Morocco·January - March

Morocco chapter

Strategic Planning & Visual Storytelling in Essaouira

VIEW DATES
20240202_131137

Overview

Escape the busy pace of daily life and immerse yourself in coastal Moroccan culture through our unique pop-up coliving experience in the seaside town of Essaouira. Nestled within the fortified walls of the historic medina, this welcoming retreat offers the perfect environment to focus your creativity, capture compelling stories through photography, and nurture your visions for positive transformation. Over the course of 2 weeks, join a diverse group of 12 changemakers for collaborative work sessions, photography workshops, cultural excursions, and home-cooked family-style meals. Spend your time developing projects, building connections, improving your visual storytelling skills - or simply relaxing surrounded by a supportive community. Immerse yourself in local rhythms - sip mint tea with neighbors, explore hidden medina corners through your lens, and experience authentic coastal living away from tourist crowds. Reconnect with your creative spirit through daily inspiration walks, beach photography sessions, and artisan workshops. Before departing, finalize your projects and visual stories, supported by a network of inspiring peers. Leave feeling renewed with lasting friendships, a portfolio of compelling images, and a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture. We have limited spots available for this unique pop-up experience. Reserve your place now to develop your visions amid the cozy and welcoming spirit of Essaouira. Nourish your creativity and return home energized to enact positive transformation.

Highlights

Prime Medina Location

Prime Medina Location

Situated within the walls of the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll out the door directly into the historic heart of the city

Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Enjoy sweeping ocean and medina panoramas from the sunny rooftop terrace, the perfect spot to take in sunsets.

Community Spirit

Community Spirit

Join a friendly community of locals and travelers from around the world for cultural exchanges and collaborative projects.

Surfing Paradise

Surfing Paradise

Essaouira is renowned for its consistent winds - take surf lessons or go kitesurfing along the beaches, just steps away.

Hosts

inesto is a social enterprise based in Italy that organizes experiential learning programs around the world. Our mission is to cultivate global citizenship through intercultural exchange and community-driven initiatives. This pop-up coliving experience in Essaouira, Morocco will be led by:

Paola

Paola

A social entrepreneur from Italy, Paola brings extensive experience in grassroots initiatives and non-profit management. Her warm, welcoming spirit makes all guests feel instantly at home, while her expertise in community building creates the perfect environment for collaboration and growth.

Giovanni

Giovanni

A social entrepreneur and master facilitator will ignite your creativity with his boundless energy and wealth of startup experience. Never afraid to dream big, he encourages bold ideas and practical strategies to enact positive change.

Stefano

Stefano

Professional photographer and business developer, Stefano specializes in visual storytelling for cultural and territorial development. His experience working with Bologna Welcome, various festivals, and inner area development brings a unique perspective on capturing and promoting local heritage through photography.

stefanoladd
Vini

Vini

EU Project Specialist and professional trainer, Vini brings his expertise in conflict resolution and international project management. His experience with Erasmus+ and EU initiatives offers valuable insights for participants working on cross-cultural projects and social innovation.

What's Included

What's Included

Accommodation in our beautiful riads

High-speed internet connection

Daily breakfast and fresh fruit

Welcome dinner

Photography workshops

Community activities and skill-sharing sessions

Welcome kit with local artisanal products

2025 INESTO Membership

Workspace access

Basic kitchen supplies

Weekly cleaning and laundry service

Community manager support

Flights

Daily meals

Local transportation

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Accommodation

single bed in shared room RIAD 1

single bed in shared room RIAD 1

Shared room occupancy, in a two-bed room

PRIVATE room RIAD 1

PRIVATE room RIAD 1

single room occupancy

PRIVATE room RIAD 2

PRIVATE room RIAD 2

single room occupancy

PRIVATE room RIAD 2

PRIVATE room RIAD 2

teo people occupancy

Escape to the Heart of Essaouira's Medina

A Charming Riad Retreat in the Historic Center

Within the fortified walls of Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina lies our Riad retreat, the ideal starting point for travelers seeking an authentic cultural immersion. This restored three-level home features three spacious apartments, each accommodating individual guests, couples or families comfortably.


Escape to the Heart of Essaouira's Medina

Reviews

. Helena Stamou - Business consultant - Greece: "This immersive experience provided the perfect environment for both personal development and community building. The blend of structured activities and organic interactions created a space where meaningful connections could flourish naturally. What I loved most was how the program fostered authentic relationships while allowing each person to pursue their individual goals. The shared living experience created bonds that extended far beyond our time together

Helena Stamou - Business consultant - Greece

What made this experience special was the perfect blend of community living and local immersion. The shared meals became beautiful moments of exchange and networking. I particularly appreciated how the program created opportunities to connect with local people and understand their way of life. These authentic interactions and the strong sense of community that developed made the experience truly unforgettable.

Romain Guilbaud - Community facilitaror - France

Living together in this setting was an eye-opening experience that helped me discover new perspectives and forge meaningful connections. The program's balance of structured activities and free time allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the local culture while building lasting relationships with other participants. The experience showed me how powerful community living can be for personal and professional growth.

