Bespoke Moroccan Retreats
Since 2023 I have been hosting small group retreats in Morocco, sharing the places, people and experiences that first made me fall in love with this incredible country.
Over the years my work sourcing vintage Moroccan rugs has taken me deep into the souks and hidden corners of Marrakech. These retreats are my way of inviting a small group of travellers to experience it with me.
Together we explore vibrant markets, meet local artisans, enjoy incredible Moroccan food and discover the stories woven into the culture of this unforgettable place.
A Small Group Experience
Since launching these retreats in 2023, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting four wonderful groups of travellers.
Each retreat is intentionally small, usually 6–8 guests, which allows us to travel at a relaxed pace, explore places many visitors miss, and create a genuinely memorable shared experience.
Guests arrive as solo travellers and leave with new friendships and a deep appreciation for Morocco.
What Makes These Retreats Different
Unlike traditional tours, our retreats are built around the experiences that have shaped my own connection with Morocco.
Highlights often include:
- Navigating the colourful souks of Marrakech and Essaouira
- Meeting local artisans and rug dealers
- Beautiful riad accommodation in the heart of the medina
- Incredible Moroccan food experiences
- Time to shop, explore and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful country
- A relaxed pace with plenty of time for discovery
Is This Retreat For You?
Our retreats are designed for travellers who are curious, open-minded and excited to experience Morocco beyond the usual tourist path.
They tend to attract women who enjoy culture, craftsmanship, great food and exploring vibrant places like the Marrakech medina.
You might love this retreat if you:
- Enjoy small group travel rather than large tours
- Are comfortable walking through busy markets and lively streets
- Appreciate artisan craftsmanship, design and textiles
- Love discovering hidden places and local experiences
- Are happy travelling with a flexible, relaxed itinerary
Many guests join as solo travellers, and the group dynamic quickly becomes one of the highlights of the week.
Interested in Joining a Future Retreat?
New retreat dates are released periodically and spaces are very limited.
If you’d like to be considered for a future Moroccan retreat, please complete the short questionnaire below. This helps ensure the retreat is the right fit for everyone and allows me to keep you updated when new dates are announced.
What a Retreat Itinerary Might Look Like
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Guests arrive in Marrakech and settle into our beautiful riad in the heart of the medina. Once everyone has arrived, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner and our first taste of Moroccan cuisine.
Day 2: Exploring the Medina
Today we begin exploring the vibrant souks of Marrakech together. With a local guide and plenty of insider knowledge, we wander through winding alleyways discovering artisan workshops, colourful market stalls and hidden corners many visitors miss.
Day 3: Berber Village Experience
Today we travel beyond the city to visit a traditional Berber village in the Atlas foothills. We are welcomed into a local home where our hosts share their traditions, offer a walking tour of the village and prepare one of the most memorable home-cooked lunches you will experience in Morocco. You may even have the opportunity to try your hand at weaving alongside some of the local women.
Day 4: Gardens, Culture & Food
A slower day exploring some of Marrakech’s beautiful gardens, historic architecture and vibrant food scene.
Day 5: Souk Shopping & Free Time
By now the medina will feel a little more familiar, making it the perfect time to revisit favourite shops, hunt for treasures in the souks or simply relax back at the riad.
Days 6 & 7: Discover the Atlantic Coast
We leave the energy of Marrakech behind and travel to the charming seaside town of Essaouira, one of my favourite places in Morocco. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful coastline and artistic community, Essaouira offers a completely different side of the country.
Along the way we visit a traditional Argan Oil Women’s Cooperative, where you can see how Morocco’s famous “liquid gold” is produced.
Once in Essaouira there will be plenty of time to explore the harbour, wander the slower-paced souks, enjoy fresh seafood and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Day 8: Final Souk Wander
Returning to Marrakech, we enjoy one final day in the medina. It's the perfect opportunity to revisit favourite spots, pick up last treasures or simply enjoy the magic of the city one more time.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, guests depart Marrakech with full suitcases, wonderful memories and a deeper connection to Morocco.
Do yourself a favour and book this trip! You won’t be disappointed. Jess has taken so much time and care in curating an exceptional, bespoke Moroccan experience...her connections and personal love affair with Morocco ensure that you will see the very best of everything. You will leave with so much colour in your heart and an abundance of vintage Moroccan goodies in your suitcase. I couldn’t recommend this trip more highly!
Jess' retreat exceeded all my expectations and now Morocco is one of my most favourite, treasured destinations I have ever visited! Everything was perfect from the spectacular and homely accommodation, delicious food, included excursions & experiences, fabulous shopping and comfortable transport. I felt safe and informed throughout the trip due to the strong connections Jess has formed with her Moroccan contacts over the years of her travelling there. Her knowledge and passion for this beautiful country really shines through.
Cactusilk's tour of Morocco was fabulous! Amazing food, beautiful accommodation and lots of sight seeing all with a relaxed feel
The tour with Cactusilk was absolutely amazing! Very well organised with plenty of pre-trip information and advice...Our host Jess and local guide Salah were very knowledgeable, friendly and trustworthy. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip!
This was my first trip to Morocco and it was absolutely amazing, totally exceeded all my expectations. Can’t wait to go again!
This was a brilliant tour that exceeded my expectations by far. The group size was perfect. Morocco is a beautiful & diverse county!
Meet Your Host – Jess
Hi, I’m Jess.
I’m the founder of Cactusilk and a vintage Moroccan rug dealer who has been travelling to Morocco regularly since 2018. What started as a simple bucket-list holiday quickly turned into a deep love for the country, its culture, craftsmanship, food and the incredible people I’ve met along the way.
After ten trips (and counting!) to Morocco, it’s become a place that feels like a second home.
I’m a mum in her mid-to-late 40s, and these retreats naturally attract travellers who are at a similar stage of life. Women who appreciate beautiful places, great food, meaningful experiences and travelling at a relaxed pace.
Since launching the retreats in 2023, I’ve hosted four groups of guests, many of whom arrived as solo travellers and left with lifelong friendships.