Q. WHAT IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE?

ESCAPE TO SHAPE offers vacations combining comfort, culture & fitness at unique locations around the world. A traveling spa, our trend-setting locations change with the season and provide guests the opportunity to discover the history, people, food and natural wonders of various cultures while toning the body and meeting new friends along the way. A combination of places of cultural interest, along with luxurious accommodations, delicious food, Vinyasa flow yoga classes, hikes and cooking lessons daily ESCAPE TO SHAPE is ideal for solo travelers as well as for couples.

ESCAPE TO SHAPE takes the planning and stress out of your holiday, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy

Q. WHAT DOES ESCAPE TO SHAPE- MARRAKECH INCLUDE?

Priced at $3000 US (approximately 2000 Euro), ESCAPE TO SHAPE-MARRAKECH includes:

• Seven nights accommodations based on double occupancy (we can pair you with a roommate unless you would like to upgrade to a private room, which is a supplemental cost) in an exclusive Moroccan Desert Villa. Each luxurious room is spacious with an in-suite bathroom and air conditioning.
• Vinyasa yoga (unless otherwise stated) taught by inspiring & FUN teachers.
• Hikes to a variety of locations.
• Cooking classes focusing on healthy ways to enjoy the foods of the region at home.
• Excursions: hiking in the Atlas Mountains, a guided historical & shopping tour of the Medina, a private riad experience.
• Belly dancing lessons & henna sessions
• Each person also receives one massage
• Delicious, healthy meals reflective of the region are served each day. The tasty low-fat meal plan consists of chemical free food, fresh catch fish, lean meats, creative salads, couscous, tagine, fruits and whole grains. We even include some yummy desserts, made the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way!
• Round trip ground transportation from the Marrakech airport to the Villa.
• Tax.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price for a seven night stay is $3000 US (approximately 2000 Euro). This rate includes everything listed above and is based on 2 people sharing a room (we can pair you with a roommate).

There is an extra charge of $1300.00 US (approximately 928 Euro) for a private room.

If you would like to extend your stay, additional nights are $300.00 US per person/per night (based on double occupancy, includes accommodations, classes, meals and tax). Extra nights are based on availability.

The above rate does not include airfare to Marrakech or alcohol. Gratuity is at your discretion.

Q. CAN I COME FOR LESS THAN 7 NIGHTS?

Shorter stays are offered within our seven night programs, based on availability. Prices are as follows and include accommodations (based on double occupancy), meals, activities, classes, one massage, excursions, round trip ground transportation to/from the airport/villa .

• 3 nights- $1285.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 4 nights- $1710.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 5 nights- $2142.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 6 nights -$2571.00 US per person, double occupancy

Q. WHAT ARIPORT DO I FLY INTO?

You fly into the Marrakech/Menara Airport. We are located about 20 minutes away from the airport.

Q. HOW CAN I GET TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT?

Round trip ground transportation from the Marrakech Airport to the Villa is included in your stay.

Look for the ESCAPE TO SHAPE sign as you exit the airport. We will send you a reminder a week prior to your departure.

Q. WHAT CURRENCY IS ACCEPTED IN THE AREA?

Euros and dollars are accepted as payment upon checkout, as are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. The official currency in Morocco is the Dirham, which is needed for any purchases you may make in the Medina or Souk (market). You can exchange money at the airport.

Q. WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN & CHECK OUT?

We aim to be as flexible as possible. Guests begin arriving in the morning and continue to arrive through the day/evening, according to their flight schedule. The first group activity begins at 4:00 pm on the first day, and the program ends after breakfast and the morning workout on the last day, although some flights have you departing very early in the morning. We realize that flight times vary so we work with your schedule as much as possible.

Q. WHAT WILL YOU EAT IN MARRAKECH?

Wondering what your healthy, nutritious Moroccan diet will consist of? We use only local, natural, unprocessed, chemical free food in order to ensure that you fuel your body with the very best. We provide meals that are flavorful, high in nutrients and fiber, while low in fat and calories. The meal plan consists of whole grains, fresh fish, organic chicken, fruits, vegetables, nuts as well as traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes and desserts, all prepared the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way- flavorful yet low fat and low calorie! Every dish can be prepared vegetarian as well, upon request.

Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world, primarily due to Morocco's long history of interacting with other cultures. Moroccan cuisine is a mix of Arab, Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, African, Iberian and Jewish. Rich, aromatic spices and flavors are often used in each meals preparation.

Traditional green tea with fresh mint is served with every meal, and coffee is available as well. We also offer an interesting selection of local wines (optional and at an additional cost). See below for a few sample days of eating & drinking.

