Q: I will be flying to Prone to Wander: Marrakech. What airport is closest to the retreat?
A: The Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is the closest and is approximately 20 minutes from our first retreat location and about 1 hour from our second location.
Q: If I’m flying into Marrakech, what time should my flight land?
A: You are welcome to arrive at our retreat location any time after 14:00 (2PM) on September 29th. So if you were planning to fly into Marrakech on the 29th, which is the first day of the retreat, you would want your flight to arrive anywhere from 12:30PM on or so. For those who are able to take the extra time, you might consider arriving in Marrakech a day before the event starts. This is both to avoid the possibility of a flight delay which could eat into your time at the retreat, and so that you have a buffer to get over jet lag. For most North Americans, Morocco is 6 – 9 hours ahead of their home time zone, so that extra day will really help you be rested and ready for the retreat. For those who are interested, we will pass on spa suggestions if a day of relaxation and leisure sounds delightful after a long travel day, as you await the beginning of our adventure.
Q: How should I get to the retreat?
A: For those coming from the RAK airport directly to the retreat venue, transportation is included in your retreat tuition. Please discuss your travel plans with us before you book your flight so that we can be sure that it will work to have our driver waiting for you. If you plan to stay elsewhere pre-retreat, please ask your riad/hotel to arrange transportation to you. Most riads have drivers who they work with, and are happy to provide this service to you for a modest fee.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: No. We will be staying in the Medina where there is very limited parking and it is very easy to get lost, so a car is not recommended.
Q: When should I arrive at the retreat venue for the beginning of the retreat?
A: You are welcome to arrive at the venue any time after 14:00 (2PM) on the first day of the retreat. Our welcome dinner, which is the kick off for Prone to Wander: Marrakech, will begin later in the evening.
Q: What time do we have to leave the properties on the final day?
A: You will need to check out by 12:00 PM at the latest on the last morning of your retreat. Should your room at the property not be booked the next day, it is possible that you may be able to request a late check out (for an additional cost) from the venue, but we will not know that until closer to the retreat date.
Q: I don’t speak Arabic, Berber, or French; will I find it hard to communicate with people during our excursions?
A: This is a hard one to give an accurate answer to as this will vary by individual. It will be challenging, but not impossible as many of the vendors in the markets speak enough English to get by – or have a friend nearby who does. When out with Carolyn and her team of local guides we will certainly help you out with anything that you are not able to communicate yourself.
Q: How should I dress?
A: While there is no specific dress code, and indeed you will see all styles of clothing worn while out and about, it is respectful to the culture that we are visiting to dress conservatively to show respect to our host nation. Suggestions will be given in the private Facebook group as we prepare for the retreat.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: October is shoulder month in Marrakech and the perfect time to visit. Although I suggest checking the forecast before your travels, in general during October the days are mid 80s °F, and the evenings will be cooler, requiring a sweater. Typical rainfall is one day of rain a month.
Q: Can I smoke at Prone to Wander: Marrakech?
A: All the interior spaces at our Riad bases are non-smoking. You are welcome to smoke out of doors, we simply ask that 1) You are respectful to those around you who do not smoke, 2) You clean up your cigarette butts, and 3) You maintain a respectful distance from windows and doors so that your smoke does not drift back into the buildings.
Q: Will my electronics work in Morocco?
A: Many electronics such as laptops and camera chargers will work for both 120 or 220 Volts (V). However, you will need to purchase an inexpensive European adapter to be able to plug into the outlets. Carolyn will walk you through this before you arrive for the retreat.
Q: Is there internet service at Prone to Wander: Marrakech?
A: Yes, both of our accommodations will have wifi. That being said, I highly recommend that you pick up an inexpensive Moroccan SIM when you enter the country which will allow you to utilize data for your smart phone. Having access to live map data on your phone is incredibly useful in the medina of Marrakesh.
Q: Are there laundry facilities at Prone to Wander: Marrakech?
A: Yes, you may ask the hospitality teams at our Riads to do or arrange for your laundry to be done for you, for a reasonable fee.
Q: Is there a safe for valuables in each bedroom?
A: Our first property does contain a safe in each bedroom for your convenience. Our second property does not have them, so we recommend that you purchase a lock for your suitcase to lock up any valuables that you do not want to leave unsecured.
You may also find the General FAQ’s on our website helpful.
If you have any questions not answered here, please contact me and I’ll be happy to help.
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