YIN & YANG is more than the surf retreat activities you already know! It's a journey designed to help you build confidence in the ocean—and discover just how much you're capable of beyond it. Hosted by RIANY, founder of Floating You, and German professional surfer VALESKA SCHNEIDER, this experience combines two complementary forces. YIN is the ability to slow down, regulate your nervous system and reconnect with yourself. YANG is learning new skills, facing challenges and stepping into the ocean with greater confidence. True confidence isn't built by pushing harder. It's built by learning to stay calm, trust yourself and move through fear. Set along Morocco's breathtaking Atlantic coastline, you'll spend seven days surfing, practicing yoga, breathing deeply, sharing nourishing meals and immersing yourself in nature, while discovering that the confidence you build in the ocean naturally begins to show up in every other part of your life. WHY YIN & YANG? Most people think surfing is about technique. We believe it's equally about your relationship with fear. Whether you're standing on the beach before paddling out, catching your first green wave or simply learning to trust yourself in unfamiliar situations, the ocean has a remarkable way of revealing what's holding us back. Throughout the week, you'll learn practical tools to calm your nervous system, understand your mind under pressure and develop confidence through experience—not perfection. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: -Build confidence in the water, move passed fear -Daily surf coaching with Valeska Schneider and our experienced local surf team. -Personal technical feedback and video analysis to accelerate your progress. -Learn how to read waves, improve your technique and surf with greater confidence. -Breathwork techniques to regulate your nervous system before and after surfing. -Mindfulness practices that help you stay calm when fear or self-doubt arise. -Tools you can take home and use in everyday life whenever you feel overwhelmed. -Reconnect with yourself through Yoga, Sound healing and intentional rituals to help you slow down and recharge. -Time to rest, journal, enjoy nature and simply be. -Stay somewhere you'll never want to leave -A stunning nine-bedroom oceanfront Moroccan villa overlooking the Atlantic. -A private rooftop yoga shala with panoramic ocean views. -A beautiful point break directly in front of the villa. -Delicious, nourishing meals prepared daily by our private chef.
YANG: COACHING BY PRO SURFER VALESKA SCHNEIDER
Surf Coaching, Technique & Ocean Confidence (YANG) Valeska is a German professional surfer with many years of experience in both ocean and river surfing. During the retreat, her focus is on hands-on surf coaching and real progression in the water. Together with experienced local surf guides, she supports you through: - Clear Surf Technique Guidance and Body positioning - Understanding Waves, Timing and Line Choice - Building Confidence in real Ocean Conditions - Video Analysis Sessions, where your surfing is reviewed and explained in a simple, supportive way - Individual Feedback adapted to your Level and Goals Valeska’s coaching style is grounded, encouraging and accessible. The goal is not perfection, but feeling more secure, aware and confident every time you paddle out. Valeska represents the YANG of this retreat: clarity · courage · skill · confidence in the ocean.
YIN: UNFOLD YOUR ESSENCE
The dry land awaits you with safe spaces where you can dive deeper into yoga practices and their philosophy. Learn about stillness through meditation & the power of breath. The allowance for the present moment. Total surrender and acceptance of the person you are today and who you can become tomorrow. This retreat is made for anyone who is longing for deeper connections: To yourself, to other people around you, or the earth we live on. A road map to your internal compass in respect to your own value system.
COLLABORATIVE HOST: 'SURF MAROC'
With over 20 years of expertise, Surf Maroc specializes in authentic surf and yoga holidays providing exceptional customer service and great value at stunning locations in one of the world’s greatest surfing destinations. Founded in 2003 they operate several locations including a boutique hotel, villa, yoga retreat center, surf shop, and surf school. FLOATING YOU is glad to collaborate with Thagazout's leading team in all things Surf Hospitality & Surf Coaching. You are in the best hands!
