Well Travelled | The Yoga Class

We explore the serene side of Morocco with Laura Dodd, founder of The Yoga Class. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the Medina behind, Laura takes us to the Ourika Valley for a sustainable activewear story set amidst the snow-capped mountains.

Photography | Chris Doe

Being a mother and business owner, how do you find time to prioritise your own wellbeing and what are your wellbeing rituals?

Prioritising movement and wellbeing can be tricky, especially when things get super busy, but for me it’s remembering how good you will feel afterwards and scheduling it in that helps.I find when I don’t look after myself, I notice my mood slipping, anxiety creeping in, and I have much less mental clarity. There are the non-negotiables for me - a yoga and movement practice around 5 times a week, daily Vedic meditation, enough down time with my son, friends and family, and enough time not working. Balance is key! Diet is incredibly important, and I mostly opt for a clean plant-based nutrient dense diet with plenty of cold-pressed juice. I actually have a new collaboration landing soon, incorporating nutritionist created meal plans and daily recipes, which is designed to complement The Yoga Class yoga, movement and meditation plans perfectly.

How has yoga improved your life?

I always find the answers to these questions a little cliché, but honestly yoga to me is strength, space and connection, both physically and mentally. Yoga has changed for me as my life and mindset has changed, moving from a strong and fast paced practice to a sustainable, steady, breath-led and varied home based, self-practice. My practice now includes a variety of yoga styles, so I can shift the approach according to how I feel. Moving and breathing in my own space and time, at home, has helped me develop a greater awareness of my own thoughts and patterns, and, of course, a stronger and more supple body. Yoga is the first ‘exercise’ that I have enjoyed in my adult life. I love the connection of the breath and movement of the body. I love that my body feels strong and open. I love the creativeness and dynamics of sequences. I love how my mind observes yet is calm and still. I love how yoga makes me feel. Yoga makes me a better person and a better mother. Yoga is a tool you can use daily to give your body and mind what it craves at any given time: building strength, finding release, moving through a gentler, softening meditation, or something in-between.

How would you describe your own teaching style?

I teach my students to move compassionately with the breath, making their practice a moving meditation and encouraging everyone to listen to their own body. I teach Vinyasa, Power, Beginners, Yin, Meditation and Breath-work across all levels, through creative and informative yet challenging classes, taught with grace and compassion. I aim for movements that create a healthy, happy body that is strong, lean and supple. My focus is to nourish people through movement to improve strength, tone, mobility and posture, and create a stronger connection between body and mind. My aim is to help everybody, all body types and ages, uncover this transformational practice.

You have recently launched retreats, what is the feeling and outcome when wellness and travel meet?

Wellbeing tourism is really having a moment right now, in fact encompassing 17% of the global tourism spend, and it’s clear to see why. After a few difficult years of covid, mental health is increasingly guiding the way we exercise and the way we travel. A wellness retreat provides a chance to fully disconnect from the distractions of everyday life, a chance to let go of daily stresses, and find peace of mind in a supportive and beautifully curated trip. Retreats allow opportunity for deepening our practices, the relationship with ourselves and new friends, and for some seriously transformational and unforgettable experiences in beautiful places. I want to make all our retreats a chance for all the above for our guests in the most beautiful and sustainable locations. Our next retreats are at Six Senses Ibiza in November and a Menorcan Finca surrounded by nature in May 2023.

When travelling how do you take your practice away with you?

I do like to self-practice and just listen to my own body and mind and what it needs on a particular day, but there is nothing quite like following a class that has been designed with a specific outcome in mind. The whole premise of The Yoga Class App is taking your practice with you, anytime anywhere and I love this element to it. There is nothing better than being able to just roll out your mat wherever you are in the world, alone or with friends, in the garden or on holiday and take a great class.

Your last retreat was to Morocco, what are your favourite wellbeing spots there?

On our recent retreat to Marrakech, we visited a beautiful and traditional Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Bab Ourika. The Kasbah itself has serene views of the Atlas Mountains from a series of terraces, gardens, and swimming pools across the lush deep river valleys to snow topped peaks, though in 30-degree heat at the Kasbah itself. The Kasbah is also one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Moroccoin terms of energy supply and only uses the freshest organic ingredients from both its own garden and nearby markets. It forms a perfect wellness getaway, encircled by nature, running creative daily workshops, numerous outdoor sports and activities, the best treatments and Hammams and at just 45 mins from Marrakech. In Marrakech itself, I would recommend visiting the renowned Spa at La Mamounia. Treatments are based on local products including argan oil, orange-flower water, and honey.

What are your plans going forward?

I am always looking to develop my own practice and understanding constantly so this is on the agenda. The Yoga Class wise, since I launched The Yoga Class 1.5 years ago, mid Pandemic, things have moved pretty quickly. I am so excited about the retreat side of the business expanding, as well as working on a lot more in-person workshops and events. Plus, we have some very exciting collaborations in the pipeline - I can’t wait to be able to share more soon.