Silvia Romero del Hombrebueno Salinas - Teacher - Spain

The experience was transformative in ways I didn't expect. The deep connections formed with other participants and the local community were invaluable. What stood out was how the program balanced structured activities with organic moments of discovery and connection. The shared meals and informal conversations created lasting friendships and potential future collaborations. This is exactly what you want from a coliving experience - authentic connections in an inspiring setting.

Jela Ravnjak - HR Specialist - Croatia

FAQs

We have 3 apartments available that can each accommodate 2-4 guests. All rooms include private bedrooms, bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. 

All rooms include linens, towels, soap, shampoo and free WiFi. Additional amenities include daily cleaning service and use of the rooftop terrace 

Breakfast is not included but you are welcome to use the fully equipped kitchens to prepare your own meals. Upon request, we can also arrange homemade dinners featuring local specialties. 

We do not provide airport transfers but can assist in booking reliable drivers at reasonable rates. Within Essaouira, the medina is easily navigable by foot. 

For cancellations made before December 27th, a 50% refund of the total amount will be provided, minus a non-refundable 20% service fee.

For cancellations made on or after December 27th, the payment is non-refundable due to the short planning timeframe for this pop-up experience starting January 7th.

Yes! We offer:

- 15% discount if you book more than one session

This makes it perfect for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the experience

While any camera is welcome (even smartphones), we recommend bringing your preferred camera equipment. Stefano will provide guidance regardless of your gear or experience level

By booking with us, you will automatically receive a 2025 membership with INESTO, our social enterprise. Benefits include:

  • Access to our global community
  •  Discounts on future events
  •  Exclusive workshops and online content
  •  Network of changemakers and creatives
  •  Priority booking for upcoming experiences

Your participation sustains our work in communities worldwide. As a member, you become part of our vision for positive social change. We hope this membership will open doors for you to get involved and continue learning with inesto in the year ahead. Thank you for your support - it is what enables our efforts to thrive. 

Both riads offer various working spaces including common areas, quiet corners, and rooftop spaces. We maintain a balance between collaborative and focused work areas.

We have also some spaces in the Medina we use for meetings and for change the working space ;-)

Yes, Essaouira is known as one of Morocco's safest cities. Our riads are located in the heart of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site with good security and friendly neighbors.

Yes, subject to availability. Contact us for extended stay rates.

  • 60% refund up to 60 days before
  • 40% refund up to 30 days before
  • No refund within 30 days

A non-refundable 20% service fee applies to all cancellations

Your INESTO 2025 membership is included in the package. This gives you access to our global community, future events, and special rates throughout the year.

Yes! We can accommodate all dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance

We provide high-speed fiber internet suitable for remote work, video calls, and uploading photos. We recommend purchasing a local Sim card to have off-site data.

February-March in Essaouira offers ideal conditions for remote work and cultural exploration. Known as the "Wind City of Africa," Essaouira enjoys mild winter temperatures with refreshing Atlantic breezes.

Weather:

  • Daytime temperatures: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
  • Evening temperatures: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
  • Sunny days with occasional light rain
  • Light ocean breeze most afternoons
  • 8-9 hours of sunlight daily

Pack layers for comfort: light jackets for morning/evening and summer clothes for daytime.

Flying Directly to Essaouira (ESU)Essaouira Mogador Airport has direct flights from:- Paris (Transavia)- Brussels (TUI fly)- London (Ryanair, seasonal)- Marseille (seasonal)

Alternative Route via Marrakech (RAK)Most international travelers fly to Marrakech Menara Airport, then transfer to Essaouira (2.5 hours):

Direct flights to Marrakech from:- Major European cities (Ryanair, EasyJet, Royal Air Maroc)- Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways)- UK (British Airways, EasyJet)- USA (Royal Air Maroc with connections)

Airport TransfersFrom Essaouira Airport (ESU):- 15 minutes to medina- Private transfer included in your stay- Local taxi: ~150 MAD (€15)

From Marrakech Airport (RAK):- Private transfer: €80 (we can arrange)- Shared shuttle: €25- CTM/Supratours bus: €8-10 (3 hours)

By Bus from Major CitiesReliable companies include:- CTM- SupratoursFrom Marrakech: 2.5-3 hoursFrom Casablanca: 5-6 hoursFrom Agadir: 3-4 hours

 What We Provide- Detailed arrival instructions- WhatsApp support during travel- Local contact numbers- Meet & greet at city entrance- Assistance with luggage to riad

Travel Tips- Book flights early (especially for direct ESU flights)- Consider spending a night in Marrakech if arriving late- We can assist with multi-city itineraries- Travel insurance recommended- Download offline maps before arrival

For personalized travel planning assistance, contact our experience team.

Dates

January 20 - February 2 2025

FROM$874/pp

February 3 - 16 2025

FROM$874/pp

February 17 - March 2 2025

FROM$874/pp

March 3 - 16 2025

FROM$874/pp

March 17 - 30 2025

FROM$874/pp

Morocco chapter

Morocco· January - March· 13 nights

FROM$874/pp

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