AN EXAMPLE 8 NIGHT HOLIDAY TO MOROCCO
Morocco is a fantastic family destination, it’s a peaceful country with genuine warmth and love for children of all ages. The people are friendly and there is a wonderful mix of ancient cities filled with vibrant market places, vast desert landscapes and rich culture.
Read on to view an example itinerary. We will of course tailor-make one to your tastes, interests and budget.
VISIT: Marrakesh - Day 1 to 5
Marrakesh is Morocco’s most iconic city, and the medina walls hum with a never-ending activity that is sultry and addictive. The famous Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive just as the sun is setting and the acrobats and snake charmers, musicians and dancers come to life and the food stalls sizzle with rich aromas.
The cooler mornings are the perfect time to begin your wanderings through the cobbled streets, dodging mopeds and donkeys, admiring the ancient mosques and Andalusian architecture that will focus your mind on times past and the deeply traditional life. Then, venture into the souks, where meat hangs from hooks, artisans mould and craftsmen weave, and troves of treasures glint in the sun…
STAY: Villa Des Orangers
A tranquil bubble in the Medina, La Villa Des Oranges provides the best of both worlds in Marrakesh. From the ever-present scent of the orange blossoms to the freshly-squeezed juice at breakfast and luxuriating massages with orange blossom mousse, La Villa des Orangers certainly lives up to its name. The atmosphere is a million miles away from the beeping and braying of the Medina, yet La Villa happens to sit at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque, right in the heart of the winding streets of Marrakesh.
Built in the 1930s and brought back to life by some of the city’s finest craftspeople, the house forms its own oasis without forgoing any of its authenticity.
DISCOVER: Agafay Desert - Day 5 to 6
About 30 kilometres south of Marrakesh, past the dusty farmlands and the odd shepherd or two, you’ll reach a landscape that is untouched and far from what you’ve left behind. This is the Agafay Desert, a rocky, lunar terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the distance.
But don’t be fooled, behind this tranquil exterior you’ll find camel trekking, horse-riding, dune-buggying, and even swimming and canoeing in the hidden oasis of Lalla Takerkoust – more than enough to keep the whole family entertained.
STAY: Inara Camp
Every detail at Inara is immaculately executed, from the desert-chic decor to private, candlelit dining tents, and a fabulous array of adventurous activities. Whether your adventuring in a dune buggy or swaying peacefully on camelback beautiful views occupy every direction – Wake up early to catch the sunrise, slowly illuminating the distant Atlas Mountains. The camp is the perfect idyllic escape to the Agafay Desert, and our top tip is to simply soak in the atmosphere over a cup of mint tea.
EXPLORE: Essaouira - Day 6 to 9
You’ll be warmly welcomed to cool and cosmopolitan Essaouira, a relaxed, bohemian haven of culture and character. It has all the elements of a typical Moroccan metropolis: the medina, walled and beautiful and jam-packed with donkeys and exquisite marquetry; the spice-scented alleyways; and the craft stalls and cafes that provide the ultimate backdrop to daily life.
But in this once real-life pirate’s hideout, you’ll also find pretty bright-blue rowing boats lining the shores, where you can spend the day watching the windsurfers take on the waves and peek at the fisherman bringing in their catch. For the more adventurous, go horseback riding along the beach, enjoy the Atlantic on a range of water sports including kite, wind and standard surfing, or hike into the scenic countryside.
STAY: L'Heure Bleue Palais
A charming, elegant mansion in Essaouira’s historic Medina, with excellent cuisine. Locally known as the ‘sleeping beauty’, this 18th-century riad shares a wall with the famous Bab Marrakech gate in the heart of Essaouira’s medina. Embellished with finely-carved wooden ceilings, bold carpets and Moorish arches, the riad is charming and authentic.
Before you set foot outside to explore the city (it’s close to galleries, beaches and markets galore), enjoy a little down time at the heated rooftop pool, find new zest with an argan oil massage, and watch an old classic at the private cinema. The rooms are striking and imbued with Moroccan elements and a modern finish. Only the best for the only Relais & Chateaux hotel in the city, of course.