Expanding the Body, Heart, and Mind – an Iyengar Yoga and Insight Meditation Retreat
12-18 September
Location: Bab Zouina, near Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
This retreat is designed for individuals who have practiced any form of yoga for at least two years and are keen on exploring Iyengar Yoga and insight meditation. No prior experience in meditation or Iyengar Yoga is necessary.
The Yoga retreats at Bab Zouina have become a cherished tradition. In September 2024, we are excited to offer a unique retreat combining Iyengar Yoga with Insight meditation and the study of Buddhist Dharma.
We invite you to partake in this enriching experience. Registration is now open!
Lila, a senior Insight Meditation and Buddhist Dharma teacher, has been leading Vipassana retreats worldwide since 2004, along with spiritual journeys to remote, spiritual corners of the globe. Learn more about Lila.
Eyal has dedicated over 40 years to the study and practice of Iyengar Yoga and the past two decades to Buddhist meditation.
Together, we believe that the combination of Iyengar Yoga and Insight Meditation is highly effective in fostering positive transformations of both body and mind.
Bab Zouina, or ‘The Gate of Beauty’, is a sanctuary adorned with lush trees, blooming flowers, and melodious birdsong. It boasts well-appointed yoga halls, luxurious oriental rooms, and tranquil walking paths. Facilities include a swimming pool, a traditional Hammam (Turkish bath), a tennis court, and rooftops offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. There are numerous serene corners perfect for relaxation.
This environment is ideal for developing concentration and mindfulness that give rise to insights. The growing openness and flexibility of the body and the mind may help you deepen into wisdom and insight in your life, contributes to your own practice at home, and to real transformation.
The retreat will accommodate a maximum of 28 participants, matching the capacity of the yoga hall, which is equipped with yoga mats, blankets, meditation cushions, chairs, and wall-ropes. Our generous and warm-hearted host, Karim, is also a practitioner of Iyengar Yoga.
The schedule will run from 7:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m., gradually immersing participants in yoga and meditation practices with varied instructions and teachings each day. Two afternoons will be dedicated to silent walking and sitting practices at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and nearby villages, providing an opportunity to connect with nature and village life.
Throughout the retreat, free time will be provided for participants to enjoy the swimming pool, Hammam, and leisurely strolls in the lush garden.
Dates & Schedule:
- Arrival: September 11
- Retreat Days: September 12-18, commencing at 8 a.m. on September 12 and concluding right after lunch on September 18.
Silence: Extensive experience from countless retreats worldwide underscores the importance of silence in supporting our practice and cultivating insights. Silent periods deepen mindfulness and clarity, allowing energy to be conserved and focused inward. We kindly request participants to refrain from using cell phones, reading, or writing during silent periods, except during the teaching sessions. An emergency number will be provided for urgent communication.
The planned daily schedule is as follows (timings may be adjusted as the retreat progresses):
- 07:00 – 08:00: Meditation & Pranayama
- 08:00: Tea/coffee & local dried fruits
- 08:30 – 10:30: Asana practice
- 10:30: Sitting meditation and Q&A
- 11:30: Lunch and rest
- 15:30: Meditation in the hall
- 16:00: Walking meditation
- 16:30: Teaching
- 17:15: Short break
- 17:30 – 19:45: Asana practice and meditation
- 20:00: Dinner
- 20:45-21:15: Meditation
Prices: Price per participant (in euros):
- Triple room: €1,330
- Double room, shared bathroom: €1,610
- Double room, private bathroom: €1,730
- Single room, shared bathroom: €1,850
- Single room, private bathroom: €1,970
The above prices include:
- Accommodation (7 or 8 nights) & meals at Bab Zouina
- Yoga & meditation classes
- Transfers to and from the airport
Karim will organize excursions, Hammam sessions, and massages (not included in the price but available at affordable rates).
Important Notes:
- Prices do not include flights, travel insurance, or a Moroccan visa (if required).
- Every effort will be made to maintain the announced prices; however, severe inflation may necessitate adjustments.
- Participants departing on September 19 due to flight schedules are entitled to an extra night at Bab Zouina, included in the package.
To Register:
- Fill out the [registration form] (registration link).
- Contact Karim at zein.karim@gmail.com to select your room and submit a non-refundable deposit of €250. The balance is due by late July 2024.
Optional Trek: Our host, Karim, can organize an optional 3-day trek in the Atlas Mountains from September 19 to 21. If interested, please register directly with Karim. Trek prices range from €350 to €450, depending on the number of participants. The full amount is due by late July. Further details about the trek will be provided to registrants in due course.
Visiting Marrakesh: If you are interested in visiting Marrakesh (40 min away, a recommended experience) you can do that before or after the retreat, in your free time. Karim can assist with finding a guide for a guided tour of the city.