Sept 2019 – Magical Marrakech Retreat with Jayme Barrett

INFUSE YOUR SPIRIT IN MARRAKECH 

SEPTEMBER 23 – 30 2019

Would you like to be luxuriating in Marrakech on September 23rd? For the past eight years, I’ve been leading magical retreats with my husband, a native to Morocco, and we’re thrilled to be going back to Marrakech this year. Having been eleven times before, I’ve put together a wonderful Moroccan trip filled with amazing adventures and we can’t wait to share them with you!

We have only 14 spots and it is first-come, first-served with a deposit. Many spots have been claimed by returning guests, who receive priority, so it will fill up quickly. If you feel called right now to join us, email us here as soon as possible to secure your space. (Retreat pricing below)

Ladies, if you want to expand your horizons and be energized in an exotic locale, this is the perfect retreat for you! You’ll relax, recharge and let go of all responsibilities. Be ready to open your heart and have fun!

Women describe our retreats as:

Magical, heavenly, positive, relaxing, fun, beautiful, joyful, enlightening, bonding, heart-warming, supportive, rich and meaningful, invigorating, nourishing, fabulously-curated, infused with cultural exploration, eye-opening, breath-taking, fulfilling, spiritual, diverse, educational, a feeling of sisterhood and good for the soul.

• It’s a priceless way to spend eight days saturated with beauty, love, authenticity and excitement.
• Unbelievable in every way… connection, community, spiritual and full of creative energy. Not to be missed!
• The kindness, hospitality and generosity of the Moroccan people is inspiring and full of grace!
• To be able to bond with caring, nuturing women in such an exotic locale was more than I could have ever imagined!
• I will follow Jayme anywhere! She’s a warm, positive, skillful leader with a heart of gold.

When you come on our retreat, you’ll laugh, share, bond, explore and learn ways to uplift your life in a welcoming environment of like-minded women. Many of our guests join us year after year (some coming on their 7^th & 8^th retreat) in new glorious locations.

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Marrakech is truly a bucket list location with its stunning architecture, gorgeous countryside and seaside, delicious food and colorful markets with new sights, aromas and sounds at every turn. If you’re up for an adventure that you’ll talk about and show photos of for the rest of your life, this retreat is for you! It’s also a chance to refill your own energy tank and put the focus back on yourself. We’ve done all the planning so you get to sit back and enjoy! 

Whether you come by yourself or with a companion, you’ll be welcomed in the warm embrace of our retreat sisterhood. It’s a super supportive and nourishing environment where like-minded women share, bond and delight in soulful journeys, cultural experiences, scrumptious food all while taking in the beauty and culture of Morocco!

This will be our 6th retreat in Marrakech and we can’t wait to show you all the magic. Read all the amazing details below…

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You’ll stay in a beautifully restored 18th century Moroccan mansion (Riad) in the old city of Marrakech, eat delicious gourmet meals, practice yoga and learn positive ways to call in your heart’s desires. You’ll relax on the rooftop garden of our mansion, learn to cook traditional Moroccan food in a half-day cooking class and shop in the world famous outdoor souks.

On our day trips, you’ll see the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira (eat lunch on the beach and stroll through alleyways filled with shops and spices) as well as visit the Atlas mountains (walk along the Ourika Valley river and enjoy lunch in a garden with views that stretch forever).

Along the way, you’ll see Morocco’s famous “goats in trees” and camels on the beach, visit a women’s argan oil cooperative, stroll in Yves St. Laurent’s Jardin Marjorelle, explore his Couture Museum and a 14th Century Palace, and delight in special dinners at delicious restaurants in the old city, seaside and country!

♥ Included in Retreat Package:

• 8 Days/7 Nights accommodation in Marrakech Riad
• 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners (four with wine)
• 4 Life Enhancement Classes with Jayme Barrett
• 5 Yoga Classes with Karen D’Abrosca
• Round Trip transfers to/from Marrakech Airport
• Private Transportation on all Day Trips

♥ Even More Retreat inclusions: 

• Welcome Mint Tea & Pastry Reception
• Cultural tour of Historic Sites in Marrakech’s Old City
• Visit to Garden Marjorelle & Yves St. Laurent Couture Museum
• Day trip to Coastal Town of Essaouira
• Visit to a Berber Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative
• Day trip to Ourika Valley (walk along the river through Berber villages)
• Multi-Course Garden Lunch overlooking the Atlas Mountains
• Moroccan Cooking Class (includes dinner & wine)
• Shopping in the Famous Souk – Jemma el Fna
• Free Afternoon to Relax, Shop or Spa

Optional Activities:

• Hammam Spa and Massages
• Henna Hand & Feet Designs
• Afternoon Tea at the famous La Mamounia Hotel

A Unique Opportunity!  Instead of visiting Morocco like a tourist, you’ll have the rare chance to experience life in the vibrant ancient city guided by Jayme’s husband, a native Moroccan. As a special bonus, Zouhir will help bargain with local merchants, getting you the “Moroccan price” instead of the “tourist price” for your Moroccan goodies…saving you lots of money.

