Do Luxe Skill-Building Retreats Really Work? I Joined One in Morocco to Find Out.

There are all sorts of retreats, from wellness and meditation trips, to ayahuasca experiences for those seeking spiritual insights. I had participated in some experiences before, including a revealing holotropic breathing retreat. Traveling for these purposes is growing as a trend (the global wellness tourism sector rose to $895.09 billion in 2024, according to this report), and yet the benefits of the trips are not thoroughly investigated.

Four months ago, I heard about a self-transformation one-week retreat being offered in Morocco. It focused on the science of changing habits to change oneself, and it was facilitated by two people with ample experience in executive education in the US. The Cerené Experience was somewhat unique in that it offered support for 100 days after the trip so that the transformation would actually take place when coming back home. I had finished a PhD and felt a bit lost in terms of what I wanted to do next, so I signed up.

The retreat pushed me physically and mentally. I reviewed the unhelpful stories I had been telling myself, and got inspired to change through on-the-ground discussions, activities, and even through a Moroccan cooking class. At the non-profit Amal, we learned not only to make tagine and traditional mint tea... We heard directly from the woman who created the organization, and saw with our own eyes what amazing things can happen when we are called to responsibility and we gather the courage to answer through habits and actions.

As a result of the retreat, I was able to integrate my creative side. I started illustrating daily, after 15 years of being blocked from doing so, and this has had larger repercussions in my confidence to do more. If you want to learn how the retreat works and how you can change habits for yourself, you can read all about it here.

Until next time,

Debbie Gonzalez Canada, SEO editor

Get Inspired

Explore more of Morocco

A Marrakesh Kitchen Where Travel Changes Lives

A cooking class at Amal Women’s Training Center is more than learning tagine. It directly supports disadvantaged Moroccan women through paid training, job placement, and long-term independence.

Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech’s Most Iconic Garden

Art, architecture, and saturated color define Jardin Majorelle, one of Morocco’s most elegant and artful botanical gardens.

Morocco’s Gray Wine Is the Rosé Alternative to Know

Light, crisp, and barely pink, Moroccan vin gris thrives in the Atlas foothills and coastal vineyards. It’s a surprise standout for summer sipping.

The Perfect One-Week Itinerary in Morocco

From imperial cities to the coast and desert, this itinerary shows how to experience Morocco’s highlights without rushing.

5 Essential Things to Do in Essaouira

With ocean breezes, a UNESCO-listed medina, and a laid-back creative scene, Essaouira is Morocco at its most relaxed.

📍Where To Stay

The Most Spectacular Hotels in Marrakech

Serene riads and grand palaces define Marrakech stays, delivering Moroccan luxury without losing a sense of place.

Experience the Best of Marrakech From These Unique Airbnbs

These standout Airbnbs offer a more personal way to experience the city, from medina courtyards to design-forward retreats.

Riads and Glamping Stays Worth the Trip

Morocco’s best stays extend beyond hotels, pairing historic riads with desert glamping near Agafay and the coast.

These Ecodomes in Morocco Make You Feel Like You're in Star Wars

In Essaouira’s countryside, these sustainable ecodomes feel futuristic while staying rooted in nature.