SAMPLE 1

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, tea & coffee.
LUNCH - mixed herb salad with green peppers & tomatoes.
SNACK - Fresh fruit smoothies.
COCKTAILS - Wines & cocktails, homemade hummus with carrot sticks, olives and fresh figs
DINNER - Fish tagine, which is prepared with potatoes, tomatoes and green peppers, slow cooked with spices such as cinnamon, cumin, garlic and ginger.
DESERT - Gazelle's Horns- traditional Moroccan almond filled pastry, sprinkled with powdered sugar & mint tea.

SAMPLE 2

BREAKFAST - Poached eggs with whole wheat toast, fresh fruit, coffee & mint tea.
LUNCH - .Carrot & raisin salad, followed by chicken prepared with prunes and almonds
SNACK - Mint tea & sesame cookies
COCKTAILS - Wines & cocktails- goat cheese & sun dried tomatoes, olives & nuts
DINNER - Couscous with sea bass, prepared with lots of interesting and flavorful spices.
DESERT - Zucre Coco-Traditional Moroccan coconut fudge cake & mint tea.

SAMPLE 3

BREAKFAST - Dried fruits with yogurt
LUNCH - Falafel served on whole wheat pita-bread w/ yogurt and garlic sauce, Tabbouleh salad.
SNACK - Almond & Pistachio milk smoothie
COCKTAILS BY THE POOL - Local wines and cocktails, artichoke leaves with yogurt lemon dip, nuts and olives, hummus and carrot sticks.
DINNER - Lentil soup, followed by chicken and citrus tagine
DESSERT - Traditional Moroccan honey cakes & mint tea

Q. ARE ADDITIONAL SPA TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?

One massage is included in your stay with us. You can pre-book additional massages on the REGISTRATION form. Additional massages are $85.00 per hour (approximately 65 Euro).

We also offer manicures, pedicures and facials using all natural ingredients. Ask for a spa menu prior to arrival to pre-book.

Q. IS IT MANDATORY TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ESCAPE TO SHAPE ACTIVITIES?

This is your vacation, and while we encourage everyone to participate in everything, if you decide to opt out of any activity, it is completely up to you. There is no pressure or competition to participate, just healthy, fun and interesting options every day.

Q. IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE GOOD FOR THE SOLO TRAVELER?

YES! ESCAPE TO SHAPE was created with the solo traveler in mind. Meals are served communal and you can be as social or as private as you like. Most of our guests make friends and keep in touch with each other long after their holiday has ended. This is also a very safe place to travel as a solo man or woman. That being said, couples will also love this trip, and we have two suites that are especially ideal for couples!

Q. WHAT IF I AM NOT IN THE BEST FITNESS SHAPE?

Not a problem at all, as our program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Each class is challenging and offers you an opportunity to return home lighter and leaner. Additionally, our teachers and trainers are happy to work with you individually to help you reach your fitness goals.

Q. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN MY STAY?

Airfare is not included, nor are extra spa services, or additional excursions or alcohol. We offer an all inclusive alcohol fee of 15 Euro per day for unlimited wine and beer.

Q. DO WE HAVE INTERNET ACCESS?

If you bring your own laptop with wireless card, we do have wireless available.

We do not have computers available for our clients to use. There are internet cafes in Marrakech center, which can be reached by taxi.

Q. DO CELL PHONES WORK IN MARRAKECH?

Yes, but you need to make sure you are set up for international roaming by your service provider.

Q: HOW CAN I SETTLE MY BILL WHEN I DEPART?

Cash (Euro & Dirham & US dollars), Traveler's Cheques and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted. There is a 5% service fee for all incidental bills settled by credit card.

Q. DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

Renting a car is not necessary, as we take you to all of the most interesting sites in the area as part of the Escape To Shape- Marrakech program. Taxis are readily available as well.

Q. DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

Yes. you will need a valid passport.

Q. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE?

Please refer to the link below for detailed information on flights from your area. Let us know if we can offer any suggestions.

http://www.wordtravels.com/Airports/Morocco/Marrakech+Airport

Q. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

While we cannot predict the weather, it is usually sunny and warm (80 + F) with cooler temperatures at night.

See www.weather.com for current forecasts.

Q. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR GUESTS?

Our guests range in age as well as fitness levels. On average, our guests are between 35-50, but we do attract younger and older guests as well. As long as you are open to traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, exercising and sleeping in luxury, ESCAPE TO SHAPE is for you!

Q. WHAT TO BRING?

You can be as casual or as formal as you like. Remember, every day will include exercise classes, cocktails & dinner dinner around Marrakech or at the Villa.

A few things NOT to forget:

• Valid passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Workout clothes
• Pants that cover your knees and shirts that cover your shoulders for the airport and the Medina (for women). Morocco is a Muslim country, and while they do not expect foreign women to be completely covered, it is advised that you respect their tradition and wear pants and sleeved shirts while in public Arab places, such as the airport and the Medina. You do not need to worry about it when at the villa.
• A few sweaters/pants for the evenings, as it can cool off when the sun sets
• A hat to protect you from the sun while walking
• Personal toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Camera
• Converters for outlets