Holistic Holidays To Feed Mind, Body And Soul

Dear Jane,

At The Heart Of It


La Maison Anglaise, our enchanted space, where the sun dances softly in nature’s embrace.

 

An ecolodge of dreams and sanctuary of love, where memories take root in the sounds that rise above.

 

Our hearts in rhythm and swaying with ease, delightful whispers are heard on the breeze.

 

In our tranquil gardens where melodies are sown, it's time to make memories all your own


Poem by Steven Brown, our newish IT manager, Social Media expert and much more!

Index

  1. The Winner is...
  2. Singing in Morocco
  3. Introducing Fitness & Body work
  4. Yoga & Meditation in Morocco
  5. Yoga Retreats in West Wales
  6. Exciting New Activities in Morocco
  7. A Semi-circular Photography Tour
  8. Updates from Our Ecolodge
  9. Find the Holiday for you
  10. Travel News

The Winner is...

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded

Best Holistic Holiday Provider 2024 by the E2 Media

 

Learn more

Singing in Morocco

Image above: Singing in the Activity Room, one of many areas we have available for singing groups.

Learn more and book

From 5-12 March 2025 we are delighted to welcome a new Choir leader Doug Watts from the Show Choir, a musical theatre choir based throughout the South West of England. Doug studied vocal performance under internationally renowned singers and conductors Doug has musically directed a number of shows, including Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Godspell.


Below: Doug Watts

Learn more and book

The benefits of singing in a group


Music making exercises the brain as well as the body, but singing is particularly beneficial for improving breathing, posture and muscle tension. Listening to and participating in music has been shown to be effective in pain relief, too, probably due to the release of neurochemicals such as β-endorphin (a natural painkiller responsible for the “high” experienced after intense exercise).


Regular choir members report that learning new songs is cognitively stimulating and helps their memory, and it has been shown that singing can help those suffering from dementia, too. The satisfaction of performing together, even without an audience, is likely to be associated with activation of the brain’s reward system, including the dopamine pathway, which keeps people coming back for more."


J Launay, Researcher in Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford

Read more about our choice of Singing Holidays

BOOK SUE'S HOLIDAY SOON TO GET GOOD PRICES


From 12-19 February 2025 we will welcome Sue Harris A renowned folk musician and community choir leader with over 25 years’ experience, Sue sources music from around the globe, arranges traditional songs and writes music inspired by the wonders of nature.


Having always had an interest in the theatre, Sue has written music for a number of radio plays featured on Radio 4.


Following on from this work she went on to teach singing on Performing Arts courses in Hereford and Newtown, Powys, and later at the National Blind College in Hereford.


Singing is just one of the best things that anyone can do, uplifting and joyful, and Sue’s happy and informal atmosphere helps a great deal too!


Below: Sue Harris playing Hammered Dulcimer

Learn more and Book

Image below: Bruce Knight's choir on the roof terrace early in the morning

LIMITED PLACES remain on Bruce Knight's 11- 18 December 2024 singing holiday only twin or double rooms available.


Bruce Knight has been running singing workshops since 2000. He is known for his upbeat and energetic style, and his love of songs with simple dances or movement. 


Bruce runs the 100-strong Songlines Community Choir in Warwick and Leamington Spa as well as a weekly circle dance group.


Bruce has travelled to Sierra Leone learning Mende gospel songs. He has worked with choirs in New Zealand too. He is known for arranging all manner of a cappella (unaccompanied) music.

Learn more and book

Outdoor Fitness & Body Work

Above: Joey Bull

 

The Best is Yet to Come -

Empowering midlife women

with Joey Bull

 

19 - 26 November 2025

 

Join us for a transformative,

movement-based week designed for women over 40

 

There will be active, targeted

workouts that bring you into a health approach in a fast effective way.


After more than 35 years in the

health and fitness world, Joey has remained at the forefront of developments and practices.

She is renowned internationally

for her attention to clients and the great care she takes to deliver what they

need in a manageable way to ensure the results they seek. Her fully rounded

approach is all about mind and body.


Joey’s expert knowledge covers

nutritional efficiency, bioregulatory medicine, neurological systems, the

benefits of light, body sculpting, rejuvenation, fat loss, body shaping,

strengthening, mobility, upgrading vitality, vigour and much more!

 

Jane & Marie from our Welsh

Office are both signed up - we know how good she is!

Learn more and book

Above: Zita Alves


Revive and Recharge


with Zita Alves



2 - 9 April 2025 (currently full)


and 21-28 January 2026


This Revive & Recharge retreat is designed to give women permission to slow down and show themselves some often neglected TLC. Everything is taken care of, so you can focus solely on yourself, rather than all the other people who you give your energy to each day.


You will be surrounded by other like-minded women in a safe space to allow you to unwind and truly relax. You can also learn more about peri-menopause and menopause.


The retreat will offer gentle, daily movement, stretching, workshops, breathing, meditation and more whilst allowing time to just laze by the pool, read a book or explore the culture of Morocco on optional excursions.


Sharing stories together is often where the magic happens on retreats.

