30th August to 6th September 2025
Taghazout, Morocco
with Lauren Munday & Cathy Moran
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
Discover our hidden gem of a retreat venue
Residing on the rugged Moroccan coastline, just outside of Taghazout, Villa Mandala boasts a lush garden, relaxing living areas, plunge pool, and yoga shala
Accommodation
Villa Mandala has nine tranquil bedrooms that come in a variety of themes.
Seven rooms are en suite with shower rooms and toilets with the other two rooms sharing a large bathroom upstairs. there’s a further bathroom downstairs.
All rooms come with a fan, Shampoo, Towels and Moroccan hammam olive soap
The Pool
The pool on Villa Mandala’s front terrace looks out over the ocean and is perfect for a refreshing dip between sunbathing or after a day at the beach.
Living Area
Mandala’s spacious, Berber-style living area looks out onto the pool and Banana beach. It’s the ideal place to read and relax after a long day in the sun and surf or spend blissful evenings accompanied by exquisite food and great company.
The Yoga Shala
The Yoga Shala, high on the villa's rooftop, is surrounded by fantastic views of the beach, ocean, and mountain.
The shala’s wooden finish throughout and surrounding glass doors allow it to be enjoyed both as an impressive indoor studio or an open-air space for an unforgettable yoga practice.
The shala is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets, sandbags & lavender eye bags.
Who’s this Ashtanga Yoga Retreat For?
Experienced Ashtangi’s
Deepen Your Ashtanga Yoga Practice
Are you seeking a chance to immerse yourself in your Ashtanga practice without the interruptions of daily life? Our Ashtanga retreat is the perfect opportunity to spend a week focussing on yourself and your yoga practice Under the careful observation and guidance of Lauren and Cathy, two experienced Level 2 authorized teachers.
we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the retreat, ensuring you receive personalised attention and guidance throughout the week, offering you valuable insights to enhance your practice.
As well as focussing on your ashtanga practice the retreat will also provide time for exploration and relaxation. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for Ashtanga, in a supportive community atmosphere. Many of our retreat guests return year after year!
This year we’re heading to Surf Maroc so on top of an in-depth dive into Ashtanga, you can expect amazing waves, delicious food, great weather and beautiful accommodation.
Whether you fancy surfing, prefer to chill on the beach or want to explore the local area, this retreat has something for everyone.
Yoga Beginners
Calling all aspiring yogis and those curious about the transformative power of Ashtanga yoga!
Our retreat offers you the perfect opportunity to dive into Ashtanga yoga under the guidance of not one, but two experienced and passionate teachers.
Starting a new yoga practice can be both exciting and daunting, but a retreat is a perfect opportunity to begin your Ashtanga practice because not only will you practice every day but you’ll also meet other yoga practitioners and become part of our friendly and supportive community.
Your first practice will be a personalised introduction to Ashtanga yoga. Under our watchful eyes, you’ll be gently guided through each asana, or yoga form, as you learn to synchronize breath with movement.
This year we’re heading to Surf Maroc so on top of an in-depth dive into Ashtanga, you can expect amazing waves, delicious food, great weather and beautiful accommodation.
Whether you fancy surfing, prefer to chill on the beach or want to explore the local area, this retreat has something for everyone.
Here’s what previous guests said about our Ashtanga Yoga Retreats:
2023 Retreat Guest Testimonial
“Lauren and Cathy's Ashtanga retreats are legendary! Based at beautiful locations, extremely welcoming and inclusive and a wonderful way to reset and focus on your yoga practice, whilst escaping everyday life. Highly recommended for those who are new to yoga or for a more experienced Ashtangi - authorised practitioners Lauren and Cathy bring so much knowledge and advice to support and advance your Mysore self-practice. Incredible food and great company adds so much more to the entire experience.”
2024 Retreat Guest Testimonial
“A real Ashtanga retreat. Even after 9 years of Ashtanga, I learned a lot in the retreat”
2023 Retreat Guest Testimonial
“Cathy and Lauren's retreat is a wonderful opportunity to practice with two experienced teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Lots of optional excursions available and healthy, creative, nutritious vegetarian meals”.
About Ashtanga Yoga on your Retreat
Lauren and Cathy have been running retreats together for 8 years. We are both authorised L2 Ashtanga Yoga teachers with more than 30 years of combined yoga teaching experience.
This is the second time we’ve hosted a retreat at Villa Mandala. It’s a beautiful location and perfectly organised, plus the food is delicious!
Our aim on retreat is to share knowledge with you whilst providing encouragement and good humour so you can develop your practice whilst also having a great time.
You’ll start your mornings feeling grounded and centred with meditation and pranayama practice.
The morning Mysore practice will be an opportunity to deepen your Ashtanga practice in an informal, practical and enriching environment
The afternoon workshops will serve two purposes:
They will be a chance for more in-depth learning as we focus on specific aspects of the Ashtanga Yoga practice.
They will also be an opportunity for rest and recharging as you experience the profoundly relaxing practices of restorative yoga and yoga Nidra.
About the Food on your Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
Our chef will prepare delicious vegetarian dishes making use of local seasonal ingredients. The menus reflect a blend of Moroccan and international influences.
Brunch and dinner will be served at communal tables on the terrace, which offers stunning ocean views.
Packed lunches can be taken away to enjoy at the beach. and Daily afternoon tea and cake is another highlight, ensuring you won’t go hungry.
Every evening during our stay, we will dine at the Villa, except for Thursday, the chef’s night off. On that evening, we will take a trip into town or dine at one of Surf Maroc’s sister hotels.
