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Rooted Reawakening:
A Soul-Centered Retreat
A Journey into Simplicity, Stillness, and Sacred Relationship in the Heart of Southern Morocco
An 8-day transformational experience for established professionals and entrepreneurs ready for realignment, renewal, and deeper conscious connection to themselves
November 10-17, 2026
Marrakech to Merzouga, Morocco
THERE COMES A MOMENT WHEN THE OLD WAYS STOP WORKING
Not because anything is wrong.
Not because you failed.
But because something deeper within you is asking to be remembered.
You are capable. Successful. Responsible.
The one others always rely on.
From the outside, it appears your life works.
But inside… something has shifted.
The drive that used to carry you forward no longer fuels you.
The pushing, the striving, the proving — it doesn’t land the same way it once did.
Despite your best efforts, you know the old way of doing things is no longer working.
You want another way to live.
You just don’t know how to access it yet.
Maybe this change came by choice — a conscious evolution.
Or maybe it arrived through loss, transition, aging, success, grief… or simply life asking more of you than performance alone can answer.
Either way, the identity that carried you this far is not the one that will carry you forward.
You’re not burned out.
You’re not broken.
You’re not lost.
But you're finding yourself in unfamiliar territory because you feel you've outgrown the life you're living.
And the in-between can feel strangely unsettling — because what used to motivate you no longer feels true, but what comes next hasn’t fully revealed itself.
You may find yourself wondering:
Why can’t I just enjoy the life I worked so hard to build?
Why does everything look fine, but feel different?
Why do I feel the need to slow down… when I’ve always been the one who keeps going?
Why does doing more no longer make me feel like enough?
This isn’t failure.
It’s recalibration.
Something in you is asking to live with more truth.
More simplicity.
More presence.
More connection.
Not more striving — but more alignment.
And alignment doesn’t come from pushing harder.
It comes from a deeper connection.
When the old way falls away, you don’t need more pressure or a longer to-do list.
You need space.
Stillness.
Simplicity.
Connection.
A place where you don’t have to keep doing… so you can remember who you are underneath everything you learned to do to create the life you have.
Because the truth is — you are not becoming someone new.
You are returning to the part of yourself that has always known how to live with meaning, clarity, and trust.
The Rooted Reawakening Retreat was created for this moment.
A deliberate step out of your normal life so you can slow down enough to reconnect — to yourself, to the earth, to the quiet wisdom that only emerges when there is nothing left to prove.
Here, through simple daily rhythms, sacred relationship, and life in the desert, you begin to feel what it’s like to live without force…
without performance…
without the constant need to hold everything together.
You remember that you already carry what you need.
And from that place — what comes next can rise naturally.
FIRST, YOU ROOT.
THEN, YOU RISE.
Imagine...
You wake slowly to the sound of the wind moving across open land.
No urgency. No performance. No role to step into.
Just breath.
You step outside into the morning light.
The air is cool. The horizon wide.
Somewhere nearby, tea is being poured. Bread is being prepared.
The day begins not with pressure — but with presence.
Over the past few days, you’ve traveled ancient roads.
Walked through markets alive with color and craft.
Sat with artisans who shape earth and water into vessels.
Shared tea and meals with families who live simply, generously, and without excess.
You’ve followed the rhythm of the land.
Waking with the sun.
Eating what is prepared.
Walking when it is time to walk.
Resting when it is time to rest.
And somewhere along the way… something inside you softened.
The noise that once felt constant has quieted.
The overthinking has loosened its grip.
The pressure to be more, do more, prove more… has eased.
In its place, there is space.
You notice how little is actually required to feel content.
How presence makes ordinary moments feel full.
How connection happens naturally when you are not rushing past your life.
Here, life is distilled to what is essential — food, water, work, rest, earth, sky, relationship.
And in that simplicity, you begin to remember who you are without complication.
Not the version of you shaped by expectation.
Not the identity built from striving.
But the steady, grounded self beneath it all.
You feel your feet on the earth.
You feel your breath in your body.
You feel something you haven’t felt in a long time:
Enough.
Enough without performing.
Enough without pushing.
Enough without proving anything at all.
You recognize a quiet truth:
Life can be simple.
