Embarking on a solo fitness journey at 57 might seem daunting, but my recent fitness retreat in Marrakech proved to be an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience that I would urge any woman—especially those of us over 50—to embrace.
The retreat I chose was organized by Antoine Vollmer of Anvoll Fitness, @anvollfitness on Instagram, and was open to all ages. The retreat offered a harmonious blend of physical activity and relaxation, all under perfect sunny days and gorgeous peaceful nights.
A Warm Welcome in the Heart of Marrakech
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the retreat organizer, Antoine Vollmer himself. His expertise and familiarity with Marrakech gave me immediate assurance, I felt in safe hands. This was particularly important for those of us from far away (I travelled from the US) and those of us who were travelling solo.
Antoine is fluent in the local language and seems to know everyone which meant the retreat was meticulously planned—another big bonus because it allowed me to relax and immerse myself fully in the experience.
A Diverse and Supportive Community
Our group consisted of seven of us, ranging in age from 27 to 57 (yes, I was the 57!), most of us meeting for the first time. We all came from wildly different backgrounds and home countries, but our commitment to ourselves and this experience meant we were all somehow connected. It was such positive energy, and I loved it.
Our differences made our discussions and interactions all the most interesting. We shared stories and supported each other while also having more than enough alone-time. There was never pressure to socialize and everyone respected each others’ privacy.
We stayed in a small luxury boutique hotel within the Medina (aka the city center) that was just stunning, complete with an in-house spa, comfortable rooms and lounge areas. Despite being in the heart of the busy old town, the hotel felt entirely safe and provided a serene backdrop for our activities.
A Perfect Balance of Fitness and Relaxation
The retreat’s itinerary was carefully designed to offer a variety of activities that catered to our different interests and fitness levels.
Pilates Sessions: We began with Pilates, focusing on core strength and flexibility, setting a positive and empowered tone for each day.
Thai Boxing Training: We were introduced to Thai boxing, which I found to be both empowering and invigorating. The trained instructors were fantastic, and even though I was a complete novice, I never felt self-conscious. Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is a full-body sport that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, so it is far more physical than American boxing that relies on punches only. This made it far more physically demanding. It was quite the workout!
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): A fantastic HIIT session challenged our endurance and left us with a sense of accomplishment. HIIT Training is a workout that basically alternates short bursts of intense exercise with brief periods of either rest or low-intensity movement. Research has shown this type of “burst” based exercise to be excellentyou’re your metabolism, and our HIIT class did not disappoint.
Hiking: A highlight of my retreat was a group hike in the Atlas Mountains, an area of spectacular beauty. Hiking through the rugged peaks and lush valleys in the crisp mountain air gave us all a chance to experience Morocco’s stunning natural beauty. Our reward for completing the trek was a delightful lunch at a local home, giving us the opportunity to experience authentic Moroccan dishes and hospitality.
Paddle Lessons: Our group took paddling lessons from a local instructor which were an absolute blast, while also being refreshing and adventurous. I liked it so much that I am planning to look into paddling once I return home as I live by a small lake that offers paddling all summer.
Walking Tour: Our four-hour walking tour was a delight, introducing us to local foods, artisans, and countless little shops selling a wide selection of trinkets and souvenirs. What a great opportunity to learn even more about Moroccan cuisine and truly interact with locals.
Relaxation: Amongst all the fitness, we did manage to indulge in some good old fashioned relaxation! I experienced my first lymphatic drainage massage, which is a gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system. The goal of the massage is to reduce fluid retention, improve circulation and detoxify the body, and I can report that I felt entirely rejuvenated.
I also had the pleasure of hammam scrub, which is a deep cleansing and exfoliating ritual performed in a traditional Moroccan steam bath. After relaxing in a warm, steamy room, my masseur scrubbed my body with a special exfoliating glove, called a kessa, and black soap that is made from olive paste. It was indeed rigorous but left me with incredibly soft and glowing skin. I was radiant!
Despite what may seem to be a packed schedule, we were left with ample free time for sightseeing, shopping, and sunbathing on a glorious rooftop patio overlooking the Medina.
Empowerment Through Solo Travel
If you’re considering solo travel but are still just that bit nervous, this retreat, or one like it, could be a perfect introduction. Being part of a group that is led by an experienced organizer provides a structured yet flexible experience which is a great starting place. Also, the camaraderie among group members makes it easy to connect and share experiences.
For me, my journey to Marrakech was more than just a fitness retreat; it was a celebration of my vitality and a chance to embrace my personal growth. I returned home fitter, but also enriched with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
If you’re considering a solo trip but feel uncertain, I encourage you to make the leap. With the right guidance and an open heart, a retreat like this can be a transformative adventure, proving that age is no barrier to exploration and self-discovery.
