“Your culinary journey inwards”
7% off
6 Day Inspiring Cooking and Yoga Retreat in Ounagha, Essaouira, Morocco
La Vida Surf, Villa Dar Zitoon, Essaouira, Morocco
Culinary Vacation and Yoga Retreat in Morocco
Experience the ultimate rejuvenation retreat where cooking meets yoga, offering a perfect fusion to reconnect with your body and empower your mind. Dive into a transformative week blending yoga and cooking workshops, all amidst the vibrant backdrop of Moroccan nature and culture. La Vida Surf's Cooking & Yoga retreats welcome practitioners and food enthusiasts of all levels. Each day offers a harmonious blend of yoga, mindfulness, and culinary mastery, creating an unforgettable experience of holistic wellness and cultural immersion. Explore the culinary delights of Moroccan and international cuisine, learning the art of traditional dishes infused with rich flavors and cultural heritage and expanding your culinary repertoire further by the diverse tapestry of international cuisine.
Meet the instructors
Vanessa & Brigita
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Highlights
- Have daily yoga class
- Daily cooking workshops
- Nutrition lecture
- Conscious walk in the Ounagha Hills
- Day trip to Old Medina of Essaouira
- Traditional Moroccan dining ritual
- 5 nights accommodation
- Tasty meals will be served
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
6 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 14 participants
Airport transfer available:
Agadir–Al Massira Airport (US$ 85 per person)
Agadir–Al Massira Airport (US$ 85 per person)
Airport transfer available:
Marrakesh Menara Airport (US$ 74 per person)
Marrakesh Menara Airport (US$ 74 per person)
Airport transfer available:
Essaouira-Mogador Airport (US$ 21 per person)
Essaouira-Mogador Airport (US$ 21 per person)
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Concierge desk
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lobby
- Lounge
- Luggage room / storage
- Meditation garden
- Multilingual staff
- Picnic area
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Yoga shala
- Board rental
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Laundry
- Parking lot
- Wireless internet
Villa Dar Zitoon
Here at La Vida Surf, they enjoy hosting retreats with attention to detail in small groups of up to 17 participants. You will be accommodated in one of the 7 boutique and authentically decorated twin, double, and triple rooms. Each room has a private ensuite bathroom. One of the rooms is an apartment with 2 bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
Villa Dar Shajara is a traditional Moroccan house - Riad, with a private pool, a big garden, and a rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy contemporary comfort and complete privacy along with a chance to experience the authentic life of a local Berber village, known for its warm hospitality and tranquil vibes.
Resting on the hills of Ounagha, the garden of Villa Dar Zitoon is full of fruit and olive trees from which our villa got its name, Dar Zitoon, where “Dar” stands for a house and “Zitoon” for an olive.
Your home away
Witness every sunrise and sunset on the rooftop yoga shala with a stunning 360 view over the Ounagha hills and the city of Essaouira. Immerse yourself into yoga practice with the mountains and nature greeting you, with the white sails protecting you from the sun and a light breeze caressing the yoga session.
Take a dip in a refreshing pool, relax under the warm Moroccan sun, and laze on a sunbed with a book from our library to read. Share delightful meals and tales from around the world in a sunny dining hall with a pool and garden view.
Enjoy a cozy moment around the fireplace in the living room, uniquely decorated in traditional Moroccan style. Once the last light disappears over the horizon, explore a magical star map of the bright Moroccan sky, and if you are really lucky - see a shooting star.
Program
Experience the ultimate rejuvenation retreat where cooking meets yoga, offering a perfect fusion to reconnect with your body and empower your mind. Dive into a transformative week blending yoga and cooking workshops, all amidst the vibrant backdrop of Moroccan nature and culture. Indulge in nourishing your body with healthy organic meals, creating a holistic journey of wellness.
Discover serenity at the intimate Villa Dar Zitoon, a boutique retreat nestled near the World Heritage UNESCO-listed city of Essaouira.
La Vida Surf's founders have chosen this location for the outstanding nature and vibrant culture of Morocco, therefore it is natural for us to incorporate the unique combination of these elements into your retreat.
