Our stays

Framed by the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, the 5-star Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa offers the perfect setting for a Moroccan escape. Just minutes from the heart of Marrakech, the resort blends Moorish architecture with lush gardens, sparkling pools, and a tranquil spa.

Step beyond the grounds to explore the city’s vibrant souks, the historic Medina and landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Garden—or simply relax and take in the beauty of Morocco.

Essaouira is a coastal city where Atlantic waves meet centuries of history. Stroll its fortified medina, browse art galleries and markets, or relax by wide sandy beaches with fresh seafood just steps away. The city’s easy pace and creative spirit make it a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s busier hubs.

Eden Andalou Resort Amenities

  • 1 restaurant, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner (all-inclusive)
  • water park with waterslides and a lazy river
  • 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool
  • spa that offers massages, body wraps, facials, reflexology, and manicures/pedicures
  • fitness facilities, including locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms
  • free shuttle to the city center
  • gift shop

Room Amenities

  • TV, wifi
  • room service
  • same day dry cleaning

Day 1: Friday, Nov 7

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Arrivals: Arriving guests will be greeted by Marrakech transport (look for the iE sign!) & escorted to the Eden Andalou Resort.

Free day to relax! Beverage services start 10 am-11 pm, and Eden Aquapark 11 am-4 pm. Early check-in will depend upon availability.

12:30 – 2:30 pm: Lunch at hotel

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Meet & Greet, Ice Breaker Game (led by Katie)

7–9 pm: (For those who booked this excursion) Experience Medina at night

7–10 pm: Dinner at hotel, enjoy evening entertainment at hotel

Day 2: Saturday, Nov 8

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7 – 9 am: Breakfast at hotel

9 am – 12:30 pm: [ALL iE STAFF, LCs + RCs] LC Training and workshops

  • RD AWARDS
  • Case Management/Student issues
  • Marketing: Social Media & AI

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Lunch at hotel

2:00 pm: [Optional] Social hour in The VIP Lounge

3:00 pm: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Group to board bus (40 min ride)
Spend the rest of the afternoon in the Agafay Desert.
Activities include: sunset camel ride, ride quads, relax by the pool.
Welcome dinner and show.

10:00 pm: Board bus and return to hotel

Day 3: Sunday, Nov 9

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7 – 10:30 am: Breakfast at hotel

Activity or free day!

Activities (depending on your booking):

  • Hot air balloon ride (early morning, includes breakfast)
  • Pottery, tilework, cooking classes
  • Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum visit
  • Guided tours of Marrakech (shopping/foodie tours)
  • Hike to Ourika Valley & Waterfalls (9 am start, includes lunch)

    7–10 PM: Dinner at hotel

    *Tip: Have your luggage packed, tagged, and ready for Essaouira tomorrow!

    Day 4: Monday, Nov 10

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    7 – 9 am: Breakfast at hotel

    Transfer day to EssaouiraBE IN LOBBY BY 9 AM WITH LUGGAGE

    9:30 am: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Depart for Essaouira

    12:30 pm – 4 pm: Winery visit, lunch, and argan oil cooperative

    • Winery: Le Domaine du Val d’Argan
    • Rotating groups will tour winery & argan oil cooperative

    5:00 pm: Arrive in Essaouira & check into riads

    6:00 pm: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Sunset dinner at Il Mare Restaurant 

    Day 5: Tuesday, Nov 11

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    Breakfast at your riad

    ESSAOUIRA FREE/ACTIVITY DAY

    Activities of the day (depending on your booking):

    • Hammam (traditional spa)
    • Quads on the beach
    • Surf lessons
    • Cooking, pottery, painting & yoga classes
    • City walking tour
    • Horseback or camel ride on the beach

    DINNER WILL BE SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS:

    6:00 pm: [GROUP 1] Dinner at Restaurant M’Riste Jouhar

    8:00 pm: [GROUP 2] Dinner at Restaurant M’Riste Jouhar

    Day 6: Wednesday, Nov 12

    ________

    Breakfast at your riad

    ESSAOUIRA FREE/ACTIVITY DAY

    Activities of the day (depending on your booking):

    • Hammam (traditional spa)
    • Quads on the beach
    • Surf lessons
    • Cooking, pottery, painting & yoga classes
    • City walking tour
    • Horseback or camel ride on the beach

    7:30 pm: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Dinner at El Sirocco

    *Tip: Have your things packed & ready for Marrakech tomorrow!

