Moroccan Eclipse Journey: From Hammam to Horizon

This wellness retreat travels through Morocco in eleven days, from Marrakech across the High Atlas and the Sahara to Fez, Chefchaouen and Tangier, where the group watches the total solar eclipse from inside the path of totality. It suits travelers who want hammams, thermal waters and optional yoga woven through a cultural route, and who are comfortable with long scenic drives. No teacher or guide is named for the retreat.

What to Expect

The route moves north and east in stages. The first days cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then on to Ouarzazate, Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges. A 4x4 carries the group into the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga for a night at a desert camp, followed by a sunrise camel ride.

From there the road runs through the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques sometimes appear, to Fez. Two days in Fez bring a guided food tour through three markets and the honey souk, then the medina, the leather tannery, the Karaouine and a Koranic school.

The restorative center of the retreat is a full day at the Moulay Yacoub thermal complex near Fez. The sulfur-rich water rises at 54°C, and the day includes a thermal pool, vaporium, hydromassage, jet shower, wellness massage, hammam and a traditional Moroccan massage, with time left by the pool.

Next come the Roman ruins of Volubilis and a vineyard lunch paired with five wines at Villa Volubilia, then the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. In Tangier, the day begins with early morning yoga and the total solar eclipse, with totality expected to start at 08:40:30 local time. After breakfast there is a city tour taking in the Marshan district, St. Andrew's church, the American legation and mint tea at Café Tingis. The final full day in Casablanca is free for wandering, the pool or a local hammam.

Yoga is offered as an optional extra on several mornings and at sunset in Tangier, and is not part of the base program.

Where You Stay

Six hotels and a desert camp are used along the way:

- Marrakech: hotel on arrival
- Ouarzazate: La Berbere Palace, Superior Room
- Merzouga: Merzouga Luxury Camp, Main Camp
- Fez: Vichy Thermalia, Classic Room, for three nights
- Chefchaouen: Lina Ryad & Spa, Suite
- Tangier: Barcelo Hotel, Deluxe Room
- Casablanca: Idou Anfa, Standard Room

A chauffeur meets guests outside the Marrakech arrival terminal and drives them to the hotel. On the last day, guests are collected from the hotel about four hours before their flight and taken to Casablanca Airport.

Before You Go

The price is per person in a double room, with a single supplement for those traveling alone. Included are the airport transfer, accommodation, daily breakfast, most lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary, guided tours in Ouarzazate, Fez and Tangier, the 4x4 transfer, the camel ride, the Fez food tour, the Moulay Yacoub spa day and the Villa Volubilia lunch.

Not included are flights to Marrakech and from Casablanca, the optional arrival-day hammam and massage, the optional film studio visit in Ouarzazate, the optional yoga sessions, and meals or purchases during free time in Tangier and Casablanca.