Alongside with yoga, you will learn to infuse your life with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, empowering yourself to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The workshops offer hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and practical tips to seamlessly integrate healthy eating habits into your daily routine, elevating your overall well-being.
Daily yoga classes
The yoga classes offer a sanctuary for both body and mind. Through gentle asana practice, you'll cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance, while fostering a deeper connection to your inner self. Each class lasts 75 minutes and takes place at the rooftop yoga shala with stunning 360° views of both sunrise and sunset.
In addition to physical postures, the yoga sessions incorporate meditation techniques to quiet the chatter of the mind and invite inner peace. Through guided meditation and breathwork, you'll learn to cultivate a sense of serenity that extends far beyond the yoga mat, allowing you to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and clarity.
Cooking workshops
In the engaging cooking workshops, you are immersed in the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine while also exploring the richness of international dishes, all with an emphasis on plant-based and healthy cooking. Under the guidance of skilled chefs, attendees learn to craft traditional Moroccan specialties like tajines and couscous using fresh, wholesome ingredients, while also delving into a diverse array of plant-based international cuisines.
These daily workshops celebrate the delicious possibilities of plant-based eating while fostering a rich cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for diverse culinary traditions. Throughout the sessions, emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, nutritional balance, and the joy of discovering new flavors, ensuring a dynamic and enriching culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Monday: Conscious walk
Embark on a journey of mindfulness with the Conscious Hike in the tranquil Ounagha Hills. Wander through nature's embrace, where each step becomes a meditation.
Experience moments of serene silence, allowing the surroundings to guide your thoughts. Elevate your connection with both self and nature as you breathe in the peace of the mountains on a short magical journey through the long-established Berber villages.
Wednesday: Nutrition and yogic food
In this special lecture, you will discover the transformative power of plant-based nutrition as we delve into the principles of nutrition, guiding you to align your diet with the rhythms of nature for optimal health and vitality. Learn how to create nourishing meals that not only fuel your body but also support your yoga practice, promoting balance and harmony from within.
Explore the abundance of plant-based foods that provide essential nutrients and energy for your body and mind. Gain practical insights into meal planning, mindful eating, and the art of food combining to enhance digestion and maximize nutrient absorption.
How your day will look like
- 07:15 Wake up Moroccan mint tea
- 07:45 Morning yoga practice
- 09:30 Healthy nutritious breakfast
- 11:00 Workshop / activity
- 14:00 Colourful lunch
- 15:00 Free time
- 16:30 Cooking class
- 19:00 Organic tasty dinner
- 20:00 Night time star gazing / Satsang
The retreat will follow the rhythm of nature with the retreat schedule adjusted according to the time of the year and weather conditions to provide you the best experience possible.
Included excursions
Essaouira excursion
Experience the magic of Essaouira on a day trip from the yoga retreat. Wander through the charming medina, explore the bustling souks, and soak in the coastal vibes.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the fresh seafood and Moroccan flavors, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem. A perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and the lively ambiance of this coastal gem awaits.
Instructors
Vanessa Gagnon
Vanessa, a yoga, meditation, and paddleboard instructor since 2015, promotes love and non-violence in practice. Her inclusive classes focus on exploring each asana for body-mind unity and stress relief. Committed to mindful yoga, she integrates breath exercises, fostering balance. Organizing nature-inspired yoga retreats for three years, Vanessa sees yoga as a holistic journey towards inner harmony.
Brigita Račkovskytė
Bri is all about following her heart and finding flow in life. Through yoga and active meditations she has found a sense of clarity and peace, as well as a way to heal, love and trust herself. She shares this practice with hope that others too may use it as a tool for a more compassionate and conscious life. She is a multistyle yoga teacher with the greatest focus in Hatha, Yin, Pranayama and active Osho meditations, having a background in Psychology studies and work experience.
Location
La Vida Surf's founders have chosen this location for the outstanding nature and vibrant culture of Morocco, therefore it is natural for us to incorporate the unique combination of these elements into your retreat.
Morocco is often described as the land of mystery and fascinating culture. You will soon experience what it means to stand on the vibrating grounds of Africa surrounded by ancient Argan trees and to discover the vibrant and colorful old town of Essaouira.
