How a Week Unfolds at Magical Tigmi

Arrival & First Impressions
Just landing back from another magical week at Tigmi, tucked away just half an hour outside of Marrakech. It has been a special place for YOAS since our very first retreat there in 2010.

From the moment you step through the heavy wooden doors, it feels like entering a tranquil oasis. The lovingly tended gardens, the jade coloured pool, and the warm smiles of the Tigmi people, instantly putting you at ease.

As you begin to unwind and settle into your charming room, filled with traditional Moroccan touches, it feels like you’ve slipped into another world.

Sunrise & Slow Mornings
Each day begins with a sunrise walk along a dusty path leading towards the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. In spring, the path is edged with lush green fields, dotted with wildflowers and butterflies.

Morning and evening yoga takes place on the roof terrace, with views over daily life in a Berber village and out towards Marrakech beyond. It doesn’t get much more magical than practising outdoors, with the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze on your skin.

After morning class, it’s time for breakfast on the terrace overlooking the pool. A feast of yoghurts, fresh fruit, cereals, pancakes and eggs.

Poolside Afternoons
The days unfold slowly. You might spend them relaxing by one of the two pools, with only the gentle distractions of birds swooping for a sip of water, tortoises wandering slowly by, and the occasional call to prayer drifting through the air.

The spa at Tigmi is a must. Tucked away off a courtyard filled with lanterns and feathery grasses, a small wooden door leads into a peaceful, cocoon-like space. A traditional hammam leaves you feeling deeply cleansed and invigorated, and the massage treatments are divine.

Lunch is an array of vibrant salads, while dinner brings traditional Moroccan tagines. These shared meals are the perfect time to connect and share stories with your fellow yogis. After a mint tea, it’s off to bed, ready to do it all over again the next day.

A Day for Adventure
Midway through the retreat, a yoga-free day offers the chance for a little adventure. You might head into Marrakech for shopping, culture and lunch, or escape to the mountains for a hike.

In Marrakech, the Majorelle Gardens and the YSL Museum, right next door to each other, are always favourites. It’s best to book tickets a few days in advance.

The souk is endlessly fascinating, with its narrow alleyways and bustling markets, perfect for bartering over your favourite bowl or pair of Moroccan slippers. Tucked within it, the Secret Garden offers a peaceful escape from the hustle, and a lovely spot for refreshments.

For lunch, the leafy oasis of Le Jardin or the rooftop at Nomad are always a treat. Or, after a long day exploring, a cocktail on the rooftop at El Fenn is hard to beat.

If the mountains call, Imlil is just an hour’s drive from Tigmi and the perfect starting point for a hike into the foothills of the Atlas. With a guide, you can wander through villages and past waterfalls, surrounded by soaring peaks. Returning to the calm and stillness of Tigmi afterwards is always a joy.

Saying Goodbye
And then, all too soon, it’s time to leave. Saying goodbye to this peaceful place, and the wonderful people who care for you so thoughtfully, is always the hardest part.

But there’s comfort in knowing you’ll return one day, and that Tigmi will be there, quietly waiting.

Categorised in: Adventures, Health & wellness, Holidays & retreats, Meditation, Relaxation, Well-being, Yoga, Yoga retreat