YOGA & PRANAYAM
Through Sharing the 'Science of Yoga' we allow your body, mind & soul to cultivate stillness, moving our body in sequences that release tension, improving blood flow, & connecting movement to breath. Ultimately the aim of Yoga is to grow the ability to ‘sit’ in meditation. To get there, we practice ‘asanas’ (postures) and ‘pranayama’ (breath work) to prepare our body & mind for the next soul chapter ahead. Yoga is also a perfect way to prepare our body for the physical surf ahead, or restorative after surfing. Both of these are fulfilled aswell, but with the addition to focus on our spiritual health.
SACRED SOUND JOURENY'S
Sound Healing experience‘s produce vibrations that alter your brain waves and aim to relax the mind, body & Healing 'below the surface'. We will accompany many Yoga Session's with sacred instruments (Including crystal bowls). A soundbath generally involves a variety of instruments or voices, all of which have the potential to shift lower frequencies into higher vibrations. Popular instruments often used are crystal singing bowls, brass bowls, gongs, drums, tuning forks, and chimes. Such instruments provide an immersive, full body listening experience that can help to recalibrate the system while providing a space for healing physically, mentally and/or emotionally.
HEALING HOLISTICALLY
We take all of our activities, practices & rituals very serious. We want you to grow in each section and at the same time provide you with inspiring techniques to unfold and heal in your own time and space. Sound Healing, Meditation, Heart Opening New Moon Ceremony with raw cacao, personal growth exercises, journaling and many more tools are supporting you on this 7 nights and 8 days retreat. Floating You as 'A holistic Surf & Yoga Retreat' is transformative. We are going on a journey to yourself where you set the pace. Ultimately you can go on a deep dive if you want to or just float wherever it feels comfortable.
CEREMONIAL CACAO & PLANT MEDICINE
Cacao ceremonies are a centuries-old ritual seen as the ultimate heart-opener. One of it compounds, theobromine, translates’ into the food of Gods by the mayas and the Aztecs in South America. The Maya commune belief that the medicine is a chance to eliminate emotional blockages and brings alignment of mind, body, and spirit. In high-doses (30g is considered a “ceremonial” or high dose), it can generate a warm and euphoric body-state similar when feeling deeply connected with life in a beautiful moment. Cacao opens your heart, the gateway to hear your inner spirit and wisdom. In addition to being packed full of vitamins and minerals, cacao increases blood flow to the brain which helps to strengthen awareness and focus. It boosts creativity! It helps the body to heal, detoxify and to give your immune system a good boost. Ceremonial cacao is a powerful tool to dive deeper into your inner soul. Within our FLOATING YOU week we use this sacred ritual to deepen selflove & manifestations. There might be some other helpers of mother earth involved aswell to support clarity & cleansing.
EMBRACE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR OWN HAPPINESS
Our retreat is dedicated to empowering you in every aspect of your journey. We take each activity, practice, and ritual seriously, with a focus on your personal growth and healing. Let us provide you with inspiring techniques to unfold and heal in your own time and space, allowing you to create your own reality every day.
VIBRANT SERENITY
When you think of Morocco, you may think of colourful handcrafts, busy streets and delicious food. But there is also a spectacular coastline dotted with picturesque villages and beaches that are a traveller’s dream. Welcome to Taghazout, the perfect place to soak up the sun and ride the Atlantic Ocean waves. This sleepy fishing village is a surfer’s paradise with ultimate good vibes, ideal for anyone searching for a destination that has both, beautiful beaches, adventure & some magic in the air.
LOCAL CUISINE
Our in-house chef prepares three vibrant, nourishing vegetarian meals each day, inspired by authentic Moroccan cuisine and elevated with a subtle touch of Western comfort. Every dish is crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating bold spices, seasonal produce, and traditional flavors. We thoughtfully cater to all dietary needs, ensuring every guest feels supported and well-fed throughout their stay. From colorful tagines to wholesome salads and homemade snacks, each meal is designed to energize and restore. And of course, no day is complete without fresh mint tea on the beach.
