Question 1

What is Umnya exactly?

Accepted Answer

Umnya is a private retreat platform that places 8 to 14 people in an extraordinary natural setting for 8 days of movement, stillness, and deep connection. Every retreat is co-branded with a retreat studio and supported by a brand sponsor.

Question 2

Who attends a retreat?

Accepted Answer

Retreats are brought to life by a partner studio who curates their community. Guests are typically wellness practitioners, studio founders, and professionals from across Europe: curious, serious, and done with ordinary holidays.

Question 3

What happens each day?

Accepted Answer

Days begin early with sunrise movement, flow into exploration (4×4 dune excursions, medina walks, Atlas hikes), and slow into shared meals and evening rituals. The pace is deliberate. Nothing is rushed.

Question 4

What is included?

Accepted Answer

All accommodation, meals, airport transfers, programming, facilitation, and documentation (drone + photography). You arrive, we handle the rest.

Question 5

Where exactly is the Sahara retreat?

Accepted Answer

Erg Chigaga, in southern Morocco, one of the most remote and spectacular dune systems in the Sahara. Transfers from Ouarzazate or Zagora airport, or by helicopter.

Question 6

What is the Marrakech retreat?

Accepted Answer

An 8-day immersion anchored between the Medina and the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Riad accommodation, hammam rituals, medina explorations, and Atlas day hikes.

Question 7

What is the Taghazout retreat?

Accepted Answer

Taghazout is a surf and wellness village on Morocco's Atlantic coast, 20 minutes north of Agadir. The retreat combines surf sessions, beachside movement, and Atlantic clifftop walking with recovery rituals. It is one of the most physically energetic of Umnya's programmes.

Question 8

What is the Atlas Mountains retreat?

Accepted Answer

The Atlas retreat is based in the High Atlas valleys, with Berber guides, summit hikes towards Toubkal (4,167 m), cedar forest trails, and remote kasbah stays. Suited to hikers, trail runners, and anyone drawn to altitude and wild terrain.

Question 9

What is the Essaouira retreat?

Accepted Answer

Essaouira is a windswept Atlantic port town — UNESCO-listed, mythically windy, and unlike anywhere else in Morocco. The retreat includes kitesurfing or ocean swimming, rampart walks, and immersion in the city's Gnawa music culture. Jimi Hendrix lived here. Orson Welles filmed here.

Question 10

What is the Chefchaouen retreat?

Accepted Answer

Chefchaouen — the Blue City — sits in the Rif Mountains at 600 m. The retreat combines photography walks through blue-washed alleyways, mountain hikes, and meditative stillness in one of Morocco's most visually arresting settings.

Question 11

Will there be more destinations?

Accepted Answer

We currently operate across six locations in Morocco: the Sahara, Marrakech, Taghazout, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen. Further landscapes beyond Morocco are in development.

Question 12

How much does a retreat cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is available on request and depends on destination, group size, and programme. All accommodation, meals, programming, and logistics are included. Submit an enquiry and we'll share a detailed proposal.

Question 13

Can I book as an individual participant?

Accepted Answer

Individual spots may occasionally be available on studio retreats. Submit an enquiry and we'll let you know what's coming up.

Question 14

What is the booking process?

Accepted Answer

Submit an enquiry via the form. We review personally and respond within 48 hours. If it's a fit, we'll share a proposal and outline next steps.

Question 15

What does co-branding a retreat mean?

Accepted Answer

Your studio's identity (name, aesthetic, language) is woven into every touchpoint of the retreat. From the briefing pack to the final evening. You bring the community, we bring the setting and logistics.

Question 16

Do I need to come with a full group?

Accepted Answer

The retreat format accommodates 8 to 14 guests. You bring your community to fill the spaces. Group sizes may vary by destination, get in touch to discuss.

Question 17

Is category exclusivity guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One studio per category (e.g. one yoga studio, one fitness studio) per retreat, per destination, per season.

Question 18

When exactly is Salt & Stars 2026?

