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.
Our Journey with Relais & Chateaux
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.
Living Room at Villa DifayaGardens at Villa Difaya
The Spa and Hammam at Villa Difaya
Moroccan PasticheMoroccan TagineMagical first meal – Fish Tagine
Mausoleum of Mohamed V Rabat
Hassan Tower Rabat
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.
Entering the walled city in FesThe Astonishing Riad FesThe bellmen delivering our luggage to the Riad FesA Welcome fit for a Sheikh!
Riad Res Living Room
Dramatic and Historic Riad FesMy RoomAnother beautiful DinnerEach Tagine is better than the last!How beautiful is this place?
Rooftop cocktails overlooking the Medina at Riad Fes
The Fes Medina
Making pancakesCamel
Making very sweet sweetsWedding glitter
Call to Prayer at the Mosque in the MedinaCandles
Breathtaking Lights
One of oldest Quranic SchoolsLeather TanneryDying the leather hydes
Aspgaragus, poached egg, hollandaise perfectionCermanic workmanshipFreestyle design is incredibly preciseI 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 astoundingPutting together the puzzle – such talent!
We were invited to tea at this simple homeOur 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 homeBack at Riad Fes, another meal fit for a SheikhAnd I got to hold this little guy!!Dessert is always a good idea!Drives in Morocco are very long but unavoidable – a few treasures along the way!
MARRAKESH –
Arriving to our hotel in Marrakesh -Villa des OrangersThe staff stoke the many fireplaces throughout the RiadOur crew all cleaned up after a 9 hour drive from Fes to Marrakech and ready for dinner with the General Manager, Jean PaulGorgeous Detail…..with a meal to match
Villa des Orangers is romantic and beautiful and very much all about LOCATION TOO! Walking distance to the main square!
My bathroom……and bedroom at Villa des Orangers
The spa and hammam is very special – a must!The hammam at Villa des Oranger
Walking the Medina – beautiful spices, herbs, and colors!Entering the Bahia Palace
19th Century Palace
Yves St Laurent Majorelle GardensMoroccan Salad’s are always delicious!
Wow wow wow – Arriving to incredible gem outside of Marrakech in the Palmerie – Ksar Shar BaghKsar Shar Bagh is incredibly sophisticated, yet an oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Marrakech
In my room – long stemmed roses.The private garden and pool of my suite at Ksar Shar Bagh
Love my bed in this cozy alcove!My suite’s private pool areaDelicious SweetsAfter Dinner Pool GameOur 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!The Fire Lit….The bath drawn….Ksar Shar Bagh is unforgettable!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!
Entering the Walled CityArriving to our Hotel L’Heure BleueRoof top View of the Medina from our hotelIt is always time for Rose
Yes, they make wine in Morocco and it is delicious.Happy Crew having a relaxing beach lunch in Essaouira.
Shopping in the Medina
Our Last Supper at the L’Heure Bleue was phenomenal!! We ate so well and loved this Moroccan Salad before my lamb!
