The Alchemist’s Journey: Morocco Yoga Retreat
Follow Santiago’s path from The Alchemist on a 12-day yoga + adventure retreat across Morocco. Explore Tangier, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the sacred medina of Fez, and ride camels into the Sahara Desert for two magical nights under the stars. End in Marrakech with riads, hammams, music, and a soulful closing circle. Yoga, meditation, and authentic cultural experiences daily.
Day-by-Day Morocco Retreat Itinerary with DDY Travels
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”
If you’ve been dreaming of Morocco — the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, the winding alleys of Fez, the silence of the Sahara Desert, and the magic of Marrakech — this retreat was designed for you.
Over 12 days and 11 nights, we’ll follow in Santiago’s footsteps from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, blending yoga, adventure, and authentic Moroccan experiences.
Here’s the full day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Gateway to Africa
Arrive in Tangier, where Europe and Africa meet. Settle in, meet the group, and begin our retreat with an opening circle.
Day 2: Tangier → Chefchaouen
Travel through the Rif Mountains to the legendary “blue city.” Explore winding streets, hidden stairways, and views that feel like stepping into a dream.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Fez
Stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, then continue to Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. Evening group dinner.
Day 4: Explore Fez – The Spiritual City
A full day in Fez: wander the medina, visit traditional workshops, and soak up the sensory magic of Morocco’s most storied city.
Day 5: Fez → Midelt
Break the long journey south with an overnight in Midelt, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. A day of travel, scenery, and gentle practice before the desert adventure begins.
Day 6: Midelt → Sahara Desert
Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara. Take a sunset camel trek into the dunes and settle into our luxury desert camp. Evening fire circle under a sky of stars.
Day 7: Sahara Desert – Language of the World
Wake for sunrise yoga in the dunes. Explore desert culture, listen to live Gnawa music, and rest into the silence of the sands.
Day 8: Sahara Desert → Nkoub
Leave the desert behind and travel to Nkoub, a village surrounded by 45 ancient kasbahs. Overnight in a luxury kasbah with sweeping desert views.
Day 9: Nkoub → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
Cross the Atlas Mountains, stopping at valleys and kasbahs before arriving in Marrakech. Evening free to explore the medina.
Day 10–11: Marrakech – The Soul of Morocco
Two full days in Marrakech to savor the city’s magic: explore the souks, visit a hammam, take a cooking class, and close our retreat with a rooftop circle at the riad.
Day 12: Departure from Marrakech
Say goodbye to Morocco with a heart full of memories — and your own treasure discovered along the way.
Chefchaouen: The Blue City
What Makes This Itinerary Different
This is not a tourist checklist. Each day blends adventure and rest, with time for yoga, meditation, and reflection. We’ll focus on authentic experiences: cooking with locals, listening to music by the fire, and staying in boutique riads, kasbahs, and a luxury desert camp.
Yes, there are long travel days — but they are part of the story. Each mile carries us closer to the magic of Morocco, and like Santiago, we’ll find omens and lessons along the way.
✨ Want to join us? Learn more and reserve your spot below
Why You Need to Sleep Under the Stars in the Sahara
Sleeping under the stars in Morocco’s Sahara Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ride a camel into the golden dunes of Merzouga, settle into a luxury tented camp, gather around the fire with Berber music, and witness the Milky Way stretch across the night sky. Discover why the Sahara’s silence, beauty, and rhythm will stay with you forever.
Under the Milky Way, the Sahara doesn’t just hold you — it remakes you. There are few experiences in life that feel both timeless and transformative — sleeping in the Sahara is one of them. In Merzouga, where the ochre dunes stretch into eternity, the desert whispers the same truths it has carried for thousands of years.
As Paulo Coelho writes in The Alchemist: “The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes.” There’s wisdom in that — the reminder that life’s essence remains steady, while our external landscapes shift and reshape with every wind. The desert may not change, but you will
A view from our camp in the Sahara.
“The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes.”
Beneath the Milky Way, the Sahara remakes you. Step into the magic of the Merzouga and you will never be the same.
What it’s Really Like in a Tented Camp
✨ Camel Caravan into the Dunes
Your desert journey begins at golden hour. A camel carries you gently into the sands, each sway of its gait syncing you to the timeless rhythm of the desert. The sun melts into the horizon, painting the dunes in gold and violet.
✨ Luxury Meets Simplicity
Forget rough camping — tented Sahara camps blend comfort with authenticity. Think Berber carpets, lantern-lit pathways, plush beds, and endless mint tea.
✨ Music by the Fire
After dinner, the night comes alive with the beat of Berber drums. You’ll gather around the fire, laughter mixing with rhythm, stories weaving through sparks that float into the star-soaked sky.
✨ The Sky
And then the stars appear. Not a sprinkle — a flood. The Milky Way arcs across the heavens, unpolluted by city lights, reminding you how vast the universe is and how deeply connected we are to it.
✨ Adventure in the Dunes
For the playful at heart, sandboarding down the soft slopes is pure joy — a chance to let go, laugh, and feel the desert’s childlike spirit.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Sleeping under the stars in Merzouga is more than a bucket-list checkmark. It’s an initiation — into awe, into presence, into the reminder that even in the shifting dunes of life, some things (like your spirit, like the desert itself) remain eternal.
