Moroccan retreat
Birds of Morocco
It is said that there are 454 species of birds in Morocco. Of these, 156 are considered to be rare and 15 are globally threatened.
So exactly what sort of birds can you expect to find in Morocco? Well, to start with you will find pheasants, partridges, guinea fowl, pigeons, doves, hoopoes and woodpeckers.
If you head to the coast, you will find albatross, gannets, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, oystercatchers, terns and gulls – to mention a few. Inland water holes yield further swans, geese, ducks, herons, storks and flamingo.
The biggest Moroccan bird is the ostrich and there are plenty of birds of prey to admire such as barn owls, kites, hawks and eagles. There are even parrots.
Regarding passerine birds, Morocco is filled with swallows, larks, wagtails, wrens, thrushes, kinglets, wallcreepers, nuthatches, shrikes, crows, magpies, starlings, waxbills, vireos and buntings
Of course you’ll be able to see birds almost everywhere you go in Morocco and even in cities such as Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes as well as In coastal towns such as Essaouira, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Tangier. For Riads and hotels in all these towns and regions, click here.
Riad ZamZam’s Spa Retreat for 2011
One of our featured riads, Riad ZamZam, has just announced the 2011 dates for its new “Goddess Retreat”, which will be held between 2 and 6 February 2011.
ZamZam’s owner Emma Joyston-Bechal tell us more about the Goddess Retreat.
She explains. “Like all our specialist retreats, the Goddess Retreat goes beyond the traditional. We get rid of the mysticism usually related to life exploration and come directly to the heart of the human condition. Based at Zamzam Riad in mystical Marrakech we also explore the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the Atlantic coast.”
“By clearing energetic pathways, stirring up the fire of the breath and discussing what arises in a straight talking, refreshing way we help you gently peel back the layers to uncover your true liberated potential.”
“We think its time to lighten up to Enlightenment and whilst disciplined in our practice we also laugh together, celebrate and enjoy the magical gift of connection, allowing you to leave with a renewed sense of energy and joy.”
To get in contact with Emma directly and to learn more about the retreat, visit ZamZam’s page with us by clicking here.
Reiki and yoga at Marrakech riad
Feeling stressed? Under pressure? Just a bit down? If you’re keen to get away from it all for a while to relax, recharge and rebalance your life, a four-day retreat of self-exploration, relaxation, yoga and reiki in a riad in Marrakech could be just what the doctor ordered.
Journey of Awakening is a chance to find your inner magic at the heart of Marrakech’s walled medina.
The four-day treat is a chance to find yourself in one of North Africa’s most beautiful and historic cities.
Taking place at Zamzam Riad, a three-star hotel in Marrakech’s central area, Journey of Awakening offers Ashtanga yoga and reiki.
Aisha Barzaghi will teach the dynamic practice of Ashtanga yoga, bringing strength and vitality to mind and body through breathwork and pranas. She is based in Marrakech and currently teaches yoga classes at Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s Kasbah.
Reiki attunements and group practice will be led by Rebecca Hutley, a master of Usui and Tibetan Reiki for more than ten years.
To compliment the retreat you will also enjoy a tour of Marrakech medina, the places of the 7 Saints and will take a mule trip into the Atlas mountains.
Zamzam Riad is a beautifully complimentary location for this chilled out course. Originally the home of a fortune teller, the Marrakech riad has been lovingly resotred by Emma and Marcus Joyston-Bechal.
A hammam and plunge pool are available for use by guests and there is a lounge full of board and card games for evening entertainment.
Prices are all inclusive (except for flights). You will get:
All classes (Ashtanga Yoga and Reiki)
Spa – 1 Hammam, 1 massage, 1 Reiki session
Reiki Practitioners course
Medina Tour including the Seven Saints of Marrakech
Walking in the Atlas Mountains with a guide and mule, afterwards lunch at Kasbah Toubkal
Accommodation, food, drinks (not alcohol), transport, trips, guides & airport transfers.
Prices: £800 per person (based on two people sharing)
£700 per person (based on three sharing – men only or women only if you don’t know your room mates)
A £500 surcharge applies for the five nights if your require your own room.
Book the course here.
Morocco Gateway can offer special rates for Zamzam Riad throughout the year. To make an enquiry, contact Morocco Gateway.