Villa Dar Zitoon is located 20 kilometers from the famous city of Essaouira, 30 minutes from Essaouira Mogador Airport, and 2,5 hours from Marrakech Menara Airport reachable by direct flights from major European cities.
Food
The package includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
Your plant-based menu
At La Vida Surf, you will be served meals with a purpose. You will nourish your body with plant-powered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You will eat healthy, fresh, and organic food handpicked from the nearby region and provided by local farmers. For one dinner, you head out to Essaouira to enjoy together a meal by the sea. The dinner out is not included in the package, prices for meals start from 10 EUR.
Your menu will consist of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, inspired by yogic and Moroccan cuisine, with private chefs adapting their recipes to your dietary requirements and allergies. If you follow a pescatarian diet, you will be catered to a fresh fish of the day from the local fishermen for one of your dinners.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Pescatarian
- Hallal
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
There are numerous things to do in this region and the La Vida Surf team will introduce you to what they are passionate about: surf adventures in the Atlantic Ocean, purifying hammam and massage treatments, conscious walks and hikes, nature trips to Paradise Valley and Imouzzer waterfalls, visiting Diabat Dunes and the ruins of the Sultan's Palace from mid 1800's.
Surf adventures
During your retreat, you will be also able to integrate with nature through surfing. You can test your skills in surfing, windsurfing, or even the thrilling art of wing foil. With the experienced team of instructors and guides, you will learn the basics of surfing in its various forms and learn how to read the Ocean.
Hammam and massage rituals
One of the highlights of Moroccan culture is the ancient purifying ritual of hammam using a traditional combination of black soap and mineral-rich rhassoul clay. Enrich your wellness holiday by allowing yourself to be taken care of, washed and scrubbed, soaked in Argan oil, followed by a relaxing or toning massage or other wellness treatments.
What's included
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily yoga class
- Daily cooking workshops
- Nutrition lecture
- Conscious walk in the Ounagha hills
- Day trip to Old Medina of Essaouira
- Traditional Moroccan dining ritual
- 5 healthy nutritious breakfasts
- 4 colourful lunches
- 4 organic tasty dinners (one dinner out in a restaurant in Essaouira not included)
- Wake up Moroccan tea
- Assortment of yoga equipment
What's not included
- Surf adventures
- Hammam and massage rituals
- Airport transfers
- Dinner on the day out in Essaouira
- Airfares
How to get there
Recommended Airports
AGA
Agadir–Al Massira Airport
134 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 85 per person
RAK
Marrakesh Menara Airport
141 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 74 per person
ESU
Essaouira-Mogador Airport
20 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 21 per person
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Agadir–Al Massira Airport (AGA), Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), or Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU). Airport transfer is not included in the price.
Private taxi service is available for arrivals and departures upon request for an affordable additional cost. If you are traveling around Morocco before or after the retreat, a private taxi service is also available in any other requested location.
La Vida Surf is located 30 minutes' drive from the nearest local Essaouira Mogador Airport (ESU) which is served by international airlines operating direct flights on from major European cities.
If you arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), commuting to Essaouira by bus is also very easy and safe, and La Vida Surf will help you along the way to find the right place. Book your ticket with local bus companies CTM or Supratours.
Additionally, La Vida Surf is located a 3,5-hour drive from the Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA). There are bus services to Essaouira running from the city center of Agadir.
La Vida Surf Nature Retreats can also arrange private taxi transportation from Marrakech or Agadir for an additional cost. The driver will meet you at the airport or any other location in Marrakech at the requested time with the sign “La Vida Surf” and bring you directly to the villa.
Airport: Agadir–Al Massira Airport
Airport transfer available:
Agadir–Al Massira Airport (US$ 85 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Marrakesh Menara Airport
Airport transfer available:
Marrakesh Menara Airport (US$ 74 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Essaouira-Mogador Airport
Airport transfer available:
Essaouira-Mogador Airport (US$ 21 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
7
Last minute Discount
This listing has a last minute discount of 7% if you book within 30 days before the selected arrival date.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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