Pose with Healthy Options: new yoga holidays in Morocco

Unwind and stimulate the senses on Healthy Options’ new yoga-based holidays in vibrant Marrakech.

Ideal for singles, couples or groups, the young and the young at heart, Healthy Options’ new yoga-based escapes in Marrakech (morocco.healthy-options.co.uk) offer a real holiday experience, with a flexible schedule of classes, a relaxed environment and plenty of ‘me time’ to boot.

Stay at one of the most beautiful riads in the Medina, Dar Justo – a haven of tranquillity, yet just a short walk away from the sense-assaulting souks. Choose from four or seven-night holidays between October and March, when the city is less crowded and the weather is perfect for practicing yoga on the riad’s roof terrace, with views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Prices are from just £595 pp, including all tuition and unlimited classes.

Whether beginner or intermediate level, the three highly-experienced instructors, plus one local teacher, will ensure you are in good hands at all times, offering expert tuition and advice in small group classes. Together with yoga, enjoy a choice of Pilates and other activities to further improve fitness and core body strength, too.

Guests are welcome to dip in and out of classes as they wish, and can decide on a day-by-day basis how active or relaxed they would like their holiday experience to be. Take time out for meditation, try a traditional hammam in the riad’s Le Bain Bleu spa or escape the city bustle with a day trip to the waterfalls of the Ourika Valley. In Marrakech, explore the medina’s labyrinth of stalls brimming with tanned leather goods, spices, tribal jewellery and colourful tableware, witness the snake charmers playing their melodious tunes and, in the evening, see the Jemaa El Fna square transform into a heady mix of street food, live music and theatre.

For yoga classes, guests are recommended to wear loose comfortable clothing, with bare feet, while well-fitting tops and leggings or lycra shorts are advised for Pilates – to allow the instructor to see if exercises are being performed correctly. Breathable workout gear and trainers are required for all fitness classes. Yoga mats, meditation cushions, blocks and belts are available for guests’ use.

Lead-in price: Departing 27 October, a four-night holiday costs from £595 pp (two sharing) including transfers, B&B accommodation, some dinners, transfers, all tuition and unlimited yoga and Pilates classes, other fitness classes, meditation training, a complimentary hammam, guided trips and some meals. Flights extra**. Departing on 1 or 8 November, a seven-night holiday costs from £895 pp.

**  Healthy Options can arrange flights for guests with British Airways or low cost carriers with prices starting from £102 pp. A complete holiday package with flights is 100% protected under Healthy Options’ ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence), no. 10042.

For full booking information, February to April 2015 departure dates and prices, visit morocco.healthy-options.co.uk or contact Healthy Options on 0844 499 2898.

Ends/ 18 September 2014

Notes to editors:

• Between May and September, Healthy Options also runs a yoga and Pilates programme on the Greek island of Lefkas alongside its sister-set up, Wildwind, which operates a renowned sailing and water sports centre.
• Wildwind opened a new sailing centre in Mauritius in 2014 that offers an extended programme of sailing and water-based activities year-round under the brand name of Wildwind Adventures. The autumn/winter season kicks off in Mauritius in October 2014.
• Dar Justo is owned by the renowned artist, Justo Almendros. The 15^th century property has just 22 rooms and offers a boutique hotel experience, successfully blending tradition and modernity whilst using sustainable resources wherever possible, including solar energy for water heating.

Press: For further information or high-res photography, please contact Laura Manning or Mika Bishop at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email l.manning@travelpr.co.uk or m.bishop@travelpr.co.uk.