Marrakech: Final days of the Pilates Retreat

 April 7, 2023

 Linda and I are in Lisbon. But I am catching up on the fantastic week we spent in Marrakech.  This week has been special in so many ways. Getting to spend a full week with my beautiful daughter has been wonderful. She pushes all of us to move in ways that test our strength and push beyond what we all think is possible.  Twice daily classes were mixed with plenty of wonderful excursions, food, and people. 

Last meal at the Peacock Pavillion.  Delicious salmon 

The dinner tent

Lunch after the spa. A filo filled with ground nuts  cinnamon and chicken

We have all shopped 'till we surpassed our suitcases capacity.  The culture of the Souk is fascinating and challenging with traffic that jockeys for room on narrow paths meant only for foot traffic.  We happen to wander down the fresh food street where a live chicken was about to get the cleaver in preparation for a patron's dinner.

Even cats shop in the food stalls

One day we traveled to the outskirts of the city to a wonderful farm where we participated in Chef Tarik's cooking class. His passion for cooking was evident as he told us his story. We learned mixtures of spices, how to properly cook couscous, and put together a delicious chicken tajine among other dishes. 

Tajines are not cooked in ovens. Mostly over coal or wood fires. 

Delicious wood fire cooked bread. 

The garden

Dessert

Another day we went by van 2.5 hours to the Atlas mountains for a hike and a delicious lunch.  It was in the mid-thirties there and some were not prepared for the cold so before we hiked they bought Berber jillobas which fit like blankets and kept them perfectly warm. The four of them used the opportunity to get silly and take pictures as if they were filming Lord of the Rings. The hike was beautiful even in the cold mist that hung in the trees laiden with Cherry and apple blossoms.

 On our last day Page worked us hard in class and then we went to a traditional Hammom or spa. Never have I felt so pampered.  In a room filled with steam, we were scrubbed head to toe with multiple concoctions of soaps and creams. After a warm rinse we transitioned upstairs to the massage room where oil was used to soothe our tired muscles.  

Interesting traffic !

We had two dinners out. But one stands out as the most special evening of my life.  One woman on thr retreat had a connection with a person who recommend that we book a dinner reservation at  Riad Kinza.

We discovered that it was a very special place where actors and dignitaries from all over the world have been guests. Our host and owner, Mohammed,  treated us like family. Upon our arrival, he had musicians playing traditional music and performing a dance routine which Page quickly joined. Then we were taken to his and his wife's museum that will soon have guests. We were the first to enjoy the perfectly curated rooms filled with beautiful pieces of jewelry,  traditional Berber clothing and rugs. Afterwards we were led to a beautiful room in the Riad with tables set just for us. The dinner and music went on until 11 pm. 

All of the participants in the retreat are now on their way to other parts of Europe or going home. On our last evening at the Peacock Pavillion we had one last class, got henna designs artfully placed on our limbs, had another wonderful meal in the dinner tent, and were surprised by a man performing a torch dance. I have been to all (but one) of Page's remote retreats. Each one fills me with joy and inspiration.  And oh the memories (and souvenirs) I will carry with me for a lifetime.  She is considering returning next May to Morroco and the Peacock Pavillion. If you'd like an experience like none other you still have a chance. Message her at pilatesnosara.com