Life, Grief, Trust
from 27 September to 2 October 2026
with Fenja Ellen & Marieke Noordanus
For lovers, grievers and the brokenhearted: this retreat is for those who have lost someone or something.
A loss that has touched you in the depth of your soul. An absence, whether recent or long ago, that has shaken something within you—-and that can no longer heal in quite the same way.
But this retreat is also for anyone who believes that every breaking open holds the possibility of a new beginning. That every loss carries the potential to awaken another way of living — another way of loving, of relating, of belonging.
For those who want to learn to live with the great missing, while at the same time learning to hold life again — in a different form.
LIFE, GRIEF, TRUST.
From September 27 to October 2, 2026, writer and DJ Marieke Noordanus and Fenja Ellen are hosting the retreat Grief, Life, Trust. Come to southwest Morocco, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, for five days of stillness, spaciousness, and rest.
THE GIFT OF GRIEF
The deep transformation that may emerge from grief goes hand in hand with “deep missing.” When those two elements — the loss and the willingness to allow it — are present, something powerful arises: a force that resides in the dark.
Not the darkness we so often associate with what is dark or evil, as something to turn away from, but that place without form. The formless. In our daily language we have few words for this force, but perhaps it is the womb of existence. The creative life force.
In our everyday lives, however, in the balancing act between work and living there is often little room for this force to emerge; to do its incredible healing work. In the space and rhythm of the Moroccan la vie en Berber, you are invited to make space. For yourself, for this force, and for your heart.
Beneath the healing light of the moon and stars, with the sun warming your soul and the vast horizon opening your gaze, you can catch your breath. Let go. And remember again who you are, and why you are here.
“In Lakota Sioux tradition, a person who is deeply grieving is considered the most awake (holy or sacred) because they stand at the threshold of the spirit world, having lost all emotional defenses. They are thought to hold deep natural wisdom, and their prayers are seen as especially powerful.”
OBOUT
FENJA & MARIEKE
We would have preferred to meet under different circumstances. But life had this plan.
We both lost someone — and that loss changed our lives forever. Marieke lost her daughter. Fenja, the love of her life. And with that loss, the life as we knew it disappeared too.
What began as a shared experience of grief grew into a shared exploration, a friendship, and an understanding of what we call The Gift of Grief.
The Gift of Grief is not about finding our way out of sorrow, but about honouring its transformative power. It’s about allowing it to become a force that carries you into life again. This quest takes us towards trust and purpose in reality as it is, while opening us to the possibility that the very feelings we would rather not feel may hold the key to living fully.
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A Vacation Plus
In this retreat, Marieke & Fenja create the space to connect with a deeper part of yourself. This is not group therapy, nor is it about grieving together. It is a shared space where you can encounter life, death, and the transition you are moving through from a different perspective. Slow down, feel, and listen to what is unfolding within you. Regard it as a place for your individual process, where rest, space, and surrender can open into inner strength, new possibilities, and new forms of creation.
Join us for this vacation plus. A combination of retreat and Holiday with like-minded people.
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Going Inward
During this retreat, Fenja works with meditation, contemplation, and abundant time in Nature to explore what happens when we stay close to the places where life has become difficult or painful. Nothing needs to be fixed or figured out. You can simply stay with what is here — feel it, witness it, listen to it. From that place, intelligence will flow.
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Moving Outward
Marieke invites you to experience where your creative power comes from. We are all born with our own form of genius — something no one else can say, make, or do in quite the same way. It is not something to strive for or achieve, but something that can be discovered as you move with life. A journey of discovery through inspired writing, healing words, images, music, and creative visualization.
COMBINE THE DEPTH OF A RETREAT AND THE LIGHTNESS OF A HOLIDAY
This intimate retreat brings together the best of both worlds: time away and time to go deeper. Each day follows a natural rhythm of depth and space — a balance between inner practice, creativity, and time to simply be.
There is room for whatever arises, but also plenty of time to enjoy the here and now: long meals, nature, the ocean (and surf), silence, a good conversation, or simply nothing at all. A place where inner work and relaxation naturally strengthen one another.
LIFE, GRIEF, TRUST.
The Details
September 27 – October 2, 2026
Arrival day: Sunday, September 27
The retreat begins: Monday, September 28
Closing: Thursday evening, October 1
Departure day: Friday, October 2
The Daily Rhythm
In the mornings, we begin together with a guided practice — a moment to arrive, slow down, and open into the day from within. Through meditation, contemplation, and stillness, there is space to listen to what is alive in you. This is followed by creative practice — through writing, images, music, and imagination — opening up space for expression, discovery, and your own creative power.
The afternoons are free and creative. Follow your own rhythm: go into nature, walk, surf, read, or rest. There is also space to spend time with us, together or one-on-one.
In the evenings, we come together again for a practice of stillness. A moment to let the day settle, slow down, and connect with nature and the energy of the night — with the fire, the stars, and the darkness.
THE LOCATION
Along the monumental Moroccan coast, surrounded by ancient Argan trees, Wilde Tigmi, offers an intimate getaway celebrating the spirit of the Amazigh people and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Berber home has six thoughtfully designed rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Four rooms have private bathrooms, while two share a shower and toilet.
For Life, Grief, Trust, the following room options are available. There is space for max. 6 participants.
Rooms
Oceanview Suite — private bathroom & terrace (booked)
Oceanview Double — private bathroom & terrace (booked)
Gardenview Twin — shared room, private bathroom & terrace (booked)
Simple Twin — shared room (2 people), shared bathroom €700 (1 spot open)
Prices are for the full retreat and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh fruit, tea, and water are available throughout the day. Dietary requirements can be shared with us in advance.
Want to join or
receive more information?
Join the live Meet & Drop-In (or receive the replay). Or simply get in touch by email — or, easiest of all, via WhatsApp.