Being alone has never felt so connected – Singles Only in Morocco

Here's what Ivaila has to say about how people change when they travel solo, when the 'click' happens, and why Singles Only is more than just a format—it's an experience that can flip your perceptions (and direction).

Where does one start when deciding to gather a group of strangers and take them to Morocco?

From a turning point in self-belief, I think. It's quite an adventurous experience. Luckily, I had the best possible support beside me. Without Boyana Sharlopova as a partner, psychotherapist, and friend, I believe the magic of Morocco wouldn't have happened. It's crucial in these SPOTs that the leaders work as one organism, without losing their individuality, and I think that with Boyana Together we managed to make it happen and enjoy it.

What happens when people who don't know each other's names start cooking together, making dinner, and asking personal questions as if they've known each other for years?

What happens is real fun and the sensation that, right at that moment, you don't want to be anywhere else.

Is there a moment when everyone forgets they arrived alone?

I believe there is, and it's quite noticeable. There's a moment when you can feel everyone's energy so strongly as one, when conversations focus on the here and now and questions and answers become easy to convey.

What's your favourite moment from the previous journey that isn't listed in the program?

I adore working with groups. One of my favourite moments was when, due to a slight delay on the desert trip, we couldn't complete two of the activities and asked the group if they preferred the full intense program or a shorter version. Almost unanimously, they replied they wanted to experience everything planned. This is a big affirmation for us as leaders. It speaks to the fact that we've formed a group, sparked interest, desire, bonding, and connection.

What's your favourite thing to observe as the group progresses?

The relaxation of each participant feels like lightness, when there are no longer so many demands or expectations. There comes a moment when if the leaders have done their job well, everyone allows themselves a little more, enjoys a little more of what's happening around them. It's irreplaceable.

What do people say at the end when boarding the plane? (And what do they leave unsaid?)

Haha, when they boarded the plane at the end, everyone was tired but with sparkling eyes. The feedback we mostly received was that this was the best trip of their life. What do they leave unsaid... hmm, I think a lot of longings and a bit of nostalgia about the end.

How do you know when someone has allowed themselves to be a bit more themselves than they have been in a long time?

By the lightness that can be felt even in the air. When someone 'allows' themselves to be a little more themselves—Carpe diem—seize the day!

If you could describe the group in one word (that isn't 'vibe', 'energy', or 'magic')—what would it be?

Actually, two words come to mind. One is synergy /joint action where the final effect is greater than the sum of the effects caused separately by each agent/, the other is DNA. A teacher of mine once told me that when a group forms where each individual connects with every other, a group DNA is formed. It's unique, just like each individual's DNA. I believe that's what happened with our group in Morocco.

What would you say to someone watching the stories and thinking: "Looks cool, but I'm not that type of person"?

Join us in September. We promise you'll experience things that can't be experienced elsewhere, and you'll return with, if not a partner, certainly many friendships and a sense of belonging. And what's better than that.

What is it that no one expects but everyone receives?

I think an expansion of self internally. Knowledge of oneself that they haven't had before. It's remarkable to look into 23 pairs of eyes and see your own uniqueness.

Every time a group gathers in the desert, to the rhythm of Berber drums and the light of stars, something much larger than a journey happens. Morocco unravels, arranges, and connects you.

And if you think "I'm not that person", Ivaila has one piece of advice: that's exactly when you are.

The next journey is in September. Learn more here