You can trust yourself.
You don’t have to force what is meant to unfold.
Are You Ready to Step Beyond the Noise — and Stand Rooted in Who You Truly Are?
Experience Morocco for Yourself
Snapshots from the
2025 Morocco Retreat
when the journey ends,
you return home
It’s Monday morning.
The same life is there.
The same responsibilities.
The same people.
The same work waiting for you.
But something is different….
Because you're different.
You wake without the familiar knot in your chest.
There is no rush to prove yourself before the day even begins.
No urgency to fill every space.
No sense that you must hold everything together.
You move more slowly.
More deliberately.
More authentically.
You notice what actually matters.
You let go of what doesn’t.
You trust yourself to know the next step without forcing the whole path.
You haven’t escaped your life.
You’ve returned to it rooted, clear, and unencumbered.
And from that place…
what comes next rises naturally.
Morocco Is The Experience
You've Been Looking For
THIS IS A SOUL-CENTERED PILGRIMAGE
This is not a vacation.
And it’s not a workshop.
The Rooted Reawakening Retreat is a soul-centered pilgrimage —
one that unfolds not through lectures, theory, or self-improvement…
but through direct experience.
You won’t just observe life here.
You’ll step into it.
You’ll shape clay with your hands.
Bake bread the way families have for generations.
Walk the paths that once carried caravans across the desert.
Share meals, stories, music, and daily rhythms with the people who live close to the land.
Not as a spectator.
As a participant.
By participating, something in you starts to shift.
Not because you are trying to change.
Not because someone tells you how.
But because when life becomes simple, what is true has space to surface.
Not to fix you.
Not to turn you into someone new.
But to return you to what is essential.
A JOURNEY SHAPED BY LAND, LINEAGE, AND LIVED EXPERIENCE.
Morocco is an active partner in this experience. It's so much more than just our chosen location.
The routes we travel have connected mountain villages, desert communities, artisans, nomads, and families for centuries.
These are places where life is lived in relationship — with the earth, with one another, and with something greater than the individual self.
As you move from the city, through the Atlas Mountains, and into the Sahara, your pace changes.
Your nervous system slows.
Your attention returns to what is real.
You begin to feel how little is actually needed to live with meaning, connection, and enoughness.
And something inside you remembers.
A knowledge you carry home with you.
A calmness. An ease,
Now is the perfect time
To step out of the noise.
To release the pressure to keep pushing.
To give yourself permission to slow down without losing yourself.
To root into what is true so the next part of your life can rise from something deeper than effort alone.
Investment: $8,497
3 spots Remaining
Here's what others are saying
“The joy of being with Ismail and Lesley and our small group for a few days of fun exploration and great conversations had me feeling comfortable by the time we got to the Sahara. The framing of the trip set the stage for a magical experience under a moonlit sky with the beautiful and ancient desert as a “teacher”. I experienced a deep “let go” of my old life and rebirth into a new way of being."
-Jan
“Lesley is an exceptional guide for spiritual transformation and growth…the collective energy of the group and guidance from Lesley were like amplifiers that pushed me further than I've been able to go before on my own.”
-Natalie
“Ismail was so friendly and personable… he is so knowledgeable and we had so many interesting conversations on a huge range of topics. We felt very safe the entire time.”
-Mal
This retreat experience promises that you wilL:
Return back home with a renewed clarity about what truly matters — and a grounded sense of how to align your life with it
Feel rejuvenated in your mind, body, and soul
Shift from striving and self-abandonment into steadiness and self-trust, carrying practical tools to center yourself whenever life feels noisy or uncertain
Trust yourself to make decisions from clarity and alignment
Soften your relationship with effort and achievement, discovering how to create, lead, and live from rooted presence instead of urgency
Experience the start of a powerful recalibration — that will continue to unfold after you return home
Achieve a felt sense of grounding and poise that informs your daily life
IS THIS RETREAT FOR YOu?
You are a thoughtful, capable professional or entrepreneur who senses that something within you is changing.
From the outside, your life looks solid.
You’ve built a career, a business, or a body of work you care about.
You’re responsible, competent, and used to being the one others rely on.
But internally, something has shifted.
What used to motivate you doesn’t land the same way anymore.
