Retreats

THE ALCHEMIST RETREAT - A Spiritual Journey towards Self-Love

" Wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure"

MARCH 31 TO APRIL 11 2025

In the famous book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a young shepherd boy named Santiago dreams of finding a hidden treasure. He sets off from Spain to Morocco in a journey through the Sahara desert where he encounters many characters and situations that teaches him invaluable lessons. At the end, after many adventures, he makes it to his destination just to find out that his treasure was actually at home. His whole ordeal is a metaphor that we go through life's journey many times searching outside or far away from us what was always there within our own hearts. 

In this amazing spiritual journey, we will mimic the adventures of Santiago on a road trip in Morocco starting at Chefchouen , one of the world's most beautiful and idilic cities, passing though several historic cities like Fes before reaching the Sahara desert through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. There, we will be "glamping" overnight in a campground in one in a lifetime experience filled with excitement, culture, reflection, beauty, solitude and awareness of what is most sacred, the gift that is already within us: the love in our hearts.

I, Jai have traveled to Morocco twice last year, canvassing for the best places, stays, guides and food to make this experience no less than extraordinary to each one of us. 

I am going to use my extensive knowledge of mindfulness techniques to create activities, meditations and yoga practices for people of all levels. We will use techniques and games to heal the inner child as we wonder through the markets, the mountains, the desert and the coastal towns of Morocco.  We will engage in simple but effective techniques of Body , Mind and Spirit awareness as we wholeheartedly take on the sounds, tastes , the colors and the richness of the Moroccan culture. The food is absolutely amazing. Rich in spices but not spicy. All group activities will be designed to free the heart from deep seated emotional wounds to bring us back to our original state of Self-Love ...  all the while having fun, lots of fun, which is Jai's signature travel style. Spirituality fueled by joy to bring us the most unforgettable experience!!! 

Trust me, you will want to be part of this !!!

12 DAY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY PROGRAM

March 15 2024

Day 1: Leave the USA

March 16 2024

Day 2 : Arrival to Morocco 

We must leave on Friday March 17 and fly to *Tangier, Morocco arriving before noon local time.

Welcome to Morocco! Our guide will be there waiting us , we pick you up from Tangier and head towards the blue mountain city of Chefchaouen. Granted one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We will spend the night in a local Riad in the Medina (old historic town). Riads are typical Moroccan mansions converted into hotels and the most desirable places to stay in Morocco as they are beautiful, full of character and have a home vibe. 

*there are several flight options through Spain, Portugal and France and once signed up, Jai will make a phone call with the group to discuss those options. I am intending myself to fly a few days earlier to Madrid and spend a few days in southern Spain before taking the 2hour flight to Tangier. All are welcome to join me in this pre-retreat leg of the journey as long as you make your own travel arrangements for those days. But I may also decide to go through Portugal instead. To be decided later. 

March 17 2024

Day 3 : Chefchaoeun 

On this second day we will embark on a private guided tour of the exotic and vibrant Chefchaouen, exploring in depth, the rich cultural heritage, and antiquity of this charming town and stroll the blue narrow alleys . We will have options to visit the Kasbah Museum, the Spanish Mosque, Plaza Uta-Hammam and more. This is one of my most favorite cities in Morocco and it’s a pedestrian only town, very beautiful, seated in the mountains and a great time to explore the town on our own. So count on some alone time here if wanted or non-group structured strolls. The city is very very safe. Chefchaouen is known as the blue pearl and ranked sixth of the most beautiful cities of the world. It’s an artsy, blue washed mountain village which was founded in the 15th century and was populated by Jewish and Muslim refugees fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. I have made several friends in this town, and we may be able to get one of them a local musician to serenade us with amazing Moroccan music and guitar, if the stars align.

March 18 2024

Day 4 : Chefchaoun to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes  

We will head south via the stunning Rif Mountains towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis. During Roman occupation of Morocco, Volubilis was the powerful ancient capital and administrative center of Roman Africa and prospered economically. Among the most famous of the ruins are the luxury villas with their water tanks, large courtyard beautiful mosaic floors, various pavilions, Basilica, Triumphal Arch built in 217 A.D and more than 300 temples. It was UNESCO World Heritage listed in 1997. After that, we set sail to the Imperial city of Meknes. Visit the 18th century Bab Mansour gate which is the most exquisite of its kind in North Africa and one of the 4 most beautiful gates in the world, Lahdim square, the Royal stables (film makers also have marveled at this amazing structure and that led to scenes for the movies Ishtar and The Jewel of the Nile being made here) and we will also see the incredible Bassin Souani. We then continue our journey to the ancient, vibrant and the UNESCO listed Imperial city of Fes and stay overnight on a Riad. 

