Back to Silence Retreat
An Exclusive Retreat Experience by Back to the Origin Retreats
March 13–20, 2027
Marrakech – Dades Valley – Merzouga, Morocco.
Back to Silence is not a retreat for everyone
It is an intimate journey for those who feel called to pause, step away from the noise of everyday life, and turn inward. It asks for openness, presence, and a willingness to embrace simplicity, silence, and the unknown.
This is not a holiday. It is an invitation to disconnect from constant stimulation and immerse yourself in the wisdom of the desert — a place where silence reveals what is so often drowned out by the busyness of daily life. To preserve the depth of the experience, places are intentionally limited, leaving space for meaningful connection, personal attention, and transformation.
If you feel drawn to the stillness, the vastness, and the possibility of reconnecting with yourself, perhaps this journey is calling you.
Your hosts,
Saskia & Amilde
read more about us below
What You Can Expect
“Europeans have the clock, but we have the time.”
This retreat is an invitation to step out of the pace of everyday life and experience a different rhythm. We travel to Morocco not only to discover a new landscape, but to reconnect with something ancient and universal: presence, simplicity, and the wisdom of slowing down.
Back to Silence is a journey away from constant doing and into the practice of simply being. The desert teaches us that there is beauty in simplicity and clarity in silence. For a few precious days, we set aside our roles, expectations, and routines, and — surrounded by the vastness of the desert — journey inward towards stillness and a deeper sense of belonging.
What others say about us
During the Retreat You Will Experience
Daily Yoga — Morning Flow Yoga and Kundalini Yoga to awaken the body, release tension, and restore balance.
Breathwork — Powerful breathing practices that help regulate the nervous system, create inner space, and deepen self-awareness.
Guided Meditation & Yoga Nidra — Deeply restorative practices that invite relaxation, presence, and inner stillness.
Silent Meditation — Silence is at the heart of this retreat. Through guided and unguided meditation, we learn to slow down, observe, and reconnect with ourselves beneath the noise of everyday life.
Sound Healing — An immersive experience with ancestral sounds, mantras, and the sacred Lakota drum.
Sacred Fire Ceremony — A ritual of release, reflection, and intention beneath the desert sky.
Cacao Ceremony — A heart-opening ceremony that invites connection, gratitude, and authenticity.
Meditation in Movement — Movement practices that encourage freedom, expression, and joy.
What’s Included:
- 1 night accommodation in Marrakech (Riad Bahia Salam)
- 1 night accommodation in the Dades Valley
- 5 nights accommodation in our private desert camp
- Shared twin-room accommodation with private bathroom
- Daily brunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, and water during the retreat
- All yoga, breathwork, meditation, and yoga nidra sessions
- Sound healing, sacred ceremonies, and cacao ceremony
- Camel ride through the desert dunes
- Private desert exploration tour
- Visit to a local Gnawa music village
- Shared meal with a local Berber family
- All transportation during the retreat from Marrakech to the desert and back
- Guidance and support from your retreat hosts throughout the journey
What’s Not Included:
- Flights to and from Marrakech
- Airport transfers
- Dinner on the first evening in Marrakech
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional massage, coaching, or tarot sessions
- Additional drinks outside of the retreat meals
- Accommodation in Marrakech after the retreat
Please note: we return to Marrakech on the evening of 20 March. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to book an additional night in Marrakech before travelling home.
A Day in the Desert
Life in the desert follows a different rhythm. There is no rush, no agenda to keep up with, and nowhere else you need to be. This retreat is not about escaping life — it is about returning to yourself. Each day offers a balance of practice, rest, and spaciousness.
Sunrise — We begin the day in silence. Through meditation, breathwork, and yoga, we gently awaken with the rising sun and the quiet beauty of the desert morning.
Brunch — A nourishing home-cooked brunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, enjoyed together in community.
Time to Simply Be — Perhaps the most valuable part of the retreat: unstructured time. Time to rest, journal, read, wander through the desert, or simply sit and watch the changing landscape. For those who wish, optional activities such as camel rides, massage, tarot readings, or personal coaching sessions are available.
Afternoon Practice — The afternoon is dedicated to practices such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, sound healing, cacao ceremony, and sacred rituals — each offering an opportunity to slow down and reconnect.
Sunset — As the light softens, we gather for gentle Yin or Restorative Yoga, meditation, and live music.
