We’re feeling all the love at Surf Maroc, especially for our new yogis who you can find relaxing and revitalising our guests in our new Amouage shala daily and Villa Mandala with our Yoga Surf Retreats. Getting to know them a little more, we’ve asked them more about their love of yoga!
AIDA – YOGA MANAGER
Why you love yoga?
There’s so many styles of yoga you can practice: dynamic, restorative, meditation, etc. But it’s all about one thing: being involved physically and mentally during the time on your mat. Just being aware of you and your body for a moment. On the physical side, I do love and practice yoga because it is the only time I think about nothing but my breath. The only time that the breath gives you the movement. I don’t think there are any physical other activities which give you this awareness. And, talking about Valentine’s Day, yoga has literally changed my life: new country, new job and found my beloved! These are the reasons I love yoga.
What do you love about working/teaching at Surf Maroc?
Managing the yoga for Surf Maroc is not simply a job, it’s a way of life – it’s all about sharing with people who choose to join us. Through yoga, we want to offer a new experience to anyone new or use to this practice. My goal is to offer the best yoga with best teachers even if you’re far from home and your favourite studio.
And a yoga pose you love?
I love all poses from relaxation to advanced inversion. However, contemporary dance is what brought me to yoga, so more naturally my favourite pose is the Dancer Pose. It’s very aesthetic and requires balance, strength, focus.
STEFFI
Why do you love yoga?
It’s the longest relationship in my life so far so there must be something about it! I instantly fell in love with the holistic approach of yoga – the physical combined with the deep philosophy. I love that yoga is about progressing, so you’re constantly learning and finding inner peace as you develop your yoga for your needs. Yoga never wants us to look a certain way. In yoga we’re perfect how we are…right now!
What do you love about working/teaching at Surf Maroc?
Teaching means I can share my passion with everyone – playing with poses to find your rhythm and breath. Connecting breath and movement helps to calm the mind and stay focused while having fun and being present, which relates to surfing! When I came to Surf Maroc last year as a guest, I felt they created the perfect space for yoga and surfing. The teams and guests are all open-minded and welcoming, and it’s a place where people of all levels of yoga and surfing come together, making it a wonderful workspace!
And a yoga pose you love?
In Yin Yoga, I love Saddle Pose. It’s a deep backbend to opens up the whole front of your body. To me, it’s total surrender and perfect to find relaxation. But more dynamically I love Warrior III/Aeroplane Pose! It’s the challenge of finding balance mentally and physically, to stay calm when life is testing your inner peace.
CATHERINE
Why you love yoga?
Yoga returns me to my natural state – I feel free, grounded, balanced and ALIVE after practising. Yoga isn’t just about the physical practice (this is a tiny part), it’s a way of life that heals the mind and body. This is why so many people want to share their love of yoga!
What do you love about working/teaching at Surf Maroc?
I love meeting the many interesting souls who come for yoga, surf, to relax and unwind. It’s a wonderful opportunity to practice and learn from so many people from all over the world in such a beautiful setting!
And a yoga pose you love?
The pose I love and my favourite is Corpse Pose/Savasana. This is where the magic happens! It’s a chance for “rebirth” at the end of the physical practice part of the class. All the benefits of the physical practice, the breath and the mindfulness all sink into the body in this place for completely stillness and meditation. When you “wake up” from Savasana it’s the time for a new start, a new beginning, a new chance.
Like me, add in a bolster under the knees, a blanket, lavender eye pillow and the sound of the ocean waves. Ahh bliss!
You can join our yogis for a class every day at Amouage, or check out our Yoga Surf Retreats at Villa Mandala for a gorgeous getaway.