Ellie Rodriguez review 1 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Oh I had many! I loved the yoga practice (twice a day) I was like a child in a candy shop, it just cannot get any better than this! Well, it did.. with the lovely meditation walks in the morning, a hands on dinner at the fish market (buy it, have it cooked and eat it), walking around the Medina, long walks by the beach and embracing a different culture (including the lovely people from the group).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It can get cold at night, so take warmer clothes as it can get chilly.(I went in September). Essaouria can also get quite damp so be prepared for it, but it is just the way it is. Apart from that, just enjoy getting lost in the Medina. As a single woman traveller I felt safe. (although be aware of where you are and the clothing you take)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in a locally run and owned riad in the centre of the Medina. The staff were lovely and well looked after and Michelle knew all staff quite well. We were encouraged to buy 5litres bottles of water and refill the more practical size one, in order to avoid buying bottles every day. Michelle had a lot of local knowledge and encouraged everyone to use local facilities,etc. Such as visiting the cooperative of women making organ oil (widowed women that share all work and profits)...
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was my first yoga holiday and I loved every minute of it. The yoga classes were really well thought in advance and used different types of styles. I specially love the breathing and meditation part. Michelle was always happy to help with any questions at any time and the group had the right balance between spending time on your own or in group. Basically outside the yoga classes you are free to do whateve you fancy. I loved the accommodation and the food! A massive thanks to Michelle and everyone in the group (including lovely Mikey!)for making this one of the best holidays of my life. Namaste ;)
Dianne Best review 26 Jul 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was perfect- I can't choose between the fantastic yoga practices and the amazing local experience. Michelle’s connections with the local community provided some excellent experiences - shopping, sights, spa and eating.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go ahead and make your booking - you will have some great yoga practice and a wonderful local culture experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday benefited the local people as the group patronised local businesses and services. All food served was locally grown.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!!!
Regina Farrell review 18 Jul 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The breakfasts on the roof tops in sunshine after a fab yoga class, and sun in Feb, always a bonus. The accommodation and brilliant hospitality.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will feel totally relaxed and re energised afterwards.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
100 percent yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10 and I'm going again.
Helen Boast review 26 Feb 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's hard to convey just how magical our yoga experience was in Essaouira with this operator. Our host and teacher Micelle was wonderful and by far the best yoga teacher I have experienced. The staff in the riad, Maison Du Sud couldn't do more for us. This included walking up a marathon of stairs every morning to provide us with a beautiful roof top breakfast. The town is a bustling and colorful, full of great shops and restaurants. The harbour is alive with activity and it’s great to wonder around and soak up the atmosphere. As a single female traveler I also felt very safe there.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I can't recommend this trip enough. Whilst in the town I would advise being reasonably careful with what you eat and not using the water. Make sure you have plenty of bottled water. Also be prepared for ALL weathers. We went from flip flops to scarves and hats. The evenings can be very cold and there is usually a lot of wind. Be prepared to haggle in the shops but be sure to buy spices and oils which are much cheaper than in the UK. Keep lots of space in your suitcase. The local art galleries have some treasures too. Try and buy the argon oil form the local cooperatives as the money goes to help local women who farm the oil.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars! Made some great friends and feel like my yoga improved tremendously from such great classes. I also had a fantastic authentic Moroccan experience.
Deirdre Clerkin review 16 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Michelle is an amazing teacher. The yoga classes were amazing!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Everything is organised for you. Michelle is so helpful. Nothing is too big for her to help you with.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local economy did benefit - hotels, restaurants, shops and the local spa!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - a great break.
Kate Legere review 11 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our vacation was just wonderful from the moment we flew into Morocco. Michelle took great care of us in such a way that it felt like we were old friends. It all sounded too good to be true, but our trip exceeded expectations. Felt totally energized at the end of our yoga holiday. Great food! Great people!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Save some room in your bag. The shopping in markets is amazing!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Aside from 1 trip to a market outside of town, we used our feet as our only source of transport the whole week. Food served on location was all vegetarian.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful trip! Highly recommended!
Benedicte Gyllensten review 7 Apr 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up at 7.30 to start the day with yoga on the terrace and the sun warmed up our bodies, and finishing the day in the same way, except this time watching the sun go down.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want a relaxing holiday away from everything, this is perfect for you. It's not boring, as there is plenty to do around Essaouira, but it is definitely a nice break from everyday life.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing, one of the best holidays I've been on.
Nathalie Baron review 2 Sep 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Definitely the yoga lessons. Laila was great. The food cooked by the Staff was excellent.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be careful with the local food. 2 people in our group fell sick. My partner caught it, brought it back to England and passed it on to our daughter. The health protection officers had to be informed as it is an infectious disease. Don't expect too much accommodation wise. It was alright but not great.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, local fresh produce were used for our meals, local people were employed.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A alright holiday but to be frank what made it good was the yoga lessons performed by Laila who was a very good teacher and the vegetarian food which was nicely prepared. Accommodation was a bit of a let down.
