Well….I got there which was a start! That’s me, Sara, in the black poncho feeling the Maroc vibe. 

I had been so stressed with work prior to the trip I truly didn’t think I was going to make it, so when the alarm went off on Tuesday 13th January at 2.30am that was it, I was off and the relief once I finally sat on that plane was indescribable. David came over on the flight saying we’d have to fill in an immigration form and produced a bunch of green pens in case we hadn’t brought any with us. What I didn’t realise was, this was to set the tone for the rest of the week. Being cared for, nurtured, considered, prioritised…..

Once we’d arrived at the airport, transport had been arranged and off we went to Les Borjs de la Kasbah right in the Medina, where we had beautiful pastries and mint tea whilst the hotel staff took our luggage to our rooms. On the arrival day some participants had treatments booked whilst others, including me had the Hammam arranged for the following day. I was quite happy to rest and get ready to meet everyone for dinner later on.

My room was absolutely beautiful, rose petals greeting me on the bed and in the bathroom! We were booked in for half board, a three course meal every evening with 2 choices and a breakfast fit for a queen, everything from fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries to home-made yoghurt.

The course was perfectly paced for me, the balance of group work, discussion, individual work and breath work allowed for processing. I had been along to a couple of sessions prior to the retreat, so had met a few members of the group and felt very comfortable with these sessions so the decision to go to Morocco was an easy one for me. I felt happy to surrender myself to the process, trusting and knowing I would be supported and accepted by the trainers and assistants. Although I believe myself to be an open person I thought I would not feel secure opening up in a group, especially with people I don’t know very well. However, the trainers, assistants and group participants were all very supportive and there was no pressure to share or to be anyone other than ourselves. I embraced it all quickly.

I have to say, the nurturing in the course extended to the staff at the hotel and spa. I have never had a Hammam and found the care and attention given to me by the staff to be very moving. It reminded me of being washed by my mother when I was younger.

After HAMMAM the Rebirthing breathwork experience was both powerful and gentle. I experienced a significant emotional shift and physical sensations new to me. The assistants supported me, and seemed to know exactly when to encourage me to breathe deeper and gave reassurance.

The excursions, personal and group leisure time and the course was balanced perfectly, I never felt once that I didn’t have enough time for me, the course or getting out to see Marrakesh. We visited a Berber village, Yves St Laurent’s garden and enjoyed a Moroccan evening with belly dancer, traditional music and food. I don’t know how we fitted it all in but as I mentioned, it felt perfectly balanced. I met some beautiful genuinely caring people during my week, people I feel I’ve shared a significant experience with which has stayed with me.

Since returning I have already made some essential changes for my well-being, leaving my job being one, but more importantly, putting myself first which is a new phenomenon for me, and one I’m embracing and not feeling guilty about.

Postcard by Sara Turner : A participant of the January Marrakech Spiritual Retreat 2015.

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COSTINGS : Average cost of a Single Room or Twin Room ( 2 peeps, similar price each but more space ) is this , Rob our Group PA says : My entire bill came to 5440 MAD which was £366 and included my half board SINGLE room ( breakfast & dinner ) and all the extras that I had including snacks, drinks etc.
-For the room alone I paid 574 MAD which was £38 per night – I only paid for the first 5 days and got the last 2 for free ( hotel Deal for Urban LIFECLASS )
– Plus 200 MAD for half board £13 per day – Plus 26 MAD for tax £1.75 TOTAL 7 Days = £366

The 5 day Course Fee 2016 ( within the 7 day Retreat ) is £350 payable by arrangement. My easy jet flight in 2014 was £110 return from London with 20 K luggage, booked earlier in October I could have got it cheaper. START SAVING and get on our LIST NOW! First Booked get SINGLE ROOMS. http://www.lesborjsdelakasbah.com

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More Details about our Maroc Retreat January 12 th 2016 is here : https://urbanlifeclass.me/morocco-retreats/ What is HAMMAM? check out this link. A small group HAMMAM 3/4 same sex people is INCLUDED in your 5 day Course fee. http://www.lifeandsoulmagazine.com/diy-moroccan-hammam-treatment/