You don’t want to tear your life apart —
but you can feel that the way you’ve been living isn’t the whole truth of who you are.
You’re not looking for another strategy.
You’re looking for something real.
This retreat resonates deeply with people who:.
✹ Feel a quiet inner transition they can’t fully explain, but know is real
✹ Have achieved a lot, yet sense that achievement alone no longer feels fulfilling
✹ Are tired of pushing, proving, and holding everything together
✹ Want more simplicity, presence, and meaning — without losing what they’ve built
✹ Feel drawn to slow down, even if part of them doesn’t know how
✹ Are spiritually open, but grounded and thoughtful rather than dogmatic
✹ Value depth, emotional intelligence, and honest self-reflection
✹ Long for experiences that are immersive, relational, and culturally real — not based on performance
✹ Feel nourished by nature, travel, and meaningful conversation
✹ Want their travel to matter, and value experiences where their presence supports local families, artisans, and communities in a genuine and respectful way
✹ Sense that the next phase of their life requires a different way of being, not just doing more
Many who feel called to this retreat are established professionals, founders, creatives, and leaders in fields such as business, healthcare, education, technology, finance, coaching, consulting, and the arts.
They are successful by conventional standards.
And they are ready for something more —
not more achievement,
but more alignment.
Not more pressure,
but more truth.
Not a new identity to try on…
but a return to the self they can finally trust.
They are ready for the Rooted Reawakening Retreat.
book now — only 6 spots! 3 SPOTS LEFT!
The desert doesn’t erase the challenges of life — it changes how you meet them
This retreat won’t remove the responsibilities waiting for you at home.
Your work, your relationships, and your decisions will still be there.
What changes is you.
When you step out of your normal environment and into a slower, simpler rhythm of life, you begin to see how much of your stress comes from constant pressure to perform, prove, and keep pushing — even when it no longer feels true.
In the desert, that pattern loosens.
You experience what it feels like to live without urgency.
To do what is needed, and let that be enough.
To feel grounded in yourself without having to accomplish anything first.
That shift becomes the true gift of the retreat.
You start to trust yourself more.
You stop forcing what isn’t aligned.
You feel less driven by pressure, and more guided by clarity.
And when you return home, life may look the same — but the way you move through it is different.
You make decisions with more confidence and less second-guessing.
You feel calmer in situations that used to create tension.
You let go of what isn’t essential instead of trying to hold everything together.
Not because your life changed overnight — but because your relationship to yourself did.
You come home more rooted, more steady, and more confident in your ability to live what matters most — to YOU.
6 spots available 3 spots left!
Spirituality Here Is Lived,
Not conceptual
Spirituality on this retreat is not abstract philosophy or dramatic ceremony.
It is direct encounter.
It’s found in the rhythm of ordinary life, not just in extraordinary moments.
In southern Morocco, life is lived close to the land. The people we spend time with cultivate their food, tend animals, bake bread by hand, make music, mend clothing, and add herbs to their tea slowly and intentionally.
There are fewer layers separating daily life from the sacred.
The divine is not conceptual — it is woven into water drawn from a well, into bread rising from simple ingredients, into laughter shared between neighbors.
Through relationship with the land, the culture, and one another, you begin to sense that same life force moving through you.
Not as something you have to strive to access.
But as something that has always been there.
This is spirituality through sacred relationship — with land, with sky, with others, and with yourself.
A few years ago I was in exactly the same place you are now. I was a practicing psychotherapist, running a successful counseling center, and I had a stable income, home life, and routine. Things on the surface appeared fine. But underneath, something was shifting.
The roles I had built my identity around no longer fit the same way. The methods, the routines, the expectations — even the ways I had learned to “be successful” — felt increasingly confining. I knew I couldn’t keep going like that, it was going against my soul's desire.
In 2023, I took a week-long trip to Morocco with a friend. We hired Ismail as our guide and he introduced me to the incredible transformative powers of the Sahara Desert.
As a result of that trip, my life completely changed. It’s unrecognizable from what it was. In many ways, I am unrecognizable from who I was.
