Egypt · 29 February - 10 March 2024
Eat, Walk, Rest, and Write
A Soulful Oasis Retreat in Siwa, Egypt
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Overview
Retreat from the hectic pace of modern life and embark on a restorative journey of inner discovery in the serene oasis of Siwa, Egypt. Our Soulful Oasis retreat invites you to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with your inner self through a harmonious blend of wholesome eating experiences, mindful walking, deep rest and expressive writing. Guided by the expertise of leading holistic culinary educator Charles X Michel, spiritual and health mentor Annie-Laure Fernandez and Egyptian guide Abdelmoety Elbahrawy, this holistic experience will regenerate your soul and rejuvenate your spirit. Disconnect to reconnect. This curated experience is a harmonious co-creation by Charles X Michel and WeAreSantosha, a visionary project by Annie-Laure Fernandez. Santosha, a Sanskrit word, embodies the values of contentment, rootedness, and interconnectedness. We invite you to embrace the essence of Santosha and embark on a journey of self-discovery in the heart of the Siwa Oasis.
Highlights
Eat: Culinary Awakening
Embark on a culinary adventure with Charles Michel, a visionary Food Educator with a passion for holistic nutrition. Discover the art of preparing and savoring farm-to-table, locally-sourced meals that will tantalize your taste buds and nurture your body. Learn the secrets of mindful eating, connecting with the essence of food, and its impact on your well-being.
Rest: Rejuvenation and Inner Peace
Unwind in the comfort of authentic Berber accommodations designed for relaxation and tranquility. Experience moments of profound relaxation through meditation, breathwork and deepening your self practices. Reconnect with your inner self, restoring balance and harmony to your mind, body, and spirit.
Walk: Nature Immersion in Siwa's Oasis
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Siwa's oasis, a lush sanctuary nestled amidst the Egyptian desert. Guided nature walks will lead you through date palm groves, crystal-clear springs, and ancient olive orchards. Connect with the healing energy of nature, finding solace in its tranquil beauty.
Write: Self-Discovery through Journaling
Dive into the art of self-discovery through the therapeutic practice of journaling. Guided journaling sessions will lead you on a journey of introspection, helping you unravel your innermost thoughts, dreams, and desires. Embrace the healing power of putting pen to paper as you explore your emotions, aspirations, and the wisdom that lies within your own words.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Digital Detox
Embrace the power of disconnecting from technology, allowing your soul to breathe freely. Engage in mindful practices that encourage present-moment awareness and digital detoxification. Forge meaningful connections with fellow retreat participants as you rediscover the joy of face-to-face communication.
Hosts
Annie-Laure Fernandez
With an extensive 12-year background in holistic healing and mental health, Annie-Laure Fernandez, the founder of Wearesantosha, has been facilitating transformative journeys in Egypt, guiding individuals through spiritual initiatic experiences.
Together with Abdelmoety Elbahrawy, they have co-hosted five retreats, giving rise to the concept of the "Eat, Walk, Rest, and Write" escape in Siwa. This concept emerged from Annie-Laure's direct experiences and observations as a therapist.
Annie-Laure's distinctive fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary insights guarantees that the "Eat, Walk, Rest, and Write" soulful retreat in Siwa will serve as a transformative inner and outer voyage towards inner balance and contentment.
Abdelmoety Elbahrawy
Abdelmoety is a passionate Egyptian scholar and enthusiast with a deep connection to his homeland. Born in the heart of the Delta region of Egypt, just 120 kilometers from the bustling city of Cairo, he has maintained his roots in this region, where he resides with his wife and three children.
Abdelmoety's academic journey led him to study Egyptology and archaeology in Cairo. His fascination with the rich history and cultural heritage of Egypt has been a lifelong pursuit. His love for humanity's diversity and his unwavering adoration for Misr, the Arabic name for Egypt, truely sets him apart. He believes that this love is mutual, as she (Egypt) has reciprocated his affection by revealing her timeless beauty and treasures to him.
Abdelmoety's family has an ancient connection with the enchanting Siwa Oasis where they still own a Date farm. This pristine oasis holds a special place in his heart, and he is excited to share his profound love for Siwa with us during the "Eat, Walk, Rest, and Write" retreat.
Charles x Michel
Charles is passionate about elevating food as a medium to transform our relationship to ourselves, to society, and to nature.
He is a renowned chef, an experience designer, an artist using food and the meal ritual as media, a professor at several culinary institutions, a consultant in regenerative practices, and former researcher in experimental psychology at Oxford University.
Charles starred in “The Final Table” on Netflix. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars and the Basque Culinary Centre recently named him an Empowering Educator in the 50 Next Class of 2022, a list of global game changers shaping the future of food.
You can read more about his work here.
Schedule
We will begin our immersion on Thursday the 29th of February 2024, in Cairo. We will travel to Siwa and back with a night stopover at Marsa Matruh, a beautiful beach resort. We will spend 7 nights at Taziry Ecovillage in Siwa Oasis.
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Why Siwa?
- Timeless Tradition: Siwa's Oracle Temple has been a destination for clarity for thousands of years, making it one of the world's most enduring centers for introspection and self-discovery.
- Natural Serenity: Siwa's pristine landscapes, from lush palm groves to tranquil salt lakes, provide the perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation.
- Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in Siwa's unique culture and traditions, where ancient customs blend harmoniously with modern comforts.
- Holistic Well-Being: Siwa offers a holistic retreat experience that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace life's journey with newfound clarity.