Not Included: Flights, Travel Insurance, Tip to Hotel, Alcohol & Beverages outside Riad, Yoga Mat

Click to see the photos highlights from last year’s retreats here! Video reviews from our guests straight from our Riad are here. 

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Your Accomodations in Marrakech

Les Trois Palmiers El Bacha Riad is a magnificently restored 18th century riad (traditional Moroccan courtyard mansion) in the heart of the medina (old walled city) of Marrakech, a 10 minute walk to the famous Jemaa-El-Fna square.

Restored by a lovely French couple, Patrick and Caroline, the riad has many inviting dining and lounge areas, two dipping pools, and two rooftop terraces with great views of Marrakech and the Atlas mountains. This will be our sixth time staying at this Riad. The neighorhood is full of antique stores and walking distance to the main square Jemma el Fna.

The guest rooms are all different, luxurious, spacious and air-conditioned. They are equipped with separate bathrooms, extra large towels, bathrobes, aromatic soap/lotion/shampoo, a hairdryer and a safe. The riad has free Wi-Fi in the courtyard. The hospitality and service is superb.

Local Area and Flavor

Marrakech is made up of an old walled city (Medina) and a new city (Gueliz) where there are hundreds of shops, cafés and gardens to enjoy. Staying in the medina, you will experience the polarity of life in Morocco. Moroccans are very friendly. They speak French, Moroccan Arabic and some English. The currency is Moroccan Dirham.

The famous Jemaa El-Fna square is the most exciting spot at sunset where you’ll see hundreds of food stalls as well as snake charmers, monkeys, henna artists and musicians!

Meals

Every morning you will be served a delicious breakfast at the Riad including fresh made yogurt, decadent bread and pastry baskets, Moroccan pancakes, cheese, honey, jams, fresh orange juice, coffee and mint tea.

The included lunches and dinners will be split between the Riad and local restaurants. The food on this trip is magnificent and mouth-watering! Foodies will be in heaven. Nothing compares to local, home-made Moroccan meals including salads, couscous, chicken/fish/beef tagines, vegetable sides, desserts and more.

 

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Life Enhancement Classes with Jayme Barrett

Jayme Barrett’s life enhancement classes will be held at our riad and some may be given on location during our outings. During the classes, we will all share and bond as we discuss ways to create more positive energy in your home, heart, spirit and spaces.

Topics may include inner feng shui and meditation to create harmony & de-stress, feng shui remedies & manifestation tools to realize your dreams as well as incorporating the beauty of Moroccan culture, architecture and spirituality into your daily life. If you would like a private feng shui consultation with Jayme during the retreat, let Jayme know beforehand.

Yoga Classes with Heather Degnan – All levels welcome!

You’ll enjoy five morning yoga classes with Heather Degnan. She beautifully integrates all yoga levels into the practice. We will be doing yoga on our beautiful rooftop garden. Please bring a yoga mat with you.

Weather

The weather in Marrakech in late September is beautiful. It averages mid 70’s Fahrenheit during the day and mid 60’s at night. The nights can be breezy so bring a scarf and sweater.

Zouhir – Originally from Casablanca, Zouhir has worked in management for many of Morocco’s finest 5-star hotels with his longest tenure at the famous El Minzah Hotel in Tangier. His knowledge about Moroccan culture, hospitality and Marrakech make him the perfect co-leader on this retreat. Fluent in English, French and Moroccan Arabic, Zouhir will guide and take care of participants on daily outings. Zouhir has been living in Los Angeles with his wife Jayme since 2009.

In addition, check out Jayme and Zouhir’s natural beauty care line, Zweena Argan Beauty Elixirs, based on organic argan oil from Berber women’s cooperatives in Morocco, visit www.zweenabodycare.com.

Yoga Teacher – Heather Degnan

Heather is thrilled to be teaching yoga for us in Marrakech this fall! She has been on three retreats with Jayme and taught yoga last year in Provence. Heather began the journey of living her best life in 2003 and found yoga to be huge part of that path. Practicing for over 10 years, she finds that yoga keeps stress at bay and can bring calmness to the mind and body. For Heather, the yoga philosophy has become a lifestyle that she has integrated into her daily work (as a Police Officer!) helping to serve her community with more compassion and empathy.

Heather teaches a Vinyasa flow style yoga for all levels. Being aware that every physical body is different, she encourages her students to practice yoga in a way that feels right to them. It is not about the end result (a perfect yoga pose) but about your journey and ability at any given moment. Heather lives near the sea in Marshfield, MA and looks forward to sharing the mat with you!

Click to see Highlights and Video Reviews of a past Marrakech Retreat!

To see more amazing photos, visit our Beautiful Morocco board on Pinterest!

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Travel and Flights to Marrakech

You will be responsible for booking your own travel and flights. 