Accepted Answer

The edition runs from 23 to 30 November 2026 — a single 8-day window pairing the Atlantic coast at Tamraght with Erg Chigaga in the Sahara. Arrivals into Agadir on the 23rd, departures from Marrakech on the 30th.

Question 19

Why November for the Atlantic and Sahara together?

Accepted Answer

November is when North Atlantic swells reach Tamraght consistently — clean chest-to-head-high peaks at Anchor Point and Panoramas — while the desert cools into its clearest night-sky window of the year. Daytime desert temperatures sit at 22–26 °C, nights drop to 5–8 °C under new-moon skies.

Question 20

How does the €2,650 price break down, and what is the early-bird?

Accepted Answer

The full rate is €2,650 per guest, all-inclusive of accommodation across both landscapes, meals, surf sessions, desert programming, ground transfers, and facilitation. The early-bird rate is €2,252 — a saving of €398 — and closes once the cohort reaches half-full, whichever comes first. Flights are not included.

Question 21

Do I need surf experience to join?

Accepted Answer

No. Tamraght's beach breaks — particularly Devil's Rock and Crocro Beach — work for absolute beginners with dedicated instruction. Intermediates can walk to Anchor Point and Killer Point. We match ability to break daily. If you've never surfed, you'll stand up. If you already surf, you'll get better waves.

Question 22

What do I pack for surf and desert in one week?

Accepted Answer

The bi-climate packing list: a 3/2 mm wetsuit (or rent locally), boardshorts and rash vest, one warm down or fleece mid-layer for desert nights, a windproof shell, headtorch, closed shoes for dune walking, wide-brim hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Full list arrives with your confirmation.

Question 23

How do we transfer from Tamraght to Erg Chigaga?

Accepted Answer

A scenic overland transfer via the Anti-Atlas mountains and the Draa Valley — Morocco's longest palm oasis. Roughly one full day, with lunch stops in Taroudant and the roadside argan cooperatives. The route itself is part of the retreat, not a hassle to skip.

Question 24

Can I fly into Agadir and out of Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we recommend it. Agadir Al Massira (AGA) is 25 minutes from Tamraght for the surf half. Marrakech Menara (RAK) is the exit point after the desert half. Open-jaw bookings save a full day of backtracking.

Question 25

How many guests join the Salt & Stars cohort?

Accepted Answer

The cohort is capped at 8 to 14 guests. Intimate enough for real conversation across a shared table, large enough that surf line-ups and desert campfires stay energetic.

Question 26

What should I pack for a Sahara retreat?

Accepted Answer

Lightweight, breathable layers for daytime heat (35–40 °C in summer, 20–25 °C in spring/autumn) and a warm mid-layer for cool desert nights. Closed shoes for dune walking, a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sun protection, and a headtorch. Leave single-use plastic at home. A full packing list is sent with your confirmation.

Question 27

Is Morocco safe for international travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa and consistently ranks among the safest destinations for international travel. Umnya operates exclusively in private groups with experienced local guides and ground teams who know each region intimately.

Question 28

What is the best time of year to visit Morocco for a retreat?

Accepted Answer

October to April for the Sahara and Atlas: cooler temperatures and extraordinary clarity of light. March to June and September to November for Taghazout and Essaouira: optimal swell and wind conditions. Chefchaouen and Marrakech work year-round, though summer months in the south are best avoided for active programmes.

Question 29

What fitness level is required?

Accepted Answer

Retreats are designed for active participants, not elite athletes. A base level of fitness — regular movement practice, comfortable walking 8–12 km — is enough for most programmes. The Atlas hiking retreat is more demanding and suited to those who train consistently. Every programme is adapted to the group.

Question 30

Is solo travel welcomed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A significant number of Umnya guests travel alone. The group format (8 to 14 people) is intimate by design, and most participants arrive not knowing everyone. Solo travellers consistently describe the group dynamic as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

Questions & answers

The experience

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Salt & Stars 2026

Preparation