December 1, 2024

I have  just returned from leading a week long Iyengar yoga retreat in Morocco. Seventeen students  and myself gathered on Monday Nov 7 2024, for our first circle. We had a week long experience of community, laughter, caring and deep learning of the many aspects of what an Iyengar yoga practice can offer, body mind and soul.

The setting for this experience was Bab Zouina, a fully equipped retreat center created by Karim Zein and his kind staff, located in the Ourika valley 45 minutes outside of Marrakech, Morocco. The setting is gorgeous, the accommodation are very comfortable. The lushness of the gardens, and Moroccan/ Berber style of the accommodations , with beautiful rugs and ceramics, created the perfect quiet environment for deepening and engaging with a yoga practice.

Let’s students words speak for themselves :

“The balanced schedule. First, having yoga twice per day on most days was amazing. I arrived feeling high strung and burnt out on life. The yoga sessions, which emphasized slowing down, breathing, and connecting with ourselves and our yoga community were truly healing and restorative. I can honestly say I feel a lot better overall- mind, body and soul- than I did before the retreat. I'm trying to hold on to this peace for as long as possible! That being said, the yoga was hard work and challenging (in a good way) at times. So, having free time to relax (nap, go to the spa, or do whatever else) helped with the overall balance. 

 The international location. Being immersed in a completely different culture and time zone was essential for helping me disconnect and focus on my practice and my own personal healing. Bab Zouina was truly a paradise; it was beautiful and comfortable. I personally loved the food, the spa treatments, and the opportunity to adventure out beyond the resort. I don't think the retreat would have facilitated my ability to disconnect from stressors at home, appreciate new experiences, and build bonds with everyone had we been in the United States.” JC.

“From the first class I took with you at Artemis, I was grateful for your threading of yoga sutras throughout the asana practice, the clear structure of each session- building and winding down- and especially the poetry at the end of class. Clearly the classes are both physical and meditative practices.

I appreciate the great thought you put into these classes and how much more intense your work have been as we journeyed together this week. You planned and and revised as the master teacher you are.

Anticipating the retreat, I was thinking of my individual experience . However, one of the great gifts has been the community that has deepened through this beautiful shared experience . Being at such a resource as Bab Zouina supported this as well. Thank you so much , love” RG

“I cant thank you enough for organizing and including me in this retreat. The location is absolutely beautiful and its an experience I’ll never forget. I have been able to deepen my practice , immerse in the yoga philosophy, make new friends and make new memories to last a lifetime.

I’ve sincerely enjoyed studying with you the past few years, your wisdom and approach have been such an inspiration to me both on and off the mat.” LL

“ Thank you so much  for organizing a retreat that embodies community, light, laughter and growth. I am departing this experience with an open mind, an open heart, a stronger body, a quieter mind and lasting memories because of your teachings and guidance. Thank you for sharing your knowledge , creating space and helping us find connections to our yoga practice on and off the mat. I am eternally grateful.” T

“For your knowledge…your wisdom… your deep well of compassion… thank you Rahel. These days of learning, practicing in community have brought me such joy and inner peace—precisely when I needed them most. I am so grateful for this time with you in paradise, and so fortunate that the journey continues. With Love” CB

Stay tune for the 2026 dates!