You can fly into Marrakech Menara Airport and the airline code is RAK. Popular airlines flying into Marrakech are listed below. Participants from the United States will need to fly on Sunday, September 22nd in order to get to Marrakech on Monday, September 23rd for the start of the retreat. Below are some options…

1. Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) Non-stop flights from JFK & IAD to Casablanca. Then you’ll take a short flight to Marrakech.
2. Iberia Airlines (www.iberia.com). Partners with American Airlines (www.aa.com ). Change planes in Madrid Barajas. Madrid is the closest European airport with a 2 hour flight.
3. Air France (www.airfrance). Partners with Delta Airlines (www.delta.com ).
4. Go to www.skyscanner.com and put in your details. It tells you every flight available

Less Expensive Option – Secure the best airfare or use miles to fly round-trip to Europe (Madrid, Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles de Gaulle or London). Then book a regional roundtrip flight on Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, EasyJet or RyanAir into Marrakech. Madrid is the closest city to Marrakech and is usually the least expensive flight.

Make sure you leave three hours to go through customs and immigration in the European city (especially Madrid as it’s a big airport) and you may need to change terminals to get your connecting flight to Marrakech. You will also go through immigration and customs once you arrive in Marrakech. We will have a driver waiting for you. On the way home, you may need to spend the night in the European city after getting the flight out from Marrakech on Sept 30th.

Airport transfers from/to the Marrakech airport are included in the retreat fee.

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Travel Documents, Passports and Visas  

Make sure your passport is valid through June 2020. (6 months past your travel dates). United States citizens do not need a Visa to enter Morocco.

The visa and passport requirements to Morocco vary according to the nationality of each traveler and may change at any time for reasons beyond our control. Although we endeavor to provide you with accurate information about these requirements, it remains the responsibility of each traveler to verify that he or she has the appropriate travel documents for his or her nationality. Jayme Barrett is not liable for any expenses or costs arising from any traveler being prohibited from entering Morocco or any other country visited in connection with this trip.

Medical Issues and Travel Insurance 

No immunizations are necessary for Morocco. If you have any medical issues that will require professional care while on your trip, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items and treatments related to your condition. Before travelling with Jayme Barrett, we strongly recommend you review your personal insurance and health insurance to ensure you have coverage appropriate to meet your needs in case of any loss of property or illness, injury or death. Health information for Morocco – http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/morocco.aspx

Insurance: The trip price does not include any insurance coverage, and Jayme Barrett requires the purchase of travel insurance to protect your trip investment in the event of medical emergencies, lost bags, a cancelled trip or any other unforeseen trip or pre-trip related event.

You can get travel insurance including medical coverage through www.worldnomads.com, www.insuremytrip.com or call your travel agent.

———————————————————————————————————————————————Cancellation Policies: 

Deposit is non-refundable. Full payment is required within 60 days of departure. Cancellation from 60 days prior to 50 days prior: cancellation fee is 50% of total trip cost per person. The trip is nonrefundable inside of 50 days. If a replacement is secured, travelers will get a refund less $250.00.

• If you wish to cancel the trip outside of 50 days, a written cancellation request isnecessary. No refund for unused portions of the retreat, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights and sightseeing.

Cancellation by Jayme Barrett: Jayme Barrett reserves the right to cancel the trip at any time for any reason, including if there are too few participants, or if the quality of the trip or the safety of travelers is judged by Jayme Barrett in her sole discretion to be compromised. In such cases, a refund of payments received by Jayme Barrett shall constitute full and final settlement. Jayme Barrett is not responsible for any loss incurred on account of non-refundable or non-transferable air tickets. If there is an official warning regarding travel to Morocco, you will receive a full refund.

Travel insurance is mandatory.

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QUESTIONS, BOOKING & DISCOUNTS

If you have any questions about this retreat and/or would like to sign up, email us here as soon as possible to secure your spot. We will send you a registration form as soon as your place is confirmed. You can pay your deposit by check or with a credit card on Paypal (3% fee added within US, 4% outside US). We will send you an invoice.

** Please include a short paragraph on why Marrakech is calling your name this year.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT for MARRAKECH 2019

**PAST RETREAT GUESTS – Receive $100 off!

Email us for more information!

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To watch Participant Video Reviews from our beautiful Riad, click here and click here .

We love this review from Karen, who was amazed at the goats in the trees:

I was there, I lived it, and I LOVED it!. As others have said, Morocco is a wonderfully colorful locale whether one is talking about the kind people, or the varied and beautiful sites we visited. It’s safe to say, it was a trip of a lifetime for all of the participants. What was also amazing to me was how we quickly embraced our new “home” through the careful planning by Jayme and her husband, Zouhir. It just flowed, life enhancement workshops were enlightening and are with me as I am writing this. I was travelling solo and knew it was going to be some adventure even mysterious, a step into another world. It surely was…within a day I was caught up in the wonder that was around every corner in the Medina. I found “my way” figuratively and literally!

Today, just a few weeks later, I can transport myself to the earthen alley-ways, smell the fragrance of spices, bread and cooking found in the souks, ponder a Moroccan recipe and think about the wonderful days and evenings sharing our thoughts and our meals as one great group of people. We all came for different reasons from the U.S. and abroad and found “another home” during our Magical Retreat with Jayme and Zouhir in Marrakech.

Email us to book your Marrakech adventure this September!