Marrakech Retreat – Day 1 & 2 – Yoga, Cultural Tour & Palaces!
20 Tuesday Sep 2011
Written by Jayme Barrett in Feng Shui, Morocco, Personal Feng Shui, Retreats & Classes
Hello my friends!
I’m thrilled to share some images and musings about our Infuse Your Spirit retreat in Marrakech!
Our adventure began with the arrival to Les Trois Palmiers El Bacha Riad, a beautiful traditional Moroccan courtyard mansion in the Medina (old walled city). My husband and I checked in the night before our guests and enjoyed a breakfast of homemade yogurt, fresh baked croissants and bread, fig jam, strawberry preserves, honey, cheese, expresso and tea! I love my new red Moroccan dress!
As we walked down the narrow winding pathways, we window-shopped in the antique market of Dar El Bacha, a palace only steps away from where we’re staying. Riad Trois Palmiers exceeded our expectations! Patrick, the French owner, shared how 25 workers renovated this 300 year old home for two years. We loved the view from our room!
The tiles, zellig moldings, water fountains, wood work, painted ceilings, lanterns and authentic Moroccan decor created the best energy for the daily feng shui and life enhancement classes. Our retreat guests have been pinching themselves as they take in the beauty, sites and sounds of Marrakech. Our daily schedule starts with a wonderful yoga class given by a local yoga teacher Aisha.
We practice yoga on the roof terrace overlooking the city. When we’re inside the Riad, it is so very quiet and peaceful; a sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Some of our guests went directly to a Moroccan Spa (called a Hammam) upon arrival and came back with a happy glow and fully relaxed. The meals are delectable with fresh, organic, local foods and of course, daily mint tea and pastries.
Our second day, we toured a 12th Century Koranic school and the Bahia Palace. The architecture is astounding with every inch made and carved by hand. Walking through the old city, you see a vibrant life of commerce, prayer and everything in between.
In the late afternoon, I gave my first feng shui class to the group. We discussed lifestyle feng shui, clearing clutter, reasons we keep it, organization, feng shui colors and much more! Even though some people had already read my book Feng Shui Your Life, they said it makes even more sense when I teach it face to face. We ended the day with a wonderful eight course dinner at one of the oldest Riads in Marrakech. It has been truly magical!
In my next post on Day 3, you’ll see our day trip to Essaouira, a beautiful city on the coast of Morocco!
Sending positive energy your way,
P.S. To see blog posts for each day of our Magical Marrakech Retreat, click below!
Day 1 & 2 – Yoga, Cultural Tour of Old Marrakech and Palaces
Day 3 – Day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira
Day 4 – Moroccan Cooking Class
Day 5 – Shopping and Spa’ing in the Souk
Day 6 – Hiking, Tagine & Feng Shui in a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains
Day 7 & 8 – Manifestation, Gratitude & Wrap-up!
8 Comments
September 20, 2011 at 10:12 am
oh Jayme, it all looks so lovely! love seeing Romi and the rest of the family. i’m choked up at the mere thought of practicing yoga on that absolutely gorgeous roof terrace overlooking the city. so beautiful.
September 21, 2011 at 12:47 am
Valentina – you would thrive practicing yoga on the roof here! The birds are chirping, the olive trees and bouganvilla surround us with flora and our teacher is really wonderful. She has practiced all over the world in many different styles. She’s actually teaching Romi some new variations, which is great! Hope all is well with you!
September 21, 2011 at 12:23 am
My spirit is infused just reading your blog! It looks like a magical retreat, indeed.
September 21, 2011 at 12:44 am
Thanks Toni! I know you would love it here. 🙂
September 21, 2011 at 10:59 am
Fab photos. Thank you for taking me on this trip ,virtually.I am Joan’s sister.into seeing some of the jewelry and fabrics,wearables,too!
What program do you use to post the blog . I have a blog ,too.
September 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Hi Bonnie! Yes, it’s been an incredible trip with Joan and her adventurous spirit! So much to see in Marrakech and the shopping is fabulous. You really need to come to Morocco to shop as they don’t do email. Each shop has something special. I use WordPress.org for my blog. Sending positive energy your way!
September 28, 2011 at 2:53 pm
jayme…this looks absolutely stunning! hope you all have a fantastic time. what a wonderful experience for two sisters to share. big hugs & kisses to you and romi!
namaste
xwendy
p.s. my little studio is coming along nicely. not quite ready for pix yet, but will do so as soon as it is!
September 30, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Thanks for having a read and yes, it was an amazing retreat! Glad your apartment in NYC is coming along after our feng shui consult. Can’t wait to see the pics!