    Day 7: Thursday, Nov 13

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    7 – 9 AM: Breakfast at your riad

    Transfer back to Marrakech

    9:30 AM: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Depart for Marrakech (3-hr ride)

    12:30–2:30 PM: Lunch at hotel (Eden Andalou)

    Afternoon: Relax on property, take a shuttle to Medina or visit Jardin Majorelle Gardens (if booked)

    7–10 PM: [ENTIRE iE GROUP] Farewell dinner

    • Includes 2026 destination announcement

    Day 8: Friday, Nov 14

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    Check-out & Transfers to airport

    Safe travels!! 🙂

     

    FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

    • If at any time you purchase something on the hotel property that is not included in our trip (i.e. non-included food/drink items, spa visits, etc.) please be prepared to pay for it in cash at that time, and do not charge it to your room, as the hotel is not equipped to distinguish charges between roommates.
    • For your safety, please pay attention to clothing requirements for tours (i.e. close-toe shoes, sunscreen, etc.).
    • Pay special attention to meeting times and locations for excursions – PLEASE BE ON TIME so you don’t miss any of the fun!
    • Always refer to all-inclusive menu items for food/drinks; they will be clearly noted on each menu.

    our EXCURSIONS

    Go Off the Beaten Path

    Hike to Ourika Valley & Waterfalls

    Sunday 11/9: 9 am-4 pm

    Discover the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, surrounded by waterfalls and stunning desert views. You’ll also take a 1.5 hour guided hike, then take a camel ride, and finish with a visit to the Berber village of Azro. Azro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – here, you’ll enjoy a cup of mint tea and home-cooked lunch in a family home.

    Hot Air Balloon Ride

    Sunday 11/9: 7-11 am

    Take flight in this magical hot air balloon experience near Marrakech. You’ll take a 40-minute balloon ride over spectacular views of the desert, valleys, and Atlas Mountains. Mini breakfast before flight and Berber breakfast after flight included.

    Quad Expedition

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 9:30 am & 1:30 pm

    Ride a quad through the jaw-dropping forest, dunes, and beach of Essaouira.

    Kite Surfing Lessons

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 10 am & 2 pm

    Learn to surf with certified instructor. Beginner to advanced welcome. Wetsuit provided.

    Sunset Dromedary Ride

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 6 pm

    A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride a dromedary (one-humped camel) at sunset.

    Tour the Town

    Experience the Medina at Night

    Friday 11/7 & Sunday 11/9: 6 pm – 9 pm

    The word “medina” refers to the historic, “old town” square. Take guided evening tour through Marrakech’s Medina!

    *Note: Make sure to eat dinner at the hotel before departing.

    Medina Tour & Shopping

    Sunday 11/9: 10 am & 2 pm

    Wander through the tiny streets and alleys of the old town of Marrakech’s medina. You will learn from a certified guide about the history of the city and have time to shop for Moroccan carpets, pottery, and other local handicrafts.

     

    Street Food Tour

    Sunday 11/9: 11 am – 5 pm

    Take a walking tour outside of the tourist-y parts of Marrakech to try brand-new flavors, from msmen (flaky bread) to sardines cooked in coal.

    Essaouira City Tour

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 3:30 pm

    Explore the historic port town on foot, from the romantic alleys of the medina to the bustling fish port. Learn about local traditional music (Gnaoua music), artisan workshops, and life as a local.

    Get Creative

    Pottery Class

    Sunday 11/9: 10 am & 2 pm

    The art of Moroccan pottery, learn centuries-old techniques & hear the fascinating stories about North Africa’s connection with ceramics!

    Moroccan Cooking Class

    Sunday 11/9: 10 am & 2 pm (Marrakech)

    Savor the flavors of Morocco with authentic, hands-on cooking classes led by local chefs – with some music and dancing thrown in!

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 12 pm (Essaouira)

    Immerse yourself in the warmth of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Together, you’ll prepare the national dish of tagine or couscous.