If Morocco is on your horizon, let this be the moment you promise yourself: you will spend a night in the desert. It will stay with you long after the sand has left your shoes.
✨ Want to experience it for yourself? Join us September 1–12, 2026 for our Morocco retreat and let the desert change you in all the best ways.
Journey to Your Inner Greek God/Goddess on Our Amorgos Yoga Retreat
Discover the Magic of Amorgos and Awaken Your Inner Goddess/God
Join us on an extraordinary journey to the mythical island of Amorgos, where you can live like a Greek God or Goddess, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Aegean Sea. Our Amorgos Yoga Retreat, taking place from September 15th to September 24th, 2024, is a transformative adventure curated with meticulous care by Shelley Carroll, the visionary behind Dancing Dogs Yoga. Immerse yourself in the world of yoga, meditation, and spa days while savoring the delectable culinary delights and vibrant culture of Greece. As you embark on this enchanting adventure, you'll also uncover the profound connection between Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and the mesmerizing island of Amorgos.
A Retreat for Body, Mind, and Soul
Our retreat is a sanctuary for all who seek holistic wellness. Each day unfolds with invigorating yoga and meditation sessions set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Greek Isles. From vinyasa flows to serene yoga nidra, our classes are designed to cater to practitioners of all levels, ensuring that each day begins with a revitalizing practice.
But there's more to this retreat than just yoga. Our home for the journey is the exquisite Aegialis Hotel & Spa, renowned as one of the top Yoga Hotels in Greece by CNN. This haven is dedicated to nurturing your spirit and body, offering spa days filled with tranquility and transformation, all framed by the hypnotic blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
The Mythical Connection: Artemis and Amorgos
Amorgos holds a unique allure, rooted in its mythical history. Legend has it that it was on this island that Ulysses, on his return to Ithaki, was irresistibly drawn by the magnetic allure of Goddess Kirki, spending years under her captivating spell. This magnetic charm endures, drawing wellness and yoga enthusiasts much like the goddess Artemis, protector of the wilderness and the hunt. Amorgos is imbued with the energy of rejuvenation, thanks to an abundance of therapeutic herbs and a revitalizing aura, making it the perfect sanctuary for spiritual and physical renewal.
Float On! Boat Tour: Dive into Aegean Bliss
In addition to your daily yoga and meditation practice, we invite you to explore the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea through our "Amorgos Tender-Boat Adventure." This thrilling group activity spans approximately 4 hours and is perfect for those with a deep love for the sea. The journey begins with a visit to the serene beaches of Nikouria, offering a taste of serenity far from the island's bustling shores.
From there, you'll board the tender-boat, embarking on a voyage to a hidden beach, a gem tucked away from the island's hustle and bustle. Here, you can bask in the warmth of the Greek sun, unwind on sunbeds, and savor the tranquil ambiance. Throughout the adventure, the tender-boats remain at your service, providing opportunities for snorkeling in the mesmerizing underwater world or simply floating on the tranquil sea. Worried about steering the boat? Worry not, as guidance is provided, with the captain accompanying you at all times. We provide towels, sunbeds, shade kiosks, snorkeling equipment, and even the chance to learn to drive the tender-boat or opt for an exhilarating ride through big waves. Lunch and beverages are included, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
Opa! Food + Wine: A Culinary Odyssey
Greek cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its authenticity and flavor, takes center stage in our "Cooking Class + Wine Tasting" experience. Hosted at the Ambrosia Gallery Restaurant at Aegialis Hotel & Spa, our resident chef will guide you through the preparation of traditional Greek dishes, using vegetables and herbs sourced from our organic gardens.
Indulge in a culinary journey that includes crafting delicacies such as vegetable croquettes with aromatic herbs, fava paste made from yellow lentils, Amorgian yellow lentil fritters, sweet and salty wine cookies, traditional Greek cheese pie, spinach pie, honey puffs, and the classic Greek yogurt sauce, Tzatziki. Following your culinary endeavors, relish in the savory flavors during a Greek lunch.
For those seeking to elevate their experience, we offer an optional wine tasting for $50. Savor the exquisite flavors of Greek wines, complementing your freshly prepared dishes. This experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic tastes of Greece.
Join Us on This Extraordinary Retreat
Our Amorgos Yoga Retreat, set for September 15-24, 2024, is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner Goddess or God while embracing the mythical beauty of Amorgos. Dive into abundant yoga, meditation, and spa days that will rejuvenate your soul. Explore the serene waters of the Aegean on our boat tour and savor the delectable flavors of Greece through our cooking class and wine tasting. Reserve your spot today, and let the magic of Amorgos awaken your spirit on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Your Greek adventure awaits!
Travel Quotes to Inspire You
Travel changes you. Let these quotes inspire you to travel more, deeper, and with greater intent. At DDY Travels, we believe in traveling over tourism. Being responsible. Ethical. Stewards of the land. Partners. We believe in leaving places even better than we found them, and allowing the people, culture, and lessons of travel expand our minds and hearts.