Over the past few years, I’ve been walking through a quiet renovation of my life — personally, professionally, and spiritually. Not adding more complexity, but allowing what is unnecessary to fall away. I’ve reconnected to my passion as a healer, and I've discovered my identity as an international retreat leader, having run my first Morocco retreat in Fall 2025. I’m more connected than ever to my purpose, and I’m much happier with myself and my life.
As I've spent more and more time in Morocco, getting to know the desert topography, its people, and its customs better, I've absorbed some of its essence into my bones. The more time I spend there, the more I want to go back. The simplicity, openness, and genuine appreciation for life that the people exhibit is unlike anything I've experienced in Western culture. This corner of the world has had a profound impact on my body, my heart, and my soul, and it's why I am so passionate about providing others with the opportunity to experience it too.
Now, it’s my complete joy and honor to guide you into the spaciousness of the Sahara Desert — not to escape your life, but to root more deeply into it.
Consider joining me for the Rooted Reawakening Retreat this November.
Hi, I'm Lesley
The Dunes of Erg Chebbi await you
The desert is a sacred mirror
The Sahara is more than a destination—it’s a mirror for the soul. Its endless dunes and vast silence strip away distractions, offering a dramatic shift in perspective. The simplicity of nomadic life reminds us of life’s essentials: connection, gratitude, and presence.
In this stillness, you’ll find the space to reconnect with yourself and rediscover the joy that’s always been within you.
Experience the Magic of the Sahara
A gift beyond words
This retreat transcends the typical trip or tour—it's a direct pathway to realignment with your core self. The Sahara doesn't just inspire; it demands honesty. In this ancient landscape, what no longer serves your purpose naturally falls away, while your authentic voice emerges with unexpected clarity.
Between your arrival and departure days, you'll be immersed in experiences that people rarely access: navigating the vast dunes at sunrise when insights naturally surface; participating in nomadic traditions that reveal simpler ways to approach complex problems; and engaging in guided practices specifically designed to reconnect you with your original purpose.
The desert strips away the polished facade, revealing the deeper truth. High-achieving professionals reconnect with the deeper reason they chose their path in the first place. Leaders remember the clarity and creativity that once moved through them before urgency took over. Entrepreneurs and innovators experience renewed spaciousness — the kind that allows authentic vision and inspired ideas to emerge naturally.
And perhaps most importantly, you remember who you are beneath the role you perform.
You won’t just return feeling inspired — you’ll return steadier. With simple, embodied practices that help you access clarity when life feels noisy or uncertain. This isn’t about escaping your responsibilities or reinventing your identity overnight.
It’s about returning to your life more rooted — with a calmer nervous system, a clearer inner compass, and a deeper trust in your own timing.
our Journey Together
Here's what we'll do:
DAY ONE - MARRAKECH
Initial group meeting & introductions
Tour of the Marrakech medina
Visit the Madrasa Ben Youssef and Le Jardin Secret
DAY Two - OUARZAZATE
Scenic drive to Ourazazate
Visit the ancient and historic fortress, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where Game of Thrones and Gladiator were filmed
Stay in a beautiful riad situated in a lush and tranquil palm grove
DAY Three - DADES VALLEY
Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs in the High Atlas Mountains to the Skoura oasis
Take a local pottery class at Chez Mohamed and learn from a 4th generation master potter
Continue through the Valley of Roses before arriving at our beautiful hotel tucked into the dramatic Dades Gorge for the night
DAY four - merzouga
Travel through the Todra Gorge to visit a local women's carpet collective and learn the art of traditional Amazigh carpet weaving
Sunset camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes to luxury desert camp
Traditional Amazigh drum circle and dancing around a campfire under the starlit sky
DAY five - merzouga
Visit a nomadic family for tea
Cooking class with locals at family-owned restaurant
ATV ride back to camp through the golden dunes
Free afternoon at the camp
DAY six - Merzouga
Watch the sunrise over the dunes
Visit the traditional souk in Rissani
Enjoy lunch with a local family
Final desert sunset, dinner and drum circle with cleansing fire ritual
DAY seven - merzouga
Last chance for the sunrise over the dunes
Visit a stunning desert oasis to enjoy a traditional picnic lunch and group meditation
Final group closing circle
day eight - return
Transfer to Errachidia airport for your return flight home
In Morocco, we don’t say goodbye, we say see you next time!
