Valley of the Roses & The Red City. Descriptive Itinerary.
Culture & Connection Wellness Retreat in colorful & exhilarating Morocco.
Valley of Roses & The Red City - March 14- March 22, 2022.
12 days / 11 nights.
Marhaba!
Marhaba! Welcome to Morocco! For this first part of our journey, we will have a maximum of 8 guests. It will be a fantastic adventure, with a few wonderful people.
Upon arrival, a driver will collect you at Marrakech airport and bring you to our riad in the Medina, Marrakech’s walled, historic city center. We’ll have mint tea for refreshment, and a relaxing afternoon with time for a shower and a nap. Most flights to Marrakech from the US are over night flights (see travel info and guidelines). We will be glad for a quiet respite.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan home or palace with an interior courtyard. This riad boasts two courtyards and has been fashioned into a beautiful boutique hotel. Our riad hosts are incredibly friendly and knowledgable. My husband and I also know the very area well and will help you feel comfortable.
Once refreshed, we will have the option to enjoy a 20 minute walk to the quintessential Marrakech experience of J’maa el F’na Square. Upon return we may choose to have dinner at our Riad. After dinner we can head to bed early, or enjoy a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace, or in the courtyard of our riad, while dipping our toes in the cool plunge pool.
The Valley of the Roses
Overview of Valley of the Roses
A full traditional Moroccan breakfast will start our day in the Marrakech riad, as we await our drivers to take us to the Atlas Mountains. On our Valley of the Roses itinerary, we will have our own English-speaking guide. Our drive there will be a beautiful tour in and of itself, as we will have a few stops in the 5-hour trip. One stop will be in the town of Terlouet for lunch. We will also get out and stretch our legs for a walkabout World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou.
After we arrive in Kelaat M’Gouna, we will have dinner in our traditional Berber (Amazigh) kasbah, and enjoy a good night’s sleep. You will delight in our traditional accommodations accompanied by Moroccan Amazigh hospitality and charm.
We are arriving when roses are expected to be in full bloom. This part of our trip will be focused on beautiful light hikes in the Dades Valley and being immersed in an incredible culture. Amazigh means “free people,” and the Amazigh traditions predate Roman times. The Maghreb region in northwestern Africa is believed to have been inhabited by Amazigh people (AKA Berbers) from at least 10,000 BC. We will enjoy three nights in the Atlas Mountains, near Kelaat M’Gouna. Full details in the itinerary are below. For a simple printable list itinerary CLICK HERE.
Itinerary
Day 1: – One van airport transport will be arranged for the group. The specific time will be announced fall of 2022. Your transport will bring you to the Medina, the walled city center of Marrakech. Arrive. Tea and introductions with our riad host.
– Relax and settle into your rooms. You may want a nap. The courtyard, several salons, and rooftop terrace are also available for socializing or relaxing.
– Optional- Stretch your legs after the long flight! We will lead a walk to J’maa el F’na Square, so you can see the chaos! If you want extra rest, enjoy the salons, courtyards and terraces of our riad, or dip your toes in the plunge pool.
– Dinner. In the early evening, we can order dinner in our Riad.* (*denotes meal not part of inclusions). Everything is fresh and home cooked. Vegetarian and vegan options available. This 3 course meal is optional, as some people are not hungry after travel. It is $25-30US, if you choose the option.
— Get to know each other time.
Day 2 : – Traditional Moroccan homemade breakfast in the courtyard of our riad
— Drivers and guide arrive to take us to Kelaat M’Gouna. This Valley of the Roses part of our trip includes all meals. Vegetarian and vegan options available. See Inclusions and Exclusions list below.
— Casual lunch stop in Terlouet.
— Walk around Ait Benhaddou. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou features stunning scenery, history from caravan times, and is a famous movie location
— Optional Pilates class followed by gentle stretching
— Dinner and night in Kasbah Agoulzi
Day 3 : – Breakfast in our kasbah
– A guided easy hike in the valley of the roses
- Drive to Dades Valley for lunch
- Sometime during the day or before dinner a Pilates class followed by gentle stretching
- Return to Kasbah Agoulzi for dinner and night
- Meditation under the stars
Day 4 : – Breakfast in our kasbah
– Drive up to Boutarar. Small hike through the beautiful valley of Ait Ahmed.