A Morrocan Dream Villa Right By The Ocean
Villa Mandala
Villa Mandala is a tranquil oceanfront Yoga Retreat Centre that provides the perfect place to escape and connect with your inner calm. It resides on the rugged Moroccan coastline just outside of Taghazout and boasts a lush garden, pool, and a serene rooftop yoga shala. Villa Mandala has nine tranquil bedrooms that come in a variety of sizes and themes. Several bedrooms are en suite with shower rooms and toilets whilst the rest share facilities. The Villa chefs cook delicious vegetarian food made from local seasonal ingredients. The menus are inspired by a delectable mix of Moroccan and international ingredients and recipes.
YOUR FACILITATORS & HOSTS
VALESKA SCHNEIDER
Valeska is a German, professional surfer, founder of the surfboard brand RIVVER, and coach for self-leadership. She began surfing in her twenties, far from the “perfect” path — and still became a German Champion and made a Professional career in the sport. Her journey is a reminder that confidence doesn’t come first. We build it by showing up, again and again.
In her guidance, the ocean becomes a mirror: learning to trust your body, your timing, your intuition. With Valeska, participants explore how resilience in the water translates into confidence in life — and how powerful it feels to follow your own line.
RIANY
Riany is a dedicated Hatha yoga teacher, certified sound practitioner, ceremony leader, and surfer who pours her heart into creating transformative experiences through Floating You, the retreat brand she founded in 2020.
With over 30 retreats hosted across multiple countries, she brings a rare blend of experience, intuition, and grounded leadership to every journey she curates.
Rooted in her love for the ocean, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and self-development, Riany designs each retreat with deep intention—ensuring every guest feels welcomed, seen, safe, and supported.
Her warm presence and keen eye for detail create an atmosphere where people naturally open, connect, and grow.
Whether she’s guiding a sound ceremony, holding space in practice, or sharing waves in the ocean, Riany leads with authenticity, gentleness, and devotion.
For her, this work is not a job but a way of life—an embodiment of freedom and transformation that she wants others to experience aswell.
REVIEWS
I still find it hard to express how much the floatingyou retreat in Morocco meant and still means to me— because it meant so much. I could not be more thankful to Riany and to everyone who participated in our days there together. The retreat gave me everything that I was looking for— and also what I didn’t know I needed. Time, space, honesty, reflection, challenge, solitude, camaraderie, love, support, connection, peace. The holistic aspect of the retreat has been so beautifully curated by Riany and is the perfect complement to the yoga and surf. Her support is felt in all moments whether you’re in the shala or in the water, and I left feeling such a sense of calmness and clarity. Not to mention happiness. It’s been three months now and I’ve very often found myself wanting to be back in the floatingyou environment recreating those moments— the waves, the magic of Morocco, the food, the fun, and allllll the laughter. If I’m lucky enough, this will be just the first of many floatingyou retreats that I get to take part in.
