Rejuvenate Retreat
THURSDAY 5TH – THURSDAY 12TH MARCH 2020
A Retreat for those working in the helping professions, bringing together Therapists, Counsellors, Coaches and Practitioners of many modalities.
Time for Reflection & self-care
The workshops
Rejuvenate gives you an opportunity to balance your self-care, add to your continuous professional development, learn from your peers, and share your knowledge. All of this is done in relaxed and informal settings, sometimes in the buzz of Marrakech, and mostly in the remoteness of the Sahara Desert.
Throughout the Rejuvenate Retreat we will explore different modalities for self-care. This can include meditation, gentle yoga, nutrition, care for body, care for mind and care for spirit as well as journaling, enhancing self-awareness and development of a self-care plan.
You can expect relaxation, internal and external exploration, and rejuvenation. It’s a chance to balance your mind, body and spirit. You will also get plenty of time to savour the sunrises, sunsets and the wonderful sights and sounds of the desert.
All but 4 of the workshops will be led by Stephen Brown and Ricardo Olabegoya. This leaves 4 peer-led workshop slots available and we will be choosing whichever we feel fits best with the programme we have planned. If you have a skill you want to share, you can apply to lead a workshop. Anyone that leads a workshop will be eligible to a reduced rate for the Rejuvenate Retreat. If you fancy it, pop us an email and let’s see if it will work. You will need to provide us with your CV, details of qualifications, experience and references. What could you add to the mix?
Rejuvenate Retreat 2020
New perspectives
The drive to the desert takes us over the High Atlas Mountains and here you will experience a much quieter and slower pace.
In the desert, we will be in the company of chefs and guides from the Berber community. Their perspective on life is what many in the west now crave.
Rejuvenate Retreat schedule
Thursday 5th March
We will meet in Marrakech for the Rejuvenate Retreat opening dinner, over which you will get to know your fellow therapists and a little about their work. Following this you can visit the Square and enjoy the buzz of the city or spend the rest of the evening relaxing in our riad.
Friday 6th March
After breakfast you will get the morning and early part of the afternoon to explore the many sights of Marrakech including the Souks, the Square. the Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Gardens and the Manara Gardens. We will have the first workshop late afternoon and another one in the evening after dinner.
Saturday 7th March
We will begin the journey to Merzouga. Our journey through the Atlas Mountains will be in 4×4’s and/or comfortable buses. There will be plenty of time for sightseeing along the way; stopping off at the best viewpoints. You will begin to get a flavour of the way of life for the people that live and work in the mountains and the desert.
We will reach our hotel early evening and enjoy the luxury and meals that the hotel offers.
Sunday 8th March
Following breakfast and a dip in the pool we will begin our camel trek to our camp in the desert. We will get settled in to the camp and the first desert workshop will be in the afternoon.
Monday 9th March
Morning, afternoon and evening workshops.
Tuesday 10th March
Morning, afternoon and evening workshops.
Wednesday 11th March
We will depart camp early morning in 4×4’s and return to the hotel for breakfast and showers before beginning the journey back to Marrakech. Today’s journey will include the Valley of Roses, Fossils and Dades Valley. We will stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate and have our final workshop by the pool after dinner.
Thursday 12th March
In the morning we will visit the very interesting and entertaining Cinema Museum before travelling back through the Atlas Mountains and to the airport.
Each Day
We will begin each day with meditation and end each day with scheduled reflection and sharing.
Rejuvenate Retreat FAQ’s
What are the dates?
The Rejuvenate Retreat starts on Thursday 5th March in Marrakech and ends on Thursday 21st March, also in Marrakech.
Is food included?
All meals are provided from Thursday evening until Thursday lunch excluding lunch on Friday. We will do our best to cater for any special dietary requirements. Get in touch before you book to make sure we can cater for you
You will be responsible for your own drinks bill when we are eating in restaurants and cafes. Expect to pay about £1 for 2 litres of drinking water when we are our camp in the desert.
How do I get to the camp?
Fly into Marrakech and we will look after you from there. When we reach the desert you will have a choice of travelling by camel or on foot for the last section to the camp (1 hour). Transport from Marrakech and back again is included in the cost, your flight is not.
Will I be safe?
Absolutely. The camp is safe and secure (local guides stay with us). When you book and again, when you arrive we will give you information on all matters related to safety and well being. We do recommend bringing a personal first aid kit as we are in a remote area and you need to have some responsibility for your health and well being. You MUST have your own travel insurance.
Is there water?
Yes, there is water but there is no running water and there are no showers. Yip! You read that right, you will have to manage for a few days without the luxury of a shower, but sure, we will all be in the same boat (so to speak).
You will need to buy drinking water at the camp which is about £1 for 2 litres.
Are there toilets?
Oh yes! Just outside the camp are cabins and the toilets are in those.
What are the tents like?
The tents have beds and bedding in them. They are basic and comfortable. Tents have beds for 2 – 6 people and if you are travelling with friends we can make sure you have a private tent. The lone travellers will have to share for definite, single occupancy is not an option.
What should I wear?
Again, we will send a list of what to bring when you book. As a heads up, during the day it will get to about 25° but it will be cooler at night. You MUST wear modest clothing (shoulder, belly and thighs must be covered) and then you can add layers in the evening. Good walking shoes or sandals with thick soles, so that you can also walk on stones. A large cotton turban, the Moroccan Shesh (easily bought in Morocco). You also need very good and highly protective sunscreen with a hydrating cream.
Can I get CPD hours?
We are in the process of having the Rejuvenate Retreat accredited with the CPD Standards Office. We hope to have this confirmed before the middle of November 2019 and expect that you will be able to gain 20 – 30 hours.
Do i need to work in the caring/helping professions to take part?
While this retreat is aimed at those working in the caring and helping professions, it is open to those who are interested in their personal development. As long as you have an open mind and a willingness to participate, you will get a lot from this retreat, no matter who you are or what you do.
How much does it cost?
The Sahara Retreat costs £1150 and includes transport from Marrakech and back again, accommodation and meals. There is an early bird rate of £950 for those who pay their deposit before Friday 10th January 2020. Students are eligible for a discounted rate of £850. If you volunteer to lead a workshop or activity for the group then your place will only cost £750. Refer to workshop section earlier in this page if you are interested in applying to lead a workshop – we will only pick 4 and they will be the 4 that best suit this retreat.
A deposit of £100 will secure your place on the Rejuvenate Retreat and payment plans are available for the remainder.
Your FacilitatorS & Guide
Stephen Brown
Ismail bouchador
