Desert Soul:
Nomadic Yoga Retreat
Come with an open heart, leave with a soul full of memories. Your desert adventure awaits.
Saturday 4th - 11th October 2025
Unplug from the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wild adventure in the Sahara Desert.
My Desert Soul Retreat invites you to experience a once-in-a-lifetime yoga retreat that combines adventure, wellness, and a deep connection to the world around us. Over the course of 7 magical nights, you'll traverse sweeping sand dunes, practice yoga under the open sky, and sleep beneath a canopy of stars. This retreat is designed to reconnect you with your inner self while exploring the timeless beauty of the desert landscape.
What to Expect:
My Desert Soul Retreat is a unique retreat that offers more than just yoga; it's an invitation to step out of your comfort zone, reconnect with nature, and rediscover your inner strength. Guided by experienced nomadic hosts, this retreat combines the tranquillity of yoga with the thrill of adventure in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, where the vastness of the Sahara becomes a mirror to your soul, and every sunrise brings a new opportunity to awaken your soul.
This is a nomadic retreat that invites you to embrace the simplicity and raw beauty of the desert. While in the Sahara, we will be going back to basics, living in traditional nomadic style, and immersing ourselves fully in the natural environment. This is an adventurous experience designed to help you disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with yourself and the earth. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience life away from the usual comforts and luxuries, which may not include all the frills and extras typically found in other retreats.
If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, consider joining our Portugal 2025 retreat, where you can enjoy a more refined blend of comfort and wellness.
Where You'll Stay
During your Desert Soul retreat you'll experience a variety of unique accommodations that reflect the spirit of our journey. The first four nights will be spent in a nomadic bivouac, moving with the rhythm of the desert and sleeping under the vast expanse of the starry sky or in traditional Berber tents. On the fifth night, we'll settle into a fixed camp, offering a bit more structure while still embracing the authenticity of desert living.
For the final two nights, we'll retreat to a charming riad hotel in Ouarzazate, where you can enjoy modern comforts such as a refreshing swimming pool, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and mountains, and beautiful rooms.
Yoga Practices to Elevate Your Soul
Our retreat offers a carefully curated blend of yoga practices designed to suit all levels of experience. Morning sessions will invigorate your body and mind with energising Vinyasa flows, aligning breath with movement to energize you for the day ahead. In the evenings, unwind with restorative Yin yoga, focusing on deep stretches and mindful relaxation to release tension and restore balance.
Our days will end with a peaceful Yoga Nidra session, also known as "yogic sleep," guiding you into a profound state of relaxation and inner calm as you lie under the starry desert sky.
Culinary Delights in the Desert
Throughout your stay, our skilled local chefs will prepare delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients. You'll enjoy a variety of Moroccan specialties, from flavourful soups to hearty tagines all vegetarian friendly. Our meals cater to all dietary needs, with numerous vegetarian options available. Each meal is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of the region, designed to nourish both body and soul. Savor fresh salads, delectable desserts, and traditional sand-baked bread, all prepared with love and care in the heart of the desert.
What to Pack and Preparation
To ensure you are fully prepared for this adventure, a comprehensive PDF guide will be issued upon booking. This guide will include detailed information about the flights you need to book, clothes you need to pack, and any equipment and trekking shoes or sandals you need to bring.
Retreat Cost & Payment Plans
*Early Bird Price Until December 2024* - £995 per person
Full Price: £1,200 Per Person
£200 Deposit Option
Secure your spot in this unforgettable journey with a £200 deposit. This deposit ensures your place in the retreat and allows me to prepare everything for your adventure. The remaining balance can be paid closer to the retreat date, giving you flexibility and peace of mind as you plan for this transformative experience.
Securing your deposit with Paypal Pay in 3
You can also choose to make payments including the deposit by paying in 3 instalments when you spread the cost paypal pay in 3 when you choose that option upon check-out. Please refer directly with paypals terms and conditions for more information.
Alternatively, you can opt to pay half of the total cost now and the remaining half at a later date, or settle the full amount in one go for peace of mind. Regardless of the option you choose, please note that full payment is required by 5th August 2025 to secure your participation in this unforgettable adventure. I recommend booking early, as spaces are limited and this unique retreat fills up quickly.
What’s Not Included
While the Desert Soul Retreat retreat provides an all-encompassing adventure into the heart of the Sahara, some costs are not included in the retreat price. Participants will need to arrange and cover their own flights to Morocco; current prices range from £30 to £85 depending on your location and booking time.
Tips and gratuities for our guides and staff are also not included and are at your discretion. Additionally, meals such as dinners and lunches at the hotel in Ouarzazate, along with any tours, of tickets purchased while exploring the local towns are not covered in the retreat fee.
