30-Day Shaolin & Sufi Martial Arts and Meditation Retreat in Marrakech

The heart of this retreat is the combination of two deep traditions. Each day includes physical training rooted in the Shaolin and Taoist martial arts, supervised and adjusted to your level, and meditation sessions that draw on the Sufi tradition. Hicham and his family run the center, and they host participants as guests in their family home, which means meals are shared, conversations happen easily, and the whole experience feels personal rather than transactional.

Hicham's own background is unusual: he spent years as a business leader in Silicon Valley before following his interest in martial arts back to his roots. He traveled to China to study with Shaolin monks for a year, and he's been given permission by his teachers to share what he learned. The training reflects both lineages — expect dynamic movement, standing work, and meditation, all taught with attention to how energy moves through the body.

Because the owner hosts and is an instructor, there's no 'program designed by a company' feel. Instead, the week (or month) adapts to the people who are there. Beginners are welcome, and the training is scaled so that someone with serious martial arts experience and someone who's never trained can both get what they need. Returning guests make up 80% of visitors, and regulars often book their next stay before they leave.

The setting is a former monastery now surrounded by an olive farm. Peacocks, cats, and rabbits roam the grounds. Accommodation is simple, private, and comfortable, with shared bathrooms. The food is organic, halal, and often sourced from local markets.

What's included

- Airport pickup & drop-off - 29 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily meditation classes - 1-hour treatment - Daily physical training sessions - Pre- and post-retreat support - Parking - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Security deposit (500 MAD/€50, refunded at checkout) - Optional excursions