Magical Morocco with Relais & Chateaux

MOROCCO is magical! I visited Marrakesh and the High Atlas mountains with my husband and kids for Spring Break years ago. I had always wanted to return to see the other fascinating cities of Fes, Rabat, and Essaouira. Morocco is a captivating destination for adventurous and patient travelers – getting around the country to anywhere besides Marrakesh requires connecting flights through Casablanca or very long drives – 8-10 hours days. The drives are incredible with gorgeous landscape and village after village living what appears to be a still a very primitive life.

While Marrakesh can easily be a long weekend for those seeking a cosmopolitan and romantic escape complete with dining, shopping, spa and night life, for travelers wanting to see the rest of the country, count on at least a week for adventures from the High Atlas mountains to a tented camp in the Sahara.

The perfect start is to fly into the capital Rabat (or if necessary into Casablanca for a night at the new lovely Four Seasons) or a 90 minute drive to Rabat, the serene, lush and spotless capital of the country. Because the Royal Palace is here and all of the embassies, Rabat is very beautiful and polished – this makes for the perfect way to “ease” into what will feel in some cases like a chaotic Morocco.

I loved the 12 room perfectly positioned Villa Difaya – lovely gardens, a superb restaurant, an excellent fitness center, and spa with hammam. Additionally families will love the two bedroom private villa.

FES – What an authentic, marvelous, and raw city. Fes is like Marrakech with out the European influence. One feels that they have really arrived in Morocco here. The markets, the artisans, the history, the food and the Riad Fes are all special highlights. Arriving to Riad Fes is quite mysterious and exciting. An original Riad surrounded by 4 other newer Riads built it the same historic architecture and tradition.

The bellmen delivering our luggage to the Riad Fes

Rooftop cocktails overlooking the Medina at Riad Fes

Call to Prayer at the Mosque in the Medina

Aspgaragus, poached egg, hollandaise perfection

I almost took home a fountain! Custom made and shipped for an incredible price! They are beautiful!!

The work that goes into cutting the tiles alone is astounding

Putting together the puzzle – such talent!

We were invited to tea at this simple home

Our hosts were so welcoming. This room is for meals, entertaining guests and for some even sleeping.

What a beautiful spread for afternoon team in a Moroccan home

Back at Riad Fes, another meal fit for a Sheikh

Drives in Morocco are very long but unavoidable – a few treasures along the way!

MARRAKESH –

The staff stoke the many fireplaces throughout the Riad

Our crew all cleaned up after a 9 hour drive from Fes to Marrakech and ready for dinner with the General Manager, Jean Paul

Villa des Orangers is romantic and beautiful and very much all about LOCATION TOO! Walking distance to the main square!

The spa and hammam is very special – a must!

Walking the Medina – beautiful spices, herbs, and colors!

Wow wow wow – Arriving to incredible gem outside of Marrakech in the Palmerie – Ksar Shar Bagh

Ksar Shar Bagh is incredibly sophisticated, yet an oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Marrakech

The private garden and pool of my suite at Ksar Shar Bagh

Our dinner room was designed with such attention to detail!

Once incredible course after another – may have been best meal of the trip!

And to return to my room after dinner and I find it completely bathed in flowers and candle light – so romantic. No detail left unturned!

Several Suites are terrific for families with multiple rooms and fabulous views!

Roof Top Private Pool – This Royal Suite is an incredible value!

Such a Fond Farewell from the Team at Ksar Shar-Bagh

ESSAOUIRA – Is a fabulous ancient port town which should not be missed. Some of the weeks best images were captured here on my iPhone so don’t miss it now, or when you go to Morocco!