WOW Morocco
International Writing Retreat & Culture Immersion
Fez, Morocco
October 5-12, 2017
Timeless Renewal
We gently stretched to each sunrise atop our well-appointed riad and let the vibrant Fez sensations flow into our writings. Sipped mint tea to Suzanne Clarke's reading from her book, House of Fez. Explored the labyrinthian old medina, around donkeys and pushcarts on deliveries, to spice and carpet souks. Dined on hot salads at outdoor cafes and followed the call to prayer wafting through mosque arches. Ventured farther out into Volubulis, once an epicenter of the Roman empire. Onsite we were treated to lamb tajine in group cooking class, and a relaxing hammam spa treatment. Reveled in evening Moroccan music and dance. Read stories to school children, who listened eagerly to our words translated into Arabic. Shukran bezzef! What an unforgettable week we all shared in this beautiful place on Earth.
Your WOW Morocco Retreat included:
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Palacial Accommodations
7-days in an exquisitely restored palace that boasts beautiful roof and terrace views.
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Delicious Meal Selections
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages. Gratiuity included.
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Movement & Meditation
Guided exercise and stillness rituals, both indoors and outdoors.
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Writing & Storytelling
Inspiring creative writing workshops & salons to help release your story.
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On-Site Cultural Experiences*
Enjoy a Moroccan cooking class and traditional spa session.
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Guided Fez Tours*
Tours in and out of Fez — including transportation, meals, and fees.
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Free Space & Time
Write, explore, or relax with “me” time to savor Morocco on your own.
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Split Transfers*
Enjoy complimentary arrival and departure transfers to/from Fez airport or train station.
*includes transportation and fees.
The Location
Riad Laaroussa
An exquisitely restored 17th-century palace at the heart of the Fes medina. Enjoy stunning roof and terrace views of the mountains. Sleep like a sultan in luxurious comfort. Dine on local dishes served up by in-house chefs. Take a dip in the pool. Rejuvenate with a hammam spa session. Enjoy modern amenities in rooms equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, and a 24/7 concierge service.
Meet Your WOW Sojourn Experience Facilitators
Morocco Lead Facilitator
Rose Marie Sabangan is WOW’s Creative Director and the smiling face you’ll greet upon arrival in Fez.
Rose migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1972 but spent her early childhood years schooled under the British in North Borneo.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Goddard College (MFA, Creative Writing), Rose launched Writing On Water (WOW) in 2016 to indulge her passion for storytelling, travel, and community.
Growing a team of international professional creatives, Rose is thrilled to bring you opportunities to explore creative cultural sojourns in stunning spaces.
Guest Teaching Artist
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Suzanna Clarke
Author
Treat Yourself to the WOW Sojourn Cultural Experience
Traveling with WOW, we realize we belong to a way of life larger than we have been accustomed.
We learn and absorb stories outside of our own, ancient and new.
We grow our own stories.
We look after all the details so you can recharge. The retreat schedule allows plenty of spaciousness to slow down — to nap, to read, to have a stretch, shop, enjoy nature, and to make new life-long friends.
Enjoy a sunrise yoga session to welcome the day, sip mint tea, and be charmed by the call to prayer. Unlock inspiration while exploring a medieval city, shopping artisanal hand-made goods, and preparing a savory tajine while sharing stories. Relax in a Moroccan spa and sleep like a sultan while the WOW team looks after everything.
Sojourn with us and set your creative spirit free. Return to your world, rejuvenated.
WOW Morocco Experience Investment
Reservations have closed.
“I ate Wiener Schnitzel, real Wiener Schnitzel, and potato salad. It was a little too cool. I spent time on the river, walked along the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery, climbed halfway up the Victory Tower, and found a badass goddess to take a photo with. And I met a great author, Martin Jankowski. And I'm with my new friends. Yes indeed… thank you very much!”
—MaryBeth Jarvis Clarke, Salt Lake City, Utah