Let's Meet in Marrakech!
Escape with us. Where the air whispers of magic. Where storytellers and fortune-tellers alike once unfurled their captivating gifts. Where Beat poets ran for renewed inspiration. Where the healing properties of plants and herbs are held in veneration. Where the meditative call to prayer invokes calm. Where fear of the evil eye breeds humility and a reminder of the protective Hand of Fatima. We invite you to join us in Marrakech October 13-18, 2019.
for reading, Writing & reflection
This gathering is designed for writers and creatives in search of communal solitude. For those inspired by narrative, place, and the prospect of stealing away. Retreat to stillness, reflection, and deep thought. Permit the distinct vibrations of Morocco to awaken new beginnings or clear the path for much needed resolutions. We welcome you to join us for a luxurious stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
for a carefree journey
We've done the homework for you. Just pack your bags, choose your flight, and meet us there. Each excursion is thoroughly researched. Every activity hand-picked. We've taste tested the menus and made sure your accommodations are not only clean and comfy, but designed to inspire. We understand the importance of stillness, so we work diligently to protect your peace. We take care of you, so you can nourish your creativity or indulge in quiet reflection. We value the richness of gathering like minds, diverse in experience, from every corner of the globe, and we make space for lively discourse. We highly respect our impact on the places we visit and offer deeper insight into local culture.
for the experience
October 13-18, 2019
day one
On arrival day, we'll transport you from the airport (RAK) to Peacock Pavilions, a family owned estate, custom-built by green architect Chris Redecke and interior designer Maryam Montague. After a brief tour of the property, we’ll send you to your space to wrap your paperback book gift with beautifully designed, sustainable papers that we’ll provide. We'll then gather under an Arabian tent to break bread together and enjoy a welcome feast prepared in your honor. We invite you to spend the remainder of the evening at rest after your long journey here.
day two
Sleep in, or meet us on the yoga mats for an eastern sunrise practice. Breakfast is served daily on the main terrace and prepared with the rich and varied spices employed for centuries in Morocco. We'll sit fireside on plush carpets and poufs and give ear to Gnawa, a well-preserved musical tradition that made its way north from west and central Africa. Lunch will be followed by free time to explore a good book or work on a writing or personal project. For those interested in kitchen table style discourse, we'll meet to discuss women and magic in Moroccan literature. Dinner will be presented under the light of the lanterns on the cabana. We’ll end the night over cocoa and a campfire while enjoying indie cinema set in Morocco.
day three
After breakfast we'll make our way over to The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden to view its current exhibition and sit in conversation with local artists. Afterward, we’ll journey to Gueliz, the old European quarter, for French infused Moroccan fare. At nearby Jardin Majorelle, take refuge in the garden’s shades and streams. Engage this setting for personal journaling, using writing prompts to stimulate the five senses in our creative wanderings. A Berber Museum is on site and open for visitation. Later in the evening, we’ll enjoy an intimate dining experience in the medina and share excerpts from our journals.
day four
Sleep in, or energize to a sunrise yoga practice. After breakfast, we’ll sit for a Guided Reading Meditation. During lunch, we’ll dine on a roof terrace with a spectacular view of the medina and share works in progress. We’ll spend the remainder of the afternoon shopping inside various souks. Dinner will be enjoyed “food tour” style, visiting the secret spots locals love.
day five
After breakfast, trek with us to Jnane Tamsna for a cooking class with Chef Bahija, who enjoys a culinary cult following according to Goop. After lunch, explore the gorgeous palm groves on camel back or simply stroll the botanical gardens. Upon return to our riad, we'll make space for rest, rejuvenation, and writing. Dinner will be accompanied by locally grown wine. We’ll say our farewells with a paperback book swap.
day six
Let’s bid adieu after breakfast. We’ll taxi you back to the airport for a safe return home or transfer to your next destination.
open to a maximum of ten participants
itinerary subject to vary slightly
What's Included?
Meals, Beverages & Snacks
Activities & Excursions
Ground Transportation & Airport Transfers from (RAK)
A Journal & Writing Prompts for Inspiration
Our Marrakech Mini Guide
A Single or Double Occupancy Room with En-Suite Facilities & Daily Cleaning
what's Not Included?
Your Flight (Airfare)
Travel & Health Insurance
A Paperback Book Gift
Gratuities
booking options
Select the "Full Payment Option" to reserve your space immediately and save 10% off your booking. Or select the "Partial Payment Option" and cover your costs in four equal monthly installments (one deposit + three invoices). Reservations must be paid in full on or before June 30, 2019.
Accommodations are available for solo travelers who would like a Shared or Private Room as well as for Couples or Friends who would like to share a Secluded Bungalow.
The Shared Rooms, beautifully designed interiors with two single beds, cozy bathrobes, shared en-suite bathroom, shared writing desk, peaceful living space, quiet patio, yoga and meditation loft, daily cleaning. Only 4 available.
The Private Rooms, beautifully designed interiors with one double bed, cozy bathrobe, private en-suite bathroom, private writing desk, shared kitchen and dining room, peaceful living space, quiet roof terrace with view, daily cleaning. Only 2 available.
The Secluded Bungalows, secret sanctuaries on the olive grove, beautifully designed interiors with two single beds or one double bed, cozy bathrobes, shared en-suite bathroom, shared writing desk, quiet outdoor area, daily cleaning. If traveling as a pair, this options offers additional savings. Only 2 available (max 2 people per bungalow).
Only Ten Spots Available!
Be sure you can attend before booking as we do not offer refunds of any kind. Prices are fixed in euro regardless of current exchange rates. Once you’ve added your reservation to cart, scroll to the top of the page to complete checkout. Reservations must be paid in full before June 30, 2019.
Be sure you can attend before booking as we do not offer refunds of any kind. Prices are fixed in euro regardless of current exchange rates. Once you’ve added your reservation to cart, scroll to the top of the page to complete checkout. Reservations must be paid in full before June 30, 2019.
Testimonials
“This was the best traveling experience I’ve ever had. Once I booked the retreat all the details were taken care of and all I had to do was show up, be present, and live in the moment.”
“The retreat felt like a dream and it was really fun being transported. I loved the writing exercises and special time for reflection. I’d rather spend money on experiences like this than just a bunch of wasteful stuff.”
“Tajine parties, sweet treats, sacred patterns, chamber of dreams, couscous, pompons, rebelicious.”
“...a storybook experience with Marrakech written in beautiful Arabic letters...paths through bamboo, palm and cactus...creating our own meals over coals...every detail carefully thought out. I would go again and again and again.”
Your Guide & Our Mission
Each Story Rebels retreat is designed by our founder Malika Ali Harding - a travel writer and photographer with an interdisciplinary background in cinema and contemporary art. She meets literary nomads in breathtaking destinations around the world for writing, creativity, and wellness. Working in collaboration with global thinkers in literature, art, music, food and design, she provides genuine opportunities to engage in eye-opening adventures. Each travel experience supports and spotlights our social justice platform - fortifying organizations that fight the epidemic of mass incarceration in the United States.