Learn more and book

Yoga, Movement and Meditation Holidays in Morocco


Our unique holidays combine Yoga and meditation with a rich variety of optional cultural experiences and excursions.


Taroudant is the perfect place to practise yoga because the warmth helps you gain that extra flexibility. And this is true even in the winter because the town is the warmest in Morocco at that time of year.


We have a choice of three lovely spaces to practice.


  • Our spacious tiled circle in the heart of our gardens with views of the town walls & pool


  • A purpose built activity room. Unlike other venues in Morocco (which have cold, hard floors) the floor is covered with a warm, richly coloured Marmoleum (once called lino)


  • A very spacious roof terrace. From here you get great views of sunrise and sunset as well as a view of the High Atlas Mountains and the town walls


We provide mats (many made of lovely warm cork), straps and blocks of various sizes.


We have limited availability on the holidays listed below:


22 – 29 January 2025: Yoga & Personal Development with Kate Moriarty


19 – 26 March 2025: Yoga with Lisa Taylor 


14 – 21 May 2025: Lotte Berk (ballet-inspired movement) with Jenifer Klepfer 


22 - 29 May 2025: Yoga & Crafts with Ruth Wheeler with 2 night tour


13-20 September 2025: Yoga & Personal Development with Kate Moriarty


Below: Tiled circle in the heart of our gardens

Below: Yoga in our purpose built activity room

Below: Yoga on our rooftop terrace

Learn more and book

Above: The retreat venue in West wales

Two Yoga Retreats in West Wales


16 - 19 May 2025

Yoga, Sound & Expressive Drawing long weekend

with Jill Blandford & Amanda Stone


Dru Yoga is a flowing form of yoga, encouraging ease in the physical body & therefore peace of mind. It is a potent form of stress relief. As well as Dru Yoga Sequences, you enjoy a whole variety of techniques & offerings including Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath Relaxations.


Yoga & Sound bath will be led by Jill. In the evenings she will offer restorative yoga and sound relaxation after dinner. Additional sessions will fit with the evolving programme which will be weather dependent.

Expressive Drawing will be led by Amanda. There’ll be 2 hour long sessions daily, in a variety of settings indoors and outdoors.



19 - 22 September 2025

Equinox Yoga long weekend. Optional Ecstatic Dance

with Louise Cook


A deep and meditative Scaravelli-inspired practice to help you find balance as we move towards the darker months of the year. Includes yoga nidra and an optional ecstatic dance workshop.



Spa & Wellbeing Offerings during both yoga holidays:

4 wood-fired hot tubs & sauna at Fron Farm; a jacuzzi, a sauna and heated pool inside a beautiful old barn at Fron Isaf. These are available to you whichever venue you sleep at.


Therapies: Massage with Beth Onnen & Reflexology with Debbie Wasson.

Below: Yoga at the retreat venue in West Wales

Learn more and book

Exciting New Activities in Morocco

Above: Local agadir (hill fort) Tagadirt Ntazrout & entrance sign to Igiliz Archaeological Site


We are delighted to introduce a new range of activities and excursions available at our Ecolodge. Here’s what you can look forward to:


Berber Castles of the Anti Atlas Mountains


Explore the Igiliz Archaeological Site, a page from the history of the Almohad Dynasty, the mountain of Igîlîz is located about sixty kilometres southeast of Taroudant, in the Anti-Atlas, stronghold of the Arghen tribe. This site offers breathtaking views of valleys and the ruins of this medieval fortress. It was from these mountains, that a revolt grew that would lead to this Berber Muslim empire that shaped the 12th and 13th centuries. This often overlooked historical gem, often overlooked, harbours tales of strategic prowess, religious fervour, and resilience.


Also nestled in the heart of the Anti-Atlas Mountains is Tagadirt Ntazrout. offering both stunning landscapes and traditional Berber heritage. You will visit one of the most intriguing aspects of area, the local agadir (fort) vault perched high above the valley offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.


Approx Cost: 300 MAD (approx. £24)


Travel Time: about an hour and 45 mins drive. Depart: 9:30 am and return 3:30pm



Crafts of Morocco: Taroudant and environs


Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of craft traditions and learn about the materials and methods of making the stunning crafts that survive in our region.


You will see where and/or how all the beautiful handmade items in our ecolodge were made and visit many of the craftsmen's workshops.


The visits can include: polished plaster in our bathrooms (tadelakt), tiles (including the tiny mosaic tiles known as zellige), pottery, woodwork (including marquetry, carved and painted goods), jewellery, leather goods (we are near the tannery), metalwork, metal lanterns, basketry and other beautiful furniture and furnishings made of plants (including bamboo, grasses, palm fronds and bentwood), rocks and fossils.


The visits will be partly done on foot and partly by minibus.


Approx Cost: 280 MAD (approx. £22.50).

Timings: 10 am - 12 pm and 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm


Music, Song and Dance of Morocco


Explore the traditions, the instruments, the rhythms, the dress and the fun of Moroccan music, song and dance with our enthusiastic staff - one of our kitchen staff has a pinafore with the words "My kitchen is for Dancing" on it! Our drivers love to sing and dance.


