Intimate New Year Retreat in Marrakech, Morocco

DarTzt is a beautifully restored 17th-century riad tucked away in the historic northern Medina of Marrakech. Reserved exclusively for our small retreat group, it offers a peaceful and intimate home filled with traditional Moroccan character and thoughtful details.

At the heart of the riad is a tranquil courtyard with a small plunge pool and sitting and dining area. Upstairs, a rooftop garden and terrace offer inviting spaces to relax, read, enjoy tea or share a meal, while the cosy salon with its open fireplace is perfect for cooler winter evenings.

The house has four individually styled en-suite bedrooms and sleeps up to seven guests. Daily breakfast is prepared by the riad’s local team, and lunches and dinners can also be arranged and enjoyed in the dining room or on the terrace. Daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry are included.

DarTzt is located close to Bab Taghzout and the shrine of Sidi Bel Abbes, around a 4–5 minute walk from the Medina gate. Marrakech’s souks, cafés, restaurants and sights can be explored from here, while the riad remains a calm and welcoming place to return to after time spent in the city.

For the duration of the retreat, the entire riad is reserved for our group, giving us the rare feeling of having our own private home in Marrakech — with space for shared moments, quiet corners and plenty of time to slow down.

Food is one of the pleasures of staying at DarTzt. Each morning begins with breakfast prepared at the riad, with homemade yoghurt, muesli, eggs, fresh fruit, bread, and coffee or tea.

During the retreat, we’ll also come together for a Moroccan lunch and two shared dinners, including a special New Year’s Eve dinner. Meals at the riad are prepared by Aziza, DarTzt’s much-loved house manager and cook, who has been welcoming guests and cooking for them for nearly two decades. Her Moroccan cooking is one of the things returning guests particularly love about the riad.

Depending on the weather, meals might be enjoyed in the courtyard, on the rooftop terrace or gathered by the fire in the salon — making them part of the pleasure of staying in the riad, rather than simply another item on the schedule.

For meals not included in the retreat price, you are free to follow your own rhythm: head out and discover Marrakech’s cafés and restaurants, or stay in and ask for an additional lunch or dinner to be prepared at the riad for an extra charge.

Day 1 — December 31 | Arrival & New Year’s Eve

Arrive in Marrakech and settle into the riad at your own pace. Take time to unpack, have tea, discover the house and meet the small group that will be sharing these few days together.

As evening falls, we’ll gather for a special New Year’s Eve dinner at the riad — good Moroccan food, conversation and a warm, intimate setting in which to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.

Day 2 — January 1 | A slow beginning to the year

The first morning of the year begins gently, with optional yoga followed by a leisurely breakfast at the riad.

Afterwards, there is nowhere you have to be. Stay in with a book, enjoy the rooftop terrace, wander into the Medina, lose yourself among the souks, stop for tea or coffee somewhere that catches your eye, visit a hammam, or simply see where the day takes you.

Spend time with the group if you feel like it, head out with one or two people, or enjoy a few hours entirely on your own.

In the evening, we’ll come together again for a shared Moroccan dinner at the riad.

Day 3 — January 2 | Marrakech at your own rhythm

Begin the day with optional gentle yoga and breakfast at the riad.

The rest of the day is yours to experience Marrakech in whatever way feels good. Explore the Medina, visit a museum or garden, linger over lunch, browse the souks, book a massage or hammam, or choose the luxury of doing very little.

We’ll share a Moroccan lunch together during the day, with plenty of free time around it for spontaneous plans, conversation, reading, exploring or simply resting.

Day 4 — January 3 | One last slow morning

Enjoy an optional final yoga practice followed by breakfast at the riad.

There will be time for a last cup of tea, a quiet moment on the terrace or a final wander nearby before departures begin.

Airport transfers will be arranged according to departure times, and we’ll say goodbye to Marrakech — and to the little group that shared the beginning of the year together.

This is a flexible programme rather than a strict timetable. All activities are optional, and the rhythm of the retreat may naturally adapt to the group, the weather and the moment. The idea is simple: enough structure to feel held, and enough freedom for the experience to feel like your own.

Travel to and from Marrakech is not included in the retreat price. Guests are responsible for arranging their own flights or other transport to Marrakech.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the nearest airport. Airport transfers between Marrakech Menara Airport and the riad are included in the retreat price and will be arranged according to your arrival and departure times.

To avoid unnecessary costs, we recommend waiting until the retreat has been confirmed before booking non-refundable flights. Once confirmed, you will receive all the practical information you need for your arrival, and we will coordinate your airport transfer with you.

The riad is located in Marrakech’s historic Medina, close to Bab Taghzout. Once settled in, much of the Medina can be explored on foot, while taxis can easily be arranged when needed.