Morocco: Desert Sanctuary

FAQs

Are flights included?

Flights to and from your destination aren’t included in the trip price — you’ll need to book these independently. You’ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested timings, in the FAQs below.

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?

Your welcome meeting will begin at 5pm, so we recommend arriving into Marrakech by 2pm at the latest. This will give you enough time to transfer to the retreat, settle into your tent and get ready before meeting your fellow Flashpackers.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

If you’d like to take part, there’ll be a final meditation and stretch from 7–8am, followed by breakfast, which finishes at 9am. Check-out is at 11am.

As departure transfers aren’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to Marrakech Airport, which is approximately a one-hour drive from the retreat. We recommend booking a flight departing from 1pm to allow enough time for your final morning, check-out and journey to the airport.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your trip, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the trip starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your trip’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are not included in the cost of this wellbeing journey. You’ll need to arrange your return transfer independently, but this can easily be booked at the retreat during your stay, and your Pack Leader will also be on hand to help you organise this locally.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this trip. Suggested amounts per person are:

• Pack Leader: 5-10USD per person, per day
• Driver: 3-5 USD per person, per transfer
• Local activity guide: approximately USD 3–5 per person
• Spa therapist: approximately 5–10% of the treatment price (if you’re satisfied)
• Restaurants and bars: approximately 5–10% when service is not already included

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information. US citizens are required to have either a valid passport or Real ID in order to fly within the US.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your trip. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy experience.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 50-100 USD per day for any extra drinks, additional spa treatments or personal purchases.

Please note that 1 massage treatment is included per guest.

Will there be a Pack Leader on this tour?

Absolutely. Every Wellbeing Journey includes a dedicated Pack Leader. Their role is slightly lighter-touch than on our classic adventures, but the goal is the same: to help you feel welcomed, supported and connected throughout.

They’ll keep everything running smoothly, share clear daily updates and help bring the group together, while still giving you plenty of space to enjoy the retreat at your own pace.

You’ll also have a dedicated wellbeing facilitator throughout the trip, who’ll guide and support the wellbeing programme alongside your Pack Leader.

What can I do during free time?

Free time is very much part of the design of this trip, and how you use it is completely up to you.

You might enjoy your included massage, relax beside the pool, spend time in the private Flash Pack Friendship Corner, journal or read, enjoy a Moroccan tea, or simply unwind from your tent and take in the desert views.

There’s no expectation to fill your downtime. It’s deliberately there to give you space to slow down and enjoy the retreat however feels right for you.

Is this a phone-free trip?

Our wellbeing trips are designed to help you be fully present without banning technology or creating anxiety – and you will still be able to reach loved ones whenever needed.

Throughout each journey, there are gentle, clearly marked moments where you will be invited to put your phone away during shared experiences and meals. Participation is always optional, but strongly encouraged, as these phone-free windows are where the real magic tends to happen.

For unforgettable moments, your Pack Leader and a dedicated Flashpacker will capture photos for the group, allowing you to stay immersed without missing the memories. Additionally, those who love photography are encouraged to bring a DSLR or digital camera.

What is the Flash Pack Friendship Corner?

The Flash Pack Friendship Corner is your group’s own private corner of the retreat, reserved exclusively for Flashpackers throughout your stay.

Inspired by Moroccan design, it’s a relaxed space with comfortable seating, cushions, rugs and tables where you can grab a tea, journal, read, catch up with new friends or simply switch off.

Think of it as your group’s own space within the retreat, somewhere to naturally come together and relax throughout your stay.

What should I pack for the retreat?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing is ideal during the day, but desert temperatures can drop after sunset, so make sure you bring some warmer layers for the evenings.

We’d also recommend packing:

• Comfortable trainers or walking shoes for the desert walk
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings

Yoga equipment will be provided, so there’s no need to bring your own.

What do I need to know about the hot air balloon experience?

Your sunrise hot air balloon flight takes place on Day 2, giving you the chance to see the Agafay Desert from above as the landscape wakes beneath you.

Hot air ballooning is weather dependent, so the exact timing will be confirmed locally. If conditions aren’t suitable on Day 2, we have the flexibility to move the experience to Day 3, weather permitting.

For safety, there is a maximum weight restriction of 100kg for this activity.

Will the itinerary change?

As with any desert experience, some elements of the retreat are influenced by weather conditions – particularly hot air balloon rides or outdoor experiences like the desert walk. 

If conditions aren’t ideal, your Pack Leader and local team may adjust timings to make the most of the cooler mornings or evenings, reorder the day, or replace an activity with a sheltered or more relaxed alternative. From time to time, we may also make small itinerary or hotel changes due to availability, seasonal factors, or to refine the experience.