Morocco Treasures & Pleasures
Explore the magic and mystery of Morocco in a 10-day, all-inclusive retreat

September 14-23, 2023
sahara experience option:
***September 23-27

***Optional 4-night Sahara Experience addition

Morocco is an intoxicating of mix of delights & discoveries

It offers experiences to excite and delight all the senses-from luxurious hammams to savory dishes to the feel of soft sand under your feet. There are buried treasures to be discovered in the souks and vintage markets-and the chance to travel and see the natural and architectural treasures Morocco is blessed with.

 This is your “insider” invitation to explore and experience the the magic and mystery of Morocco with me!

 

Shopping for vintage treasures in Marrakech
visit historical sites in Marrakech
Fall in LOVE with Morocco
Berber door in Atlas Mountains Morocco
Souk shopping in the Marrakech Medina
Cat on the street in Essaouira Morocco
Shopping for rugs in Essaouira
Palm trees in Essaouira Medina
Berber moroccan style decoration in the Atlas Mountains
Shop in the Marrakech souks
Delicious Moroccan food
Beautiful scenery in the Atlas Mountains Morocco
Visit Jardin Majorelle on a retreat in Marrakech
Sunset in Marrakech at Jemaa el Fna
Shopping for Moroccan lanterns in the Marrakech souks
Moroccan slippers in the Marrakech souks
Delicious coffee at Bacha coffee in Marrakech
A donkey in the Atlas Mountains
Majorelle Garden
Shop in Marrakech souks
Rooftop dining in Marrakech Medina
Have Moroccan tea in a Berber home
Preserved lemons in Marrakech souk
Vintage doors in Marrakech souk
Majorelle Blue
Boutique shopping on Marrakech Medina

Enjoy Moroccan Pleasures

Because you deserve it!

Pleasures waiting for you here…

  • Indulge in a rose-scented Moroccan Hammam and Massage Spa Experience

  • Enjoy a seaside sunset from the top of a friendly camel

  • Sip fragrant tea while nibbling on sweet and savory delights at the epic and iconic Royal Mansour Hotel

  • Pair a glass of chilled wine with freshly roasted lamb and home-made goat cheeses on a sun-dappled patio near the Atlantic Coast

  • Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine as you prepare (and eat!) your own delicious Moroccan tajine while contributing to a social impact NGO

  • Raise a cocktail with your retreat friends as you watch the sunset over the Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop of El Fenn resort

Discover Morocco Treasures

Scroll through to see what’s in store

  • Shop for vintage treasures in the Marrakech Souks

    Follow me into heart of the souks and vintage markets to discover my favorite secret shopping places. Take home hand-crafted treasures to keep your memories of Morocco close to you.

  • Marrakech Historical Monuments Exquisite Architecture

    Marvel at the exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship on display at the most important historical and architectural wonders in the ancient Marrakech Medina.

  • Visit the Atlas Mountains of Morocco from Marrakech

    Experience the natural beauty of Morocco’s majestic Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coastline-with an optional add-on to complete your journey with a life-changing trek to the great dunes of the Sahara desert.

  • Visit Essaouira Medina and Fishing Port

    Spend a day and night in the ancient and storied Medina of Essaouira. Our private Riad overlooks the Atlantic ocean and Essaouira provides a refreshingly calm contrast to Marrakech.

  • Moroccan tajine lunch

    Visit and learn about the village life of Morocco’s original Amazigh communities, hike to natural waterfalls, and enjoy the best home-cooked tajines by the mountain stream.

  • Add on the Sahara Experience option when you register to extend your adventure through the old Kasbah filled trade route and palm oasis to overnight in the dunes of the Sahara Desert at a luxury camp

*This retreat has been thoughtfully designed to include a wide variety of special experiences while still providing time for some rest and relaxation.

**The detailed retreat itinerary will be provided after registration

Experiences & Inclusions

  • Professionally guided tours for history, culture, and shopping.

  • Traditional Moroccan Hammam & Massage Experience.

  • Deluxe accommodations throughout, including privatized riads and an overnight in a Luxury Sahara Desert Camp (with Sahara Experience Add-on).

  • All nutritious and delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners with some alcohol inclusions. 

  • Moroccan food cooking class.

  • Entrance fees for gardens and museums in Marrakech.

  • Cocktail party with Welcome and Closing Celebrations.

  • Private vehicle transportation throughout, including airport transfers.