______________________________________
If you'd like to extend your trip, Morocco Wonders Tour (Ismail's company) can assist you with travel arrangements
The daily highlights are listed above. Each day will include morning and evening group gatherings and shared meals, as well as free time on your own to reflect, explore, journal, meditate, integrate, relax, have tea and just BE
Where You Will Stay
merzouga
Moonlight desert camp
https://www.moonlightdesertcamp.com
*Accommodations are subject to change based on availability. all efforts will be made to find Comparable Alternatives if Necessary.
what's included:
Pick up at the Marrackech airport upon arrival and drop off at the Errachidia airport for departure
All ground transportation within Morocco during the retreat
4 nights’ accommodations (rooms with private baths) at beautiful boutique hotels or riads in Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Dades, and Merzouga — shared rooms are an option, if desired
3 nights’ accommodations (rooms with private baths) at a luxury desert camp— shared tents are an option, if desired
All meals (breakfast, lunches and dinners)
All retreat activities, ceremonies, materials & gifts
Friendship, community & connection
Assistance with travel arrangements and tours if you wish to extend your stay
what's NOT included:
Transportation to/from Morocco
Gifts or other purchases
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Extended stay travel and accommodations
Ok, how can i claim my spot?
$1,000 deposit secures your place
$8,497
shared room + refer-a-friend discounts available
bonuses
When you sign up, you will get ALL of these bonuses included in your enrollment:
A pre-retreat private 1:1 session with Lesley to set your intentions
A pre-retreat group Q & A call with Lesley & Ismail to answer all your questions and concerns
A post-retreat integration session with Lesley to anchor the insights + growth you experienced, and explore options for ongoing continued support
Companion retreat workbook complete with history, reflection practices + journaling prompts
Virtual group get together 60-days post retreat to share your lasting takeaways and celebrate your integrations
about your guides
Lesley & Ismail
We are partners in life and in this work—each bringing a distinct lens, and together creating something far more expansive than either of us could offer alone.
Lesley is a holistic trauma therapist and certified life coach whose work bridges psychology, spirituality, and deep personal transformation. She creates spaces that are grounded, emotionally attuned, and capable of holding meaningful, lasting change.
Ismail is a native Amazigh guide, born and raised in Morocco, with a depth of knowledge that extends far beyond what most travelers ever experience. His understanding of the land, culture, history, and spiritual traditions of Morocco is not just learned—it is lived. He brings a calm, intuitive presence and a deeply relational way of being that shapes every experience he creates.
Together, we offer something rare:
A shared field—where two perspectives, two cultures, and two ways of being in the world are held side by side, and in doing so, expand what becomes possible.
One participant from our last retreat said: “The facilitation by two very different, and highly emotionally aware leaders was exceptional.”
Participants experience Morocco through both an insider’s lens and a reflective, integrative one—invited not only to witness a different way of life, but to understand themselves more deeply through that contrast.
What emerges is a both/and experience:
- Grounded and expansive
- Informational and introspective
- Outward exploration and inward connection
- Masculine and feminine presence, in balance
This retreat exists because this work is deeply personal to both of us.
We share a belief that the world needs more loving connection—across cultures, across differences, and within ourselves.
We’ve experienced firsthand how real relationship can expand perspective, soften assumptions, and reconnect us to what truly matters.
This retreat is an extension of that belief.
It is, in many ways, a kind of pilgrimage—an invitation to step into a different rhythm of life, and to experience connection in its simplest and most profound forms.
Together, we create a space that is grounded, open, and deeply human—
where you are met as you are, and where meaningful transformation can unfold naturally.
retreat leader
Lesley Martin
Lesley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Life Coach, and a highly trained trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience in holistic mental health and wellness. Trained in EMDR, parts work, and the Neuroscience of Coaching, she masterfully integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with intuitive and spiritual practices. Lesley’s unique approach incorporates her clairvoyant gifts, cultural socialization insights, and a deep understanding of higher dimensional realities, such as the Akashic Records, to create transformative healing experiences for her clients.
