Overview:
A six-day, seven-night horse riding and yoga retreat at Les 2 Gazelles Ranch in magical Morocco. Guests enjoy delicious Moroccan food, a mix of calming, grounding and energising yoga classes by the ocean or at the ranch, as well as half-day rides on the beautiful nearby beach, along the dunes or into the mountains. The programme also includes a special sunset ride and a fun group dinner at the beach if weather permits.
During free time, guests are invited to switch off and unwind with a dip in the sea, a relaxing massage and/or a Hammam (traditional Moroccan spa) experience. You can also read or sunbathe on one of the ranch’s many terraces, surf, paraglide or go shopping at one of the nearby towns where you will find jewellery, rugs and more. Scroll down for more information.
About Les 2 Gazelles:
Nestled between the ocean and the mountains in southern Morocco, Les 2 Gazelles Ranch is a dreamy holiday spot for equestrian adventure travellers and wellness lovers. Run by Melaine and Antoine, this spacious and colourful property is home to around 20 sure-footed and well-loved Barb-Arabian horses, who take their guests on scenic rides into the mountains and along the wild coast of this intriguing North African country.
For an authentic and immersive experience, guests dine and sleep at the ranch (so you can be close to the horses) enjoying hearty meals together in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The menu includes fresh fish (from the nearby port), tagines, grills, couscous and other local specialities prepared by the ranch’s own cook, not to the famous Moroccan mint tea (said to have a variety of health and wellness benefits).
The eight spacious rooms – specially decorated in a style typical of the region – come complete with many of the comforts of home (each with a double or two single beds and a private bathroom). Common areas include a large dining room for group dinners, a cosy lounge for reading and relaxing, plus several outdoor terraces – perfect for practising yoga. A garden with carob trees, hibiscus and olive trees also faces west, allowing guests to relax in the shade or sun and enjoy sunsets over the sea.
The ranch also has a beauty salon, with a range of treatments on offer including massages, facials, waxing and manicures.
Visit the website of Les 2 Gazelles: https://www.les2gazelles.com/index.html
Price:
€1190 per person for a shared room. Includes accommodation, riding, yoga and meals.
Hammam visit, beauty treatments and taxis are extra. Alcohol, soft drinks and extra drinks between meals are also charged separately (but water is always complementary). Flights and airport transfers are not included. For a single occupancy room, there is an additional fee of €140 for the week.
Bookings and deposit:
All guests are required to fill out a booking form. Once your booking has been confirmed with the ranch, a deposit is payable directly to them, with the remainder to be paid at the end of your trip.
Riding experience and weight limit:
This trip is for experienced riders only, not suitable for beginners. Riders must be competent in all paces/gaits, able to rise trot and canter in a group along the beach, with experience riding across different terrain. Participants should also be comfortable spending several hours in the saddle. Safety helmets must be worn at all times. Weight limit is 80kgs.
Yoga experience and equipment:
No previous yoga experience is required for this trip, but all guests are required to sign a waiver to confirm you are safe and fit to practice. Mats are provided.
I would also recommend bringing a yoga block with you, as this can be very helpful to your practice. Participants are asked to wear breathable, stretchy clothing that will allow you to move freely, and to remove socks.
Flights and airport transfers:
Guests fly into Agadir airport. A taxi can be arranged to bring you to the ranch and take you back again at the end of the trip and typically costs approximately 550 Moroccan dirhams (around €50) per taxi. This must be specified on your booking form. You may be able to share a taxi with others guests depending on flights.
Travel money:
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, meaning it can only be bought in Morocco. You are able to exchange money at the airport immediately after collecting your luggage. There are also ATMs in nearby towns (around 20 minutes from the ranch) but withdrawal amounts may be limited.