Sunshine for the Soul Retreat Essaouira, Morocco 2027

Sunshine for the Soul is a yoga and meditation retreat in Essaouira, Morocco, run by Lotus Love Yoga. It is a week of sunrise and sunset practice, slow mornings by the pool and time to wander the old seaside town, suited to anyone who wants a warm, unhurried escape from the UK winter in a beautiful setting. The retreat stays at Le Jardin des Douars, a boutique hotel in the desert landscape just outside the medina.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for five nights and six days, and the days follow a gentle rhythm. Each morning begins with a sunrise sadhana on the rooftop shala, which looks out over the open desert. Practice includes Vinyasa Flow and Dharma Yoga, along with Yin Yoga and meditation. A Moroccan breakfast is served in the villa afterward, and the middle of the day is left free to rest by the pool, book a spa treatment or hammam, or explore.

In the late afternoon the group returns to the villa gardens for a sunset class that moves from Slow Flow into Yin. Evenings are for dinner, by candlelight at the hotel's restaurant, with Moroccan-inspired dishes. On the last evening the group eats together in Essaouira, at Salut Maroc, known for its sea views and tajines.

One day is set aside for the town itself: the ancient medina, the working port where fishermen bring in their catch to the seafood shacks, the colourful markets and the Arabic architecture.

The Setting

Essaouira is a blue and white walled town on Morocco's Atlantic coast, with a wide sandy beach, strong surf and souks full of jewellery, lamps, bags and art. Le Jardin des Douars lies about fifteen minutes from the medina. Its entrance is framed by pink bougainvillea, and the grounds cover four acres of gardens with archways, quiet corners and roof terraces.

The group stays in Villa Saada, a pink-hued villa among palm trees with a heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge, and ensuite bedrooms decorated with Moroccan art, furniture and textiles. Guests can also use the wider hotel, which has a small spa with a traditional hammam, a bar, a restaurant and two heated pools. Rooms are shared in triple or twin arrangements, and single occupancy can be requested.

Before You Go

Included are accommodation in the villa, a Moroccan brunch served at the villa, dinners at Le Jardin restaurant, all yoga and meditation sessions, and use of the hotel grounds and pools. Flights, airport transfers, the final-night dinner at Salut Maroc, massage and optional activities are paid for separately.

Optional activities include a cultural and historical tour of the medina and port, surf lessons, horse riding on the beach, camel rides and dune buggies in the dunes, hiking and biking, Moroccan cooking classes at L'Atelier in Essaouira, spa treatments and the hammam. Places are limited.