CCT X LAITH & LEILA

MOROCCO | ARTISAN & ATELIER DISCOVERY

16 - 29 SEPTEMBER 2022

EMBARK ON…

​​a Consciously Cultivated journey, crafted and curated with the purpose of bringing a truly unique and immersive perspective that deeply connects you to people and place. With core focus being placed on each journey being transformational and impactful.  We delve deeper into understanding a place through a local lens, conscious connections and purposeful immersive actions. This year, we’ve partnered with Laith and Leila to unmask the artisanal culture of Morocco. An intimate road trip that takes us on a vibrant journey through some of the countries most off the beaten path hubs of makers, craftsmen and women, growers, farmers, harvesters and more. All of whom will immerse us through food, culture, art, artisans and ateliers. For the first time, Laith and Leila will be sharing some of the trusted masters that they have been working with for many years.

Laith and Leila are a sumptuous brand with a foundation steeped in ethical and sustainable homeware, with intentional producers based in Morocco, they have spent almost a decade enriching people and place through their slow living and working culture,  across their entire design and production cycle. With their authentic handmade rugs and artisan made homewares, creating and selecting the best pieces for homes around the world.

The name Laith and Leila draws on the strength, courage and conviction of a lion (Laith) and the tenderness and stillness of the night (Leila) to represent who they are as a brand, consciously weaving an ecosystem that looks to benefit people and place through its vibrant interiors and homewares.

Whether you are a traveler who has always dreamt of exploring the true magic of Morocco, or a creative looking to be inspired and embark on your own journey of craft for business or pleasure. Or you simply want to join us for what will be a truly epic journey through some of the most picturesque destinations in Morocco meeting and learning from the masters. This road trip will expose you to the best makers, artisans and ateliers in everything from ceramics, rugs, soft furnishings, leather, linen, flora and fauna and so much more. You will not only see the art of their age old traditions, but learn these techniques for yourself.

Travel has a remarkable way of creating real catalysts for change. Our travel footprints have an unimaginable way of not only leaving a reminisce of ourselves behind but imparting a piece of itself within us. Philanthropy is at the heart of everything Consciously Connected Travel does. Philanthropy for us takes shape in various forms. Philanthropy can take form in giving time, sharing your gifts, providing support and insight or simply taking the time to listen and break bread together. Each Philanthropic moment is weaved into the fabric of this journey, because giving back isn’t about making ourselves feel better or cultivating the narrative of saving those less fortunate. Philanthropy is about breaking boundaries, creating opportunities for understanding and understanding can only truly be gained by true moments of shared connection.

A peaceful hideaway!

A rustic village 25 mins outside of Marrakech, with its imposing ancient kasbah and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background. With its Countryside feel and laid back inhabitants, Oumnass is a peaceful, idyllic, sanctuary of olive groves, eucalyptus plants and the home for herbs As if time stood still, Oumnass still preserves its Moroccan roots and ancient artifacts. Don’t be alarmed if you see a trail of sheep and a shepherd along the smallish roads, that’s the traffic in Oumnass.

Where beauty dwells!

Khenifra is a city surrounded by the Atlas Mountains and located on the Oum Er-Rbia River. With its magnificent landscape, living traditions and welcoming population, Khenifra is full of potential for the development of accommodation projects and tourist activities, particularly those linked to new forms of mountain, green, rural and adventure tourism.

It is considered a target destination for ecological tourism thanks to the beauty of its mountains with their reddish colours, its lakes and its majestic forest of cedars. Khenifra is where the magical carpets are handwoven and the biggest secret of all, as the women and men hand dye, weave and design carpets from start to finish in their looms. Khenifra is a beautiful hidden region that will excite all the senses from its landscapes, people and craftsmanship.

OUR LOCAL INSIDER

LAITH & LEILA

CCT Founder, Ingrid Asoni will be navigating this journey personally. One thing she loves to do is bridge the gap between her global friends and personal relationships and the CCT Tribe. Something she knows helps to elevate a travel narrative from just a trip to an unforgettable, transcendent experience. No one knows a place better than its local people and what better way to experience a place than through the creative lens of one of the most sought after Moroccan slow living homeware brands.

In 2014, under the sweltering heat, smell of sandalwood filled the air, a view of blue skies and palm trees, the lovers launched their first ever curated collection of bespoke Moroccan homewares. The mission from the start was to stay authentic to Moroccan traditions and stay true to their culture. To encompass the true synergy of East meets West. 

To capture the essence of their beloved country and preserve its traditions, is what continues to inspire the creative duo to do what they do. The art of storytelling is shared through the texture, colour and quality of their designs and selections. They work directly and intimately with the women weavers who create their rugs, the pottery artists who create their ceramics, the skilled artisans who handcraft their soft furnishings and the generations of tribes who weave their vintage rugs that they hand select.

Their makers consist of women who can provide education to their children, homes for their families, food each night and happiness in their lives because they create a platform for them to do something they enjoy.

All of their products are sustainably made, ethically sourced and are monitored from start to finish. They use only natural resources, recycled materials and ensure that the traditional methods of Morocco are maintained throughout every piece.