Her diverse background spans contemplative world religions, Buddhist philosophy, and various mindfulness and somatic practices. She has studied multiple languages including French, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic, and has lived in both the US and abroad. Lesley brings a rich multicultural lens to her work, drawing from both her own personal healing path, as well as the life-changing impacts of international travel.
Having deeply invested in her own soul’s education and healing, Lesley is passionate about empowering others in their own journeys to wholeness. Her steadfast relaxed presence, her openness, and her deep empathy create a sense of calm and safety for her clients, gently guiding them to heal, deepen their inner connection, and thrive. She fully embodies the transformative path she now guides others to walk. Her first international retreat was the Sahara Soul Awakening Retreat in Morocco in the Fall of 2025.
retreat co-leader
ismail boughrara
Ismail is one of the owners of Morocco Wonders Tour, the tour company he founded in 2018 with his brothers. Growing up in a nomadic Amazigh family in the Sahara Desert, Ismail has a deep love and respect for the natural environment, its people, and its culture. The scope of his knowledge and passion for his beloved Morocco are immediately apparent. He has formally studied both languages and tourism. Ismail has been actively working in the tourism industry since his teenage years, initially trekking camels and laboring in the desert camps, then working as a tour guide establishing connections and leading trips all throughout Morocco.
From there he went on to become a tour operator and business owner himself, combining his historical and cultural expertise with his considerable interpersonal skills. Ismail knows firsthand the dramatic power of travel as a catalyst for growth and transformation. He delights in sharing the incredible beauty and rich complexity of Morocco’s landscape and culture with his guests, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience. His first retreat experience was co-leading the Sahara Soul Awakening Retreat with Lesley in the Fall of 2025.
Ismail speaks five languages, including fluent English. He has an easy smile and an openness about him that immediately puts one at ease. In his free time Ismail enjoys exploring outside in nature, cooking, playing soccer, drumming, and riding his motorcycle.
kind words from our clients
“The joy of being with Ismail and Lesley and our small group for a few days of fun exploration and great conversations had me feeling comfortable by the time we got to the Sahara. The framing of the trip set the stage for a magical experience under a moonlit sky with the beautiful and ancient desert as a “teacher”. I experienced a deep “let go” of my old life and rebirth into a new way of being. If you are desiring a “journey” of personal and cultural discovery, and you are willing to engage in that openly and deeply, you will have the possibility of profound life enrichment through this program.”
JanExecutive Business Coach
“I have deep respect and personal validation of Lesley's recommendations around transformation. The energy was consistent, empathetic, and congruent. The facilitation by two, very different, and highly emotionally aware leaders was exceptional. The daily check-ins and reflections were extremely helpful to help me integrate the growth as it was occurring. The time in the desert was... albeit hard to put into words... the most impactful and grounding part of the experience.I returned home as a much more grounded and poised human.”
DaveSoftware + Tech Founder
“Being in nature, with a guide and a group of fellow spiritual seekers, was the best setting possible for the spiritual transformation I experienced. The beauty and power of nature helped me to connect with myself, while also expanding my consciousness beyond the self-absorbed thought patterns that kept me stuck. On top of that, the collective energy of the group and guidance from Lesley were like amplifiers that pushed me further than I've been able to go before on my own.
Lesley is an exceptional guide for spiritual transformation and growth. Her presence and tone are calming, and her method for guiding participants along their journey is powerful and effective. She is a deeply intuitive, compassionate, and experienced guide who can lead seekers along their path. Anyone ready to make a spiritual shift will find the tools, guidance, and support to do so from Lesley.”
NatalieGov't Affairs Mgr
“Lesley is a Master at bringing your dreams into reality. Being a Type-A high achiever, I had the belief that “I had to do it all” and “be great at everything that I do.” This only caused me to feel more stress instead of coming from a creative, fun state of mind. I knew there had to be a different way to get the results I wanted, without burning myself out and doing everything on my own. With Lesley, I was able to get all my needs met in one place.
Since working with her, I have gained the courage and confidence to set boundaries, which has given me a renewed sense of power and excitement for what is to come. She also made me feel safe enough to look at my fears and what's really driving my day-to-day decisions. I have so much more energy and joy which had been missing for a long time. Lesley really helped me change my mindset around what is possible for me. I highly recommend her. She will show you a brand new way of being!”