  • Tips and Gratuities for hotel staff, drivers, and guides.

Not included:

  • Airfare and Mandatory Travel Insurance (Check out World Nomads)

  • Money spent on shopping and personal items

  • Personal alcohol purchases

Keep your journey going

When you add our optional 4-day Sahara Trip

Camels in the Sahara Desert Morocco

Travel with me to the Sahara Desert…

  • Travel across Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to arrive for the first night’s stay near Ksar Ait Ben Haddou-a Unesco Heritage site that has been the backdrop for many famous films. Along the way, we will visit the remains of the “Palace of the Glaoui”, Kasbah Telout

  • Pass through the Valley of the Draa Palm Oasis with a stop for lunch, hike, and tour of the 14th Century Kasbah des Caids. Continue on to visit the silversmiths of Amezrou and shop for Berber treasures. We will spend the night at a luxury hotel with pool in Zagora

  • We will make a morning stop at the village of Tamegroute and have a private tour of the green-glazed pottery making process that is unique to this town.

    Stop for lunch in a Berber camp before arriving at our remote desert luxury camp for the night in Erg Chegaga. Take a camel ride to view the sunset from the top of the high dunes. After a delicious dinner, listen to desert songs with drumming around the campfire and enjoy the star-filled sky.

  • Depart after breakfast to return to Marrakech, passing through the dried Iriki Lake bed, areas of ancient fossils, and oasis to the town of Foum Zguid. We’ll continue on through the carpet making village of Taznakht for lunch and shopping. We will arrive back in Marrakech in the evening for a final night at Maison 28*.

    *It is possible to book one more additional night at Maison 28 for an extra charge if you would like a rest day before departing Marrakech.

This 4 day/4 night adventure is only available to retreat participants
at an additional cost of only $595 per person, double occupancy

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Your investment:

$4,595 USD with private queen room with ensuite bath
$3995 USD for a shared twin room with ensuite bath
$595 USD for additional Sahara Desert Adventure

SAVE $295 on your Treasures and Pleasures registration when you book with deposit by March 31, 2023 with code: TREASURE

A non-refundable deposit* of $1,000 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.

Cancellation Policy: Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.

  • "My life has been forever enriched"

    Morocco exceeded my expectations in every way. Melanie curated and hosted a fabulous itinerary of activities that I wouldn't have even known about, much less been able to plan on my own. My life has been forever enriched with new friendships and memories of the colors and sounds of Marrakech and the Sahara.

    -Stacey L.

  • "Enchantment and delight around every corner"

    Morocco is a timeless place with enchantment and delight around every corner. The people are lovely and kind. My only disappointment was that I had only two weeks to enjoy it. Maison 28 is a warm and embracing home, filled with beauty. I felt so well cared for during my stay and can’t wait to return.

    -Jennifer O.

  • "Inspired creative travel experience"

    Melanie and her team provide a gentle, yet thorough, dive into the sensual beauty of southern Morocco. She guides you through experiences to capture and feel the power of Morocco’s cross-pollination of cultures over thousands of years. Maison28 is a carefully crafted work of art that feels like “home”. The staff is gracious and helpful. Her tours entertain you, guide you, and allow for solitude to process, which manifests into an awakened and inspired creative, travel experience.

    -Elisabeth B.

  • "Outstanding in every way!"

    This adventure was outstanding in every way! I feel privileged to have been able to step out of my ordinary life to travel and experience one of the most inspirational and fascinating places you could ever wish to see… I believe you change lives, as I will never be the quite same again!

    — Rose A.

  • "Exceeded my expectations"

    Melanie thoughtfully curated a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. I could not have put together a trip like this on my own, it was perfect. Maison28 is a beautiful place to have attended an amazing workshop and get to know a lovely group of women. We established that Marrakech is truly a woman’s place.

    — Michelle T.

  • "A life-altering trip "

    I felt drawn to this adventure as soon as I learned about it, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts. It is a life-altering trip and I'm just starting to figure out what that means. So grateful to be part of this with an awesome group of like-minded souls.

    — Karen B.

About Your Host

Melanie Royals has been designing and leading retreats in Morocco for curious and creative travelers since 2009. A lifelong artisan and designer, she has a passion for creating experiences that highlight and connect her guests to the heart and soul of Morocco-the artisans! Since 2017 she has been welcoming private retreat groups to her own unique Marrakech Medina guest house, Maison 28.

Ready to join us for an adventure of a lifetime?