Laith and Leila have been featured in - Book: The New Mediterranean - Gestalten and Websites / Magazines:  MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Mag, Architectural Digest, Elle, Conde Nast, Dwell. They have also curated and designed interiors for spaces in New York, Australia, France Italy and more.

“Morocco captured my heart a long time ago. Being able to share this journey with my personal local friends and the CCT tribe is truly magical. From the people to the places, the music to the food, the laughter to the love and everything in between. Morocco and its people embrace you with so much love, that you will be hard pushed not to leave impacted.”

- Ingrid Asoni

Day 5-7

2 Nights in Oumnass

Slow down in Oumnass, a charming postcard village inspired by nude tones and rustic textures as we reconnect to nature and the art of slow living. We will immerse in cultivating a home well lived through interior styling, arragenments and staging spaces. Developing your personal or professional sense of identity through your intuition, intention and interior choices that capture your essence and help to tell your story. We will break bread over decadent dining tables, enjoy supper under the stars as we laugh over our days and rediscover ourselves through food, flora, fauna and fun.

Day 9-11

2 Nights in Taroudant

Once the capital of Morocco, Taroudant boasts a simplistic grandeur unlike any other. This off the beaten path town is frequented by those in the know. Surrounded by the fertile plains of the Souss Valley. The rich agricultural and botany that grows in this region makes it a prime spot for those wanting to immerse and further develop their love of flora. The Taroudant region cultivates everything from Argan Oil to Neroli, Orange Blossom to a wealth of other Essential Oils. 

Taroudant’s location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains makes it an ideal location for reconnecting with self through your connection with nature. The unspoilt landscape calls for a spiritual journey of hiking through the heart of Paradise Valley. Which artfully marries hiking, swimming within the crystal clear rugged pools etched into the landscape and scattered along the river and a moment to just breathe and be consciously connected.

There is a laid back charm to this Berber market town which for centuries has been the hub of the Souss Valley and a key trading post for the crops grown in the fertile valley plains all around. So spend a few magical days here, disconnecting with external distractions and reconnecting with an authentically immersive experience of Morocco.

Day 1-5

4 Nights in Marrakech

At the start of our trip, we will be immersing ourselves in the Magic of Marrakech, the heart and hub of Morocco. Marrakech is the eclectic, chaotic and the ravenous gateway to the rest of Morocco. Roam with us over 4 nights as we unlock the unseen. We share with you through an insiders lens the places we eat, sleep and play, while immersing and connecting you with some of our favourite artisans and ateliers. You won’t just be listening and watching, we will be getting our hands dirty through doing. Learning the ancient art and techniques that go into the things you love, so you can cultivate something bespoke and magical of your own. City hop to M’rirt the home of rugs and Khenifra the heart of healing, were we share the soul of some of the most skilled artisans, nomadic insights and access to raw materials used in ancient practices for beauty and wellbeing as well as home and lifestyle.

Day 7-9

2 Nights in Fez

Our roundtrip will take us to Fez, the oldest City in Morocco, steeped in history, culture and unique architecture. Fez has a dynamic food culture, unseen anywhere else in the Country. We will nourish our minds and definitely our bodies, our palettes will dance though the city enjoying a variety of local delicacies. foods En-route to Fez we will spend some time in one of our favourite places, Safi. Home of ceramics, Safi is infamous for producing all the clay and ceramics that circulate Morocco, but more importantly, Safi has its own unique art as it pertains to the art form. Learn from some of the greats to understand the diverse nuances in this age old tradition. Whether you are learning how to make a unique centrepiece for your home, or some items for your personal ritual, developing your skills to further evolve your business or simply wanting to source direclty from the makers.

Day 11-14

3 Nights in Chefchaouen

Known as the blue city for its pastel washed walls. Chefchaouen has a calming energy that encompasses all that experience it. Our roundtrip will take us to Chefchaouen via Tangier. Tangier the place for antiques and antiquities. Where writers came to be inspired and movie stars came to party and unwind. Tangier sits on the cusp of its cousin Spain, so holds a diverse and unique culture of Spanish speaking inhabitants and a mediterranean, metropolis that still somehow manages to maintain its old world Arabian African charm.

INCLUDED:

1. Luxury Accommodation. (Double Occupancy)

2. Complementary Roundtrip Airport transfers

3. All daily meals outlined in the final itinerary.

4. All programmed & scheduled activities

5. On-ground transportation

6. Deep Local Discovery & Immersion activities

7. Discovery of local cuisine ,art, culture, artisans & ateliers

8. Philanthropic Activations

EXCLUDED:

1. Flights & Travel insurance

2. Covid Vaccinations & Tests

3. Pre & Post Destination Immersion journeys

4. All Optional and Non-Programmed Activities

5. Meals not outlined within the final itinerary

6. Spa & Wellness Treatments

7. Alcohol & Gratuity

GETTING THERE:

Our in-house flights & logistics team are on hand to assist you with flights, Visas and Pre & Post Destination immersion.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

• Price: £6,900 GBP per person based on double occupancy.