5 Stars from Caithlin on Tripadvisor
I joined the morocco trip and it was the most beautiful, amazing, best trip I have ever been on. I have never felt so calm and peaceful and authentically myself. My first solo trip and I am obsessed. The surfing was amazing, with the best guides that became our friends by the end of the week. Ive done a lot of surf lessons but this was next level. Tips and things to work on that no one had told me before. I feel that i progressed so much throughout the week, mentally and technically. The yoga/sound baths/cacao ceremonies etc were just so wholesome. Really centering in on the mind and finding peace and calm and just doing what feels right for you. The mix of yoga and surf was what drew me to this and it exceeded my expectations ten fold. I met so many beautiful likeminded people and I will never forget it. I decided on the second day I had to come back again and im so excited. If you're in doubt just booooook it :)
5 Stars from Sorcha on Tripadvisor
I really don’t know how to start.. I went to Morocco with floating you this December, It was my very first holistic retreat, and I’m so glad I booked with Riany The trip was perfectly organized, everyday she was sharing with us the schedule of the day after, it’s sooo special to have someone organize and take care of every little special detail for you, We had the BEST food! Everything was genuine and home made, And don’t start me on the Villa.. oh man! It felt like living in a dream! Our days basically started with a yoga session that we had the pleasure to share not only with Riany but with special local guests Later we had an amazing breakfast and run to the beach, ready to surf!! It was actually my first experience in surfing, we had great quality equipment, And the best coaches! I spent my week in the waves with Mahmoud, The funniest and most prepared coach I could dream of!! I came there not being able to pop up on my board, Ending the week beating able to surf green waves and even think about switching my board to a hardtop one! I’ve learnt that surfing is not only a sport, but it feels like therapy. I want to put special attention on the holistic side of the retreat, Which I mainly booked for.. I’ve learn to listen to my body and my soul, I knew I was in a safe space and everybody was so vulnerable and opened about their selves We were people of every kind of age, and ethnicity, I’ve actually celebrated my 25th birthday with them and I felt so happy and fulfilled with love and warmth, I think a right word to describe it would be ‘sisterhood’ I came home changed, More aware of myself, more positive and trusting about the world, With new friends that I can’t wait to meet again around the world Everyone really has a special place in my heart I feel so much grace and gratitude and ease after this trip… I couldn’t recommend it enough, it was life changing for me I can’t wait to be on a new adventure with floating you again! Inshallah! Thank you Riany for making everything so special, for keeping it so true and genuine See you soon, Your trottola, Alessia
5 Stars from Alessia on TripadvisorA DAY WITH US
IN COLLABORATION WITH VALESKA SCHNEIDER
Previous
Next
Early Birds & Moroccan Sunrises
Waking up hearing the Waves of the Atlantic Ocean rolling onto Shore. Gently starting to move your Body & set your mind for a beautiful day ahead with a healing Yoga exercise on our in-house Rooftop Yoga Shala (Including breathing exercises and meditation to sink deeper into the magic of your true self). After this you are asked to indulge in our healthy and fresh breakfast, prepared with love from our Villa Chef.
Late Mornings
After fuelling the body with goodness, the waves are calling and we are getting ready for our daily Surf with VALESKA SCHNEIDER & our local team of Surf Maroc.The group is split into beginners and intermediate surfers to guarantee the most valuable experience for everyone. Every day our instructors check the wave conditions to make sure we're going to the perfect break for the time & day. Loading the Truck with Boards: Lets go on a cruise along the dreamy Blue & Golden Coast to find some waves! Salty & happy you can enjoy a quick post-surf fresh mint tea on the beach before packing up and riding back to our Villa.
The Afternoons & Time of Dawn
In the afternoon we gather for either a guided meditation, technical feedaback rounds or workshops by Valeska, a healing ritual with sacred sound, a sharing circle, a painting session or similar. There will be days with Surf Analysis to implement your learning for the next days. See yourself on the board and evaluate what you can do better tomorrow.
Evenings
To round up this blissfull & adventurous Day private Chef Team will bless us with a delicious, feasty Dinner. Maybe adding a quick journaling moment for one or the other before your well deserved rest.
GALLERY
ROOM TYPES
Villa Mandala Private Double Room
35m² • Ocean or Garden View • Kingsize Bed • Non-smoking • WIFI • Room Safe • Daily Room Cleaning • Linen and Towels Provided • Moroccan Hamam Olive Soap • Rose Water Mist • Shampoo • Hot Water Bottle • Desk• Fan • Ensuite Bathroom • Designed with cool locally made furniture to give an extra authentic feel. Expect all the comfortable goodies that make your stay effortless & make you feel at home here, in 'little Morocco'.
