Satvada Retreats has been running our unique and highly-praised Yoga and Walking escapes to Morocco’s Atlas mountains for the past five years, after falling in love with the quality of light, sweeping panoramas – perfect for hiking! – and warmth of the people here.

Hosted by a wonderful, eco-friendly Kasbah (castle) only 40 minutes from Marrakech, yet surrounded by mountains, this trip aims to strike a rejuvenating balance between al fresco activity, and rest.

Daily moderate three-hour guided walks will take place after the morning yoga class, and are guided by a friendly local with extensive knowledge of the terrain. Towards the end of the trip there will be an option to take an all-day walk, which includes a packed lunch. All walks are expertly led by local guides, and are enjoyed straight from the door.

Where possible, yoga will be al fresco, on the large terrace overlooking the pool, surrounded by mountains. Classes are tailored for all levels, including complete beginners and those with an already-established practice.

Afternoons are your own, to swim in the hotel’s large outdoor pool, rest, read, or plan more activities, until the evening yoga session before dinner! Our wish is to create an environment where there is no pressure to join in, yet plenty of opportunity to do so, with the combination of walking and yoga acting as a powerful tonic to revive body and soul.

The flavour of this break will be enhanced by a friendly, small-group feel, with a maximum of 12 guests. These trips attract a high proportion of solo travellers, so if you are considering coming alone, you will be in good company, with plenty of opportunity to socialise at mealtimes, and during walks, as well as to enjoy time alone.

Our very special, recently-built Kasbah (modelled in the style of an ancient Berber castle), is a true retreat. Siting on its own hill-top, the venue is surrounded with panoramic mountain views.

From the outset, it was designed and built with the environment at the forefront, and is surrounded by five hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, ripe with olives, almonds, figs and pomegranates.

Accommodation is comfortable and spacious, with a rustic feel, befitting the setting. Rooms (all en-suite) are designed with traditional Moroccan materials: cedar and eucalyptus wood, red sandstone, hand-made clay tiles, locally-made furniture with Berber motifs.

Each morning, an active (though accessible) flowing yoga class will stretch and enliven the body in preparation for our guided walk. Various options for any demanding poses will always be given, so that all levels of experience are catered for.

The evening’s yoga and meditation class will be a far softer, reflective combination of gentle yoga, guided relaxation and meditation: the perfect wind-down after the day’s activities!

In line with our ethos, yoga is taught as in a mindful, non-competitive, inclusive way, with complete beginners always very welcome.

All walks will start and end at our Kasbah. Over the course of the five days, our guide will take us through surrounding villages, lush olive groves and mountain pathways with superlative views.

The hiking, which can be described as moderate, can be adapted to the requirements of the group.

Where possible, our meals are locally sourced from the Kasbah gardens, super-fresh and seasonal. We offer a delicious veggie buffet for lunch and a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in the evening.

Anja Brierley Lange is an experienced vinyasa flow yoga teacher known for her attentive, fun and creative approach to yoga.

Anja’s classes form a thoughtful combination of dynamic movement, breath and meditative practice, integrating creative sequencing and safe alignment.

She has trained with and is inspired by teachers such as Seane Corn and Shiva Rea. Anja is also an Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of yogaembodied.com. She is passionate about the ancient science of yoga nidra (deep relaxation), and integrates this healing art in her yoga retreats.

Our teachers are chosen for their love of yoga and accessible, mindful style of teaching. All classes are suitable for both beginners and more advance practitioners alike.