Shopping & Culture in Morocco
Join us in a serene oasis at a luxurious 5-star villa in Essaouira, where you’ll enjoy boutique shopping, hands-on cooking experiences, and the charm of local artisan culture.
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DATE
11 - 15th October 2025 -
DURATION
4 nights -
ANNUAL LEAVE
3 days off work -
GROUP SIZE
up to 6 women -
LOCATION
Essaouira, Morocco
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS TRIP
Join us this October for a relaxed and inspiring long weekend in coastal Morocco.
We chose Essaouira because it’s full of charm – calm and breezy by the sea, but also full of life and colour. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, wander through artisan markets, and find beautiful, handmade things you’ll want to take home.
We’ll stay in a peaceful villa with a pool, enjoy slow breakfasts together, try our hand at Moroccan cooking in a women-led workshop, and spend our days exploring, meeting the makers, shopping, and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you love browsing for unique finds, connecting with other women, and taking a break from the busy pace of life, this trip is for you.
THE PLAN
ITINERARY
THE AREA
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEET YOUR HOSTS
FAQ
THE PLAN
This trip is for women who want to unwind, explore somewhere beautiful, and enjoy a mix of rest, culture, and good company.
We’ll be staying in a gorgeous private villa surrounded by gardens – a peaceful hideaway with plenty of space to relax. There are six lovely bedrooms and five bathrooms, a heated infinity pool, and a sunny terrace where you can read, chat, or just enjoy the quiet.
Each morning, we’ll start the day with a fresh breakfast made with local ingredients, then head out to explore. You’ll join a cooking workshop led by local women and visit small artisan studios where Berber rugs, pottery, textiles and other handmade pieces are crafted with care. It’s a dream if you love discovering unique finds – so maybe leave a little extra room in your suitcase!
We’ve made things easy too: there’s a group transfer to and from Essaouira airport, so you can just focus on enjoying the experience.
If you’re in the mood for more adventure, there’ll be optional activities like camel rides on the beach, quad biking through the dunes, or a sunset horse ride. Or, if you’d rather take it slow, you can book a massage at the villa and simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
It’s your time – join the activities you feel drawn to, or take space to rest.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrive in Essaouira and enjoy a private group transfer to our peaceful villa – your home for the weekend. Settle in, take a dip in the pool, or wander into town for a first stroll through the medina’s winding streets and charming little shops.
In the evening, we’ll come together for a relaxed welcome dinner at the villa to get to know each other.
Day 2: Markets, Crafts & Seaside Lunch
Today is all about discovering the charm of Essaouira.
We’ll explore the medina together, visiting artisan boutiques and meeting local makers – expect everything from handwoven baskets and textiles to natural beauty products and jewellery.
We’ll pause for a delicious lunch with a sea view, then the afternoon is yours to wander, shop, or relax back at the villa.
Optional: If you’re up for it, you can join a camel ride along the beach or go quad biking through the nearby dunes.
Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Spices & Cooking with Local Women
A day full of flavour, stories, and connection.
We’ll begin with a Moroccan cooking workshop led by local women – learning traditional recipes and enjoying what we cook together.
Afterwards, we’ll head to the local spice market with a guide, where you’ll have time to shop for fragrant spices, oils, and other treasures to bring home.
Optional: The afternoon is free to rest or join an extra activity like a massage at the villa or a visit to one of the local hammams.
Day 4: Carpet Weaving & Final Finds
Today, we’ll visit a women-led carpet weaving workshop and learn about the beautiful tradition of Berber rug-making – you’ll even get to try the techniques yourself.
Afterwards, the day is yours: browse the medina for any final pieces, sip coffee on a rooftop, or take one last swim before our final evening together.
Optional: Camel rides or quad biking can also be arranged again today if you didn’t get a chance earlier.
Day 5: Farewell
We’ll enjoy a slow morning to soak up the last moments at the villa, before our group transfer takes us back to Essaouira Airport.
THE AREA
Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, is a coastal gem known for its laid-back vibe, historic medina, and artistic energy. Wander its maze of blue and white streets, discover charming cafés and vibrant souks, and soak up the salty sea air and bohemian charm.
