Eunoia Chapter II
June 12 - 16, 2025
Marrakech Pre-retreat: June 10 - 12, 2025
Essaouira
Last updated June 2, 2025Chapter II: Light and Lightness
In a world where heaviness can feel constant and darkness often takes up space, we are choosing to focus on something different. Light and Lightness is an exploration of how we can meet difficult times with clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of ease. Over five days in Essaouira, we will slow down and reconnect with what lifts us. Through thoughtful practices, honest conversations, and time spent in a setting that naturally invites openness, we will work to create more space, in our minds, our bodies, and our daily lives. This retreat is not about avoiding the realities of the world. It is about learning how to stay connected to what steadies and uplifts us, even when circumstances are challenging. It is about building an inner foundation that is strong without becoming rigid, light without being fleeting. Together, we will reflect on what it means to carry less without disengaging, to seek lightness without losing depth, and to move forward with greater presence and purpose.
Intention
Itinerary Outline
Pre-Retreat
Retreat
June 12 | Essaouira | Villa Bethanie
June 13 | Essaouira | Villa Bethanie
June 14 | Essaouira | Villa Bethanie
June 15 | Essaouira | Villa Bethanie
June 16 | Departures via Marrakech & Casablanca
Contact Details
Riad 42
Address: 42 Derb lalla Azouna, Marrakesh (Google Maps)
Contact: Yasin +212 672-908629
Sarah Casewit
+34663380582
Arriving at 12pm in Marrakech on June 10
Departing at 6pm from Marrakech on June 16
Villa Bethanie (Our Villa)
Address: N1, Essaouira, Morocco (Google Maps)
Contact: Abraham +212 700 083 233
Marrakech Madness
The Marrakech Airport can be hectic upon arrival and the passport/customs line can take up to 1 or 2 hours to get through. If you’d like to avoid these lines and fast track through security, I recommend booking your Fast Track Arrival in advance. Click below to learn more and purchase your fast track pass. You need to purchase this over 48 hours in advance.
RETREAT Reminders
Beautiful Thinking
Eunoia is Greek for "beautiful thinking”, capturing the essence of harmony and synergy while invoking a sense of empowerment and unity among women.
Equal Engagement
Eunoia fosters synergy and osmosis where each participant engages, discusses, and contributes to a nexus of ideas within femininity and female empowerment. With a loose framework promoting equal participation and a central focus, we cultivate a community of mutual support among strong, independent women, valuing everyone's contribution. Through shared trust and honesty, we harness strengths and offer support amid challenges. Every attendee is invited to lead a 30-minute session of a topic, activity or experience of their choice. Contact Arjanna to pencil in your slot and topic or activity.
Elegant Dress & No Alcohol
To foster elevated thought, we synchronize our minds, bodies, and spirits. On Eunoia retreats, We abstain from alcohol, dress elegantly, and ensure our appearance reflects our internal grace, complementing our serene setting.
Shared Spaces
Rooms have been thoughtfully assigned to ensure comfort, space, and privacy, and we’ve done our best to accommodate all preferences. Please keep in mind that this is a group retreat, and part of the experience is sharing space and embracing the spirit of being together.
Laundry
Our villa comes with the option to get your laundry done at no extra cost.
Tuesday, June 10 | Marrakech
Arrivals & Transfers
You will each have a private airport transfer to take you to Riad 42. Meet your driver outside the arrivals terminal at Marrakech RAK Airport. The driver will be holding a sign with the name “Riad 42” on it. He will take you to the Marrakech Medina where the riad manager, Yasin, will meet you and walk you to the riad (approximately 5 minute walk). This transfer is pre-paid, you do not need to tip or pay for this service. Riad 42 on Google Maps
Tea Time
5:00PM: Meet for tea at 1112 Marrakech (paying individually). Reservation confirmed for 7 people. 1112 Marrakech on Google Maps.
Maghreb Prayer Experience & Sunset Walk
8:00PM: Optional Maghreb Prayer Experience at Koutoubia with Sarah. Meet at the door of Medresa Ben Youssef and walk to Koutoubia Mosque (non-muslims welcome, I’ll sneak you in). Following the prayer, we will walk through Jamaa el Fna walk to experience a 1000-year old square at night when it comes to life
9:30PM: Dinner at Le Grand Bazar (paying individually). Reservation confirmed for 7 people. Le Grand Bazar on Google Maps.
