Retreat Report: Day 1 in Morocco

Date

06.20.19 More info+

Journey to the Ourika Valley and jet-lag-fighting yoga

Follow an epic physical challenge with a multi-course meal designed by a top chef to replenish every muscle. Combine cultural excursions with regenerative experiences like sunrise meditation. Introducing: Equinox Explore, where the science of fitness meets the art of exploration. And this is Retreat Report, a new Furthermore series in which an Equinox Explore traveler will dispatch their travel diary. Here, you can live vicariously through them—and see the peaks they climb, hear the most game-changing lessons they learn, and almost taste the exotic and nutritious food they enjoy. First up, Morocco.

The trip: Morocco, May 30 to June 4, 2019. Join us on our next trip to Morocco, September 26 to October 1.

The traveler: Nicole Kupish is a Tier X manager and coach at the Loop in Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, is certified in yoga and nutrition, and teaches sleep workshops. Fitness and traveling are her two passions.

Retreat Report: Day 2 in Morocco

Outside the window of the luxury van, there are shepherds tending their sheep, friendly locals waving to us, and camels—that’s what makes me feel like I am really here in Morocco, finally. I’ve always associated the Arab country with camels and desert but I’m quickly learning it’s so much more than that as we—myself and 17 other travelers—are driven about 60 minutes from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

The final road to the hotel is very narrow and windy and makes you feel like you’re on some secret road that no one knows about. Kasbah Bab Ourika, perfectly situated in the Atlas Mountains, looks spectacular. You can see rivers, fields and groves of olives, oranges, and lemons, even snowy mountain peaks. I can already tell it’s going to be the perfect escape.

We are greeted with Equinox’s famous eucalyptus towels which feel so refreshing after the long travel day. I get settled into my room—it has a rustic, earthy feel—complete with two beautiful terraces overlooking the valley.

You can see rivers, fields and groves of olives, oranges, and lemons, even snowy mountain peaks. I can already tell it’s going to be the perfect escape.

Nicole Kupish

Lunch is ready on the outside terrace. The starter salad is lovely, and as my main, I had the fish tagine. I learned that tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish with a protein, potatoes, and tons of spices. It’s so flavorful and delicious. Over the next five days, I’ll be consuming this daily.

I set out to explore the grounds while others choose to experience a Hammam. This place just urges a sense of presence from you. I’ve already decided exactly where I will sit to drink tea before yoga tomorrow morning. I stumble upon Kasbah Bab’s organic gardens from which all the food, including our lunch, is sourced.

It’s time for me to lead the group through a Vinyasa yoga class to get all the kinks from traveling out. Afterwards, we toast to the start of the trip with a sunset cocktail hour followed by a family-style welcome dinner.

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Photos: Will Mayer; Location: Kasbah Bab Ourika (top photo)

This place just urges a sense of presence from you.