The crossroads between Africa, Europe and the Middle East, this is a land where the breeze of the Atlantic coast will refresh you, the ancient ramparts of cities like Essaouira and Asilah will take you back in time and the African spices in delicious local cuisine like tangines will infuse your mouth. Other highlights of Morrocco include Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge and the medina in Marrakech.
Saturday, 10 February 2024
Monday, 3 July 2017
Casablanca
From the airport
Train: trains depart every hour to Casa Voyageur from 6.50am to 10.50pm.
Shop
The first of its kind in Morocco, Les Domaines sells 100% Moroccan natural produce: dairy products, meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, honey and olive oils, natural cosmetics.
For three generations, the Azuelos family have been designing stunning jewellery. The beautiful collections combine classic Moroccan emblems with contemporary forms.
For three generations, the Azuelos family have been designing stunning jewellery. The beautiful collections combine classic Moroccan emblems with contemporary forms.
Boulevard Ghandi stretches for about a kilometre. You will find spas, cafes, restaurants, furniture and home interior stores dotted along it, and the city's main tennis club is not far away.
Cinema Rialto is not only somewhere to enjoy films but it is also somewhere to enjoy the surrounds of classic 1930s art-deco architecture.
The Habous quarter offers a pleasant medina experience. Moroccan crafts are available and there is also a specialist olive market and the famous Bennis bakery.
Cinema Rialto is not only somewhere to enjoy films but it is also somewhere to enjoy the surrounds of classic 1930s art-deco architecture.
The Habous quarter offers a pleasant medina experience. Moroccan crafts are available and there is also a specialist olive market and the famous Bennis bakery.
During August, the temperature really heats up and many Casablancans leave the city in search of quieter beaches. Why not join them and head to Ain Dhab, less than 10 kilometres away, for white sand and clear waters.
Day trip
Tamaris. The biggest aqua park in Morocco, Tamaris boasts many slides, a 200-metre river and Amazonian swimming pool with big waves. It also has a games room, small train and mini go-karting, as well as restaurants. Open from 10am to 6.30pm.
Rabat. Althought smaller and much quieter than Casablanca, Rabat is the country's capital city. Only an hour away by road or train, there are plenty of attractions to see. Check out the Andalusian Gardens, the Chellah and Kasbah des Oudaias.
Rabat. Althought smaller and much quieter than Casablanca, Rabat is the country's capital city. Only an hour away by road or train, there are plenty of attractions to see. Check out the Andalusian Gardens, the Chellah and Kasbah des Oudaias.
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Tangier
Tangier's galleries are full of talent. Great photographs and paintings are for sale at the kasbahs Dar Nour and Volubilis, Dar D'art behind the Boulevard, and Lineart near the Wilaya.
Maison de l'Artisanat, a government-sponsored centre, is where you can find the best quality Moroccan tile, leather, metal and woodwork at higher but sometimes negociable prices (next to M'sallah)
Maison de l'Artisanat, a government-sponsored centre, is where you can find the best quality Moroccan tile, leather, metal and woodwork at higher but sometimes negociable prices (next to M'sallah)
For the best ice cream around, head to La Fuga on Place du Koweit where a four-page ice cream menu will entice you with creative and decadent cold treats.
Les Passagers de Tanger is a cafe overlooking the Grand Socco. It is one of the few establishments around that offers real Sunday brunch with alcohol (4 Place du 9 Avril)
Les Passagers de Tanger is a cafe overlooking the Grand Socco. It is one of the few establishments around that offers real Sunday brunch with alcohol (4 Place du 9 Avril)
The Atlantic coast past Cap Spartel boasts a number of beaches. Take a taxi to Robinson Plage, where the beach curves around the Mirage Hotel to kilometre-long coast-line. The beaches get crowded in summer at the weekend.
After gazing at the map collection at the fascinating American Legation Museum, go into the uncharted territory of Old Town bazaars around Petir Socco, recalling Ali Baba's Cave. Hit Cafe Central for a breather and the chance to admire your purchases afterwards.
February is the month for Iris Tingitana, the rare purple flower that blooms in every vacant lot and field of Tangier. Buy some as a memento.
After gazing at the map collection at the fascinating American Legation Museum, go into the uncharted territory of Old Town bazaars around Petir Socco, recalling Ali Baba's Cave. Hit Cafe Central for a breather and the chance to admire your purchases afterwards.
February is the month for Iris Tingitana, the rare purple flower that blooms in every vacant lot and field of Tangier. Buy some as a memento.
