Tempting Tuesday :: A Peek at the Pavilions

Today's "Tempting Tuesday" post is all about taking a closer look at the location of the Marrakesh, Morocco yoga retreat. I'm so happy to be hosting this retreat at such a lovely location. Peacock Pavilions has been featured in travel and design publications, and it's easy to see why.

This boutique hotel is located in Marrakesh on 8.5 acres of land, including 5 acres of olive grove, this stylish and eco-friendly abode has been featured in worldwide publications, including National Geographic Traveler.

Breathtakingly beautiful and luxuriously designed, the living quarters where guests will stay during the retreat features gorgeous fireplaces and a glamorous bathrooms in each room. Each bedroom also has its own private terrace - just the right place to enjoy a minty tea or a zingy cocktail!

I mean, just look at these bedrooms? The hand-painted details, and carefully chosen linens to give the perfect ambiance of exotic, modern, and Moroccan.

The entire pavilion property has been decorated with care and loaded with art, special fabrics, and exotic good stuff from all around the world...A swanky place to relax, the salon/great room has a stunning lacy plasterwork that took weeks to complete. There is also seating and dining areas for intimate discussions and cozy meals. A spiral staircase leads to a catwalk high in the air, where you can sit on vintage embroideries and admire the view. 

Not only is this place gorgeous, but it's also eco-friendly. Observing "green" building and gardening techniques, you'll feel good about the organic bounty served to your plate, and the hot water you use heated by the solar panels! Spend some free time at the lovely, inviting pool and patio, or join us for a henna and cocktail party in the painted tent, or perhaps an outdoor cinema night on the lawn.

Peacock Pavilions is owned by Maryam and her husband Chris, both recently featured on HGTV's House Hunters International. Chris is an architect, and Maryam a freelance photographer, travel and lifestyle writer, and the author of the award winning blog, My Marrakesh. Both make a perfect team in putting this amazing estate together.

Tempting Tuesday :: Umbrian Cuisine

It's about time I start talking to you about one of the fabulous parts of the Eat.Pray.Move Yoga Retreat that is taking place this summer in Italy...the CUISINE.

I mean "Eat" is the first word of the title, although, don't get me wrong - yoga is still the focus. But food - beautiful, tasty, healthy, organic Italian cuisine is also a wonderful part of the retreat that guests are sure to enjoy. Amanda, one of the hosts at the villa, is a natural when it comes to preparing simple, seasonal meals in the traditions of the Tuscan and Umbrian regions.

I thought today I'd feature a recipe of hers which she posted on their blog. It's the perfect in-between seasons meal with the warmth of the grilled bread and beans, with the tanginess of the fresh rosemary.

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Bruschetta with Cannellini Beans & Rosemary

1 tin or jar good quality cannellini beans, drained

Large spring rosemary

Balsamic vinegar

Extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper 

2 cloves Garlic

Coarse country style bread, sliced

First grill your slices of bread. While they are still hot drizzle them with olive oil and rub them with a cut clove of garlic.

Pull all the spikey leaves from the rosemary spring and chop very, very finely until almost a powder.  Fry one clove of chopped garlic in a little olive oil but be careful not to let it colour.  Add the drained beans and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, add the rosemary, a little more oil and season well with salt and pepper and a spritz of balsamic vinegar.  Mash everything together using the back of a wooden spoon until you have a coarse puree.  Heap the beans onto the grilled bread and drizzle with more of the olive oil.  This is delicious with a sharp green salad on the side and a glass of rough red wine to wash it down.

Now, doesn't that make you want to join us in July?