Back to
the Origin
Retreat
March 14 – 20, 2026
Marrakech & Essaouira, Morocco.
Tap into your creative potential
Embark on a transformative journey to reconnect with your roots at the Back to the Origin Retreat in stunning Essaouira, Morocco. This retreat invites you to tap into your creative potential and align your root chakra amidst the vibrant energy of Africa. Surrounded by Morocco’s golden sands, crashing ocean waves, and majestic mountains, this experience offers the perfect environment for self-discovery and transformation.
Indulge in daily breathwork, yoga, meditation, live music, and sacred rituals designed to help you release tension, find balance, and rediscover your essence. Whether it’s through healing practices or the inspiring natural landscape, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and connected to your true self.
Your hosts
Saskia & Amilde
(read more about us below)
What You Can Expect
In the words of an old African proverb, “Europeans have the clock, but we have the time.”
This retreat invites you to slow down and let go of your daily roles and masks. We embrace simplicity and explore our true selves. Through a variety of practices you’ll connect deeply with your body and emotions. We aim to inhabit every corner of our being with full presence.
- Daily yoga: daily yoga morning sessions of Hatha and Kundalini Yoga to unlock your body’s memories and restore the flow of vital energy
- Breathwork session to release, relax, and discover the power of your breath.
- Guided meditations and yoga nidra to deepen relaxation and release stagnant energy.
- Sound healing session: journey with ancestral sounds, mantras, and shamanic practices with the Lakota drum.
- Fire ceremony: to release the old and ignite your inner fire
- Maya cacao ceremony: Open your heart with the sacred plant of cacao.
- A small, supportive group of like-minded individuals.
- Enough free time to immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty.
What others say about us
Accommodation at Bab Basson
Sold outRetreat in luxury at the beautiful Bab Basson Villa, nestled in the tranquil countryside near Essaouira’s stunning beach.
This charming villa features:
- 5 spacious, tastefully decorated bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and closets.
- A cosy big living room with fireplaces, a bar, a pool table and a central patio filled with light.
- A refreshing pool to relax by during your downtime.
- Air conditioning and heating to keep you comfortable year-round.
Choose between a shared room or a private one, depending on your preferences and availability.
Room options:
- Three spacious shared rooms (3 beds, 3 persons): €1550 per person
- One spacious private room (1 person): €1950 SOLD OUT
- One shared room : (1 double and 1 single bed, 2 persons) €1700 per person
Deposit: €450 (non-refundable)
Early bird discount: €50 (till July 15)
Payment plans are available upon request.
Daily Schedule
Here’s what a typical day looks like at the retreat:
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Start the day with meditation, yoga, and breathwork to awaken your body, mind, and soul.
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Nourish yourself with a delicious brunch.
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Enjoy free time to explore the beach, city, or simply relax by the pool.
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In the afternoon, deepen your experience with a breathwork session, sound healing, or cacao ceremony.
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Wind down with Yin or Restorative yoga, live music, and a calming meditation.
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End your day with a delightful home-cooked dinner.
About Marrakech and Essaouira
Marrakech
On the first day, arrive in Marrakech and experience a guided tour through the vibrant Medina. You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, narrow souks, and landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace. This enchanting introduction to Moroccan culture will set the tone for your transformative retreat.
Essaouira
Known for its rich history and stunning coastal views, Essaouira offers the perfect retreat setting. You’ll experience its unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences through its culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. Wander the medina, hike along the crescent-shaped beach, or take in the laid-back, bohemian vibes of this coastal gem.
What’s Included:
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6 nights: 1 night in Marrakech, 5 nights in Essaouira
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2 daily meals (brunch + dinner), snacks, fruits, and non alcoholic beverages available all day
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Daily yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions
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Liquid breathwork group session
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Sound healing and cacao ceremony
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Fire ceremony
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Yoga Nidra with essential oils
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Transport from Marrakech to Essaouira and back
What’s Not Included:
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Airfare and transportation to the hotel in Marrakech
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Extras like massages, hammam treatments, or personal excursions
Why Morocco? A Journey to Activate Your Root Chakra
Morocco is not just a travel destination; it is a powerful place to reconnect with the root chakra—your center of stability and grounding. Known as the foundation of the body’s energy system, the root chakra anchors us to the earth, helping us feel secure, confident, and deeply connected to our inner selves.
At this retreat, you will embark on a journey to awaken and strengthen this energy center, allowing you to feel more grounded and stable in both body and mind. The rich, vibrant energy of Morocco will help you realign and reconnect with the deepest parts of yourself.
During this transformative retreat, you will learn to:
Reconnect with your body through mindful practices that deepen your awareness of your physical and emotional self.
Relax deeply and cultivate grounding techniques that you can bring into your everyday life.
Connect authentically with others, building relationships based on openness, vulnerability, and mutual understanding.
Step beyond your comfort zone, exploring new perspectives and expanding your boundaries.
Open your heart and mind to fresh possibilities, embracing the unknown with curiosity and confidence.
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)
Is Morocco safe?
Yes, Morocco is generally a safe country for travelers. However, as it has a different culture and religion than the West, it is advisable to be discreet in public behavior and dress codes. In crowded areas like markets and medinas, take basic precautions: keep your belongings secure, avoid straying far from tourist areas, and avoid walking alone at night, particularly as a woman.
Essaouira is especially welcoming, known for its bohemian vibe and openness to tourists. Moroccan locals are typically very friendly and familiar with travelers. We also recommend avoiding street food in Marrakech’s central square to prevent food poisoning.
How is the weather in March?
Do I need to bring my yoga mat?
Yes! Please bring your yoga mat for the sessions.
What should I pack?
- Journal and pen
- Comfortable yoga clothing
- Warm socks and a scarf for savasana
- Comfortable clothes for free time
- White clothing for the cacao ceremony
- Swimsuit for the pool or beach
- Quick-dry towel
- Hat, sunscreen, and mosquito spray
- Sneakers or hiking shoes, flip-flops, or flat sandals
- Something warmer for evenings
- Leave space for souvenirs you may find in the souks!
Can I go to the beach alone?
Yes, its 20 min by taxi from the Villa we stay.
How is transportation arranged in Essaouira?
What about food preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.)?
Book Your Spot
Secure your place in this life-changing retreat today! Spaces are limited.
Deposit: €450 (non-refundable)
Let us guide you on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. Contact us: info@saskiavanerven.com for more details and availability.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
With love,
Saskia & Amilde
Impression of the 2025 edition
Click here for more images and videos of the 2025 edition