Day trip
Asilah. Located about 40 minutes drive south of Tangier, this cute fishing village offers galleries, restaurants and long expanses of beach. The 20th-century palace (which belonged to the infamous bandit Raissouni) is a museum and cultural centre. Take a white taxi or bus from the bus station or train.
Moulay Abdessalam. A place of pilgrimage for the eponymous saint, a father of a branch of Sufism, and for its natural beauty, this village is an idyllic base for a hike up Jbel Al Alam.
Moulay Abdessalam. A place of pilgrimage for the eponymous saint, a father of a branch of Sufism, and for its natural beauty, this village is an idyllic base for a hike up Jbel Al Alam.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Marrakech, the arty city escape
From the airport
Bus: the hourly bus L19 goes to Jemaa el Fna square.
El Fenn, formely a run-down palace, it has been transformed by co-owner Vanessa Branson (Richard's sister) into one of the coolest boutique riads in Marrakech. Love a bit of art or interior design? Super-cool creative touches and art and sculpture by the likes of David Shrigley and Antony Gormley, make it an Instagrammer's dream.
Bus: the hourly bus L19 goes to Jemaa el Fna square.
El Fenn, formely a run-down palace, it has been transformed by co-owner Vanessa Branson (Richard's sister) into one of the coolest boutique riads in Marrakech. Love a bit of art or interior design? Super-cool creative touches and art and sculpture by the likes of David Shrigley and Antony Gormley, make it an Instagrammer's dream.
Marrakech is a bustling, sensory overload of a city, with the smells of the food stalls in Djemaa el Fna square and the noise of souk stall holders bartering, it's exhilarating stuff. It is also a bit exhausting. So when you aredone haggling, retreat to the peace of the plant-filled courtyards. There are spaces to lounge around with the mint tea throughout the hotel, but to make the most of the warm weather, head up to the roof terrace where there are plunge pools and day beds. Anf if you're still up there for sundowners, it is the perfect spot to have a cocktail and watch the sun set.
One of the pleasures of being in the bustling Medina, is escaping the Medina. Make your way to Nid' Cigogne for a reviving mint tea on the spectacular roof terrace.
Place des Ferblantiers is home to a collective of artisan metalworkers who display their work on this famous square, part of the remains of the 16th century Badii Palace.
Kasbek's range of beautifully designed kaftans are more international in style than those generally available in Morocco. It sells slinky, sexy jersey kaftans and resort-wear kaftans for the beach and pool.
Get concierge service Boutique Souk to take care of all your restaurant, club and spa bookings.
An industrial quarter about 20 minutes walk from the Jemaa el Fna, Sidi Ghanem plays host to a number of wonderful warehouses. Some of the best are Amira (candles) and Via Notti (bed linen).
One of the most famous delicacies of Moroccan cuisine is boiled sheep's head, which is goes down beautifully with a cup of tea.
Day tripping
Atlas Mountains. The High Atlas begins just 50 kilometres from Marrakech, making it easy to do a trek on a day trip via a taxi ride. Go from village to village and enjoy the traditional Berber hospitality, or simply admire the scenery.
La Pause. A surreal but beautiful place set in the Agafay Desert, 45 minutes from town. Activities include crazy golf, horse riding, trekking and cycling. There is a small hammam and it serves lunch and dinner.
One of the pleasures of being in the bustling Medina, is escaping the Medina. Make your way to Nid' Cigogne for a reviving mint tea on the spectacular roof terrace.
Place des Ferblantiers is home to a collective of artisan metalworkers who display their work on this famous square, part of the remains of the 16th century Badii Palace.
Kasbek's range of beautifully designed kaftans are more international in style than those generally available in Morocco. It sells slinky, sexy jersey kaftans and resort-wear kaftans for the beach and pool.
Get concierge service Boutique Souk to take care of all your restaurant, club and spa bookings.
An industrial quarter about 20 minutes walk from the Jemaa el Fna, Sidi Ghanem plays host to a number of wonderful warehouses. Some of the best are Amira (candles) and Via Notti (bed linen).
One of the most famous delicacies of Moroccan cuisine is boiled sheep's head, which is goes down beautifully with a cup of tea.
Day tripping
Atlas Mountains. The High Atlas begins just 50 kilometres from Marrakech, making it easy to do a trek on a day trip via a taxi ride. Go from village to village and enjoy the traditional Berber hospitality, or simply admire the scenery.
La Pause. A surreal but beautiful place set in the Agafay Desert, 45 minutes from town. Activities include crazy golf, horse riding, trekking and cycling. There is a small hammam and it serves lunch and dinner.
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