Riad Botanica, Morocco launches new culture and wellness retreat for women in midlife

Riad Botanica, Marrakech, a beautiful five-suite riad in the heart of the historic Medina, announces the launch of its Artisan of the Soul retreat; a five-night, six-day journey through Morocco, aimed at women aged between 40 – 65, that weaves together yoga and mindfulness experiences with culture and community, in the company of Annika Glac. Annika is a visionary guide in the realms of yoga, meditation and holistic living, drawing on over two decades of dedication to the ancient sciences of self-awareness. A certified Gita Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Annika shares the timeless teachings of Gita International—one of the few female-led yoga schools in the world. Deeply rooted in feminine wisdom, Gita Yoga honours yoga as far more than movement; it is a journey of inner mastery, conscious breath, and radiant self-discovery. 

Photo credits: Riad Botanica

This multilayered retreat invites peri-menopausal women and women in their midlife to pause and reset, using yoga, breath and grounded conversation to move away from the world’s expectations and reconnect with the self. Designed to repair the nervous system and promote rest, the retreat weaves together art, culture, and wellness, across many different Moroccan landscapes, showcasing authentic, slow tourism at its finest and digging deeper into this vibrant, beautiful country.  

Guests’ journey begins by the sea in Essaouira, where they will spend several days unwinding at a beautiful hotel equipped for stellar Katonah Yoga® practice and enjoying sunset meditation. Bookending these focused days, guests will explore the ancient streets with cultural guides, immersing themselves in the rhythms of Moroccan coastal life as well as enjoying walks in the magnificent sand dunes. The second part of the journey will be spent in Marrakech enjoying a cultural fix, dining in exclusive restaurants, practicing meditation and yoga and enjoying the energy of the Red City. Guests will meet local artists and story tellers along the way in one-of-a-kind experiences, as well as enjoying a sunset aperitivo and an exclusive desert dinner in Agafay.  

Double occupancy on the Artisan of the Soul retreat costs from EUR 3,900 and single occupancy costs from EUR 5,500 based on the above inclusions. This price includes: 

• All airport transfers & private transport throughout the journey – Marrakech, Essaouira & Agafay Desert

• Several nights boutique seaside stay in Essaouira, with daily breakfast and curated experiences 

• Several nights at the award-winning Riad Botanica 

• Daily Gita Yoga & meditation with Annika Glac — morning and evening sessions for deep embodiment, nervous system repair and spiritual integration 

• Private holistic hammam ritual – a sacred moment of cleansing and renewal 

• Exclusive artisan workshops – meet the makers of Moroccan fashion, ceramics, and design 

• Storytelling evening under the stars — a poetic celebration of Morocco’s oral heritage 

• Private guided medina tour of Essaouira, including a visit to the historic fishing port 

• Dunes walk and nature immersion along the wild coastline of Essaouira 

• Guided souk tours with Angela & Mohamed Mellak, Owners of Riad Botanica — explore Marrakech like a local 

• Sunset camel ride in the Agafay Desert, followed by a magical starlit dinner beneath the sky 

• Moroccan cooking class at La Maison Arabe – hands-on culinary artistry with local chefs 

• Tour of Marrakech’s historic landmarks — including palaces and architecture from the 10th century 

• Bacha Coffee Experience — sip world-famous brews in an iconic Moroccan setting 

• Lunches and dinners curated daily — exquisite Moroccan cuisine with modern soul 

• Curated shopping experiences — with insider access to bespoke ateliers and hidden boutiques 

• Optional hot air balloon experience at sunrise over the Atlas Mountains (additional cost) 

• Final evening closing circle — a space for reflection, integration, and soulful goodbye

• Gift of Presence & Remembrance — receive a bespoke welcome gift to remember your experience 

• All on-the-ground support & concierge coordination — so you can be fully present in the moment