Beyond its rich history and artisan culture, Essaouira is also a food lover’s paradise. From rooftop terraces with ocean views to cozy cafés tucked into the medina, you’ll find plenty of spots to savour fresh seafood, Moroccan tagines, and mint tea. Whether you’re looking for a stylish lunch spot, a lively dinner with live music, or the perfect place for a golden-hour aperitif, this little city serves up some real culinary gems.
Whether you’re treasure-hunting in local boutiques, sipping espresso by the sea, or watching the sun set over the Atlantic, Essaouira invites you to slow down and savour every moment.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What’s included:
- 4-night stay at the stunning Villa Dar Bouma with heated infinity pool, gardens, and sun terrace
- Daily breakfast with fresh, local ingredients
- Authentic Moroccan cooking workshop led by local women
- Guided artisan tour to meet creators of beautiful Berber crafts
- Opportunity to shop unique, handcrafted items – perfect for meaningful souvenirs
- Carpet weaving workshop
- Group airport transfers to and from Essaouira Airport
- Curated itinerary blending relaxation, culture, and connection
- Warm, welcoming group of women sharing this inspiring journey
Not included:
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flights
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your insurance
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additional activities
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Nati has become a member of The Merit Club in 2020 and Krisztina and her connected instantly! Since then they have organised multiple events together and after Nati has spent 3 months in Saint Lucia, exploring everything that the island has to offer, she approached Krisztina with the idea to bring a group of members back and use the experiences and connections she has made.
One would say ‘the rest is history’ but after they planned and hosted that amazing, week long trip for 18 women in Saint Lucia, they decided that they want to continue to collaborate on planning exciting experiences for members and take women to the most exciting parts of the world!
They are now on a mission to find exotic and unique stays while creating a safe environment in the group for solo female travellers and most of all making sure they negotiate the most affordable rates for members!
You can follow them on @krisztina_tardos and @nati_tarjanyi and see what they are up to
FAQ
Which airport should we fly to?
There are flights to and from Essaouira. We encourage you to book your flights early.
Will we try to get the same flight?
Yes that would be important we do, because of your transfer to the hotel. We will organise a zoom call with the group so we can discuss any questions you have and also create a whatsapp group for us too. If you decide to travel much earlier or later than the group please note you might be travelling by yourself which would be at your own cost.
Are there Restaurants around?
From cheap eats to high-end Asian and European cuisine, Essaouira has food choices as diverse and eclectic as the people who visit, and many expats have joined locals in setting up eateries here. Whether you’re after a tasty tagine or authentic Italian, Essaouira’s restaurants have your cravings covered. The hotel also has a great restaurant where you can decide to dine.
Is Essaouira safe?
It is a lovely seaside town with beautiful architecture and welcoming people, we felt completely safe last time we visited with a group of ladies and none of us had any problems.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to email us on travel@themeritclub.com and we can even set up a call with you to discuss.
SEE WHAT THE LADIES SAID
I had such an amazing experience in Morocco with the girls! I wanted to visit this country for years and good time never came up. I was also conscious of travelling there by myself, so when the chance came along to do so with the Merit club, I could not refuse it. The thorough organisation by Nati and Krisztina left me in full confidence that we will be in good hands and will have the best time, and so we definitely did! I will go on the next trip in a heartbeat 💛 huge thank you! 🙏
Nati and Krisztina planned the most amazing holiday! All the women who attended the trip were truly wonderful, and I felt so comfortable with everyone, even though we were strangers! The locations selected were gorgeous, and the activities were fun, accessible, and affordable. I'd happily go on another Merit Club trip!
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ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
The villa is designed with incredibly spacious en-suite bedrooms and it also comes with a personal housekeeper who cooks our breakfast and serves coffees, teas and afternoon cakes if you fancy. The villa is surrounded by landscaped gardens and features their very own heated swimming pool.
The rooms all have king size beds. Room allocation will be at random.
Private Room
King size Bed in a Large En-Suite Room
There are only private options available as the beds cannot be separated. The Private room is £899. All Prices quoted are per person.
Payment plan is available at the checkout.
Read our Terms & Conditions here
