Slow and Creative Escape Morocco

A slow, creative and mindful escape in Morocco for the curious traveler

"Our business is to count the stars, star by star
to chew the wind’s haughty arrogance
and watch the clouds for when they’ll throw us a handful 

and if the earth goes far away from us
we’ll say everyone is possessed

everyone has lost their mind
and time, never will its letters fall between our hands
until we write what we are"

- Driss Mesnaoui -

Date: Thursday 23 January to Tuesday 28 January 2025
Where: Sidi Ahmed Essayeh, Morocco (near Essaouira)

The inspiration
Argan trees, stories, people and their smiles, the moon and the stars, Atlantic winds, sweetened tea and waves.

The experience
Our days will be spent immersed in slowness while discovering the rich berber culture, exploring our creative spark, being in nature and exploring the nearby villages and bohemian beach town Essaouira. Five days dedicated to curiosity, exploring our inner landscape as well as the landscape that surround us. 

What to expect?
As we arrive in rural Sidi Ahmed Essayeh we will simply follow our natural rhythm. Our home is a place of calm and warmth, providing us with the essential needed to connect to ourselves and others. From there we will go out and explore. Our beautiful accommodation is set in the countryside, near the ocean and overlooking the Aghbalou river. We will meditate, paint, hike, swim, share stories and count the stars. We will explore traditional life in the village and venture off to Essaouira for market strolls, mint tea and msemen, a flaky flatbread that you must have tried before you leave.

Besides exploring our surroundings, there will be ample free time to slow down and read poetry, talk, journal, draw or participate in mindful exercises.

The Location
Le Hameau des Cascades is located between the ocean and the countryside, 35 km south of Essaouira, on the maritime road that runs along the coast between Sidi Kaouki and Smimou. 

In the heart of a Berber region with a very rich culture, the Hameau is surrounded by a multitude of small douars, these groupings of houses and old farms, where the villagers live in a traditional way. Expect coming across donkeys, dromedaries and numerous herds of goats and sheep on our treks, and we will have the possibility to walk between the fields, where the men work by hand. 

All of the rooms are beautifully designed and have good bedding, towels and amenities.

The food
Hanaan, Loubna and Saadiya will prepare delicious fresh meals for us every day. The meals are always completely vegetarian and home-made, with seasonal products and whenever possible with vegetables from the garden. No alcohol is served at the hameau.

What’s included:

• 5 day itinerary with a good balance between slowing down (+getting the tools how to), having free time and exploring our surroundings
• morning meditation sessions, creative flow classes
• two personal coaching sessions
• walks in nature with a local guide
• a trip to a local cooperative of argan-oil-producing women
• An excursion to Essaouira (visiting the local market, amongst others) and dinner out
• Trips to the ocean 
• A trip to a nearby fishing village 
• A massage
• All meals and drinks

For whom:

• For those that want to connect with others while exploring new territory
• For those who are interested in culture and nature
• For those with open minds and hearts
• For those tin need to slow down and feel connection to themselves and others

Excluded:
Airfare and transportation to and from airport. You can fly to either Essaouira (35 mins by transport) or Marrakech (2 hrs by transport). We can arrange transportation to and from the airport once we know your travel plans.
Meals/drinks outside of the retreat activities.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).

Optional: surfing classes, (more) horse back riding

Prices:

• € 1050,-   double occupancy with twin beds / shared bathroom (with one other room)
• € 1495,-   single occupancy with private bathroom

30% deposit due at registration and when your participation is confirmed by Slow Escapes.
Final payment due 15 November 2024. Payment in terms is possible, just reach out.

About Lisa Maduro
In August 2023 I decided to take a pause. It was the start of a writing adventure that took me to some islands in Greece, traveling solo. And now I am writing my first novel! I am fascinated by creative expression as much as I am fascinated by what it means to be human. How does our creative nature play a role in how we shape our everyday lives.

With my company Slow Escapes we explore all of the above. I like to venture off to unknown territory with a small group of people and facilitate an environment of curiosity, slowness and kindness. As a mindfulness trainer and creative mentor, Lisa’s mission is to promote a more balanced life by using tools as creative expression and mindfulness. I also work as a Solution Focussed Coach. I founded Slow Escapes to explore different places and gather with people to celebrate life in new ways.

Any questions about this slow escape? Don't hesitate to contact me: lisa (at) slowescapes.com

Images of Le Hameau des Cascades - by Lucie Peltier