The 2 or 4 hour session will investigate a wide variety of traditions of men's and women's bands. Types of music covered will include Sufi, Berber folk, Gnawa, Malhoun, Awash and modern pop music.


This will be fun! It will include practical activities with options to drum, dance and sing.


Approx Cost: 200 MAD (approx. £16).Timings: 10 am - 12 pm and/or 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm


We look forward to welcoming you to these exciting new experiences.


Below: Leather goods, Henna Artistry and a Silversmith at work


Learn more and Book

A Semi-Circular Tour

Photography with Graham Parish: January 22nd-30th 2025

The semi-circle: Taroudant, Essaouira and Marrakech


This 8 day photography holiday features a 5 night stay in in our ecolodge followed by a 3 day extension to the beautiful walled fishing port Essaouira and an option to extend your holiday in Marrakech.


Enjoy the scenic journey along the Atlantic Coast to Essaouira. Once in the town you can choose to wander through the charming medinas, visit the bustling fishing port, admire the fortified ramparts, and/or enjoy a camel or horse ride on the beach. Breakfast in your stunning riad is included; for lunch and dinner, select from an array of excellent restaurants (or take advantage of the good in-house chef) at your own expense.


A visit to the bustling city of Marrakech with its iconic landmarks is an optional extra at the end of your tour.


NB all devices catered for - Graham has over 40 years' experience, having started work as a professional photographer since 1981.


GREAT TRAVEL NEWS! You can fly directly from/to Bristol (or Gatwick and Manchester)

Learn more and book

Below: Taroudant's Town Walls

Below: Essaouira's fishing port

Below: Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech

On a Roll with Photography


Wherever you go in Morocco you see interesting examples of folk art on walls and doors, often created using local pigments.



Traditionally, Islamic art avoided representation of living forms: hence the creation of many geometric patterns, all of which have meaning. Such symbols are richly represented in embroidery, ceramics and carpets. However, many paintings and murals depict scenes of people or animals.


Morocco has endless opportunities for photography. It also has its own unique challenges. Your photography tutor will be on hand to help you through the process of photographing Morocco’s landscapes and people.

Learn more and book

Updates from our Ecolodge


During late July & August our teams in Morocco & Wales, along with local craftsmen, has been busy with several upgrades:

 

  • The installation of a substantial Solar PV array big enough to meet our needs: the pool pump uses much more than anything else. Next is refrigeration. Our highly efficient LED bulbs use very little. Surplus electricity can't be fed into the national grid yet in Morocco so we will divert surplus energy to heat the pool in the cooler months.


  • The restoration of the pool terrace using handcrafted Moroccan bejmat tiles. These tiles are not only durable but also eco-friendly, as they are made using natural materials and traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. We have added some beautiful clay lanterns.


  • A wall of plants has been erected to enhance our lush gardens and will help dampen the outside noise from disturbing the peace and tranquillity of our hidden oasis, while having an appreciation for cultural understanding which interlinks us with the local community!


  • Room décor changes include the addition of new cactus silk drapes above beds, mirrors, tile repairs and new dining tables and tablecloths.


Below: Men at work - tools in hand and working on the wall of plants

Below: show work on retiling the pool terrace

 Updates To Our New Oval Shaded Seating Area


In our last newsletter we introduced our new oval seating area. Since then, we have made it even more beautiful by adding a large mirror and stylish lanterns.



Find The Holiday For You


We offer a wide variety of group holidays in Morocco. To find what you are looking for either search by date on our Holiday Calendar or follow the links below to a holiday that will nourish your heart.


Singing and Music


Dancing


Yoga & Meditation


Creative: Art, Photography, Textiles & more


Wellbeing and Fitness

 

Holiday prices are normally confirmed about one year in advance of the start of the holiday. Flights have been released today by easyJet until the end of September 2025. We advise expressing an interest early on to get both a place and cheap flight prices; this is non-binding.

Above: Artist's impression of the planned Agadir Airport upgrade

Travel News


New Routes and Airlines serving Agadir We are happy to announce that easyJet has launched a Edinburgh to Agadir route on Wednesdays, our holiday start day.


Why fly to Agadir? Agadir is both our nearest airport and our favourite, being small and efficient and under an hour's drive by a quiet road to Taroudant.


Airport Upgrades With major international events coming to Morocco, including major football tournaments (the Africa Cup of Nations in 2026 and the World Cup in 2030) our guests will benefit from airport upgrades too.

REVIEWS

See Our Full Range Of Holiday Brochures here

We'd love to hear your feedback on our new style of newsletter here

Warmest wishes,


Jane, Marie & Steven in the Welsh office and the team in Morocco: the two Latifas, the two Saids, Nordine, Rachid, Fatima, Youssef, Zineb, Souad & Naima, the cats Marmalade & Misha and the tortoises.


Tel (UK): +44 1239 615499    


WhatsApp +44 7421126439 (this number is only used on WhatsApp)


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