Boutique Christmas 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 daily with Raquel. Each day will begin with a morning class of meditation and movement focused on asanas, attuning the mind to the breath. The evening class will be more gentle and restorative.

Tigmi has two yoga spaces. A covered roof terrace with stunning views of Marrakech across the plains and a charming indoor room that is light and airy with a log burner for cooler days.

Classes will be progressive and inclusive for all levels. No yoga on travel days.

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.

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, 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 class. There will be a salad buffet lunch. All evening meals are traditionally North African dishes, with vegetarian meals also wonderfully prepared on request.

For Christmas eve there will be a special dinner with live entertainment and for Christmas day a wonderful gathering and delicious lunch. Non-yoga partners are welcome to join the retreat and celebrations.  Please get in touch for rates.