Meet The Founder
Hi, I'm Marie,
a retreat host and entrepreneur from Belgium, with a passion for creating meaningful experiences and bringing people together.
Since completing my studies in tourism, I've been building my own path in the travel and hospitality industry, combining my love for surfing, community, and connection.
After years of traveling and surfing along the Portuguese coast, I eventually found my way to Morocco; a place that instantly felt like home. Inspired by its culture, landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle, I founded Barefoot Under The Sun, a surf & yoga retreat concept designed for women.
I've now been calling Morocco home for the past three years, and couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the life I've created. There's nothing I want more than to take you along on this journey with me!
headphones / girls
Voted most likely to...
Forget something
Never not without my...
What keeps me grounded...
Journaling
Dogs :)
Always making me smile...
Order me an...
Amaretto Sour
Always listening to...
Ben Howard
The experience:
What kind of trips do we offer?
Our trips are designed with a sense of flow rather than a fixed schedule. Some days might start early to catch the best waves or have a rejuvenating yoga session, while others unfold more slowly. There’s no rigid structure or set routine to follow, we go with what feels right that day!
The trips are all about spending time by the ocean, letting go of what you should be doing, and simply enjoying where you are. It’s about being active, having fun, and sharing those moments with a group of women who are often in the same phase of life; open, curious, and up for something new. Nothing is forced, nothing needs to be perfect. You come as you are, and the rest tends to fall into place.
You can see this as a fun girl surf trip with a bunch of new friends, rather than joining a guided retreat. Over time, I realised not everyone is looking for the same kind of experience, which is why I created two options: a surf-focused trip, and one where surfing is just one part of a broader, more relaxed experience. It allows you to choose what feels right for you. Take a look at our two Experiences to find the trip that suits you best.
The people:
Who are our trips for?
These trips are for women who like the idea of a getaway, but prefer connection over schedules, presence over perfection, and a less serious, more go-with-the-flow kind of vibe.
They’re for curious, open-minded souls who want to surf, soak up the sun, explore Morocco, eat good food, laugh a lot, and see where the days take them. For women who love adventure but also love slowing down. Lingering over long lunches, listening to music or chatting in the sun, letting the ocean and the heat set the pace.
Some women come with a real fire to surf, to learn properly, to build confidence, to spend as much time in the water as possible. Others come because they love the ocean but don’t want their entire day to revolve around it. Both belong here. We offer 2 different experiences: Surfing can be the main focus, or simply be a small beautiful part of the trip.
If you’re craving freedom, sisterhood, salty hair, dusty feet, spontaneous plans, and days that don’t feel over-designed, you’ll probably feel very at home here.
The difference:
Why is this not a classic retreat?
Under the motto “Make it happen first, make it better later,” I started Barefoot Under The Sun in 2023.
Over time, I realised that my trips aren’t quite like the classic retreats. The word "retreat" carries a certain weight that doesn’t really resonate here. (And I think our past guests would agree) Our trips are all about letting loose, being free, going with the flow and adapting to the pace of life. (Which is quite slow in a Moroccan surf town :))
I started my business with the idea of brining like-minded women together. Offering them a chance to discover Morocco, surfing and long lasting friendships.
If you’re searching for a deeply introspective retreat focused on meditation, self-discovery, or becoming a dedicated yogi, this may not be exactly what you’re looking for, and that's okay!
What you will find is connection, good times, peace of mind, beautiful waves and a whole lot of unforgettable memories.