March 19 2024

Day 5 : Fes Sightseeing Tour 

After breakfast in our riad, you will start exploring Fes with an English speaking guide. We will explore the Medina (old town) and its alleys; Fes has more than 9,000 alleys, some just a few feet wide. Only a few people still alive knows the entire Medina of Fes. Its an incredible city with incredible culture and the city is divided by trade. For example, we will visit the metalwork quarters, then the cloth dying quarters, the tanneries, a UNESCO site recognized by being one of a kind where all its dyes and process of leather are still done organically and without chemicals. We will spend the day visiting most of the sites with cultural and historical interest – including the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), the Medrasa Bouanania, the Tanneries and the Najjarine fountain. 

March 20 2024

Day 6 : Fes to the Sahara desert (Erg Chebbi) 

We leave Fez towards the Sahara desert , passing through Ifrane known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with its cold climate and possibly some snow at the end of March, built by the French in the 1930's with Swiss village style, we continue crossing the middle atlas and cedar forest near Azrou, where we can see and interact with the barbary monkeys . Afterwards we continue through many berber villages to arrive to Midelt where we will stop for lunch. We continue the way through the Atlas Mountains enjoying the landscapes and the scenic road ,we pass alongside Ziz Valley arriving in the Sahara desert by the late afternoon. 

March 21 2024

Day 7 : Sahara desert day 

Within the energy of the sand dunes, we will embark in several solo and group walks, sunrise and sunset meditations and group activities, enjoying the peaceful moment with just sky and sand for as far as we can see in a sea of sand where several of the world’s ascended masters has walked upon and meditated, as well as received messages from the Divine. This is sure a place of uttermost divinity, an energy vortex capable of catapulting us into powerful healing. Besides our spiritual work, we will get to visit the Khamlia, a little village with a big story. This village has a population of 390 of Berber ethnic groups and it is located at the foothills of the Merzouga dunes. Partake of a delectable lunch of Berber Pizza which is a food specialty of the desert town. 

March 22 2024

Day 8 : Merzouga full day  

Another full, meditative and life changing day in the desert. After sunrise meditation, we will visit a desert nomadic Berber family, share a cup of tea with them and be totally captivated by their life style, their traditional tents and the harsh desert environment in which they live. Going to the middle of the desert and have a picnic over there. Going back to the camp for a camel ride and sunset meditation in the dunes overlooking the vast sea of sand beyond. 

March 23 2024

Day 9 : Sahara desert to Dades Gorges 

Above the fascinating and high sand dunes of Erg Chebbi you will experience a wonderful view of the sunrise. Then we will head back to Merzouga and ride on camels through the vast and quiet desert before we say goodbye to our campsite and continue our journey to other places. We will drive to the Todra gorge via the beautiful village of Tinghir. Besides the magnificent views and landscapes, Todra gorges are the highest and narrowest in Morocco. These characteristics make Todra Gorge an attraction for climbers. After lunch and a walk through the stunning cliffs, we will drive to the lovely Dades Valley passing by many Berber villages.

March 24 2024

Day 10 : Dades Gorges to Marrakesh 

We will leave the Dades Gorges then pass through roses valley and Ouarzazate and arrive at UNESCO world site Ait Benhaddou. Follow the dramatic Ounila Valley with its derelict kasbahs to then reach the salt mines and the ruins of the kasbah of Teloute a hidden gem - an ancient gathering of trade caravans ,pass by the High Atlas mountains and cross the Tizi n Tichka pass at 2200 m . Having couple of stops for photos and refreshments. Arrive at Marrakech on the evening time.