AliciaPsychospiritual Coach
“We had an absolutely incredible experience exploring Morocco on a private tour that was 100% customized to what we wanted to do. Our guide Ismail was wonderful and made our trip unforgettable!! We got to do so many cool things that only a local would know about! Ismail was so friendly and personable… he is so knowledgeable and we had so many interesting conversations on a huge range of topics. We felt very safe the entire time. This experience provided a lifetime of memories and an awesome new friend too! Thank you Ismail!!”
Mal
“Words can't express how wonderful our trip to Morocco was. Our guide made every moment entertaining and educational with his care and humor, and by sharing his enormous knowledge of and passion for his home nation. We can't wait to return for more of this country's enchantment; its beauty and its people have completely enchanted us. We chose this firm not only because of Ismail's exceptional customer service, but also because it is a family-owned business. We definitely recommend.”
Mary
An Invitation to Transformation
This is your moment
This is your moment
Your soul has been whispering.
Not demanding a dramatic reinvention —
but inviting you back into alignment.
Back into simplicity.
Back into presence.
Back into relationship with what is real.
Join us for this 8-day journey through southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert — where stillness meets sacred connection, and something essential within you has space to reawaken.
This is more than a retreat.
It’s a return to your center.
With only 6 participants, this intimate experience allows for depth, spaciousness, and meaningful connection — with the land, the culture, each other, and yourself.
If you’re ready to step beyond the noise and root into who you are becoming, the desert is waiting.
Come home to yourself.
A portion of your investment goes directly to:
the boughrara family
the kabour family
the gabsi family
hassan + family at cafe nora
the nomadic families
the local guides + their families
the women of the berber carpet collective + their families
Faq
What happens on a retreat?
This retreat is more about being than doing. It’s a chance for you to step away from your daily routine and demands and focus on yourself in a supportive and peaceful environment. Our retreat experience is unique, blending a mix of group activities and ceremonies, guided meditations, personal reflection time, and cultural experiences.
Everything is tailored to create a safe space for you to reset, connect and grow, leaving you feeling renewed, peaceful, and empowered.
How do I know if I am a good fit for this retreat?
The Rooted Reawakening Retreat is designed for thoughtful, capable and conscious professionals and entrepreneurs who sense that something within them is evolving.
You are a strong fit if:
- You sense you’ve outgrown a former version of yourself — but you don’t yet have a clear picture of what’s next.
- You feel a quiet recalibration happening and don’t want to override it.
- You’re craving simplicity, spaciousness, and grounded presence rather than more information or strategy.
- You want clarity, but you’re not looking to blow up your life to get it.
- You value meaningful cultural immersion and respectful engagement with the land and its people.
- You’re open to inner work that integrates psychological insight, nervous system regulation, and spiritual reflection.
- You’re willing to slow down long enough to listen deeply to yourself.
This retreat is not about escape.
It’s about intentional rooting, reconnection and renewal — so that whatever comes next in your life emerges from steadiness and alignment.
If you’re feeling pulled toward this experience, please reach out.
why is the retreat 8 days long?
This retreat is carefully designed to maximize your experience in the Sahara Desert while accounting for travel time. Most international flights arrive in either Casablanca, located on Morocco's western coast, or Marrakech. Our retreat begins in Marrakech, so please make your travel arrangements accordingly (RAK airport).
To make the journey comfortable, we’ll begin in Marrakech and break up the travel to the southeastern part of the country. The first few days we'll be spending time in the High Atlas mountains and arriving in Merzouga in time for sunset on Day 4. Days 4–7 will be spent fully immersed in the desert experience. On Day 8, we’ll arrange to take you to the Errachidia airport (ERH airport) for your return flight home—unless you choose to extend your stay, which we’d be delighted to assist with.
Why are you hosting the retreat at this time of year? Will there be another one?
We chose the Fall because it’s the best time to visit the Sahara. Starting in late spring, temperatures can soar above 100–125°F, which can continue into early Fall. By November, the weather cools to a warm, pleasant climate—perfect for this transformative experience.
As for future retreats, we can’t say for sure. While we hope to host more, this might be a one-time opportunity. If the timing isn’t ideal for you, we urge you to consider this: true transformation rarely happens at a “perfect” time.
