Morocco Yoga, Meditation & Sound Dreamscapes Retreat at Azaren with Zephyr Wildman & Adam Martin 18 – 24 Sept 2023

Join Zephyr and Adam in Morocco for en epic adventure into nature through movement, sounds and storytelling. Our retreat will be inspired by the Five Basic Elements of Nature, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space, to understand and discover more about our inner and outer ecosystem. In our practices, we will focus on an Elements, drawing on their characteristics, corresponding Chakra, Mantras, Hasta Mudras and sense organs associated with the Element, opening to the sounds, vibrations and the energy they hold. Zephyr and Adam will guide you through this journey to find harmony and stability in your body, energy and mind. 

Adam Martin is known for his creative audio art and guided meditations. He weaves the listener into a soundscape of poetic storytelling, sounds clips and a space to unfold into oneself. Zephyr is known for unlocking Yoga philosophy safely drawing students beyond perceived limitations and opening them up to the natural world within that nourishes and supports healing and growth. Working with the Elements of Nature on this retreat, we will share the rhythms, patterns and cycles through conscious movement and wakeful stillness as we reconnect to the natural wellspring of strength, creativity and resilience within.

Azaren

Azaren is a private 20 acre (8 hectare) estate nestled in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains just 30km from Marrakech. It is an oasis of calm, beauty and luxurious surroundings; everything you would imagine your own private Moroccan paradise could be. Snowcapped Mount Toubkal (the highest peak in the Atlas) just to the south of Azaren, has provided year- round irrigation for the lush gardens of the Ourika Valley that have fed the region for centuries. The hospitality of the Berber people is world-renowned and at Azaren, that welcoming of visitors is on full display. Whether you would like to experience a traditional hamam, find yourself at a tea ceremony in a mountain village or sample the famous Moroccan Tajin, Azaren is truly an immersion into an exotic culture nurtured in luxurious comfort. You will fall in love with the people, the traditions, the food and most of all the facilities of this desert hideaway. But don’t forget, this is a Yoga retreat after all. The purpose built Yoga Shala on the property is one of the most beautifully designed and situated of any of Zephyr’s retreat locations. With the backdrop of the mountains and the stunning garden laid out in front of you, you’re sure to find a bit of bliss and serenity both on and off the mat.

Yoga & Meditation with Zephyr Wildman

The foundation of Zephyr’s teaching is built upon an extensive study of Yoga anatomy and physiology to Asana, laying the groundwork for students to be lead into a contemplative path inwards. This approach to Yoga is an integration of Yoga philosophy, psychology and creative sequencing, provides a wholistic and practical weaving of Asana, Pranayama, Mudras, Kriyas, Mantras and more, to deepen the student’s experience in finding their own path to the state of Yoga. 

For more about Zephyr visit ZephyrYoga.com

Yoga, Mediation & Sound Dreamscapes with Adam Martin

Meet Adam Martin as he describes his extensive talent to inspire, guide and create a space for people to drop in. Adam catalogues himself as…”I am a poet, podcaster and meditation teacher. Creator of the highly acclaimed GABA Podcast and regular Instagram Live Dreamscapes. My Grandmother taught me swiftsong symphonies and magic fungi tea. Beside the thunderous waves of a pregnant sea she tilted my head towards the subtle mist and bade me listen. ‘You have the gift of the gab Adam. Gaba, gaba, gaba. You must learn that the quieter you become, the more you can hear.’ GABA became my meditative self. My sanctuary to embrace my neurodiversity. My own neurodiversity shapes how I teach meditation. I have ADHD and dance along a veritable spectrum of light. I see the scrolling explosion of an attention decit mindset as an evolutionary facet of modern minds and have sought to create a style of meditation that acknowledges and balances that energy. I have always possessed a magpie sensibility and my teaching is infused with the wisdom of diverse cultures and teachers. From the wit of Ram Dass to the philosophy of Lao Tzu. From the work of Kate Bush to the poetry of Maya Angelou. Infused with breathwork and science I create immersive soundscapes mixing storytelling and meditative practices.”

Check out Adam’s Podcast GABA, Audio Book “How to Bliss,” Happy Place App with Fearne Cotton, Songwriting, Love Stories and MORE! Click here for GabaLife.

Embodying the Essential Elements

Our retreat will be inspired by the Five Basic Elements of Nature, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space, to understand and discover more about our inner and outer ecosystem. Yogis understood and utilised the laws of nature to attain greater health, power, knowledge, wisdom and sustained contentment in themselves by using practices effectively to heal, inspire and transform – cultivating equanimity in the Body-Mind connection.

The use of these elements and Prana is the main link to the sister science of Yoga called Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda use Prana – Vital energy to sustain balance with the elements and heal ourselves effectively. Yogis used the heat of Prana to inspire balance, transform imbalances and create a natural harmony amongst all the other elements.