Wednesday, June 11 | Marrakech
The Seven Saints
10:00AM: This morning after breakfast at our riad, we will set out to visit two to three of the Seven Saints of Marrakech. Our journey will include stops at the tombs of Sidi Al-Jazuli, a prominent 15th-century Sufi scholar known for his devotional poetry and teachings, and Sidi Bel Abbas, often referred to as the patron saint of Marrakech, celebrated for his wisdom and charitable work. These sacred sites offer a deeper glimpse into the city’s spiritual roots and the enduring influence of Sufism in Moroccan culture.
Leisure
12PM: Free time for the rest of the day to shop, explore independently, rest at the riad, enjoy a hammam, or visit the YSL Museum and Majorelle Gardens.
Arrivals & Transfers
6:00PM: For those arriving today (Arjanna, Larissa and Mathilde). You will have a private airport transfer to take you to Riad 42. Meet your driver outside the arrivals terminal at Marrakech RAK Airport. The driver will be holding a sign with the name “Riad 42” on it. He will take you to the Marrakech Medina where the riad manager, Yasin, will meet you and walk you to the riad (approximately 5 minute walk). This transfer is pre-paid, you do not need to tip or pay for this service. Riad 42 on Google Maps
Dinner at Riad 42
8:00PM: Dinner at Riad 42 with a surprise. Dinner is 25 EUR per person.
Thursday, June 12 | Essaouira
Leisure
Morning at leisure to explore Marrakech independently or rest at the riad. Check-out is at 11:00am.
Amal arrives at 10:30am in Marrakech. Meet your driver at arrivals and transfer to Riad 42 to meet with the rest of the group.
Departure
2:00PM: Your driver Ali will meet you near the riad and begin your transfer to Essaouira.
Arrival at the Retreat
5:00PM: Check-in to your private villa. Sarah will assist with your assigned rooms.
6:00PM: Opening circle and intention setting with Arjanna and Sarah.
8:00PM: Dinner at the villa.
Friday, June 13 | Essaouira
8:00AM: Optional morning yoga
9:00AM: Breakfast at the villa
10:00AM: Eunoia Circle Discussions & Sessions
1:00PM: Depart the villa for a traditional couscous lunch at Rachid’s.
Optional henna at Rachid’s for 100dhs ($10).
6:00PM: Beach trek to Essaouira. Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, has been a strategic coastal port since Phoenician times. It flourished in the 18th century under Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who invited European architects to design the fortified medina. Its unique blend of Moroccan, Portuguese, and French influences earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
7:00PM: Dinner in Essaouira at Dar Baba.
Saturday, June 14 | Essaouira
8:00AM: Optional morning yoga
9:00AM: Breakfast at the villa
10:00AM: Eunoia Circle Discussions & Sessions
1:30PM: Lunch at the villa.
3:00: Depart for Essaouira. Together, we will explore the ramparts, the old town, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the fish market and the port. We will visit art galleries including Gallerie La Kasbah and L’Atelier Café. We will have some free time to shop as well.
8:00PM: Dinner reservation at KSOU.
Sunday, June 15 | Essaouira
7:30AM: Optional morning yoga.
8:30AM: Breakfast at the villa.
9:15AM: Depart for Had Draa Sunday Market (30 minutes away). This is a traditional, local Sunday market where the villagers nearby come to buy their produce for the week.
11:00AM: Farm experience and lunch at Akal.
4:00PM: Back at the villa for some free time.
8:00PM: Farewell dinner at the villa.
Monday, June 16 | Departures
6:00AM: Airport transfer for Emily, Amal and Mathilde to Marrakech Airport for 11:30-45AM flight departures.
7:00AM: Airport transfer for Muna and Suhayla to Casablanca Airport for 2:45PM and 4:05PM flight departures.
9:30AM: Airport transfer for the rest of the group.
10:00AM: Afaf private transfer to Marrakech.