Activities in Tagazhout and the Surrounding Area
Internationally renowned amongst travellers, surfers, and yogis for its laid-back pace and world-class waves, Taghazout is a unique gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Whether you prefer to relax by the pool with a good book, spend the day catching waves or explore the local area, this retreat has something for you.
Learn to Surf: Our retreat venue is hosted by Surf Maroc. They specialise in surfing holidays for everyone from beginners to more experienced surfers. Whether you want to try surfing just once or would like to pre-book a package with daily transport and equipment hire to the best surf spots, and the option for lessons, they’ve got you covered.
Visit Banana Village souk: make the most of the brilliant bargains on fresh food, rugs and traditional Moroccan silver jewellery in this local market. check out the beautiful traditional Moroccan textile, basket, shoe and craft stands, and marvel at the mountains of fresh spices.
Horse and Camel Riding: Take a horse or camel ride along the beach outside the Villa
Visit paradise Valley: Paradise Valley is a breathtaking oasis nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. It’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by lush greenery, palm trees, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear natural pools. Visitors can hike along scenic trails, swim in the refreshing rock pools, and revel in the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.
Enjoy Massages and Treatments: A full range of massage and spa treatments are available at the Amouage (Villa Mandala’s sister hotel)
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
Ashtanga Yoga
Retreat Schedule
Before coming on retreat there are often questions about the timetable. Here’s a rough idea of what will take place on a typical day.
8.00 am - Pranayama and Meditation Practice
8.30 am - Mysore Ashtanga Guided Self Practice (beginners intro for those new to ashtanga)
10.45 am - Brunch
3.00 pm - Afternoon snack of cake, local fruits and nuts
5.00 pm - Afternoon workshop (3 per week)
7.30 pm - Dinner
Your Ashtanga Yoga retreat hosts
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Lauren is a L2 Authorised Astanga Yoga Teacher and Trauma Sensistive Yoga Facilitator with over 12 years teaching experience
I love everything about organising retreats, from selecting the venue to planning the itinerary and bringing people together as a community to have a fantastic time. I’m very much looking forward to spending some time in this fabulous part of Morrocco reconnecting with old friends and getting to know a new group of yogis.
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Cathy has been practising yoga since 1999. She’s the founder of Ashtanga Yoga Glasgow, the City’s longest-running Mysore program and is an Authorised Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga Teacher.
Cathy loves having the opportunity to get to know people better whilst hosting yoga retreats. She enjoys a relaxed atmosphere on retreat that allows people to take their time with their practice rather than having to rush off for work. Living in Glasgow, Cathy also appreciates being able to practice in the warm and sunshine.
"This was such an amazing retreat! The week was full of yoga, sunshine, gorgeous scenery, lovely vegetarian food and the nicest people you could ever meet! Lauren and Cathy are both such wonderful teachers - their expert instruction, encouragement and good humour meant we were able to develop our practice while having a great time. The daily morning Mysore-style yoga classes were held in a stunning shala overlooking the sea, and we had a few evening workshops scattered throughout the week for more in-depth learning and some immensely relaxing yoga nidra sessions! The afternoons were free to explore the island, hike down to the beach, or relax by the pool with a good book. It was truly a fantastic week, full of yoga, friends and fun - I can't wait to sign up for the next one!"
— Previous Retreat Guest
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat Testimonial
Your investment
Twin Room (Shared Bathroom):
£1065 per person (bathroom shared with one other room)
Twin Room Ensuite:
£1,165 per person (based on two sharing)
Single Occupancy Room:
SOLD OUT
What’s included:
7 nights accommodation
6 Daily morning Mysore Ashtanga and Meditation Practice
3 Afternoon workshops
6 Evening meals, 6 brunches, 6 packed lunches & Daily Afternoon cake - All food will be vegetarian with plant-based options.
Group Transfers from/to Agadir airport
Unlimited Fresh Spring water, a selection of tea and coffee
Towels (x 2) and linen change, once during the week
Grippy Yoga mat Towel
Fibre Optic Wifi throughout the Villa
Retreat Goes on General Sale from 21st September 2024
What’s not included:
Excursions and Surf lessons/packages
Meals outside of the venue including the Thursday evening meal.
The closest airport is Agadir (a 40-minute drive)
Transfer Information:
Group transfers from/To Agadir Airport are included in the price. Please let me know your flight details so I can make the arrangements
Click the button below to be added to register your interest and be the first to know when the retreat officially opens for booking (Highly recommended to secure your choice of room).
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat FAQs
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Yes, many of our guests come by themselves. You will be allocated a room shared with one other person of the same gender. Attending a yoga retreat is a great way to meet other yoga practitioners and dive deeper into your yoga practice.
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All deposits are non-refundable. The final payment is due 14 weeks in advance of the retreat and is non-refundable once paid. If you’re unable to attend we will do our best to find someone to replace you, but this is not guaranteed. If we find a replacement we will be able to issue you with a refund minus the deposit. We suggest everyone take out travel insurance, in case they are unable to attend the retreat.
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You’re welcome to participate in as many, or as little, of the yoga classes, meals or other activities as you’d like to. This yoga retreat is your time to rest and recharge so it’s always you’re choice what you would like to do.
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All food will be vegetarian or vegan. We can accommodate most dietary requirements. All food will be cooked in one kitchen so you should let us know at the time of booking if you have any severe allergies.
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Yes! The retreat is suitable for everyone. If you’ve never done Ashtanga before you’ll be well looked after. On the first day you’ll receive a one-to-one introduction to Ashtanga and from there your practice will grow at a pace that suits you.