FROM$3,705.78/pp
Villa Mandala Twin Share Room
40m² • Ocean or Garden View • 2 Single Beds • Non-smoking • WIFI • Room Safe • Daily Room Cleaning • Linen and Towels Provided • Moroccan Hamam Olive Soap • Rose Water Mist • Shampoo • Hot Water Bottle • Desk• Fan • Ensuite Bathroom • Designed with cool locally made furniture to give an extra authentic feel. Expect all the comfortable goodies that make your stay effortless & make you feel at home here, in 'little Morocco'.
FROM$3,705.78/pp
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What's Included
7 Nights in a Morrocan Dream Villa right by the Ocean
6 Communal Dinner Feasts freshly prepared by our private Chef in Villa Mandala
7 Nutritious Lunches (packed or in house)
Daily Afternoon Snacks, Sweet Treats & Tea at Villa Mandala
7 Big Hearty and Healthy Breakfasts
5 x Surf Coaching with Surf Maroc
Feedback & technical Support by Valeska
Surf Analysis by Valeska
Confidence & Mindset Workshops by Valeska
Daily Yoga Classes & Pranayam
2 Special Yin Yoga and Sound Healing Classes
1 x Full Sound Journey
Sacred Cacao Ceremony
Self Development Workshop
Guided Meditations
Creative Canvas Session
Special Sunset Drink's Gathering
FLOATING YOU Goodie Bag
Surf Off day: Local Excursion to the Souk and 'Desert Surfing' or Trip to Paradise Valley (weather dependend)
Airport Pick up & Drop of
Transport to all Surf Excursions
Free Use of Surfboards & Yoga Mats
Free Drinking Water, Coffee & Tea Facilities
What's Not Included
Flights to Agadir, Morocco
Travel Insurance
1 Dinner: Optional BBQ at Boutique Hotel 'Amouage'
Any Alcoholic Drinks and special Softdrinks
Optional 6th Surf on 'Surf off Day'
Optional Hamam Visit and / or other Spa Facilities
ADD ON'S
High-End edited Photo Package from a week with us min. 150 photos (including a personalised mini fun-shoot)
Elevate your memories with our exclusive edited photo package from the retreat – a blend of artistry and expertise to transform your moments into timeless masterpieces. FLOATING YOU LOVES: A little shooting with your surfboard with the prettiest backdrops!...
Read More
FROM$77.73/pp
ADD THIS
Reiki Treatment & Energy Healing
Reiki is a old Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing....
Read More
FROM$145.89/pp
ADD THISFAQs
Where do I need to fly to?
To the airport of Agadir - 'AGA'. If you fly in from the States or Asia, you usually need to connect in Casablanca.
What time do I need to arrive on Day 1?
On the 5th of December the checkin time in Villa Mandala is at 4 PM. If you arrive before that - no worries you are welcome to hang out in the Villa until your room is ready.
How long is the drive from Agadir Airport to Villa Mandala?
It's a 45min drive & Airport Pickup is included.
Is this a 'Surf Beginner' friendly Retreat ?
Absolutely ! Many people do their first surf lessons here. You don't need to 'know' how to surf in order to join us! Since we have support from a Pro Surfer - you can elevate your skills if you already know a bit of surfing!
Will I have some fun Waves as an intermediate Surfer?
Hell yes !! So many amazing waves around. Our team will make sure that everyone gets to surf waves according to their level!
How is the weather in December?
Morocco is very special at this time of year. It can get up to 30 degrees in the day and down to 15 degrees in the night! Pack summery clothes and your favourite Bikini for a proper winter tan! Aswell as couple of cozy long pants / leggins and some nice warm jumpers to throw over. We have warm water bottles for you in the Villa and a lot of fresh Mint Tea to keep you warm when the sun goes down!
Do I need to bring my own Wetsuit?
No! The price includes a rented wetsuit for the week. If you feel more comfortable bringing your own, thats for sure possible (We suggest 3mm thickness) !
Do I need to bring my own Surfboard?