I also recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your journey, which is essential for peace of mind and to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
"The desert is a natural extension of the inner silence of the body"
Guide Retreat Itinerary
*Subject to Change
Saturday - Day 1: Arrival and Desert Welcome
Upon landing at Ouarzazate Airport, you’ll feel the anticipation build as you meet your fellow travellers. A private car will take you on a scenic three-hour journey through the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains, with stops to stretch and take in the stunning vistas. You’ll arrive in a village for lunch and meet our nomad guides who will lead us into the heart of the desert.
Our first trek takes us to Sidi Naji, a sacred mausoleum nestled amongst the dunes, where we’ll set up our first camp. As as nomad guides prepare camp for us, enjoy our opening opening circle, and restful yin yoga practice under the expansive desert sky, before enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner by the fire. Your accommodations for the night are in a “nomadic bivouac,” offering you the choice to sleep under the stars or within a cozy tent.
Sunday - Day 2: Sunrise Yoga and Desert Exploration
Awake to a breathtaking sunrise and start your day with an invigorating yoga session in the cool, morning sand. After a hearty breakfast, we continue our journey with a 3-hour slow walk with the camels towards Erg Zmila, near the Algerian border. Marvel at the changing landscape as mountains give way to rolling dunes. At our next camp, savor a freshly prepared meal and unwind around the campfire with stories and songs shared by our nomadic hosts.
After our evening meal, enjoy a restful yoga nidra (also called yogic sleep) under the nights sky.
Monday - Day 3: Meditation and Majestic Dunes
The day begins with a peaceful meditation and yoga flow at sunrise, followed by a nutritious breakfast. We then set off for a trek to Erg Zahar, the region’s second-highest dune. After the hike, take time to relax, enjoy a delicious lunch, and explore the towering dune.
Experience the magic of the desert at sunset from the top of Erg Zahar, where you can hear the wind sing as the light fades and we flow on the dunes as part of our evening sunset practice. The evening is spent around the campfire, enjoying traditional music, storytelling, and a night under the stars.
Tuesday - Day 4: Journey to Erg Tounir
Following breakfast and our morning yoga and meditation practice, we embark on another slow 3-hour walk to Erg Tounir. As we set up camp amidst the towering dunes, take a moment to appreciate the vastness of the desert. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of yoga, mediation and connection, taking in the view, and savour another exquisite meal prepared by our guides. This is our final night in the desert, under the Milky Way, sharing our experiences and soaking in the tranquillity of our surroundings. On our final night, we'll settle into a fixed camp, offering a bit more structure and comfort while still embracing the authenticity of desert living.
Wednesday - Day 5: Return to Civilization
After a peaceful breakfast and final sunrise yoga practice in the desert we begin our return journey with a 4-hour walk back to the village, stopping for refreshment breaks and shade under the palm trees. Upon arrival to the village, we'll say farewell to our wonderful guides and loyal camels before being transported back to Ouarzazate where we check into our hotel for our final two nights of rest and rejuvenation.
Thursday - Day 6: Rest and Rejuvenation
After our morning slow flow yoga and meditation practice, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the riad, then spend your day relaxing by the pool or indulging in a therapeutic massage. This day is all about recharging after our desert adventure, allowing you to fully integrate your experiences, reflect on desert living and appreciate a slow integration back to the modern world.
Friday -Day 7: Explore Ouarzazate
Today, you have the option to explore the vibrant city of Ouarzazate, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit local markets, ancient kasbahs, or unwind by the pool.
In the evening, join the group for a final dinner and a closing circle to reflect on your journey.
Saturday, - Day 8: Goodbyes
Our last morning together starts with a grounding yoga practice, followed by a final breakfast.
Transportation to the airport is arranged for your return flight home, or you can plan onward travel to explore the enchanting city of Marrakech.
Find out more & reserve your place below.
FAQ - Desert Soul Retreat
Packing
You will need to bring a soft travel bag such as a large backpack, containing clothes, sleeping and toiletries which will be carried by the camels. Take only what you need for your stay in the desert. The rest of your belongings can remain in the village during the trek. A full packing list will be provided in your PDF Guide.
If you want to stay connected during your stay or simply have enough battery to take photos with your mobile phone, remember to take an external battery with you.
For Treking:
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Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
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Lightweight hiking Trousers/ Leggings
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Lightweight Socks
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A chèche (which you can buy in the village)
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Walking Trainers, Boots or Sandals
For the evening and for the night under the stars:
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Fleece or down jacket
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Waterproof jacket
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Warm socks
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Beanie (depending on the season)
Slip into your toiletry bag:
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A toothbrush and toothpaste
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A deodorant
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A moisturizer and lip balm
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Sunscreen with a high SPF
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First Aid Kit
Weather
You will need to bring a sleeping bag, in October temperatures drop between 10 and 15° at Night, and will be around 22-27 during the hottest points of the day.
Other questions you may have
Shower Facilities
Our program does include a night in a fixed bivouac, therefore you will have access to showers during the desert.
Animals
Apparently...there is very little chance of seeing snakes, scorpions etc during trekking seasons (they are present during the summer). Nomads are used to them and will know how to see them long before you and protect you from them.
