RUMI’S GETAWAY | CalmCamp | 2025

Join Kalender Huruci and Illuminate Retreats for a Transformative Sufi-inspired journey in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary retreat in Istanbul, a city where the East meets the West, where ancient traditions harmonize with modern life, and where the spirit of Sufism continues to flourish. This unique experience blends spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and personal renewal, offering a sacred space for deep reflection and self-discovery.

Guided by an exceptional team of luminaries—Kalender Huruci and Meriem Bendahmane—this retreat invites you into the mystical world of Sufi teachings, music, and movement. Kalender Huruci, a devoted dervish with over 25 years on the Sufi path, shares his profound wisdom and artistic mastery. As a skilled musician, he brings the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the ney (reed flute) and bağlama to life, leading participants through sacred music, whirling practices, and meditative chanting. His presence and guidance offer an authentic connection to Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.

Throughout the retreat, participants will experience Zikr (Sufi remembrance), movement meditation, dream journaling, and storytelling, interwoven with cultural explorations. Yasmin and Suniya further enrich the journey with guided discussions, personal reflections, and immersive traditions, creating a space for connection, healing, and transformation. Set against the stunning backdrop of Istanbul’s historic districts, the retreat includes visits to sacred sites, Sufi lodges (tekkes), and Ottoman-era hammams, offering a sensory and soul-nourishing experience. Evenings are dedicated to sacred Sufi gatherings, where music, poetry, and spiritual practices open the heart to divine presence.

Each day is carefully curated to harmonize introspection, cultural discovery, and community connection. From peaceful morning breathwork to shared traditional feasts, from exploring Istanbul’s hidden Sufi heritage to surrendering to the rhythm of the sema (whirling dance), this retreat offers a profound journey into the essence of Sufi spirituality. This is not just a retreat—it is an invitation to reconnect with your heart, awaken your spirit, and experience Istanbul’s timeless mysticism. Whether you seek spiritual growth, emotional healing, or a meaningful pause from daily life, this retreat is a sanctuary for transformation.

What's included in the Rumi's Getaway CalmCamp?

This 4-night retreat – includes the following:

Accommodation
Sufi sessions
Guided meditation
Villa Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner*
Airport transfers** in Istanbul
See further details below.

**Transfers included are on a group basis only, please consult before you book your flights.

NOT Included

Flights – see below
Local transfers (UK, etc.)
1 lunch and dinner at a restaurant*
Excursions
Optional Activities

Price Options

Prices are subject to change, please contact us at hello.illuminateretreats.com to know the price!

Getting There

Flights

Illuminate provides a complimentary travel concierge to advise and help you book your flights. Before booking your flight, we recommend consulting with us. Our team can help you source the best options available.

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Villa Location:

Essaouira
Distance between the Essaouira Airport (ESU) and the accommodation – 23 km (27 min by car)

Retreat Location

A stunning Eco-lodge just a stone’s throw from Sidi Kaouki Beach, near Essaouira. The comfortable accommodation is arranged across 2 Domes, 4 double bedrooms and 2 single bedrooms. There’s an open kitchen from where we’ll deliver nutritional meals all day, apart from when you venture to Essaouira town for restaurant meals. The breathtaking terrace view is an inspiring space for writing and creative sessions and it provides a perfect backdrop for morning and evening yoga or meditation. A well-stocked library, table games, and nearby horse-riding activities mean you’ll always have something to do or relax in your free time.

Join us for an unforgettable retreat experience where every moment is infused with serenity, beauty, and boundless possibility.

Accommodation Details

Eco-lodge in Essaouira

Accommodates up to 13 people
· 2 eco-domes with 3 beds each
· 2 double bedrooms & 2 twin bedrooms
· 2 single bedrooms (SOLD OUT)
· Dry Toilets (Regular toilets available at first come basis)
· WiFi
· Outdoor terrace furnished with sunbeds
· Beachfront & ocean views
· Hammam
· Jacuzzi

About the Luminaries

Kalender Huruci is a devoted Sufi practitioner, spiritual guide, and musician who has dedicated over 25 years to the Sufi path as a dervish. With a deep-rooted understanding of Sufi traditions, he has spent years immersing himself in sacred practices, guiding individuals toward spiritual awakening and inner harmony. Kalender established a non-profit space in Istanbul to share Sufi teachings and foster a community of seekers. As a skilled musician, he has played the red flute (ney) for 25 years and the Turkish Sufi instrument bağlama for four years, using music as a medium for spiritual connection and healing. In the upcoming Sufi retreat, Kalender will offer profound insights into Sufi practices, leading whirling ceremonies, Zikr, and meditative music sessions, creating a deeply transformative and soulful experience for all participants.

