Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, was established as a trading post in the 5th century B.C., settled by the Portuguese in the 1500's, rebuilt in the 18th century by Mohammed III, the Sultan of Morocco, and ruled by the French during the first half of the 19th century. Today, the medina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because its 'beautifully designed' ('Es Souira') fortress, still stands as an excellent example of a late-18th-century fortified town. In addition to being known for its well preserved architecture and thriving cultural center, Essaouira boasts a wide, shallow bay perfect for kite- and wind-surfing.

September 14-21: Essaouira, Morocco

Accommodation: Jack's Apartments Situated just steps away from the medina - newly renovated - full kitchen - beautiful light and airy courtyard - large roof terrace - ocean views.

Activities: optional activities include long walks on the beach and great shopping and cuisine in the medina.

Abdominal Massage Course: In modern societies, the typical life-style, diet and mental patterning combine to create the the perfect conditions for energy to accumulate and stagnate in the core. We know from collective personal experiences and observations that when a healthy flow of energy is restored, we feel better, think better, look better, make better decisions, and live more effective and meaningful lives.  During this course, we will practice movement, breathing and massage techniques inspired by the ancient disciplines of yoga, Chi Nei Tsang and belly-dancing, with the intention of restoring a healthy, balanced flow of energy in the core and throughout the body. At the end of the week, you will be prepared to practice (on yourself, or with a client) a 60-minute abdominal massage treatment that will release stagnant energy and allow ideas, emotions and life to flow more easily. (30 NCBTMB Continuing Education Credits available)

This retreat will be facilitated by internationally recognized massage instructor Sunny Klaber. Sunny discovered Chi Nei Tsang while recovering from an intestinal illness that she contracted while traveling in India in 2001. Because Chi Nei Tsang played such an instrumental role in her healing process, she returned to Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005 to study this healing art, as taught by lineage holder and Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia at the Tao Garden, and has been sharing its magic with her clients ever since. This retreat is limited to eight (8) participants, so sign up early to avoid disappointment!

Getting to and from Marrakech:

This retreat will begin at 12:00 noon on September 14 at the Amani Residence Hotel in Marrakech, and will end at 1:00 PM on September 21st at the Amani Residence Hotel in Marrakech.

Several major and a couple discount airlines fly into the Marrakech Airport (RAK): Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, KLM, Sabena, Lufthansa, Swissair, Ryan Air, and Easy Jet. Royal Air Maroc offer direct flights to Morocco from Spain and other European countries. Casablanca and Rabat are frequented more than Marrakesh, so it's normal to have a stopover in one of these cities. A domestic flight from Casablanca to Marrakech by plane takes less than 25 minutes. The Barcelona-Casablanca flight takes one hour and forty minutes, and the one from Madrid takes a little less.

Please bring: yoga mat, meditation shawl, journal, pens, alarm clock, watch, comfortable clothing for yoga and Thai Yoga Massage, a warm layer for cool or windy nights and mornings, sun hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, sleepwear, sandals or flip-flops, walking shoes, toiletries, medications, camera, an open mind, an open heart and a good sense of humor!

Internet connection: There is wireless internet available at Jack's Apartments, and there are several internet cafes located within walking distance.

Money: The exchange rate is approximately 8.5 Moroccan Dirhams per US dollar. ATMs are conveniently located throughout Essaouira and tend to offer a very good exchange rate. PLEASE tell your bank and credit card companies the dates when you will be in Morocco to avoid having your accounts frozen due to "unexpected activity".

Budget: This retreat includes seven nights' accommodation, round-trip transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira, course fees and study guide, a traditional hammam experience, one dinner, one, lunch and seven breakfasts. We suggest that you budget about $250 to pay for lunch, dinner, and miscellaneous activities.

Passports: You must have a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure from Morocco to enter the country. If you are an American citizen you will receive a visa on arrival good for 90 days. If you are from another country please read about visa requirements and other important details here.

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Trip Cost: $1250 (private queen) $985(shared queen)

Price includes seven nights' accommodation, round-trip transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira, tuition, study guide, a traditional hammam experience, one dinner, one lunch and seven breakfasts.

Go For IT!

If you still have questions or would like to speak to us more about this journey, ask us.  If you would like to register, click here now. Registration is limited to 8 travelers.