In our practices, we will focus on an Elements, drawing on their characteristics, corresponding Chakra, Mantras, Hasta Mudras and sense organs associated with the Element, opening to the sounds, vibrations and the energy they hold. Zephyr and Adam will guide you through this journey to find harmony and stability in your body, energy and mind. 

Garden & Grounds

The grounds and gardens were conceived by renowned French landscape designers Eric Ossart and Arnaud Maurières. The blend of subtle plantations of fragrant flowers and sculptural cacti with local crops is stunning. On the property, Azaren has the Jardin de l’Ourika, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, supporting local Berber women employed to cultivate and nurture the botanical ingredients to Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics. Yves Saint Laurent was a lover of Morocco and his former residence in Marrakech can be visited which is a great tour to understand his connection to the country and that continuing legacy of Moroccan botanical cultivation for the company. Visits to the garden on the property at Azaren can also be arranged.

Architecture & Interiors

Azaren was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Imaad Rahmouni in a style which combines exceptional volumes with the simplicity of Berber architecture. The buildings include the main house extending over 1,200 sqm, six garden villas (about 100 sqm each), a pool house, a tennis club house, a fitness centre and a Yoga shala, all surrounded by formal gardens and a labyrinth of pathways to explore it all.

The main house is arranged on either side of an impressive corridor which leads to the living rooms, dining room, spa, billiard room, television room and four suites. Furnished and decorated by Themes & Variations, London, the interiors are a striking combination of vintage and contemporary with a Moroccan flavour.

Amenities 

Pool, Spa and Tennis Courts – all exclusively for our use.

Azaren staff includes a house-manager who speaks English, German and French, a butler, a cook, three chambermaids, a head grounds-keeper, a team of gardeners and a night watchmen. 

Specialist staff can be arranged for Massages & Hammam 35 Euros per treatment. Bookings will be closer to the time of departure.

Yoga & Hiking

Hikes are the highlight. The surrounding countryside of the Ourika valley is absolutely stunning and a walk up into the foothills of the Atlas is an experience of a lifetime. Along the way we will visit villages not accessible by car, have tea with the villagers who have been farming and grazing their livestock in these hills for generations and break bread with the locals who call these mountains their home. The warmth and hospitality of Berber culture is a delightful reminder of why we “retreat” to experience the human condition with other people and share moments of authenticity with one another.

There is a local Berber guide who speaks many languages and is full of interesting information about local culture, traditions and more!

Food

The cuisine is delicious Moroccan-French fusion and extensively uses Azaren’s home-grown vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Traditional bread is baked daily in an outdoor wood-fired oven and the home-made olive tapenade is usually smuggled home in Zephyr’s luggage by the kilo. It’s delicious.

Vegetarian diets and other dietary requirements can be catered for.

Meals can be served in a variety of outdoor locations and picnics can be prepared on request.

Included: 

• Accommodation at Azaren with access to all amenities and gardens
• High speed wifi in all buildings, pool and Yoga shala
• 2x Yoga session per day with Zephyr
• 2x Meditation and Sound Dreamscapes with Adam
• Yoga Mats, Blocks, Bricks, Straps, Bolsters, Eye Pillows are supplied for use
• Group Transport to and from Marrakech Airport (RAK) to Azaren and return
• Hike, hiking transport and guide
• Pool towels
• Snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks
• Brunch and dinner daily

Not Included:

• Flights (£160-£300 round trip during September return London/Marrakech)
• Transport outside the recommended flight time to and from airport and venue
• Transport outside group activities
• Laundry 
• Alcohol – beer, wine and spirit list available 
• Staff Tips at your discretion – all tips go directly to the women and men who work hard to make your retreat clean, enjoyable and offer any help need (£10-15 a day per guest)

Azaren Accommodation

Azaren’s accommodation comprises 4 suites in the main house and 6 garden villas (about 100sqm each) each with a walled patio, outdoor (and indoor) shower and private terrace. For single occupancy the beds will be made as a double. For two guests sharing the beds will be separated as singles.

Single Occupancy: £3250

Sharing Occupancy: £2150 per person

Master Suite

Double Bed with Ensuite

Coral Suite

Double Bed with Ensuite

Blue Suite

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Purple Suite

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Red Villa

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Saffron Villa (Occupied)

Double Bed with Ensuite

Orange Villa

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Lavender Villa

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Turquoise Villa

2 Single Beds with Ensuite

Olive Villa

2 Bedroom Villa, 2 Single Beds with Ensuite & 1 Double bed with Ensuite

To Book Retreat

Contact: Zephyr Wildman & Adam Martin,  to book

Please send £1000 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit or full payment to reserve your place. The balance will then be due by 20th August, 2023 via bank transfer. Cancellation after 20th August 2023 will result in forfeiture of 50% of total payment (minus deposit), cancellation after 1st September 2023 will result in 75% forfeiture of total payment (minus deposit). Email me if you have any questions.

Highly recommend that you invest in travel insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind.

Look forward to another wonderful retreat together.

Beaming you all blessing, laughter and future Yogic adventures!

Zephyr Wildman & Adam Martin