Basketmaking with Brahim
assisted by Liz Balfour
21 May - 28 May 2022
£660 per person
The Venue Well known for magical meaningful holidays, excellent food and exceptional staff, our award-winning set up relocated in 2020 to a newly-created 1 acre site beside the town walls. Featuring a chlorine-free pool and permaculture gardens, the stunning sustainably-run Ecolodge enjoys sun all year round, having the best winter climate in Morocco due to its southerly setting in the fertile Souss Valley.
Places to Visit Taroudant is little visited by tourists, has shopper-friendly souks with an exotic traditional atmosphere. It lies between contrasting mountain landscapes: the majestic High Atlas and the extraordinary Anti-Atlas (beyond which lies the Sahara). And it is only an hour’s drive from the sandy, rocky and marshy habitats of the Atlantic coast.
Feel safe Thanks to the care of lovley English-speaking staff, good medical facilities, excellent WiFi, safe water as well as the town being small, relaxed and friendly with few tourists.
Heartful Holistic Holidays with a wide choice of other authentic activities including supporting charitable projects. Explore the fascinating culture with the help of delightful guides; option to explore, use our library or small spa, swim or laze in the sun or shade.
The People Enjoy the support of 11 charming, experienced, mainly English-speaking, Moroccan staff and the resident tutor for your chosen week. The Holidays with Heart UK team provide substantial pre-visit information and support based on 30 years’ experience of Morocco.
Optional activities include crafts, cookery, language, visits to charitable projects, walking, wildlife, massage and several other choices run by the amazingly knowledgeable guides.
“A wonderful holiday. Its reputation is well-established, but it is now based at an amazing new sustainable, purpose-built ecolodge. .. exceeded our expectations (plus we are not normally fans of organised/group holidays!). Fabulous team, delicious food (including vegan), amazing accommodation, wonderful activities! Taroudant was a brilliant location to get a feel of authentic Morocco.” J Elmes, January 2020.
Summary
Cost: £660 per person
Includes:
- Airport transfers from/to Agadir at one designated time
- Accommodation in en suite twin or double bedroom
- Substantial breakfasts and vegetarian evening meals (meat or fish at extra cost)
- Lunches every day except one, when lunch is optional
- Tutored workshops – 3 full days.
Excludes:
- Flights (often under £70 return if booked early)
- Single occupancy supplement £20 per night
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips
- Meat or fish supplement
- Tourist Taxes 41 MAD (approx £3.20) per person per night)
Options payable in Morocco:
See details of prices and choices
- Cultural experiences
- Excursions
- Supplement for meat or fish dishes
- Feast for the Senses
- Taxi transfers at a fair cost for those travelling at different times or places
Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2020 & 2021
Voted Top 10 in the World: Lonely Planet Eco Stays 2014 & VegeNews Vegetarian Holidays 2005
Responsible Tourism Trophy for Community Project Work 2009
Green Key Certified from 2012
THE BASKETMAKING WEEK
Learn how to prepare and use Mediterranean cane to make traditional Moroccan baskets in this stunning location. Optional visits to see other basket making techniques in action, both nearby and at a cooperative in the Anti Atlas mountains. Liz Balfour, an experienced maker and teacher in rush and willow will co-teach and translate with Brahim, local expert, enthusiast and fine maker and teacher.
If more than 8 people attend we will run the basketmaking course twice ie Sunday, Monday & Tuesday for one group and Wednesday, Thursday & Friday for the other.
You are welcome to bring friends or partners along to enjoy the atmosphere of the town walls, the souks, the hammam and choose from the many activities available including swimming, massage, outings etc. Read more about activities
To Book or Express an Interest: Limited places available. Request a place at www.cecu.co.uk/book We will then send you the payment schedule (split into instalments with £100 initial deposit).
Book early to get good flight prices, but please do NOT book flights until we give the go-ahead!
More Information: For FAQs go to www.cecu.co.uk/faqs
Contact us: www.cecu.co.uk/contact or visit www.holidays-with-heart.co.uk
We will also send detailed pre-visit information after you book.
Photos: Brahim in action
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
There will be morning and afternoon classes on the 3 designated days.
On the other days you may choose one of the many cultural experiences and activities on offer here
Below is a possible programme which can include visits to basketmaking workshops near town and rural enterprises. Details can be discussed on arrival.
Day 1 Arrival Day – welcome & settle in.
Day 2 Optional cultural experiences eg visit to local basket maker’s workshop & to new craft centre.
Day 3 Optional excursion: walking at an oasis & in the Anti Atlas Mountains with Said.
Day 4 Optional cultural experiences.
Day 5 Optional excursion: High Atlas Berber Villages: an insight into daily lives of villagers in the mountains.
Day 6 Optional cultural experiences.
Day 7 Optional excursion: walking and wildlife in the High Atlas Mountains with Said.
Day 8 Option of lunch out. Farewell