Itinerary
29.02.24 Arrival in Cairo, meeting at 19:00 for Dinner
1.03.24 Early morning walk and meditation at the Sphinx - then, road trip to Siwa with one night stopover by the sea in Marsa Matruh
2.03.24 arrival in the Taziry Ecovillage, Siwa
9.03.24 depart from Siwa with night stop over by the sea in Marsa Matruh
10.03.24 return to Cairo at 16:00, end of trip.
Optional, Not included:
28.02.24 Early Arrival, stay at Mamlouk Pyramids Hotel
29.02.24 Guided Visit to The Cairo Museum
10.03.24 Late Departure, stay at Mamlouk Pyramids Hotel
11.03.24 Guided Visit to Gizeh Pyramids
Conscious Eating Practices
Charles will guide you through a blend of practical and theoretical sessions encompassing the art, science and philosophy of eating.
- Sensorial Presence. Rooted in experimental psychology and sensory science, this session will open your body and mind to the perceptual mechanisms of sensing and perceiving.
- Yoga of Food. Just like Yoga, Conscious Eating is a practice. We will share skills to allow you to engage in mindful eating.
- Food Meditations. Every morning, the first sip of water, and the first bite of food will be guided during a collective experience.
- The Ritual of Eating. Making food beautiful is a key to awareness in the act of eating. We will share sessions exploring the way we design food experiences affects behavior and improves quality of life.
What a day will be like in Siwa...
6:00 AM - Early Morning Awakening
Embrace the tranquility of the Oasis with an invigorating walk, accompanied by mindful breathing exercises and Qi Gong to align your energy with the rising sun's fire.
7:00 AM - Mindful Connection
Engage in a serene practice with water or tea, grounding yourself in the present moment amidst the calming elements of earth and water.
7:30 AM - Nourishing Breakfast
Delight in a wholesome breakfast, a feast for the senses that grounds you in the nourishing essence of the earth.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Sanctuary for Self
Enjoy a period of rest and free time, fostering personal reflection and self-practice, allowing you to harmonize with the surroundings at your own pace.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Exploration and Connection
Embark on a guided excursion through the oasis, visiting the ancient temple of the Oracle, immersing yourself in the natural springs, or connecting with the earthly wonders that Siwa has to offer.
1:30 PM - Lunch: The Landscape we Embody
Relish a leisurely lunch, savoring the flavors of thoughtfully prepared meals of local ingredients and traditions that continue to ground you in the "here and now".
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Afternoon Retreat
Indulge in a restful period, engaging in personal practices or simply unwinding by the pool, immersing yourself in the serenity of the surroundings.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Creative Workshops
Participate in workshops designed to spark creativity, whether centered around conscious eating, or the written word. Engage in activities that nurture your soul and encourage self-expression.
7:00 PM - Evening Feast
Gather for a delightful dinner, a communal experience that brings together the day's reflections and connections, celebrating the abundance of nature.
9:00 PM - Nocturnal Wonders
Conclude the day with a night walk, perhaps forming a circle around a flickering fire in the desert, or surrendering to the rhythm of the stars through dance. Allow the night to unfold its magic, connecting you to the elements in a different, quieter harmony.
What's Included
What's Included
10 nights of Accommodation in Shared Rooms
Airport Transfers
All transport from the 1st to the 10th of March
Guided Activities and Transformative Workshops
All food from the 29th dinner, to the 10th lunch
Unique food experiences curated by the CxM team, and local chefs
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Cairo
We recommend to budget about 10$ per day for tips
Bring 25 USD in cash to pay for your entry Visa at Cairo airport. The desk is on the right hand side before going through passport control.
Gallery
environmental conservation, ethical food practices, and green energy initiatives
Why the Tazyri Ecovillage?
We chose Tazyri Ecovillage in Siwa as the perfect location for our retreat because of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, ethical food practices, and green energy initiatives.
Tazyri embodies our values of sustainability and mindfulness, sourcing organic ingredients for our meals from their own gardens and local farms. Their dedication to green energy ensures a minimal environmental footprint, aligning seamlessly with our desire for a retreat that respects and nurtures the natural world.
The breathtaking landscape, perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and surrounded by lush oases, provides a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop that is sure to inspire and rejuvenate our retreat participants. Tazyri's holistic approach to eco-consciousness and the stunning natural setting make it the ideal sanctuary for our retreat experience.
Add Ons
Visit of Cairo Museum on the 29th
Visit The Egyptian Museum in Cairo with Annie-Laure and Abdel
PRICE$60
Extra night on the 10th of March
Add a night after our return to Cairo and rest at Mamlouk Pyramids Hotel, facing Giza. Breakfast included.
PRICE$100
Visit Saqqara and Gizeh Pyramids on the 11th
Visit of Saqqara and Gizeh Pyramids with Abdel
PRICE$130
Upgrade to a Single Room in Siwa
The cost of your ticket includes accommodation in a Shared Double room. Book this Extra for privacy and comfort.
PRICE$400
Early Arrival on the 28th
Arrive early, get settled and rest at Mamlouk Pyramids Hotel facing Giza. Breakfast included.
PRICE$100
You'll Be Staying Here
A home to rest and connect
Charming, cozy double or single rooms filled with local art and amenities.
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation on your end, your deposit will serve as a credit toward a future CxM experience. In case of cancellation of the event due to unforeseen circumstances, 90% of your deposit will be reimbursed, and the rest will serve as credit for a future CxM experience.
Do I need any particular training or capacity to make the best of this experience?
No experience is required. We welcome people from all walks of life that are willing to engage in this program to rest, recharge and reconnect.
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We will do our best at adapting to diverse needs and abilities.