadi, Km 24 Route d'Amizmiz, Region de Marrakech
The Wild Times
Founded by Jenny Clark, The Wild Times yoga and adventure retreats aim to help guests rest, rewild and connect to nature. They run in England in the UK, Italy and Sweden in Europe and Morocco in Africa. Since her first 200-hour vinyasa teacher training, Jenny has studied yin and ayurveda, assisting techniques, Rocket and trauma-informed yoga. She mostly shares the practices of vinyasa, yin, yoga nidra and meditation, and is also a qualified paddle board instructor and paddle board yoga teacher.