MOROCCO: May 2025

MOVEMENT & MAGIC IN MOROCCO
Peacock Pavilions
Marrakech, Morocco
May 3-10, 2025 
with Melanie Caines

Morocco is calling! Our retreat week will be a gorgeous mix of yoga, relaxation, and rich cultural experiences: take in the vibrant colors, souks, and gardens of Marrakech, learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine, and indulge in a luxurious traditional Hammam/Spa.  Our retreat home will be a stunning boutique hotel just 30mins from the exotic Red City where you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, and enjoy three course dinners served by candlelight.  Satisfy all your cravings for self-care and exploration: you deserve this magic.

Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.

GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-15 people
Exclusive use?  Yes we will be the only guests at the property.

 

THE EXPERIENCE

Our glorious home for the week will be Peacock Pavilions, a handmade, artisanal boutique hotel in an olive grove on the outskirts of Marrakech.

We will have exclusive use of the whole property for our retreat week.

Peacock Pavilions has been featured on CNN International and HGTV, as well as in the New York Times, Elle Decor and in multiple travel guides.

The hotel features a pool, outdoor gym, outdoor cinema, yoga pavilion, and a painted dining tent. 

Peacock Pavilions was designed to promote wellbeing and fun.

Our retreat will include a guided tour in beautiful Marrakech.  Fancy more time in The Red City?  We can arrange transportation for you to return there whenever you like during the week for all the sightseeing, eating, and shopping your heart desires.

Other optional cultural activities that we can arrange include:
Moroccan Cooking Class
Agafay Desert Excursion with Camel Ride
Traditional Hammam/Spa

Please note: optional excursions must be booked & confirmed with payment 30 days before the retreat begins.  

 We provide a fixed daily menu, served family-style, that relies on local, fresh ingredients, some from our own gardens.

Breakfast – fresh bread baked daily from the village’s communal bread oven (rebuilt as part of our charity, Project Soar), homemade jams, eggs or muffins, yogurt, fruit, just-squeezed juice, coffee, and tea.

Lunch – light and fresh (soups, salads, tarts, etc.) served with cookies or fruit for dessert.

Dinner – three delicious courses, served by candlelight, ending in an herbal infusion from the garden to help you sleep.

Peacock Pavilions is proud to be a hotel that gives back.

In 2013, Peacock Pavilions’ owners, Maryam and Chris, founded Project Soar, a non-profit organization that seeks to uplift underserved teen girls. Each Soar Girl receives over 50 hours of empowerment activities a year with our girl centered curriculum that helps each girl understand her value, her voice, her body, her rights and her path.

accommodations & Fees

Deliberately intimate and exclusive, Peacock Pavilions sleeps 12 retreat participants in 2 guest pavilions and two unique bungalows.

|  DAWN & DUSK BUNGALOWS   |
Burrowed behind gorgeous olive trees, the Dawn & Dusk bungalows feature custom calligraphy and a myriad of layered art pieces.  There is 1 bedroom in each bungalow (king bed) with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning/heating (this is the single occupancy option).

|     ATLAS PAVILION     |
Draped in bougainvillea, the Atlas Pavilion is a private 1300 square foot house decorated in glamorous tribal chic style.  There are two double occupancy rooms here: two ensuite bedrooms (option of king or two twin beds), with fireplaces and air conditioning/heating

|   MEDINA PAVILION   |
With its own rose garden, the Medina Pavilion is a private 2,400 square foot house, decorated in modern global style. There are three double occupancy rooms here: three ensuite bedrooms (option of king or two twin beds), equipped with air conditioning/heating.

Single Occupancy Room
(1 bed + private bathroom)
$3025 USD

Double Occupancy Room
(2 twin beds + private bathroom)
$2725 USD pp

Triple Occupancy Room
(3 twin beds / private bathroom)
$2575 USD pp

what to expect

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WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily meditation & 1-2 yoga classes per day
  • Daily breakfast at Peacock Pavilions
  • 4 lunches & 5 dinners at Peacock Pavilions 
  • Marrakech excursion & guided tour 
  • All taxes/HST included
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Flights
  • Ground transportation to Peacock Pavilions
  • 2 lunches & 2 dinners (plus any additional meals missed during excursions)
  • Alcohol
  • Optional excursions

OUR ITINERARY

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SATURDAY, MAY 3

Welcome to Morocco!  Arrive, unpack, & make yourself at home!  If you happen to arrive before check-in you can store your luggage and purchase lunch if you’re hungry.  At 5:30pm we’ll enjoy cocktails and canapés, get to know each other with a welcome circle, and experience a delicious dinner.

^

SUNDAY, MAY 4

We’ll start the day with yoga and breakfast, and then enjoy some free time in the morning, followed by lunch.  Then it’s time to explore!  We’ll travel to Marrakech for a guided tour and we’ll stay in the city for dinner at an incredible restaurant (please note: this dinner isn’t included) and then head back to Peacock Pavilions.

^

MONDAY, MAY 5

We’ll start with a feel-good morning flow followed by a beautiful breakfast.  Then you’ll have free time to relax, have a swim, read a book – whatever you’re craving! Refuel with lunch and then we’ll head to an organic farm to enjoy a Moroccan cooking class, learning to make breads and tajines!

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TUESDAY, MAY 6

Today we will rest and recharge, staying close to home to nap, swim, read – whatever you like!  We’ll enjoy two yoga classes and three meals on site.  Bliss!

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

There’s more adventure if you’re craving it!  We’ll start the day with yoga and breakfast and then enjoy an optional visit to the Agafay Desert for lunch, pool time, and an optional camel ride.  We’ll meet for dinner to close out another amazing day.

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THURSDAY, MAY 8

Today we will rest and recharge, staying close to home to nap, swim, read – whatever you like!  We’ll enjoy two yoga classes and three meals on site.  Bliss!

^

FRIDAY, MAY 9

We’ll yoga, we’ll feast, and then there’s an option to experience a traditional Moroccan Hammam/Spa in Marrakech with free time in the city afterward (lunch is not included on this day). We’ll finish the day with yoga and a delicious dinner to close out the week!

^

SATURDAY, MAY 10

We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before we depart for home or for another adventure, feeling revitalized and nourished!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting.  Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).  

If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions).  You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.

If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.

In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.

Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.

Thank you for understanding.

• A $500 USD non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).

• 50% of balance is due November 3, 2024
Remaining balance is due January 3, 2025

Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.

 

•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.

• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class.  Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.

TRAVEL

 

FLIGHTS

The arrival day is Saturday, May 3 and the departure day is Saturday, May 10.  The closest airport is Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).  

 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Peacock Pavilions can arrange your ground transportation from Marrakech Airport or city centre (30min drive).  The one-way fees are:

1-3ppl: $35 USD

 

TRAVEL QUESTIONS?

Contact Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.

NOVA RETREATS

Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences.  We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs.  Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week.  Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world. 

At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home.  We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food.  And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.  

Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy.  We look forward to sharing that magic with you.

YOUR TEACHER

MELANIE CAINES

VIEW BIO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a passport?

Yes you are required to have a passport.

I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?

Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.

I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?

Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.

Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?

Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 1/2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.

Can I bring my kids?

This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.

How can I reach you if I have further questions?

You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.

TESTIMONIALS

In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends.​  Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!

Claire - 3 time retreat participant

It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.

SJM

I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.

Amy G - Chicago

From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.

Cindy M

Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.

Steph P

I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene.  The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent.  The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single.  It gave me the confidence to try it again.

PP

Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing.  A magical experience of a lifetime.  If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!

Heather