Luxury New Year yoga retreat, near Marrakech, Morocco

About Tigmi

Tigmi, situated 24km south of Marrakech, is set within a magical desert landscape. On the brow of the Berber hamlet of Tagadert, its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and flat-roofed village houses has a timeless, biblical feel.

'Tigmi', meaning 'my house' in the local Berber dialect, was built in 1840 for the local judge. As with many North African dwellings, the interior is all: a step inside and the peaceful beauty of Tigmi is revealed. The first impression is of a lovely garden laid to lawns and paths, with banana palms, citrus and olive trees and a swimming pool with soft, jade-coloured water. The scents and colours of orange blossom and roses assail the senses. Many tortoises live in the garden, adding to the unhurried feel of this tranquil oasis.

There are two swimming pools, one of which is heated throughout the year. There are sun-loungers around the pool and shaded areas in the gardens, furnished with comfortable divans for those who prefer to relax out of the sun.

Retreat programme

There will be two yoga classes each day with Raquel. Each morning will begin with a class of meditation and movement focused on asanas, attuning the mind to the breath. The evening class will be more gentle and restorative. Classes will be progressive and inclusive for all levels. There will be one yoga free day and no yoga on travel days.

For the New Year Celebration there will be an opportunity to journal a letter outlining what you would like to let go of, to make space for new intentions in the coming year. These will then be thrown into the fire just before the clock strikes midnight, letting go of the old and creating space to welcome new intentions into our lives.

Things to do

The rest of the day can be spent lazing Moroccan style: lounging, reading or swimming in one of the two pools, playing backgammon or chess in one of the many gardens and courtyards or popping into Marrakech on the free shuttle service.

Tigmi also has its own hammam and spa offering treatments with wonderful local therapists.

Outside of Tigmi, cultural treats are plentiful with mosques, museums, a visit to the famous square Jemaa el Fna, the Majorelle Gardens and the grove at La Palmeraie. A visit to the souks in the Medina of Marrakech is an art form in itself, with busy market stalls and colourful displays of the traders' wares - local crafts, satins, silks, baskets, leather goods and spices.

There are various day trips further afield that can be arranged for you such as a hike in the Atlas Mountains.

Accommodation & food

The bedrooms are authentically Moroccan with generous, comfortable beds, cool sheets, hand-woven covers and cushions, large en-suite bathrooms and a traditional seated area. Many of the bedrooms have fireplaces and private terraces.

A breakfast of delicious home-made juices, honey, yoghurts, pancakes, cheeses, locally made breads, fresh fruit and cereals will be served after morning class. There will be a healthy and generous salad buffet lunch. All evening meals will be traditional North African dishes, with vegetarian or vegan options available on request.

For New Year's Eve there will be a special banquet and an evening of fun and celebration with live entertainment and traditional music.

Non-yoga partners are welcome to join the retreat and celebrations. Please get in touch for rates.