Cooking and YOGA RETREAT
Journey of Wholesome Fusion: Aligning the Senses
YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY INWARDS
Immerse into daily yoga & meditation practice and LEARN THE ART OF COOKING OUR FAMOUS MOROCCAN AND INTERNATIONAL DISHES
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 flavours and wholesome ingredients, empowering yourself to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Our 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.
INCLUDED
5 nights’ accommodation
6 yoga classes
4 cooking workshops
Conscious walk in the Ounagha hills
Trip to a local souk (market)
Day trip to visit Essaouira
Traditional Moroccan dining ritual with music and dancing
5 healthy nutritious breakfasts
3 colourful lunches (one lunch outside in Essaouira not included)
5 organic tasty dinners
Wake up Moroccan tea
Assortment of yoga equipment
SAMPLE DAY
7:15 Wake up Moroccan mint tea
7:45 Morning yoga practice
9:30 Healthy nutritious breakfast
11:00 Nature Walk/Trip
14:00 Colourful lunch
15:00 Free time
16:30 Cooking Class
19:00 Organic tasty dinner
20:00 Night time star gazing/Satsang
* We follow the rhythm of nature with our retreat schedule adjusted according to time of the year and weather conditions to provide you the best experience possible.
AVAILABILITY
La Vida Surf Cooking and Yoga Retreat happens four times a year and we can organise afford private or group transfers from and to Essaouira, Marrakech and Agadir Airports and other locations around as needed.
Private taxi service is available for arrivals and departures outside of the retreat start dates upon request for an affordable additional cost.
If you are travelling around Morocco before or after the retreat, private taxi service is also available in any other requested location.
RETREAT PROGRAM
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.
YOUR YOGA CLASSES
Our 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 75-90 minutes and takes place at the rooftop yoga shala with a stunning 360° views of both sunrise and sunset.
In addition to physical postures, our 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.
MUBARAK IGOUIA
MOROCCAN & INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
Passionate about the art of cooking, Mubarak brings a deep appreciation for simple, flavorful cuisine to La Vida Surf. With a preference for fresh, aromatic herbs over heavy spices, his culinary inspirations stem from Italian and Armenian traditions, while always remaining open to flavors from around the world. Rooted in the philosophy of using organic, plant-based ingredients, he crafts nourishing meals that reflect both global influences and the rich culinary heritage of his home country, Morocco.
YOUR TEACHERS
REBECCA GEISS
YOGA TEACHER
Inspired by the wisdom of the body to heal itself, Rebecca enjoys integrating medicinal movements in her yoga classes, such as dance and somatic movements along with other interests that include Ayurveda, TCM & Thai Massage, Shamanism, Essential Oil Therapy, Herbalism, Energy Healing, the Chakra System and Anatomy. Her classes are a fusion of these passions bringing alive the ancient teachings of Yoga in a modern and accessible way.
Yoga classes with Rebecca will be well balanced, practicing creative and dynamic as well as soothing and relaxing sequences & meditation techniques.
MOROCCAN CUISINE
Coming soon..
YOUR cooking workshops
In the engaging cooking workshops, you are immersed in the vibrant flavours 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 flavours, ensuring a dynamic and enriching culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul.
SATURDAY
Nature walk & mindfulness
Embark on a journey of mindfulness with our Nature Walk 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.
SUNDAY
MOROCCAN IMMERSION
Experience the essence of Moroccan culture with a visit to Souk Had Draa, the largest traditional market near Essaouira. Stroll through lively stalls where locals buy fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods—ingredients we’ll use in our own tajine-making workshop.
Back at the retreat, we’ll cook together, savor authentic flavors, and celebrate with a local Berber band, enjoying live music and traditional dancing. A day of connection, culture, and culinary delight!
MONDAY
ESSAOUIRA EXCURSION
Experience the magic of Essaouira on a day trip from our yoga retreat. Wander through the charming medina, explore the bustling souks, and soak in the coastal vibes.
Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, indulging in fresh vegetables, seafood, and Moroccan flavors while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem.
For those seeking extra adventure or relaxation, the day also offers the opportunity to visit a traditional hammam for a rejuvenating spa experience, ride the waves with a surf session, or explore the beach on horseback.
YOUR PLANT-POWERED 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.
Your menu will consist of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, inspired by yogic and Moroccan cuisine, with our private chefs adapting their recipes to your dietary requirements and allergies. If you follow a pescatarian diet you will be catered a fresh fish of the day from the local fishermen for one of your dinners.
YOUR HOME AWAY
Here at La Vida Surf we enjoy hosting retreats with attention to detail in small groups of up to 16 participants.
You will be accommodated in one of our 7 boutique and authentically decorated twin, double and triple rooms each room with its own en-suite bathroom.
Villa Dar Zitoon is a traditional Moroccan house - Riad, with a private pool, garden and 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 energy.
MORE THAN A YOGA ESCAPE
There are numerous things to do in our region and La Vida Surf team will introduce you to what we are passionate about. Surf, windsurf and kite surf adventures in the Atlantic Ocean, purifying hammam and massage treatments, conscious walks and hikes, mesmerizing horseback adventure along the picturesque shores and more.
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 foiling.
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.
Exploration TRIPS
We love to explore this country of mysteries and therefore also enjoy bringing our guests along on an adventure.
Morocco holds several natural sights worth mentioning, such as Diabat Dunes & the Ruins of Sultan’s Palace, Argan Forests, horse rides on the beach and Le Val d'Argan vineyard.
Hammam Rituals
One of the highlights of Moroccan culture is the ancient purifying ritual of hammam using a traditional combination of black soap and rhassoul clay.
Enrich your wellness holiday by allowing yourself to be taken care of, washed and scrubbed, soaked in Argan oil, followed by a massage or other wellness treatments.
