women’s retreat

A Journey of Empowerment and Sisterhood

YOUR sweet EScAPE

where the bonds of sisterhood are strengthened, and we come together to release, grow, and empower one another

At La Vida Surf’s Women’s Retreat, you'll embark on a nurturing journey of women's wellness and healing, blending relaxation with meaningful connections. This retreat is designed for women to come together, practice yoga, immerse in nature, and embrace Moroccan culture, all while fostering a supportive space to share stories, and experiences, and deepen bonds with one another.

In this sacred space, we celebrate the power of community and connection. Through sharing circles, we’ll hold space for each other, cultivating a sense of being seen, heard, and validated in our unique journeys of self-discovery and growth

Discover serenity at the intimate Villa Dar Zitoon, a boutique retreat nestled near the World Heritage UNESCO listed city of Essaouira.

INCLUDED

  • 3 nights’ accommodation

  • Daily yoga classes and meditations

  • Special workshop

  • Conscious walk in the Ounagha hills

  • Moroccan Night dinner & local Amazigh band

  • 3 healthy nutritious breakfasts

  • 2 colourful lunches

  • 3 tasty dinners

  • Wake up tea & coffee 

  • Assortment of yoga equipment

SAMPLE DAY

  • 07:15 Wake up tea & fruit

  • 07:45 Morning yoga practice

  • 10:00 Nutritious breakfast

  • 11:00 Workshop/Activity

  • 14:00 Colourful lunch

  • 15:00 Free time

  • 17:30 Evening yoga practice

  • 19:00 Tasty dinner

  • 20:00 Night time star gazing & Sacred Silence

* 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

Our Women’s Retreat happens throughout the retreat season and lasts for 4 Days, see the dates on our Retreat Dates page. We can organise affordable 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 retreats are created for practitioners of all levels, our program offers a seamless progression towards deeper self-discovery.

This retreat is about aligning with the woman you want to be and empowering yourself in the process. Together, we’ll break down stereotypes and support one another in becoming the best versions of ourselves, free from jealousy or competition.

Are you ready to be held by your sisters, embrace your inner strength, and create lasting change?

YOUR YOGA CLASSES

You will begin your mornings with pranayama and meditation, followed by a hatha yoga class to open your body, mind and spirit. Each class lasts 90-120 minutes and takes place at the rooftop yoga shala with a stunning 360° views of both sunrise and sunset.

The morning sessions focus on sharing and connection, including guided discussions, reflective journaling. Each class, in addition to yoga asana, encourages open dialogue, mutual support, and the cultivation of a nurturing, connected community.

Rebecca Geiss 

yoga teacher

February - March 2025

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.

YOUR YOGA TEACHERS

elena Kokkala

manager & host

Elena has been an integral part of crafting our retreats at La Vida Surf since 2021 and has shared her passion for yoga for nearly a decade. As both the manager and host, she’s committed to creating the kind of retreat experience she herself would love to attend—one filled with connection, joy, and growth. Elena is especially excited to welcome the women’s retreats, a heartfelt passion project for both the women leading and attending. Her focus is on fostering a space where meaningful connections are formed and deepened, ensuring every participant feels supported, empowered, and inspired throughout the journey.

Vanessa gagnon

YOGA TEAChEr & host

November 2024 - april 2025

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.

conscious hike

Embark on a journey of mindfulness with our 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.

creative workshop

Elevate your experience with our thoughtfully curated workshops, designed to deepen connections and enhance your well-being. Dive into expressive dance workshops, create meaningful mandalas, and share in transformative women’s circles. These workshops offer a unique blend of creativity, self-reflection, and collective growth.

Immerse yourself in a journey of self-discovery and renewal, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of our retreat space. Embrace the balance of body, mind, and soul as you explore new ways to connect, heal, and find inner peace.

Moroccan night

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Morocco during our special Moroccan Night. Dinner is served with a touch of authenticity, as flavorful tajines—vegetarian or fish, depending on availability—are presented in traditional clay dishes. The evening comes alive with the soulful sounds by a local band. Guests are invited to join the rhythm, learning traditional Berber dances and even trying their hand at playing the instruments. This lively and interactive evening is a celebration of community, culture, and joy.

YOUR PLANT-POWERED MENU

At La Vida Surf, you will be served meals with a purpose. You will nourish your body with wholesome, plant-powered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The food you eat will be healthy and fresh, handpicked from the nearby region and provided by local farmers, ensuring both quality and sustainability in every bite.

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. 

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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.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY