Wellbeing Retreats — thesoundshift

Journey to the centre of you

Morocco Retreat

Attendee Resource Page

We are so excited that you’ll be joining us on this special journey! We wanted to ensure you had as much information as possible to plan ahead and prepare, for what will be an epic experience for you, and our collective group.

Dates

24th to 30th March 2025

The retreat container will open on the evening of 24th March 2025, allowing you to arrange your flight at any point on this day (or before if you’re extending your trip).

We will close the retreat on the evening of Saturday 29th March, however accommodation that evening and breakfast on the 30th is included. This will allow you to arrange an early departure flight if needed and not miss out on activities.

Flights

Below are some recommended flight options from London Gatwick to Marrakesh (searched on 4/11/24), however there are other airlines and flight options available through searches online.

Your Info

It’s important for us to ensure you have the best experience possible. By completing the following contact form, it allows us to cater for any important and individual requirements, pair rooms considerately and make decisions based on the preferences of the group.

Complete Form

Important Information

Visas & Passport Validity:

British & European nationals do not need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months. When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months following your stay in Morocco.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is essential. Please make sure you have provided us with your insurance company, policy number and emergency telephone number for our records.

Vaccination and Health:

Please consult your Doctor regarding general vaccinations. Most people who travel to Morocco do not take additional vaccinations but advice varies. This is entirely your choice. Malaria is not normally present in Morocco, however you should ensure good bite avoidance by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset and using insect repellents on exposed skin.

Hospitals/Pharmacies:

Hospitals exist in all major cities and pharmacies can be found in many smaller towns and villages.

Water:

Water is not safe to drink straight from the tap, rivers or creeks. If you drink water in a café or restaurant or in your hotel, please ask for ‘mineral’ water to purchase.

Currency:

The national currency is the Dirham. You are able to get MAD at the airport when you arrive or in Marrakech by changing cash or using an ATM.

Weather:

March is the beginning of Spring in Morocco with daytime temperatures ranging from 19-25°C (66-77°F) in the desert. This the perfect opportunity to revel in the sun and experience the Sahara. Evening will drop in temperature a little so bring layers for the evening around the fire.

What to pack

Comfortable clothes for relaxing, gentle movement practices and walking

Walking shoes/boots/trainers (they may get dusty in the desert)
Warm clothes for the evenings around the campfire
Swimsuit - there will be opportunities to swim, though not in the desert :)
Sun cream & a hat
A Head Torch can be useful!
Emergency phone numbers and any important medical information
A photocopy of your Passport (carry your passport with you at all times in Morocco)
Dioralyte/rehydration salts – take at the first sign of dehydration
Cream for any small bites or scratches
Chargers & Plug Adaptors (Continental)
Small amount of cash (Dirham) for snacks, shopping and tips
Headphones - we’ll be sharing a trip playlist and recommended audio books for our drive, as you take in the landscape and revel in the journey.

Our Meeting Place

The famed Al fassia Aguedal, run by a team of sisters, is a one-of-a-kind gem of a hotel. The address below is where we will meet and stay on Monday the 24th March, and depart from on Sunday 30th March. The hotel can happily arrange airport transfers for you, which should be settled independently.

Al Fassia Aguedal, 9 bis

Zone Touristique de Aguedal

Km 2 route de l'Ourika,

Marrakech 40000

Itinerary Overview

Arrive into Marrakech at your leisure and take in the city or rest by the pool, ahead of our first gathering and evening together
We start in circle. After a morning of gentle awakening and connection we depart Marrakesh, winding through the changing landscape, over the Atlas Mountains and spending the night at the beautiful Hara Oasis
From Agdz we take a shorter drive to arrive at our desert camp and wonder at the awe of the desert expanse. Setting the tone with a memorable sunset Soundbath from the high dunes and Clearing Ritual
Full immersion in the desert with a special programme of insight, starting the day with Qi gong with the rising sun
After a morning connection our journey will take us out of the desert via a different route, travelling over the dry salt lake of Iriqui and through the towns of Foum Zguid and Taznakht. Stopping at the UNESCO site of Ait Bin Haddou and resting here overnight.
We set off early for Marrakesh, welcomed by the warm hospitality of famous Al fassia for our closing circle and final evening celebration of how far we have come.
Depart from Marrakesh at your leisure or enjoy more of the city before setting off.

Our locations have been carefully selected for their mix of luxury, authenticity and peace to allow you to fully surrender to this experience, whilst feeling at ease. All have been rated above 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.