Meriem Bendahmane is a massage therapist who can help you embrace your true self and cultivate contentment in our incredibly competitive society. Meriem is very organised, and doubles up as our Retreat Manager, taking care of all logistical coordination with our remote team, vendors and venue hosts, and looking after our Luminees.

*Please note that luminaires may be subject to change based on availability. Please confirm once before booking. Illuminate Retreats is not responsible for any harm or loss caused by this representation.

Schedule: Activities, Wellness and Meals

SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 3, 2025:

Afternoon
- Arrival and Check-In: Between 1-6 PM. Each guest receives a goody bag as a starter kit for the cleansing rituals.
- Welcome Briefing: Overview of the retreat schedule, introductions, and setting intentions.
- Lunch In: Light Moroccan Mezze meal served in the garden.
- Free Time: To explore and settle in.
Evening:
- Moroccan Feast: Classic menu featuring Tagine/Cous Cous.
- Before Bed:
  - Energy Clearing Ritual
  - Purification Bath
  - Energy Healing Session
  - Prayer for Guidance

Friday, April 4, 2025:

Morning:

- Dream Diary: Write down dreams upon waking.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a healthy breakfast to get you ready for the day
- Breathwork and Tapping for lymphatic drainage.
- Dream Sharing & Analysis.
- Movement Dance Session.
Afternoon:
- Visit a local shrine for meditation.
- Lunch Out: Have lunch at a restaurant – choose between Sidi Kaouki (nearest beach) or Essaouira town (25 mins).
Evening:
- Zikr (Sufi Chanting).
- Hadra (Sufi Movement).
- Sohbat (Talk and Discussion).
- Sama (Music).
Dinner In: Moroccan meal featuring Seafood BBQ, Tagine, and salad.

Saturday, April 5, 2025:

Morning:
- Fast and Silence: A day of fasting and silence for personal reflection.
- Inner Zikr Reflection and Meditation.
- Cultivating an Observer Mindset (Detachment from the Ego).
Afternoon:
- Visit to a local Hammam (Traditional Moroccan Bath)
Evening:
- Wisdom Circle & Sharing.
- Womb Healing Session.
- “Birthing a New Me” Ritual.
Dinner Out: Dinner out at a local restaurant.

Sunday, April 6, 2025:

Morning:
- Cultivating Gratitude, Joy, Forgiveness, and Love.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a healthy breakfast to get you ready for the day
Afternoon:
- Free time or optional visit to an Argan farm.
- Lunch in: Relish the beautiful delicacies of Morocco in the villa.
Evening:
- Zikr (Sufi Chanting)
- Hadra (Sufi Movement)
- Sohbat (Talk and Discussion)
- Sama (Music) with an invited local Sufi music group.
Dinner: Special farewell dinner featuring a variety of Moroccan dishes, concluding with a ceremonial burning and dance celebration.

Monday, 7 April, 2025:

Morning:
- Farewell Breakfast.
- Leisure Time for last reflections or shopping in the local souk (an option for luminees taking late flights out)
- Transfers: To the airport for flights home.

*Please note that this is a provisional schedule and may be subject to small changes based on the requirements of all the participants. Illuminate Retreats is not responsible for any harm or loss caused by this representation.

Cancellation and Travel Insurance Policy

Cancellations

You can cancel your retreat booking for free up to two weeks before it starts. If you cancel within two weeks, you’ll get half of your money back. Plus, if we find someone else to take your spot, you’ll get 75% back. We know plans can change, so we’re here to help. Just ask if you have any questions about our cancellation policy. We want you to feel happy and relaxed about your booking!

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that our luminees get travel insurance to mitigate any unforeseen losses that may occur. This goes a long way to securing your travel and ensuring that your experience is as hassle-free as possible. Illuminate Retreats will not be held responsible for any travel-related damages.