The September 2026 retreat is £500 all-inclusive (approximately 6,000 MAD). This covers accommodation, three authentic Moroccan meals daily, all therapy and workshop sessions, and materials. A deposit of £50 secures your place. A payment plan is available: £50 deposit followed by six monthly instalments of £75.

We welcome people in early recovery who have completed detox, people maintaining sobriety who want to deepen their recovery, and anyone exploring music and creativity as therapeutic tools. We can't support people in active detox or acute withdrawal — that requires medical supervision we're not set up to provide. If you're unsure, please contact us for an honest conversation about whether this is right for you.

Chris Soloman leads the retreat — he's an accredited psychotherapist registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and a member of Addiction Professionals. Chris currently works at the Priory Hospital and is completing a Master's in Addiction Treatment in Valencia. He's joined by a network of local Essaouira professionals — musicians, yoga teachers, artists, and cooks.

Mornings start with optional meditation and yoga, followed by breakfast together. Late mornings we come together for music therapy sessions with local musicians. Afternoons bring creative workshops, group therapy, or outdoor activities (trekking, hammam visits, cooking together). Evenings are yours — explore the medina, walk the beach, or join an informal storytelling circle.

Your room in a traditional riad (shared between two), three authentic Moroccan meals daily, all therapy sessions (group and individual), music therapy and creative workshops, morning meditation and yoga, and workshop materials. We cook evening meals together to encourage a sharing mentality. Not included: travel to Essaouira, travel and health insurance, personal expenses, and single room supplement (available on request).

Travel to Essaouira and health insurance are not included in the retreat price. You can fly to Essaouira airport (ESU) or to Marrakech (RAK) and take a 2.5-hour transfer. We can help arrange airport transfers on request. We strongly recommend travel and health insurance — please arrange this before departing.

Yes. Confidentiality is central to everything we do. What we share together stays within the group. We ask everyone to commit to this. Chris works within the BACP ethical framework, which has strict guidelines on confidentiality. The only exception is if someone is at serious risk of harm — this is standard across all therapeutic practice.

Both are welcome. Most people come alone. You'll share a room with one other person — if you come alone, we'll pair you with someone from the group. Single rooms are available on request at an additional cost. Partners and friends are welcome but join in the full programme.

If you cancel more than one month before the retreat date, your deposit is fully refundable. For cancellations within one month, deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future retreat date, subject to availability.

Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Check with your nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate for the latest requirements based on your nationality. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

We work in English. Chris and several local partners also speak French and Spanish, which can be helpful for informal conversation and cultural context.

Yes. Part of Esperanza's mission is to make addiction recovery accessible to Moroccans who may not be able to afford international pricing. If you are Moroccan and interested in attending, please contact us directly to discuss reduced-rate options. This is funded by the reinvestment of profits from international clients.