    Metal Crafting Workshop

    Sunday 11/9: 10 am & 2 pm

    Learn the traditional techniques of Moroccan metal crafting from skilled artisans. Create your own ornaments or personalized mementos, such as an engraved piece.

    Zellige Tile Art

    Sunday 11/9: 10 am & 2 pm

    Learn about the ancient art of Moroccan Zellige tiles firsthand – then, you’ll get the chance to paint one using natural pigments and traditional tools.

    Relax & Unwind

    Meditation & Paint Class

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 3:30 pm

    Express your creativity through this meditation-focused painting class.

    Hammam (traditional body scrub)

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12

    Step into a steamy hammam for a black soap cleanse, full-body exfoliation, and rinse, followed by a 45-minute massage. You can book private or shared appointments with a friend or partner—either alternating treatments or enjoying them at the same time. Avoid shaving beforehand, and note that tipping (50–100 dirham, about $5–10) is customary. Expect about 90 minutes total of pure rejuvenation.

    Hatha Yoga Class

    Tuesday 11/11 & Wednesday 11/12: 9 am & 2 pm

    Hatha Yoga for beginners and for those looking to deepen their understanding of asanas (postures) and mindful breathing.

    FAQ’s & Helpful info

    What do I need to prepare ahead of the trip?
    • Bring the correct travel documents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to visit Morocco but please review your airline’s website for any travel requirements.
    • Please also bring a charger adapter for any devices you plan to bring, including phones, tablets, smart watches, hair tools, etc.
    • Exchange currency. Get travel insurance (recommended).
    • Download WhatsApp and get a temporary international data plan for the duration of the stay.
    What will the weather be like?

    The weather in early November in Morocco is generally warm and sunny, making it a beautiful time to visit. In Marrakech and nearby areas, daytime temperatures usually range between 65–80°F, with cooler evenings dipping into the 50s once the sun sets. Coastal towns like Essaouira stay milder thanks to the Atlantic breeze, while desert areas can still feel quite hot during the day but much cooler at night.

    What is the dress code? What clothing items are recommended?

    Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for Morocco’s warm daytime weather. Since evenings can cool off, especially in Marrakech or the desert, bringing a light sweater or jacket for layering is a smart choice.

    Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be exploring souks, historic sites, and uneven streets. A sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will also come in handy for daytime adventures.

    Do I need to bring Dirhams?

    Morocco’s local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is recommended to bring some cash to use at smaller businesses, in souks, and for tipping. While credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, smaller vendors often prefer cash. Be mindful of potential fees for using your card abroad.

    Some places may accept Apple Pay or Google Pay, but it’s always best to have cash (Dirhams) on hand. Currency exchange can be done at the airport, banks, or official exchange offices.

    What meals are included?

    Hotel breakfasts, lunch and dinners listed on our itinerary are included.

    Room service is a private expense paid by the individual room occupants on check-out.

    Are there special rules about smoking?

    In Morocco, smoking indoors is generally not permitted (this includes vaping and e-cigarettes), while smoking outdoors is allowed. At the resort, smoking is not allowed in rooms or public indoor areas, but there are designated smoking areas available outside.

    Who will I share a room with?

    If you are a solo traveler, you will receive an email with information about who you will be sharing a hotel room with.

    Will I receive details about meeting times, locations, etc. ahead of time?

    Yes, the itinerary will include most of those details. Our team also knows the itinerary well and will be able to answer questions, or provide guidance.

    What should I know about Morocco?

    Here are a few things to know about Morocco:

    1. Moroccan people are known for their warmth and hospitality. It’s common to be greeted with friendly conversation, and engaging with locals is a wonderful way to experience the culture.

    2. Tipping is customary in Morocco, though amounts are often small. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few dirhams for waitstaff, guides, or drivers is appreciated.

    3. Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting mosques or traditional neighborhoods. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect, though resort areas are more relaxed.

    4. The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber), but French is widely spoken. English is increasingly common in tourist areas, and many signs in cities will include French or English.

    5. Tap water is not recommended for drinking. It’s best to use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

    6. Bargaining is part of the culture in souks (markets). Don’t be afraid to haggle—it’s expected and can even be a fun experience!