March 25 2024

Day 11 : Marrakesh sightseeing tour  Marrakesh is without doubts, a town that shows all of Morocco's exotic culture and charm. With a native guide, we may visit the Koutoubia mosque built in 11th century, the Majorelle Garden packed with cacti, palms and ferns, the work of painter Jacques Majorelle. Then we will visit plenty of monuments like the Saadian Tombs This 16th century graveyard full of mosaic tiles  After a break for lunch. you may have time to explore the fascinating souks (native markets ) it’s the town's star attraction you mustn't miss the Babouche (shoes) Souk, Chouari (carpenter's) open-air market, El-Attarine (perfume and spice) souk and the Cherratine (leather) souk and the narrow alleys around the Djemâa El-Fna square where within the evening, we will be delighted by the snake charmers, singers, acrobats, dancers, narrators, and story-tellers. The square is alive most of the night and is a sure place we will have lots of fun as we start to close our spiritual journey. 

March 26 2024

Day 12 : Essaouira day trip 

We will embark on a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech! Just 2hours drive from Marrakech, Essaouira is a charming coastal town with a picturesque medina (old town) and interesting history. There is a relaxed vibe to Essaouira, and the salty air and screaming sound of seagulls characterize this little fishermen’s town. Essaouira was built by the French and was the first trading harbor of Morocco in the late 18th century. This day tour offers a great get away from Marrakech to discover Essaouira and its great medina and Skala ramparts. You will enjoy  amazing food and the vibrant beats of African music on the streets. We head back to Marrakesh in the evening.

March 27 2024

Day 13 : Marrakech free day 

This is the day we let it all out. Shopping for all the beautiful Moroccan artifacts you will see and fall in love with. Go all in on your favorite street foods and maybe try a Hammam ( steam bath and massage Moroccan style), cooking class, etc... 

March 28 2024

Day 14 : Airport Departure

We say good bye to Morocco with a nostalgic but free heart.

What is included : 

- All nights in excellent rated accommodations (Riads and Sahara Camp ) with dinners and breakfasts included, options of vegetarians and non vegetarians meals. Gluten free meals are a bit more difficult but doable but will consist mostly of vegetables or meat/chicken/lamb tagine. Moroccan bread is excellent and present in every meal but it can be served apart.  

- Private, comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle throughout the entire trip, including airport transfers  

- English speaking Driver

- Official Moroccan Tour Guide, same that accompanied me (Jai) on my solo journey, someone I trust wholeheartedly, I even got to travel to his village in the desert and spend an afternoon with his family in his house where they served me a special lunch.  

- Local Tour guides  

- Monument fees 

- Camel trekking in the desert 

- One 90min private coaching session with Jai ($200 value) prior to the trip, where we will identify the goals to your inner healing during this spiritual journey.

- Fast Track to Self-Love Booklet, a Spiritual Journey Program put together by Jai where each day of the trip we will be re-integrating those parts of ourselves that were either disowned, rejected or stolen from us into Love. This program is a culmination of my years of learning, practicing and teaching mindfulness as well as the newest techniques I learned personally from the great minds of Dr Joe Dispenza, Gregg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Gabor Mate and many others on my latest travels and conferences. 

Not Included: airfare from the USA to Morocco and back or from any other place, tips, alcoholic beverages, lunches (except for 3 lunches we will have as a group), massages, quad bike rentals in the desert if wanted, hamman (steam bath treatment), gifts and luggage fees at airport. We discourage alcoholic beverages in this trip but maybe on our last dinner in Marrakesh some of you can celebrate with some light drinks. 

Price:

Shared Room (2 people) $3,190* (each person)

Individual Room (1 person) $3,890*

*airfare not included

This will be a small group of 10-12 people in order for us to have a greater spiritual experience. We are asking for a $250 deposit non-refundable to hold your space. Deposit can be transferred to another person.

Half of the remaining to be paid by October 31 2023 (fully refundable until January 1 2024)

Other remaining half to be paid by January 31 2024 (after January 15, only 50% refundable of whatever has been paid)

Full amount is transferable to another person at anytime but refunds are as stated above.

NO REFUNDS after Feb 1st 2024

Shared Occupancy

$250 deposit anytime (non-refundable)

$1,345 by October 31 2023

$1,345 by January 31 2024

Single Occupancy

$250 deposit anytime (non-refundable)

$1,695 by October 31 2023

$1,695 by January 31 2024

If paying by credit card please add a 3% credit card fee. Venmo, Zelle and PayPal family and friends are ok and free of charge. Please text Jai at 407.227.2721 to arrange payment methods and receipts