The Route de Fès in Marrakech has evolved into a genuine wellness destination, drawing travellers and residents looking for restorative activities away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Just minutes from the city centre, this peaceful area offers a wide range of relaxing experiences, making it one of the preferred spots for wellness tourism in Marrakech.
The must-try wellness activities on the Route de Fès
Spas, hammams and traditional Moroccan rituals
The Route de Fès is home to some of the region’s best wellness venues. Luxurious spas here combine ancestral Moroccan rituals with contemporary comfort and design.
Experiences not to miss:
- The full traditional hammam: Start with a steam session, followed by a vigorous black-soap scrub with a kessa glove to lift dead skin cells. Finish with an argan oil massage to leave the skin soft and nourished. This two-hour ritual cleanses body and mind in keeping with a centuries-old tradition.
- Berber massages with essential oils: Inspired by Atlas mountain techniques, these treatments use local oils infused with aromatic plants (rose, argan, orange blossom). Therapists apply deep, rhythmic pressure to release muscular tension.
- Rhassoul treatments: This volcanic Moroccan clay, applied as a full-body mask and mixed with rose water, deeply detoxifies the skin and delivers a pure sensory moment.
From Villa Mayaz, many top wellness providers are only minutes away, or you can arrange for experienced practitioners to come to the villa for private sessions by the pool or in the lush gardens.
Outdoor yoga and meditation
The preserved natural setting along the Route de Fès creates the ideal environment for yoga and meditation. Several studios and independent instructors offer sessions for all levels.
- Sunrise yoga sessions: Picture unrolling your mat as the first golden rays illuminate the gardens and the cool air smells faintly of jasmine. Morning classes (7:00–8:30) help you begin the day with renewed energy and mental clarity. Styles vary from gentle Hatha to more dynamic Vinyasa.
- Guided garden meditation: Group or private meditations take place in the many gardens and riads in the area. The ambient calm, punctuated only by birdsong, facilitates deep contemplative states.
At Villa Mayaz, the extensive outdoor spaces are perfect for personal practice or private classes. Many guests host multi-day yoga retreats here, inviting their preferred instructors to stay in the villa for a fully immersive experience in this Marrakech villa with pool.
Private pools and pure relaxation
One of the most popular leisure activities on the Route de Fès is simply enjoying a private pool in a verdant setting. Unlike busy hotel pools, the villas in the area provide total privacy.
Villa Mayaz stands out in this regard. Its magnificent pool, surrounded by comfortable loungers and natural shaded areas created by century-old palms, invites full days of relaxation.
The Mediterranean art of doing nothing: Alternate refreshing swims with reading in the shade, naps on soft loungers, and moments of quiet contemplation. The lush gardens around the pool offer several intimate corners to recharge as you wish.
Sunset aperitifs: The villa’s signature moments are those magical twilight hours when the sky turns orange and rose. Sitting by the pool with mint tea or a cool cocktail, you watch the sun sink behind the palms and see the water mirror the golden sky, a truly unforgettable sight.
To check availability and book your wellness stay at Villa Mayaz, visit the website.
Horseback rides and natural discoveries
The Route de Fès is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside on horseback — a particularly relaxing activity.
- Rides through the Palmeraie: Several reputable equestrian centres provide guided rides across Marrakech’s famous palmeraie. At a tranquil pace you’ll pass green oases, follow ancient irrigation channels and discover hidden corners inaccessible by car. Rides typically last from one to three hours depending on experience and preference.
- Themed walking hikes: Specialist guides lead contemplative walks combining botanical discovery with moments of mindfulness. These 2–3 hour outings let you study local flora, learn about traditional medicinal plants and enjoy the calm of the Moroccan countryside.
- Early morning bike rides: Agencies rent high-quality bikes for exploring rural tracks that wind around the Route de Fès. Early starts, before the heat arrives, offer a unique connection with the landscape.
Wellness culinary experiences
Moroccan cookery classes
One of the most rewarding relaxing activities is discovering local cuisine through hands-on workshops. Several chefs offer in-villa cooking lessons where you learn to prepare tagines, couscous and traditional pastries in a convivial atmosphere.
At Villa Mayaz, the fully equipped kitchen is ideal for these workshops. A chef arrives with fresh ingredients and guides you step by step through preparing a full meal to be enjoyed with family or friends on the patio.
A typical workshop begins with an introduction to Moroccan spices, followed by the preparation of a lemon-chicken tagine or almond pastries. The session lasts around three to four hours and ends with a relaxed tasting of your creations.
Tea tastings and sweet moments:
The ritual of Moroccan mint tea is itself a calming activity. Some tea salons in the area offer ceremonies paired with artisan pastries in shaded gardens; others host tasting workshops that teach you the art of the perfect pour, from selecting the green tea to mastering the decorative, aerated pour that creates the froth.
Cultural and creative relaxation
Creative workshops and crafts
The Route de Fès hosts artisan workshops where you can try your hand at traditional crafts in a peaceful, inspiring atmosphere.
- Arabic calligraphy: Professional calligraphers run two-hour introductions where you learn basic techniques; the repetitive gestures encourage meditative focus.
- Pottery and ceramics: Create your own tagine or decorative piece, the tactile contact with clay and the movement of the wheel are known for their therapeutic benefits.
- Silk and textile painting: Learn traditional Berber motifs and design your own scarf or cushion with expert craftswomen.
Contemplative photography
The area’s exceptional light is perfect for mindful photography, capturing landscapes while practising presence. Professional photographers run early-morning and late-afternoon workshops to help you capture the magic of the light.
Villa Mayaz: your hub for relaxing activities on the Route de Fès
A home designed for wellbeing
Villa Mayaz is more than just accommodation; it is a centre of restoration from which all these relaxing activities radiate. Its strategic location on the Route de Fès offers easy access to nearby experiences while providing a private sanctuary to retreat to.
Multiple spaces for varied activities: The expansive garden is perfect for private yoga; the covered terrace suits creative workshops; the pool invites leisurely days; and spacious lounges can be transformed into massage rooms or meditation studios.
Wellness concierge services: The Villa Mayaz team specialises in organising tailor-made wellness experiences, from a five-day retreat to a full spa day or a cookery class followed by massages. They coordinate all providers to create your ideal stay.
Ideal for retreats and group stays
This wellness villa in Marrakech is perfectly suited to hosting retreats and group stays. Yoga teachers, wellbeing coaches and families choose Villa Mayaz for their residential programmes.
Flexible capacity: Whether you’re a group of six friends for a weekend, a family of twelve seeking restorative holidays, or eight colleagues on a team-building wellness retreat, the villa adapts to your needs.
Find out how to organise your wellness event at Villa Mayaz by consulting their event and rental options.
Practical tips to optimise your relaxing stay
Best times to visit:
- Spring (March–May): Ideal temperatures (20–25°C), gardens in bloom, perfect for outdoor yoga, walks and pool time.
- Autumn (September–November): Gentle warmth and golden light, excellent for photography, golf and leisurely hikes.
- Mild winter (December–February): Great for daytime activities like hiking and riding, followed by hammams and cosy evenings.
The Route de Fès in Marrakech has established itself as an essential destination for authentic, restorative travel in Morocco. Villa Mayaz embodies these qualities in one unique location: more than a villa with a pool, it’s your base for exploring every facet of Moroccan wellbeing, and for returning each day to a private haven of comfort and calm.
Ready to craft your bespoke wellness escape?
Contact the Villa Mayaz team to build your perfect programme
