9 Day New Year Yoga and Explore Desert Retreat with Daniela

#Spirituality #Philosophy #Self love

Daniela Holzer

Transformative Sahara Desert Retreat in Morocco

Embark on an exciting adventure in the Sahara Desert, surrounded by the natural beauty of Merzouga, Morocco. Our retreats offer a chance to reconnect with your inner self, allowing you to experience life with joy, play, and freedom—without the need to fix, work on, or stress about anything. Simply be, enjoy, and dance through this incredible journey.

This retreat blends desert exploration, yoga, meditation, camel trekking, and glamping, all set against Morocco’s stunning landscapes. By the end of the retreat, you’ll return home feeling happy, fulfilled, and rejuvenated.

Highlights

This unique retreat invites you on a journey through Morocco’s most magical landscapes—from the golden dunes of the Sahara to the vibrant energy of ancient cities.

You’ll enjoy a harmonious blend of yoga, meditation, whirling practices, and cultural exploration.

Open to all levels, this retreat is your chance to reconnect, recharge, and experience the adventure of a lifetime.

Schedule

Daily Itinerary

Important Booking Information

We kindly encourage you to register in good time, as flight prices tend to increase around New Year if booked late.

Please note: Our yoga retreats are limited to only 8–10 participants to ensure a personal and intimate experience.

Secure your spot early!

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your riad.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Explore the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square and visit Koutoubia Mosque.
  • Evening: Opening circle with a cacao ceremony.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal.
  • Overnight: Marrakech.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech

  • Morning: Vinyasa Yoga session.
  • Visit: Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa.
  • Afternoon: Yoga session and explore the souks.
  • Evening: Sunset at a rooftop café, followed by dinner.
  • Overnight: Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech to Telouet & Ait Ben Haddou

  • Morning: Drive through the Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
  • Midday: Visit Telouet Kasbah.
  • Afternoon: Explore Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site).
  • Yoga Session: Vinyasa.
  • Evening: Dinner at a traditional guesthouse.
  • Overnight: Ait Ben Haddou.

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou to Dades Valley

  • Morning: Drive to Ouarzazate.
  • Optional Visit: Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios.
  • Afternoon: Through Dades Valley and Valley of Roses.
  • Yoga Session: Vinyasa.
  • Evening: Relax in the valley.
  • Overnight: Dades Valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

  • Morning: Vinyasa Yoga session.
  • Drive: Through Todra Gorge and desert.
  • Midday: Arrive in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes).
  • Afternoon: Camel trek at sunset.
  • Evening: Berber dinner under the stars with music and storytelling.
  • Overnight: Desert Camp in Merzouga.

Day 6: Exploring Merzouga

  • Morning: Enjoy time at the camp.
  • Activities: Fossil hunting, tea with nomads, local pizza tasting, dancing with the Gnawa, visit mines.
  • Afternoon: Visit Rissani & Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
  • Yoga Session: Yin Yoga.
  • Overnight: Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

  • Morning: Sunrise in the desert.
  • Late Morning: Drive to Ouarzazate.
  • Afternoon: Visit Alnif or Rissani, explore the Draa Valley.
  • Evening: Vinyasa Yoga flow.
  • Overnight: Ouarzazate.

Day 8: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

  • Sunrise Yoga: Relaxing morning session.
  • Morning: Drive to Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
  • Afternoon: Free time for shopping or relaxing.
  • Evening: Moroccan dinner.
  • Overnight: Marrakech.

Day 9: Departure from Marrakech

  • Morning: Closing circle with cacao ceremony.
  • Free Time: Depending on flight time, explore or relax.
  • Transfer: Departure to the airport.

Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on weather and seasonal conditions.

What's included
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Daily yoga classes
  • Daily meditation classes
  • Daily pranayama classes
  • Wifi connection
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation during the retreat
  • Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day
  • Group excursions/activities
  • Nature hikes with a trusted guide
  • Free excursions to sites of interest
  • Professional event photos
  • Pre and post retreat support from our team
  • Meals – half board
What's not included

Travel insurance
Flights costs
Visa fee

Tips

Contraindications

Contraindications for the Retreat

For the safety and well-being of all participants, please note the following contraindications:

1. Pregnancy: Our retreats are not suitable for pregnant participants due to the physical activities involved, including yoga, camel trekking, and potential strenuous hiking.

2. Injuries or Severe Health Conditions: Participants recovering from significant injuries or dealing with serious health conditions (e.g., heart disease, severe back problems, or chronic pain) should consult with a healthcare professional before booking, as certain activities might not be suitable.

3. Mental Health Concerns: While mindfulness practices are a core part of the retreat, participants with severe anxiety, depression, or other serious mental health issues are advised to seek medical advice before joining.

Upon booking, participants must confirm that they do not have any contraindications that may prevent them from participating fully in the retreat activities.

Important Note: By confirming your booking, you acknowledge that you have no medical conditions or contraindications that may prevent your full participation.

1.750 €

26.12.26 -03.01.27

9 Days, 8 Nights

Max. 12 persons

9 Day New Year Yoga and Explore Desert Retreat

12 places available

1.750 €
Safety for you: Within 48 hours you can cancel your booking free of charge.

Your Instructors

Daniela Holzer

Meet Daniela — Founder & Your Host

 

Daniela is the heart behind this retreat experience. As your host, she creates a warm, supportive, and down-to-earth atmosphere that invites you to feel at ease from the very first moment.

 

Her dynamic yoga flows offer a beautiful balance between strength and softness, guiding your body with intention and grace. Through the healing vibrations of singing bowls, Daniela gently touches the soul — softening the heart and allowing you to fully surrender and be carried by the moment.

Her personal motto reflects her journey and philosophy:

 

"When nothing goes right, go left"

 

From the very first yoga class, Daniela knew — this was it. After completing her training as a certified health and fitness coach, singing bowl massage therapist, Thai Yoga NUAD practitioner, and hot & cold stone massage therapist, her path eventually led her to India — twice — where she completed her yoga teacher trainings.

 

Yoga became more than just a practice; it became a lifestyle and a calling. Daniela creates a warm, supportive, and authentic atmosphere not only during yoga sessions, but throughout each journey she leads. In Morocco, she collaborates with a local, trusted travel company that organizes all private tours, accommodations, and airport transfers. Together, they offer guests a seamless, culturally rich experience.

 

Interestingly, her path to yoga wasn’t a straight one. For many years, Daniela distanced herself from sports and movement altogether, struggling with both physical imbalance and mental disconnection. Over time, her body began to speak louder — and she finally listened. Committing to her well-being, she stepped into further training, which eventually opened the door to yoga.

 

From the very first moment on the mat, Daniela felt a deep inner peace. That feeling inspired her to keep going — to train, learn, and grow. She completed her foundational yoga teacher training in Goa, India — a transformative experience that shifted not only her career, but her entire way of life. Her mindset changed, her personal strengths came to light, and a deeper sense of happiness blossomed.

 

Motivated by this profound shift, she turned her passion into her profession. Her drive to learn and experience more took her back to India, where she completed a second yoga teacher training and continued deepening her knowledge and purpose.


You will be here

Nella Retreats

Lotissement Ennakhil N 30 askejour mhamid marrakech 30, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco

We are a team of yogis who came together to put our energy into making the world a better place by connecting you with life-changing Retreats. Adventure, Ritual, Meditation, Coming Home and Spirituality.

Be the giver, my friend. As this is the only single way to make our society better. Be the change, you want to see in this world.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another person.” 

Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.


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1.750 €