It all begins with a good quote for an instagram post. Travel quotes are fun to pair with your IG account, but they also actually have a great deal to teach us. Here are some of my favorite travel quotes and lessons that I hope will inspire you to travel:
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.”
Me, Iceland. PC: Ross Oscar Knight
“Paris is always a good idea.”
Kendra + me, Paris 2021. PC: Pierre Satin
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
Viñales, Cuba 2019. PC: Kelsey Schulz
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Cuba 2018 PC: Mhai Yoga
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
Lauren Parker, Iceland. PC: Ross Oscar Knight
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves.” ”
Ashley and Heather, Havana. PC Kelsey Schulz 2019
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Me. Mayan Clay Meditation. Tulum 2022.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”
Kim, Shelley, Lauren and Tascha. Iceland, Northern Lights. PC Ross Oscar Knight 2021.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
Tulum Zona Archeologica. 2022. PC Victoria Privette
“Drink heavily with locals whenever possible.”
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”
Moonrise. Tulum. 2022.
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
Iceland, 2021. Photo by Ross Oscar Knight.
“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled.”
Borne, Barcelona, Spain.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
Victoria and Kendra, post-ice bath. Tulum, 2022.
“The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life.”
Jenn. Tulum, 2022. Photo by Victoria Privette.
“Adventure is worthwhile.”
Dominican Republic, 2021. Photo by Kelsey Schulz.
“The journey is part of the experience — an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.”
Dominican Republic, 2021. Photo by Kelsey Schulz.
“To travel is to live.”
Gran Cenote, Tulum. 2021. Photo by Victoria Privette
“Don’t listen to what they say, go see.”
Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Photo by Cara Griffin.
“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”
Lauren. GeoSea, Husavik, Iceland. Photo by Ross Oscar Knight.
“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”
Maui, 2021. Photo by Cara Griffin.
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
Northern Iceland, 2021. Photo by Ross Oscar Knight.
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.”
Maui. Photo by Caitlin Grace Photo.
“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.”
Lindsay. Dominican Republic, 2020.
Ohana + The Art of Responsible Travel
Ohana means family in Hawaiian, but it is also an idea of doing right by everyone. Read on for how we seek to create Ohona in all of our trips.
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
Ohana means family in Hawaiian. The family you are born into, and the family you choose. Ohana emphasizes that families are bound together, and members must cooperate and remember one another. Is n Hawaiian culture, family is everything. As a value, Ohana is a human circle of complete Aloha, the outpouring of unconditional love. Our goal is to create Ohana together on every magical retreat!
At DDY Travels, we are not tourists. We are visitors and travelers to the magical and special lands we visit, and and we strive to travel responsibly, ethically, and in partnership with the locals and the land.
We believe in keeping the places we visit beautiful, and our trips are planned to be socially, ethically, and ecologically responsible. We want to leave places even better than we found them. We want to be responsible travelers. In the spirit of Hawaii, we want to create Ohana.
Fire + Ice-land
Fire + Ice-land and the epic adventures of the DDY family.
Ice had an amazing yoga retreat to Iceland. Known as the land of fire and ice it was the perfect place for a yoga getaway. And what could be more yogic than an entire country that offers such striking opposition? As in yoga, where we strive for both shtira and such in every pose, the whole country of Iceland balances a cold climate with the heat of living on an active volcano.
We went to Iceland for this epic yoga retreat in November 2021 and it was the perfect yoga getaway.
We went in search of the Northern lights, the elusive Aurora, and not only did we find her (multiple times) but we discovered so much more.
We discovered magic, laughter (on a Will Ferrel level) connection, friendship, resilience, perseverance. We explored the country, and even found ourselves doing our best Eurovision impersonations.
Jenn and Shelley channeling those Ja Ja Ding Dong vibes. Photo by Lucas
Most of us started in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, to get our bearings and begin our love affair with Icelandic Christmas ales. We discovered the value and magic in Icelandic omakaze tasting menus.
After we pre-gamed in Reykjavik, we headed north to Akureyri where most of our retreat took place.
In Akureyri we met our Swiss guide, Andreas, who owns a wellness center and served as our tour guide across the north.
We visited the Waterfall of the Gods, Goðafoss. When Iceland was first settled in the 9th and 10th Centuries, the vast majority followed the Old Norse religion, worshipping deities like Thor, Odin, Loki and Freya. However, after the Commonwealth was established in 930 AD, pressure to convert began to push from Christianising Europe.
By 1000 AD, it seemed that Norway would almost certainly invade if the country were to stand by their pagan beliefs. The issue was thus discussed at the parliament and the Ásatrú priest (or goði) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the responsibility to make the decision.
It is said he lay under a fur blanket for a day and a night in silence, praying to his Old Gods for the right decision. Eventually, he emerged and said, for the good of the people, Christianity would be the official religion, but pagans could practice in private.
To symbolise his decision, he returned to his home in north Iceland and threw idols of the Old Gods into a beautiful waterfall. Since then, it would be known as Goðafoss.
