Sufi by the Sea | CalmCamp | 3-7 April 2025

Join Kalender Huruci, Big Bottom Begums and Illuminate Retreats for a Transformative Sufi-inspired journey in Essaouira, Morocco

Embark on a unique and enriching retreat near the enchanting coastal town of Essaouira, Morocco. This Sufi-inspired experience blends spiritual practices, cultural exploration, and wellness, creating an ideal environment for self-discovery and deep inner peace. Surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Essaouira—where the Atlantic Ocean meets serene sandy beaches and the ancient medina buzzes with vibrant life—this retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Led by a remarkable team of luminaries— Kalender Huruci, Yasmin Whittaker-Khan, and Suniya Qureshi—this retreat seamlessly weaves together Sufi traditions and modern wellness practices. Kalender Huruci, who has dedicated over 25 years to the Sufi path as a dervish, brings profound insight into this spiritual tradition. Having established a non-profit space in Istanbul to share Sufi teachings, he offers participants an authentic glimpse into this ancient path. A skilled musician, Kalender has played the red flute (ney) for 25 years and the Turkish Sufi instrument bağlama for four years. He also composes music, teaches whirling, and leads Sufi ceremonies in Istanbul, enriching the retreat with deep spiritual resonance.

Participants will immerse themselves in the healing power of Sufi chanting, movement meditation, and reflective discussions. Yasmin and Suniya add cultural depth to the experience through storytelling, community-building exercises, and immersive traditions that invite guests to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

The retreat’s itinerary is carefully curated to balance introspection with relaxation and cultural discovery. From cleansing rituals upon arrival to a Moroccan feast under the stars, each day unfolds with nourishing meals, healing practices, and meditative experiences. Mornings begin with peaceful dream journaling and breathwork, while afternoons offer cultural excursions, such as visits to local shrines and traditional Hammams. Evenings are devoted to sacred Sufi ceremonies, including Zikr, Hadra, and music, creating a transformative space for reflection, connection, and healing.

This retreat is more than just a getaway—it is a profound journey inviting you to reconnect with your essence, cultivate gratitude, and embrace self-love. Whether seeking spiritual growth, emotional healing, or a meaningful pause from daily life, this retreat offers a sanctuary for your soul to thrive in the timeless beauty of Morocco.

What's included in the Sufi by the Sea CalmCamp?

This 4-night retreat – includes the following:

  • Accommodation
  • Sufi sessions
  • Guided meditation
  • Villa Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner

    *See further details below.

 

NOT Included

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

Prices per person:

  • Single bed in a Shared Eco-dome – £650
  • Shared bed in a Shared Eco-dome – £590
  • Single bed in a Shared Twin bedroom  – £680
  • Shared double bed in a Private bedroom – £650
  • A Single bed in a Private bedroom – £825 [SOLD OUT]

*LON (STN) – Marrakesh Wed 2nd – Mon 7th April (5N) – £163 RTN. we’ll add £70 to the price if anyone chooses the extra night in MAR.

 

Please note this is an Eco-resort where they make conscious efforts to save water. Therefore several rooms have traditional Moroccan ‘Dry’ toilets. Others have regular ‘Western’ ones. Though there are regular ones in the main villa also. Please book early to reserve the latter, should you have a preference. First-come-first-served.

    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.

    Yasmin Whittaker-Khan is the Director of the Insaan Culture Club and a prolific cultural organizer. She is also a writer, film producer, and social entrepreneur. Her dedication to celebrating South Asian culture and bridging communities is central to her work. Through creative ventures like the Insaan Culture Club, Yasmin passionately explores identity, human rights, and heritage, often through visual storytelling and cultural projects. Her compassion and vision bring warmth and depth to every retreat she leads.

    Suniya Qureshi is known for her inspiring spirit and profound connection to Sufi teachings, Suniya brings years of experience in fostering community and well-being. With a background in cultural projects and social activism, she uses her insights to craft unique experiences, encouraging participants to reconnect with themselves and cultivate inner peace. Suniya’s empathy and passion for uplifting others make her a guiding force in the Big Bottom Begums community.

    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.

     

     

    Our Luminaries

    Kalendar Huruci

    Suniya Qureshi

    Yasmin Whittaker-Khan

    Meriem Bendahmane

    Our Ecolodge 

    The Ancient Town of Essaouira

    Essaouira Activities 

    Finalise Selections/Checkout