Cooking and YOGA RETREAT
Nourish Body & Soul in Morocco
YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY INWARDS
Immerse into daily yoga practices and LEARN THE ART OF COOKING OUR FAMOUS MOROCCAN DISHES
Welcome to a transformative retreat where the art of cooking meets the heart of yoga—a soul-soothing fusion designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and awaken your joy.
Over the course of a week, you’ll immerse yourself in daily yoga practices and hands-on Moroccan cooking workshops, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Moroccan nature and culture. From movement on the yoga deck to the rich aromas of simmering spices in the kitchen, each day is a celebration of nourishment—inside and out.
Tucked away in peaceful surroundings near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Essaouira, Villa Dar Zitoune is an intimate boutique retreat space lovingly chosen by La Vida Surf’s founders. Surrounded by ancient argan groves and birdsong, this serene villa offers the perfect balance of simplicity, beauty, and authenticity.
This retreat is a gift to yourself. You’ll walk away not only with cooking inspiration and yoga tools—but with a sense of grounding, balance, and joy that can stay with you long after you leave.
INCLUDED
5 nights boutique accommodation
6 yoga classes for body & mind
4 hands-on cooking workshops
Moroccan tea ceremony
Mindful walk in the Ounagha hills
Trip to a local market in Had Draa
Essaouira day trip
Moroccan night with live music and dancing
5 healthy nutritious breakfasts
3 colourful lunches (one lunch outside in Essaouira not included)
5 organic tasty dinners
All yoga equipment provided
SAMPLE DAY
7:30 Wake up tea, coffee & fruit
8:00 Morning yoga practice
10:00 Healthy nutritious breakfast
11:00 Nature Walk or Day Trip
14:00 Colourful lunch
15:00 Free time
17:00 Cooking Class
19:00 Organic tasty dinner
20:00 Free time, star gazing etc.
* We follow the rhythm of nature with our retreat schedule adjusted according to time of the year and weather conditions to provide you the best experience possible.
AVAILABILITY
La Vida Surf Cooking and Yoga Retreat happens four times a year and we can organise afford private or group transfers from and to Essaouira, Marrakech and Agadir Airports and other locations around as needed.
Private taxi service is available for arrivals and departures outside of the retreat start dates upon request for an affordable additional cost.
If you are travelling around Morocco before or after the retreat, private taxi service is also available in any other requested location.
What You’ll Experience
La Vida Surf’s Cooking & Yoga Retreats are designed for all levels—whether you're stepping onto the mat or into the kitchen for the first time, or coming with years of experience. Each day weaves together movement, mindfulness, and the joy of cooking into a holistic and immersive experience.
Discover the culinary magic of Morocco as you learn to create traditional dishes rich with flavor, culture, and history. Alongside these, we explore globally inspired plant-based recipes that expand your skills and awaken your creativity in the kitchen.
This is more than a retreat—it’s a nourishing journey for body and soul, where yoga, food, and connection come together.
YOUR YOGA CLASSES
Our yoga classes offer a sanctuary for both body and mind, held in inspiring settings that invite you to fully relax and connect. Most sessions take place in our rooftop yoga shala, where you’ll practice with breathtaking 360° views of the sunrise and sunset, surrounded by the open sky and gentle breezes. On some days, we move the practice poolside—letting the soothing sounds of water and birdsong deepen your sense of calm.
You’ll leave each session feeling grounded, refreshed, and centered—carrying calm clarity that stays with you long after the class ends. Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, you’re warmly welcomed just as you are. Our classes honor your individual pace and encourage self-compassion, creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore, grow, and simply be.
YOUR TEACHERS
MUBARAK IGOUIA
cooking classes
Mubarak brings a deep love for the art of cooking to La Vida Surf, blending global inspiration with the rich culinary heritage of his home country, Morocco. Influenced by Italian and Armenian traditions, he favors fresh, aromatic herbs over heavy spices and crafts vibrant, plant-based meals using organic, seasonal ingredients. A true master of Moroccan cuisine, his tajines, breads, and slow-cooked dishes are both soulful and unforgettable. Beyond his culinary talent, Mubarak is the most joyful and generous teacher. With laughter, patience, and a full-hearted presence, he shares not just recipes, but a genuine love for food and community. His workshops are as uplifting as they are delicious—always hands-on, always full of life.
ISABEL CARPENTER
YOGA TEACHER
After training in Bali, Izzy has taught in studios across the world from the UK to Australia to Asia. She is a big believer in the holistic benefits of yoga, and teaches a deeply embodied, spiritual practice. She believes that we must pour into our own cup in order that we can overflow into others, and yoga is the path towards this. From her studies of yoga philosophy, she shares the traditional teachings of yoga, including ancient philosophy and prānāyāma, and asana to compliment this, allowing her students to delve deeper into themselves and connect with their own truth. She creates a warm and loving atmosphere for her students, allowing everyone to feel supported and encouraged on their own journey.
ELENA KOKKALA
MANAGER & HOST
Elena has been a central part of La Vida Surf retreats since 2021, combining years of experience in retreat hosting with a genuine passion for creating spaces where people can reconnect, slow down, and feel at home. As both the manager and your host, she’s dedicated to curating experiences she’d personally love to attend—authentic, nourishing, and rich with connection.