No! The price includes Board rental for the week. 'Premium' Boards are optional to rent and have an additional charge. If you want to ride your own board you are welcome to bring it at your own cost.
Is it safe for me to travel alone to Morocco ?
Yes - 100% confirmed. Travelling solo for women and men is super smooth. Everything is self explained at the airport and our driver will have a sign with your Name after you arrived. From that moment you can let yourself fall - we got you!
What language is this Retreat on ?
Valeska and Riany both speak german and english fluent. Usually the retreats are held in english as we have international guests. We can support in both languages - language should not be a barrier.
REVIEWS
I still find it hard to express how much the floatingyou retreat in Morocco meant and still means to me— because it meant so much. I could not be more thankful to Riany and to everyone who participated in our days there together. The retreat gave me everything that I was looking for— and also what I didn’t know I needed. Time, space, honesty, reflection, challenge, solitude, camaraderie, love, support, connection, peace. The holistic aspect of the retreat has been so beautifully curated by Riany and is the perfect complement to the yoga and surf. Her support is felt in all moments whether you’re in the shala or in the water, and I left feeling such a sense of calmness and clarity. Not to mention happiness. It’s been three months now and I’ve very often found myself wanting to be back in the floatingyou environment recreating those moments— the waves, the magic of Morocco, the food, the fun, and allllll the laughter. If I’m lucky enough, this will be just the first of many floatingyou retreats that I get to take part in.
5 Stars from Caithlin on Tripadvisor
I joined the morocco trip and it was the most beautiful, amazing, best trip I have ever been on. I have never felt so calm and peaceful and authentically myself. My first solo trip and I am obsessed. The surfing was amazing, with the best guides that became our friends by the end of the week. Ive done a lot of surf lessons but this was next level. Tips and things to work on that no one had told me before. I feel that i progressed so much throughout the week, mentally and technically. The yoga/sound baths/cacao ceremonies etc were just so wholesome. Really centering in on the mind and finding peace and calm and just doing what feels right for you. The mix of yoga and surf was what drew me to this and it exceeded my expectations ten fold. I met so many beautiful likeminded people and I will never forget it. I decided on the second day I had to come back again and im so excited. If you're in doubt just booooook it :)
5 Stars from Sorcha on Tripadvisor
I really don’t know how to start.. I went to Morocco with floating you this December, It was my very first holistic retreat, and I’m so glad I booked with Riany The trip was perfectly organized, everyday she was sharing with us the schedule of the day after, it’s sooo special to have someone organize and take care of every little special detail for you, We had the BEST food! Everything was genuine and home made, And don’t start me on the Villa.. oh man! It felt like living in a dream! Our days basically started with a yoga session that we had the pleasure to share not only with Riany but with special local guests Later we had an amazing breakfast and run to the beach, ready to surf!! It was actually my first experience in surfing, we had great quality equipment, And the best coaches! I spent my week in the waves with Mahmoud, The funniest and most prepared coach I could dream of!! I came there not being able to pop up on my board, Ending the week beating able to surf green waves and even think about switching my board to a hardtop one! I’ve learnt that surfing is not only a sport, but it feels like therapy. I want to put special attention on the holistic side of the retreat, Which I mainly booked for.. I’ve learn to listen to my body and my soul, I knew I was in a safe space and everybody was so vulnerable and opened about their selves We were people of every kind of age, and ethnicity, I’ve actually celebrated my 25th birthday with them and I felt so happy and fulfilled with love and warmth, I think a right word to describe it would be ‘sisterhood’ I came home changed, More aware of myself, more positive and trusting about the world, With new friends that I can’t wait to meet again around the world Everyone really has a special place in my heart I feel so much grace and gratitude and ease after this trip… I couldn’t recommend it enough, it was life changing for me I can’t wait to be on a new adventure with floating you again! Inshallah! Thank you Riany for making everything so special, for keeping it so true and genuine See you soon, Your trottola, Alessia
5 Stars from Alessia on Tripadvisor