• You have the option of paying a £1,000 non-refundable deposit to secure your place, followed by subsequent payments as part of a payment plan. Alternatively you are able to pay in full at an Early Bird rate of £6,200.

PLANT A SEED

Consciously Connected Travel was created out of a necessity to do more. Our tribe of beatniks truly believe that everyone has a part to play, and ours is creating a space where travel, wellness and philanthropy intertwine. So that the future generations might live in a world that is a little bit more full of love and light.

CCT was designed to blur the lines between travel and supporting communities in the places you travel to, every time you travel with us - either through our Travel Design service, Culturally Connected Experiences or Wellness Activations, we donate a % directly from our own pockets to a local project, charity or community in that destination in addition to planting trees to offset each travellers carbon footprint.

1. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

   13 nights, 14 days at unique accommodations based on double occupancy throughout the journey; private travel for all day trips and excursions; arrival and departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides/insiders and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities, artisan discoveries and programmed, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; non-alcoholic beverages with meals.

   2. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

   Roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the journey; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for guides/insiders and artisans.

   3. WHERE DOES THE TRIP START AND END?

   Our adventure begins the moment you land in Marrakech, Morocco. The closest airport is the Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK). There will be a complimentary transfer from this airport to the hotel.  Our last day is in Chefchaouen. The closest airport is Tangier Ibn Battuta International Airport (TNG). Your travels home can be scheduled to depart at any time after 12:00 PM.

   4. WHO IS GOING ON THIS TRIP?

   The Morocco Artisan and Atelier Discover journey is limited to 8 guests, and the Consciously Connected Travel and Laith and Leila team. Our immersive experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travellers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travellers aged 18 and above.

   5. WHO IS LEADING THIS JOURNEY?

   This journey is led by Consciously Connected Travel’s Founder Ingrid Asoni and Laith and Leila Founder Amy Echariti. Throughout our journey we will be joined by local, expert insiders, artisans and masters who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

   6. WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED?

   If you are a Non-Moroccan Citizen traveling to Morocco, visit the Morocco Consulate or Embassy for requirements and information about passports and visas. If a visa is required and you need assistance, our team is on hand to help. Please do reach out. For all covid related protocol, please do check regularly on the Moroccan Consulate website as requirements are forever changing.

   7. DO I NEED TO PAY A SOLO TRAVELLER SUPPLEMENT?

   All accommodation is based on double occupancy. For solo travellers who wish to book a private room, then 2 spaces should be purchased upon checkout.

   8. WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

   We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).

   • More than 120 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a full refund (minus a £500 per-person service fee)

   • Between 119 and 61 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a 50% refund

   • Within 60 days of the original departure: 100% non-refundable

9. WHAT IF I AM THINKING ABOUT BOOKING A CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL JOURNEY?

When you join one of our journeys we want you to book with confidence. On all new bookings for Consciously Connected Travel traveling in 2022, we’ll help you update your plans by transferring your reservation to a future date or an alternate journey. In the event, we postpone your journey, you can transfer 100% of your booking to the new departure or any other Consciously Connected Travel Journey. If the transfer is for a journey at a higher value, then the difference will have to be paid.

10. WHEN WILL WE NOTIFY YOU IF A POSTPONEMENT IS NECESSARY?

Any postponement decisions will be made 45 days prior to departure dates (or closer to travel if the situation dictates).

11. WHAT IF I AM BOOKED ON A TRIP THIS YEAR AND HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TRAVELLING?

For any guest booked on a Consciously Connected Travel journey, traveling in 2022, if you are not able to travel on your original journey booking, we are offering journey credits. This allows you to transfer 100% of your booking value to any current or future Consciously Connected Travel journey. Travel must be completed by the end 2023.

12. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL’S TRANSFER POLICY?

For all postponed departures, a journey credit will automatically be applied and available for use on a future journey. If your journey is not postponed, requests for a journey transfer must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the original journey departure date. Reservations can be transferred directly to an active Consciously Connected Travel Journey or credited to your guest account. Any remaining balance can be applied towards an additional Consciously Connected Travel journey traveling before the end of 2023. All transfers and credit allocations are final and non-refundable. 

13. WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?

To give you more flexibility, we are offering journey transfers with 100% of your booking credited to any current or future Consciously Connected Travel journey. Otherwise the terms of our cancellation policy are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a full refund (minus a £500 per-person service fee)

• Between 119 and 61 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a 50% refund

• Within 60 days of the original departure: 100% non-refundable

14. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TRIP IS POSTPONED?

We are actively rescheduling impacted departures and in most cases offering them in the same travel month for 2023. If you are unable to travel on the new date, you can transfer to another Consciously Connected Travel journey without penalty or cancel your reservation per the terms of your original booking.

15. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AS A GUEST ON A POSTPONED TRIP?

If your trip is postponed you can:

• Travel on your rescheduled trip date.

• Transfer 100% of your booking amount to travel on another Consciously Connected Travel journey.

• Cancel your booking per the cancellation terms of your original travel date.