Al Fassia Agudal (24th & 29th)

Hara Oasis Agdz (25th)

Umnya Desert Camp (26th & 27th)

Kasbah La Cigogne (28th)

Our Locations

The Activities

Guided Soundbaths and Meditation

Qi gong, Yoga and Restorative Movement

Breathwork practices

Guided self-inquiry sessions

Clearing Smoke Ritual in the desert

30min massage with Menteath Founder, Felicity Menteath

Campfires

Unbelievable Stargazing

Climbing the High Dunes at Sunrise/Sunset

Optional camel rides and sand-boarding

Visits to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and various stops our journey to experience the warm Moroccan culture and craft

What’s included

ACTIVITIES listed above

ACCOMMODATION for 6 nights (luxury shared occupancy)

MEALS Vegetarian/Vegan

Private 4x4 Group Travel

30min massage with Menteath Founder, Felicity Menteath

Gifts from your guides ;)

Free flowing refreshments of Moroccan Tea, Coffee, Water throughout

What’s not included

Flights & Travel Insurance

Taxi transfers outside of group transits

Additional treatments/massages

Meet the Team

George & Almira

CO-FOUNDERS & FACILITATORS
George and Almira are The Sound Shift Co-Founders, facilitating weekly wellbeing sessions, deeper monthly events and offering 1:1 sessions in London.
They have been on a path of self-development, self-discovery and spiritual practice for the past 20+ years. Their passion for this work has seen them train in Sound Healing, Meditation, Breathwork, Coaching, Cacao Ceremony and Energy Healing. This has all been woven into their lives alongside raising a family, running various businesses and dream chasing.
With George’s creative industry background and Almira highly experienced in international events for groups ranging from a few to over 100 to places such as Milan and Los Angeles they have curated these transformational experiences with a deep intention to allow space for attendees to feel in awe, at ease, able to process their own stories, dreams and desires.
Dominique

FACILITATOR
Dominique is a Movement Psychotherapist, Qi gong practitioner, Advanced Pilates Teacher and Yoga Teacher.
Dominique has developed a highly individualised practice that integrates embodied psychotherapeutic perspectives into movement. Her research interests include using somatic arts for chronic pain and exploring how Polyvagal Theory can help us better understand our movement patterns. She has lectured at University level and continues to work alongside health professionals to deliver holistic programmes of care for a range of clients.
Each movement session during the retreat will be tailored for all abilities, to meet your body where it’s at and support your nervous system. Exploring a relationship of sound and movement, mind and body.
Felicity

BESPOKE TREATMENTS & SENSORIAL
We’ll be joined on-the-road by the amazing Felicity Menteath, Founder of Menteath skincare. Flick will be supporting our journey with bespoke treatments and smoke rituals to ease our senses through our discoveries.
Menteath is an award-winning skincare and scent brand. Combining ancient smoke rituals and traditions from across the world with modern advancements, they create products that improve the skin's condition by stimulating the nervous system - connecting us to our ancestral relationship with fire and wood. Each product creates a sensual journey through nature and woodlands, with smoky scents that blend with our body to enhance and evoke spiritual connection.

FAQs

WHAT TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE MYSELF?

Please arrange your own flight into Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) anytime on Monday 24th March, returning at anytime on Sunday 30th March (we’ve adapted the schedule to allow flexibility on arrival and departure days) - flights from approx £153 LGW-RAK at time of writing.

You should arrange a licensed taxi to/from our accommodation in Marrakesh. We can provide information on this and also connect you with other participants on the same or similar timed flights.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION STANDARD LIKE?

All accommodation will be luxury shared occupancy rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. All have also been rated above 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor. If travelling solo, you'll be paired up considerately and hopefully leave feeling like beloved friends! If you’d like a single occupancy room please advise us asap.

IS THE RETREAT SUITABLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS?

The retreat involves moderate physical activity with some walking involved at points. However the emphasis will be on restorative movement and energy practices, listening to your own needs and making choices on physical activity level.

I’M NERVOUS TO TRAVEL ON MY OWN, WILL I BE THE ONLY ONE?

We’re here to support you and we’re sure you won’t be the only solo traveller. We’ll ensure you feel safe and welcomed on arrival, whether that’s pairing you with another traveller or advising preferable flights. We can make arrangements for you to be met at the airport too.

CAN I EXTEND MY TRIP?

Of course! If you’d to stay in our arrival or departure accommodation for longer we can put you in touch to arrange and arrange your flights to suit.