A food enthusiast at heart, Elena is especially excited about bringing people together through the joy of cooking and sharing meals. Her attentiveness and calm energy help set the tone for a retreat space where guests feel at ease, supported, and free to be themselves.
YOUR cooking workshops
In the engaging cooking workshops, you are immersed in the vibrant flavours of Moroccan cuisine while also exploring the richness of international dishes, all with an emphasis on plant-based cooking. Under the guidance of skilled chefs, attendees learn to craft traditional Moroccan specialties like tajines and couscous using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
These daily workshops celebrate the delicious possibilities of plant-based eating while fostering a rich cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for diverse culinary traditions. Throughout the sessions, emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and the joy of discovering new flavours, ensuring a dynamic and enriching culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul.
SATURDAY
Nature walk & mindfulness
Embark on a journey of mindfulness with our Nature Walk in the tranquil Ounagha Hills. Wander through nature's embrace, where each step becomes a meditation.
Experience moments of serene silence, allowing the surroundings to guide your thoughts. Elevate your connection with both self and nature as you breathe in the peace of the mountains on a short magical journey through the long established Berber villages.
SUNDAY
MOROCCAN IMMERSION
Experience the essence of Moroccan culture with a visit to Souk Had Draa, the largest traditional market near Essaouira. Stroll through lively stalls where locals buy fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods—ingredients we’ll use in our own tajine-making workshop.
Back at the retreat, we’ll cook together, savor authentic flavors, and celebrate with a local Berber band, enjoying live music and traditional dancing. A day of connection, culture, and culinary delight!
MONDAY
ESSAOUIRA EXCURSION
Experience the magic of Essaouira on a day trip from our yoga retreat. Wander through the charming medina, explore the bustling souks, and soak in the coastal vibes.
Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, indulging in fresh vegetables, seafood, and Moroccan flavors while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem.
For those seeking extra adventure or relaxation, the day also offers the opportunity to visit a traditional hammam for a rejuvenating spa experience, ride the waves with a surf session, or explore the beach on horseback.
YOUR PLANT-POWERED MENU
Every meal is part of your retreat experience—designed to support, energize, and delight you throughout the week. When you're not cooking yourself, you’ll be served nourishing plant-based meals that beautifully complement the hands-on workshops, deepening your connection to food and how it makes you feel.
Our menus feature vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by Moroccan and yogic cuisine, using fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. Every bite reflects our commitment to seasonal, regional produce and intentional eating.
Our private chefs thoughtfully adapt meals to meet your dietary needs, ensuring everyone feels nourished and cared for. For those following a pescatarian diet, one dinner includes fresh, locally caught fish, prepared with the same love and attention to flavor.
These meals are more than just food—they are an extension of the retreat’s purpose: to restore balance, celebrate culture, and bring you closer to the rhythms of nature and self.
YOUR HOME AWAY
At La Vida Surf, we host intimate retreats with care and attention to detail, welcoming small groups of up to 16 guests. This allows for a warm, personal atmosphere where you can truly feel at ease.
You'll stay in one of our seven boutique rooms, private or shared, each uniquely styled with authentic Moroccan touches and equipped with its own en-suite bathroom for comfort and privacy.
Our retreat home, Villa Dar Zitoune, is a traditional Moroccan riad nestled in a peaceful Berber village. With a private pool, lush garden, and a rooftop terrace offering open-sky views, the villa combines contemporary comfort with a deep sense of local tradition. It's a serene space where you can unwind completely, embraced by the quiet rhythms of nature and the village’s gentle, welcoming spirit.
MORE THAN A YOGA ESCAPE
There are numerous things to do in our region and La Vida Surf team will introduce you to what we are passionate about. Surf, windsurf and kite surf adventures in the Atlantic Ocean, purifying hammam and massage treatments, conscious walks and hikes, mesmerizing horseback adventure along the picturesque shores and more.
These small journeys deepen your connection not only to this place, but also to yourself—reminding you of the magic that lives in curiosity, movement, and new perspectives.
SURF ADVENTURES
During your retreat, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with nature in a more dynamic way—through the power and rhythm of the ocean. Whether you’re curious to try surfing, windsurfing, or the exhilarating experience of wing foiling, this is your chance to explore something new.
With the guidance of experienced local instructors, you’ll learn the fundamentals of each sport and begin to understand the ocean’s language—how to read its movements, respect its power, and move with it. It’s not about performance, but about presence, play, and discovering new ways to feel alive in nature.
Exploration TRIPS
We love to explore this country of contrasts and mysteries—and we’re always excited to bring our guests along for the journey. Morocco is a land that invites you to look deeper, offering raw beauty, rich culture, and unexpected moments of connection around every corner.
Ride horses along the windswept Atlantic coastline, or stand among the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Sultan’s Palace in the dunes of Diabat. For those drawn to flavor, a visit to the nearby Val d’Argan vineyard offers a taste of Moroccan winemaking surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves.
Hammam Rituals
One of the most cherished traditions in Moroccan culture is the ancient ritual of the hammam—a deeply purifying and grounding experience that has been practiced for centuries. Rooted in community, cleansing, and self-care, the hammam ritual uses time-honored ingredients such as beldi black soap, rhassoul clay, and Argan oil, all known for their healing and nourishing properties.