We gotta admit something. We got the Africa fever. Not just a little bit, but a lot. After spending months in Southern Africa, this continent had us blown away. So you can only imagine how excited I got when I got invited by Karma Surf Retreat to join them on a week of surfing and yoga fun in Morocco. Morocco to me is like living in a 1001 night fairytale. Whether desperately wanting to be Jasmine of Aladdin or pimping my bedroom like a proper Moroccan tea house, this eastern vibe got to me from a very young age. So Essaouira, I’m coming for ya!
Welcome to Essaouira
A warm welcome, a quick run through the maze of the old medina and there we are, our beautiful stay for the week. A very colorful and artistic riad with charming rooms, and a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The riad is in the middle of the medina, with the souks just down the street. Due to its location near the ocean, however, you can hear the waves and seagulls and enjoy its tranquility. Best of both worlds, right? Your hosts during the retreat, Yassine and Melanie, will take great care of you. The moment you enter the raid you’ll feel so welcome by these two. Any question, any request, they are more than happy to help you out with it (including modeling for photos).
Surf's up with Karma Surf Retreat
This week is all about surfing and yoga, and I’m pretty sure I must be completely fit and zen at the end of this week with Karma Surf Retreat. With plenty of hours in the water and yoga twice a day, this goal cannot be missed. What a day looks like at Karma Surf Retreat? Well, what do you think about early morning yoga lessons to wake and shake you up a bit. Then stumble on to this huge amazing (vegetarian) breakfast and stuff your face. Believe me, you will. Off to the beach we go, which is chosen depending on the wave conditions. My favorite part of the day! Whether we road trip up and down the coast looking for waves, or just stick to Essaouira beach, it all feels like a treat. I love discovering new beaches!
Om Shanti Om
Of course, after all that hard work the muscles will be sore. But thank god we had Jenn, our yoga teacher. Did you think you already had your fix this morning? No no no, we do sunset sessions as well! On the rooftop of our riad or on beachfront decks, one way or another you will hear the ocean and see the sun going down while practicing your downward dog. The day flies by, and in the end that well-deserved lamb tajine is all you need.
When in Morocco...
For those who get a little bit scared by all this active talk, don’t worry guys. It’s not only surfing and yoga that’s the order of the day. Melanie took us to a traditional hammam which is relaxing and all but, believe me, quite the adventure. No tourists around, just two mamas washing and scrubbing you like it is supposed to go. I don’t wanna spoil to much here, but please, if you get a chance, do it. This memory will stay with you forever. To stick with Moroccan traditions we also had tajine cooking classes from Ahmed, the tajine king. After eating that you too will succumb to bringing a true Moroccan tajine back home and probably never use it again. But hey, that’s what souvenirs are for!
Bye, bye cold Winter days
This week with Karma Surf Retreat really was the perfect getaway. Wanna run away from that winter blues too? Then Morocco is definitely your go-to place. Recharge your battery at Karma Surf Retreat eating deliciously healthy food, doing yoga, surfing, and absorb some vitamin D. Let Essaouira charm you with its beautiful little streets, tempting shops, friendly people, and many great restaurants. At the end of it, you’ll start wondering if you just couldn’t do this every month…
Marthe
Check out Karma Surf Retreat’s website for bookings since there are many more retreats coming up.
Photos by: M. Barends©
Leuke reportage