— Lunch in an Amazigh (Berber) family home in the village of El Hot. Walk back to our van, drive back to Boutarar, and then our Kasbah. Note on the home visit. We’re not sure what we’re in for. On our last trip, seating was cushions on the floor, and there was a squatty potty. Consider this part of your leg workout as a fitness component of the trip! ;)
– Dinner in Kasbah Agoulzi
– Gentle stretch then meditation under the stars
Day 5 : – Breakfast in our kasbah
– Visit Kelaat M’goun. See Azlag Dagger Collective and maybe the rose distillery. We wave goodbye to the roses and travel back to Marrakech.
— Lunch on the way
— Tea upon arrival at Peacock Pavilion
– See continued day 5 below
– First, learn more about Peacock Pavilions! More guests will meet us there.
Accommodations in The Red City
Located in a secluded olive grove on the outskirts of the colorful chaos that is Marrakech, Peacock Pavilions is an indulgent alternative to a traditional riad. Morocco is delightfully exciting and exhilarating. The care and quiet of Peacock Pavilions will nourish your needs for relaxation amidst our activities.
Peacock Pavilions is a hand built, artisanal give-back property. Featured in dozens of magazines and television shows, the hotel is a favorite location for travelers in the know, fashion shoots, yoga and creative retreats, and celebrations of all kinds. Designed by architect Chris Montague, and exquisitely decorated by Maryam Montegue, Peacock Pavilions will enchant all your senses. Space is limited to a maximum of 14 guests.
The lush estate is comprised of three pavilions: the Main Pavilion, the Atlas Pavilion, the Medina Pavilion, plus the Sahara Bungalow, and outdoor areas.
The Main Pavilion, surrounded by hundreds of rose bushes, is home to several of the facilities shared spaces: the grand reception area, with domed ceiling and fireplace, a small library (for your quiet comfort), the Souk (shop) with a hand curated collection available for purchase, an indoor dining space, and a covered terrace, where most breakfasts and lunches are served.
The Atlas Pavilion includes two guest bedrooms, each with glamorous bathroom, a spacious salon, exquisitely decorated with comfortable couches and dining area, as well as patios and rooftop terraces. A mini bar is available with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks for purchase.
The Medina Pavilion has three guest bedrooms, each with their own stunning bathroom, a grand salon with soaring ceilings and fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen stocked with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks for purchase. On the 1,000 square foot rooftop terrace we can enjoy the magical Moroccan starry sky, or catch a few rays.
The Sahara Bungalow, a unique structure that looks like a tent. The sweet bungalow has two gorgeous rooms featuring Arabic script art, and stunning carved doors. These are perfect for guests who want a little more seclusion.
Nestled in an old olive grove with a magnificent view of the Atlas Mountains, Peacock Pavilons is an 8.5 acre private estate. Sunset brings the intoxicating scent of night blooming jasmine, and early mornings are announced by joyous birds if you choose to soak in the sunrise from the terraces. We will designate one terrace for silent sunrise contemplation and one terrace for soft conversation and photos. Our sunrise view is overlooking the Atlas Mountain range.
Our boutique hotel features a pool, outdoor gym, outdoor cinema, yoga/activities pavilion, and a painted Arabian dining tent. Peacock Pavilions was designed to promote wellbeing and fun, and Samira wants you to enjoy every bit of life here. All Peacock Pavilions staff are vaccinated.
Cuisine on site: The cuisine on site is from scratch, delicious and Moroccan, using fresh ingredients from the hotel’s organic gardens and local markets. Selection is seasonal, and each meal is made with care, just for us.
Breakfasts (all included) – daily made bread from the village’s communal bread oven (rebuilt as part of the Peacock Pavilions' charity, Project Soar), homemade jams, eggs, or muffins, yoghurt, fruit, just squeezed juice, coffee and tea.
Lunches – light and fresh (soups, salads, quiches, etc.) served with cookies or fruit for dessert.
Dinners – three delicious courses, served by candle light, ending in an herbal infusion from the garden to help you sleep.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are welcome, and food allergies are accommodated to the best of their abilities. Please inform us on your guest questionnaire, provided to you in the early winter of 2022.