Evening — After a nourishing dinner, we come together around the fire beneath a sky filled with stars. Together with our Berber hosts, we share music, stories, rhythms, and the simple joy of being together. As night falls over the desert, we return to rest, held by the silence and vastness of the landscape.
Itinerary
13 March | Arrival in Marrakech
We stay at Riad Bahia Salam, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, offering a gentle landing before the journey begins.
Optional: arriving early? Treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan hammam — a beautiful ritual of cleansing and relaxation before entering the desert.
14 March | Journey to the Dades Valley
After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and travel towards the Dades Valley. Along the way, we visit the magnificent Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs. As we travel through mountains, valleys, and ever-changing landscapes, the pace begins to slow. Upon arrival, we settle in, share dinner together, and gather for our opening circle.
15–20 March | Desert Immersion
We leave the road behind and enter the Sahara. For five nights, our private desert camp becomes home — a place of silence, vast open landscapes, star-filled skies, and deep rest. Highlights include a camel ride through the dunes, private desert exploration, a visit to a village of Sub-Saharan musicians and traditional Gnawa music, a shared meal with a local Berber family, daily practices, and evenings around the fire beneath the stars.
20 March | Return to Marrakech
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Marrakech. This is a full travel day, offering space to reflect, integrate, and slowly transition back into everyday life. Arrival in Marrakech is expected in the evening.
Accommodation
We begin and end in Marrakech at the beautiful Riad Bahia Salam, in the heart of the medina. On our way to the desert we spend one night in the Dades Valley. Our private desert camp is then home for five nights — shared twin rooms (2 single beds, 2 guests per room), each with a private bathroom. Simple, comfortable, and immersed in the silence and beauty of the Sahara.
Investment
Retreat investment: €1600,-
To reserve your place, a non-refundable deposit of €350 is required. The remaining balance is paid in cash upon arrival in Marrakech. Your booking is confirmed once the deposit has been received.
Heartfelt words from our participants
Meet your hosts
Saskia and Amilde, your retreat facilitators and adventure companions, first crossed paths in the magical atmosphere of Ibiza. Their connection was instant, sparked by a shared mission to help others reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
With their complementary skills and aligned visions, they decided to unite their talents and create this transformative retreat in Morocco.
Join Saskia and Amilde as they guide you through a soulful adventure that promises to nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
SASKIA VAN ERVEN
With over a decade of experience guiding people towards their true selves, Saskia is a retreat facilitator, breathwork coach, and yoga teacher. Her passion lies in helping individuals create lives that resonate with their deepest desires, and her sessions are known for their authenticity, depth, and inspiration. She teaches globally, always evolving in her own journey of inner connection.
Read more: www.saskiavanerven.com
Follow Saskia: www.instagram.com/saskia.vanerven
Amilde Zanassi
A yoga teacher, sound healer, and reiki master, Amilde brings a lifetime of devotion to sacred practices. With a deep connection to shamanism and ancestral traditions, her work is grounded in vibrational healing and ceremonial rituals. Amilde’s sessions are transformative, guiding participants through sound, breath, and energy work to rediscover their personal power.
Read more: www.altarcielotierra.com
Follow Amilde: www.instagram.com/amilde.zanassi
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
How is the weather in March?
March is widely considered one of the best times to visit Merzouga (Desert), offering comfortable, warm daytime temperatures and clear skies. You can generally expect afternoon highs between 23°C and 28°C , though nights cool down significantly to roughly 8°C to 12°C.
Do I need to bring my yoga mat?
Yes! Please bring your yoga mat for the sessions.
What should I pack?
Layering is key: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing (t-shirts, cotton pants) for the afternoon.
- Warm layers: Bring a fleece, jacket, or warm sweater, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses are essential, as desert UV can be strong.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals for walking on the sand
- Comfortable yoga clothing
- Warm socks and a scarf for savasana
- Leave space for souvenirs you may find in the souks!
- Journal and pen
What about food preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.)?
Join Us in the Desert
Secure your place in this life-changing retreat today! Spaces are limited.
Deposit: €350 (non-refundable)
If something in you feels drawn to the silence, the simplicity, and the vastness of the desert, we invite you to join us. Spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy of the experience.
For more information or availability, please reach out to info@saskiavanerven.com.
Perhaps the most meaningful journey is not towards somewhere new, but towards the part of yourself that has been waiting patiently all along.
With love,
Saskia & Amilde
Impression of the previous edition
