AN EXAMPLE 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY TO MOROCCO
Morocco is the ideal destination for couples with so much to do and explore. With ancient cities, rich culture, bustling markets and restaurants serving a fusion of Arab, Berber, Andalusi, and Mediterranean cuisine, to dynamic landscapes filled with adventure, breath taking views and plenty of history, there is something for everyone.
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 4
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: El Fenn Hotel
The El Fenn Hotel is actually a dozen riads, which form a sprawling maze of pretty courtyards, collonaded balconies and quiet nooks where resident tortoises amble past your feet. The hotel is decorated in a plumage of jewel-bright colours, luxury furnishings and private art works. And that’s just on the ground floor; El Fenn’s crowning glory is 1,300 square metre rooftop where you can sip on a ‘Red City Rosé Cooler’ as the sun sets over the Atlas Mountains.
EXPLORE: Agafay Desert - Day 4 to 5
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, before heading back for a private candlelit dinner.
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 couples escape to the Agafay Desert, and our top tip is to simply soak in the atmosphere over a cup of mint tea.
DISCOVER: The Atlas Mountains - Day 5 to 8
North Africa’s greatest mountain range, The Atlas Mountains run diagonally across the country for almost 1000 kilometres and act as a barrier between the mild Mediterranean climate of the north and the hot Sahara in the south. Trekking here is as magnificent as the scenery, and climbers and hikers flock for the chance to ascend the staggering Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the range.
For those you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can wander the fertile valleys of walnut and cherry trees and gawp at the panoramic views, visit a traditional Berber village, seemingly locked in time, or hire a mule and a muleteer and go where the hooves take you…
STAY: Kasbah Tamadot
With beautiful suites, heavenly cuisine & views to die for, Kasbah Tamadot is a luxury hideaway in the Atlas Mountains. Previously owned by a world-renowned antiquarian, it’s brimming with stunning oil paintings and ornate tapestries and antiques from across the world.
Relax in the the rose-scented gardens, or with a deep tissue massage in the spa tent amongst the fruit trees, before enjoying a meal that is almost too good to eat, with specialities including spiced lamb tagine, local favourite pigeon pastilla, and roasted pears with mascarpone for dessert.