Taking just one week now can significantly impact how you experience the rest of your life—past participants have said as much. You will leave you feeling rooted, renewed, focused, and clear. With limited spots available, this intimate retreat is your chance to prioritize your growth and embrace the life-changing power of stepping out of your daily routine.
what if i want to bring a friend?
We would love to have you both join us on this retreat! In fact, it can be very meaningful to share a transformative experience with a close friend or loved one and support each other.
We offer a shared room discount as well. If you are interested in joint accommodations, please reach out to us directly to access the discount. Email us at [email protected].
I'm interested, but I have additional questions. Can i talk to someone?
Absolutely! We'd be more than happy to set up a call with you to discuss your unique situation, address your concerns, and answer any additional questions you may have. Simply send us an email at [email protected] and we will set up a time to chat.
I’ve never been to a Muslim country. What is it like?
Morocco is a welcoming and culturally rich country known for its hospitality and warmth. You’ll experience a mix of tradition and modernity, with daily life shaped by Islamic customs, like the call to prayer five times a day and a focus on modesty. The cuisine is flavorful and diverse, although pork and alcohol are generally avoided and not easily found in the desert. The locals are open, friendly and respectful. In rural areas like the Sahara, people embrace visitors with generosity and kindness, making it very safe and easy to feel at ease and connected. Our retreat ensures you’ll feel welcomed, supported and informed for a peaceful, transformative experience.
What time zone is Morocco in?
Morocco operates on GMT+1, which is 5–6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), depending on daylight saving time in the U.S.
What is the weather like in the desert this time of year?
The weather in the desert this time of year (early Nov) is pleasant with mild autumn daytime temps ranging from 59°F to 70°F (15°C-21°C), making it one of the best times to visit the Sahara. In the evening, temps cool down significantly, dropping to around 50°F or below (10°C). You will want to pack a warm jacket or sweater for after sunset. In the desert, the days are generally sunny and dry; however, rain is possible. The air is very dry, so staying hydrated is essential. The weather in the mountains can also be cooler, especially at night, so we encourage you to bring layers.
What language(s) are spoken in Morocco?
Morocco's two official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber), but virtually all Moroccans speak and understand French. Spanish is also widespread. Many Moroccans, especially those who work in the tourism industry, also speak English. Your Moroccan co-leader is fluent in English.
Is Morocco safe?
Morocco is known for its safety, especially in rural areas like the Sahara. The local Amazigh communities are welcoming and happy to share their culture. You’ll feel a sense of connection and belonging as you explore the desert landscape.
What should I wear?
Morocco is a culturally diverse and relatively liberal Muslim country, but modest dress is appreciated, particularly in rural areas like the Sahara. Lightweight, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is both respectful and practical for the desert climate. Temperatures vary depending on the time of day, as well as the time of year, so packing layers is a good idea. It can also be quite windy, so while not required, a headscarf can be handy (one will be provided for you). You will also want to bring sturdy footwear.
What is a luxury desert camp like?
Luxury camps are often small and intimate, ensuring a peaceful and personalized experience. You’ll stay in spacious, beautifully decorated tents with plush beds, high-quality linens, and traditional Moroccan furnishings. There are private en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, ensuring comfort even in the heart of the desert. There is both electricity and wifi. However, these are camps in the desert, so they are run by generators, and do not have an unlimited supply of resources. We ask that you be conscious of your surroundings, and shut off lights, etc when not in use to conserve energy. There are no TVs, hairdryers or air conditioners, although some camps have fans.
What if I want to visit other parts of the country while I’m there?
We completely understand! Morocco is so culturally and geographically diverse, there’s much more to see than we can cover in one week. If you would like some assistance with extending your trip on the front-end or back-end of the retreat, we would be happy to assist you with ideas, itineraries and travel arrangements. Please reach out to us directly at [email protected] to let us know how we can assist you.
what if I'm ready to book my spot?
That’s wonderful! We’re honored to support you on this journey of simplicity, stillness, and profound sacred connection. Click the button below to reserve your spot and take the first step toward this life-changing experience.
above: sunset camel ride through
the erg chebbi dunes to the desert camp