Classes - In order to accommodate true multi level classes, we will have an optional 15 minute ab, and back "pre class" workout, for those who want a little more. When class time states 8am, this means the “extra” starts at 7:45am!
We have done all the research and planning for you! You just register, and enjoy a trip of a lifetime!
Amidst the colorful chaos of Marrakech, learn with knowledgable guides, and retreat back to the restful and sumptuous Peacock Pavilions!
Itinerary
Day 5 : – Continued from above.
– Relax and settle in to your rooms.
- Half hour gentle stretch to work out our travel stiffness.
- Introductions and get to know each other activity.
- Cocktails and canapés before dinner.
– Dinner in the Arabian dining tent.
– Stroll through the rose gardens and olive trees, enjoying the night sky.
Day 6 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Energizing morning Pilates at 8am.
– Breakfast on the terrace at 9.
– Tour the pavilions together and get to know each other activity.
– Lunch at the hotel.
– Exciting 4 hour tour of the Medina of Marrakech. This tour is conducted in English, by an Arab scholar. It's a little whirlwind event that helps you learn your bearings around the Medina and souks. This will come in handy later when you get to explore on your own! Wear comfortable shoes!
– Dinner* will be in the Medina, before we return “home.”
Day 7 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Energizing morning multi-level Pilates and stretch at 8am.
– Breakfast at 9am.
– All morning at the breathtaking Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum.
– Lunch* at Kaowa Cafe, or nearby. This is your choice.
– Time at an antique store in the new city. They provide pieces and photos for museums and have stunning jewelry, textiles, daggers and more for sale, and incredible knowledge.
– Poolside henna party with cocktails and canapés.
– Dinner in the glorious tent
Day 8 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Stretch class at 7:30am
– Breakfast on the terrace at 8:30am
– Day tour in the Atlas mountains. This will include a guided hike, and a break for lunch*. You'll have a view of Mount Toubkal, elevation over 14,000 feet. Also we will have a stop at my favorite rug shop.
– Light dinner in the Medina Pavilion
Day 9 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Sleep in morning if you choose!
– Breakfast at 9am
– Cooking class in Marrakech
– Afternoon relaxation! Lounge about poolside, Free-time workout in the outdoor gym (or not). Enjoy your friends new and old. Walk the gardens. Read a book. Take photos. Show and tell of your fabulous artisan purchases. Pet a kitty. We’ve been busy, and you’ll be glad for this break.
– Time for stretch, mediation or dance class. We’ll play this by ear.
– Dinner in the Peacock Pavilions Arabian tent.
– Outdoor cinema under the stars! Hot beverages and popcorn will be served. We'll choose a movie filmed in Morocco!
Day 10 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Morning Pilates workout at 8am
– Breakfast at 9am.
– A trip to one of Marrakech’s beautiful Hammams (bath houses). A little time on your own to browse or shop!
– Lunch* in Marrakech. Walking time in the souks.
– Dinner with cocktail included in Peacock Pavilions.
Day 11 : – Sunrise from the rooftops.
– Breakfast 9am
– Check out 11 am.
All activities are optional.
Inclusions
Included in your rate:
Airport transportation to and from first night Riad and Peacock Pavilions. Two different times on each date (start and finish date).
Hotel accommodation fees, taxes and tips.
All (10) breakfasts.
Onsite Valley of the Roses tour dinners (8) and lunches (5).
Transportation to and from Kelaat M’Gouna, and all transportation while in the Atlas Mountains.
English speaking guide for our time in the Valley of the Roses.
Red City Peacock Pavilions welcome reception with cocktails (2 each) and canapes.
Movie night with hot beverages and popcorn.
Henna party with cocktails (2 each).
All movement and mediation classes, all multilevel, all optional
Guided tour of the Medina - Historic and Souk tour (old city, Marakech).
Cooking class in Marrakech, which includes lunch.
Hammam - Moroccan bath plus massage.
Transportation to and from all day trips.
A pre-trip meeting plus guide booklet to help you feel prepared.
NOT included in your rate:
Air transportation, travel insurance, Covid tests if necessary at that time (I will make arrangements for them to be done on-site).
Airport transport outside of the two on our travel dates, such as if you arrive on a different date or far outside the times planned etc.
4 meals
Tips for hammam workers, drivers and guides.
