President's Pick: Morocco

March 1, 2023 by Rob Craig

Located in the northwest corner of Africa, Morocco is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria and the Western Sahara are the land borders to the south and east.

From Morocco’s mysterious, walled, Imperial Cities of Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh, over the Atlas Mountains and to the vast Sahara, with countless surprises in between, my journey to Morocco a few years ago, was a great deal more than I ever imagined. To be completely absorbed in the exotic sights, sounds and scents of this magical destination was awe-inspiring. The dynamic blend of Arab, Berber, European and North African cultures add to the fascination, making a visit here, one not to be missed.

Each day is a highlight, but a few will stick with me forever. The sheer size and design of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, literally took my breath away. While each medina I visited had its own charms, the one in Fez was the most memorable. Massive in size, taking up most of the core of the city, it is a chaotic maze of craftsmen, artisans and markets of every description. To walk through the twisting, winding streets is an incredible adventure, never knowing what you will find around the next corner! Marrakech is a great city for walking and for the countless shopping opportunities there.

I could never forget our overnight in a luxury tented camp in the Sahara. What a fabulous experience it was to sleep in the desert, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes. Imagine relaxing with dinner under the desert sky, listening to the haunting sounds of traditional music, while gazing at millions of stars over the red desert sands. An opportunity to take a ride on a camel, just as the Bedouin nomads do, was the perfect ending to this day.

Our accommodations throughout our 2023 program are a highlight in themselves. They have been carefully selected to offer the most comfortable and atmospheric locations. In Rabat, enjoy the Tour Hassan Palace, a tribute to the splendor of Moor architecture, which combines ornaments of elegance and ambiance filled with majestic uniqueness. In Fez and Marrakech, we have accommodation in delightful riads, great houses and palaces that have been converted into exceptional boutique resorts, located within the respective souks. In Fez, we will stay in Riad Dar Bensouda while in Marrakech, we’ll spend four nights at Riad Luzia. Elsewhere, we have selected similar properties to ensure a most rewarding journey to this fascinating land, truly a kingdom that rewards the curious!

 

   

      

 

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