Traveling is an experience no one will ever take for granted on our planet anymore. Never again will any flight be a blink and miss experience, and the holiday destination one hits next will be remarkably memorable. We would like to share one such wondrous destination that will put your past escapades to shame- mystical Morocco. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of being here, Morocco vacations are replete with the buzz of the Souks of Marrakech, the grandeur of Atlas mountains, the mesmerizing blue village of Chefchaouen, and the uniqueness of the red arches of Legzira. Let’s dive into this captivating country and delve into its endless offerings:
Where to stay:
It wouldn’t be fair to visit Morocco and not engage in its vibrant arts and culture, let loose on a bustling night out, while indulging in spiritual mystique, beautiful gardens, immersing in its rich Andalusian architecture and traditional souks. To enjoy all this you need to select an accommodation that doesn’t take you away from the spirit and vibe of Morocco which is why The Oberoi, Marrakech makes for a great choice. Not only do you live like royalty in spacious accommodations, enjoy personalized wellness offerings, and savor authentic Moroccan delicacies in their world-class restaurants, you also get uninterrupted views of the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
For those who want to stay minutes from the city center, the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is a five-star luxury resort with expansive gardens, penthouse suites right in the heart of the city where contemporary art, incredible cuisines, and the life of the Morrocan capital is stone’s throw away. Water babies can opt for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, an alluring seaside city that’s rich in history, traditional and modern architecture, and world-class dining. The picturesque hotel is perched on a beach just 10 minutes from the heart of Morocco’s largest and liveliest city. These one-of-a-kind views can be enjoyed through floor-to-ceiling windows or while taking in the soothing sea breeze on private balconies coupled with the grand views of the Atlantic. Can’t think of a better spot to enjoy the cornes de gazelle and almond macaroons.
Where to shop:
No vacation is complete till you bring back something from it and especially when you are in one of the most exotic marketplaces to shop in the world you simply can’t go back without splurging on exquisite metalwork, carpets, spices, lanterns, jewelry, and pottery. For those looking to shop beyond the overwhelming souks, Musée Tiskiwin houses Dutch anthropologist Bert Flint’s collection of cultural artifacts in a finely restored Riad. There are mind-boggling exhibits of leatherwork, carpets, brooches, and colorful tapestries on display. For those looking for more conventional items like shoes and clothes, Souk Smata is unmistakably the shoe souk. Here you can browse numerous brightly colored, sequined babouches. Souk el Kebir and Souk Cherratin is the place to hit for an endless variety of bags, belts, wallets, and purses. Tiznit’s Souk des Bijoutiers, or Jeweler’s Souk, is a maze of more than 100 small shops selling mostly silver Berber jewelry and accessories.
What to do:
There will be several run-of-the-mill recommendations regarding what to do in Morocco; however, the newly-opened Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is a must-visit for fashion lovers who will have a dekko at the collection of clothing, accessories, and drawings to a city beloved by the famous designer. The electric blue Jardin Majorelle is a botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakech that’s worth a visit. One of the most spectacular canyons in the world, Todra Gorge can be visited on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The very beautiful Hassan II Mosque holds the largest minaret in the world and is a modern and massive tribute to the former King of Morocco.
For fun and mystical evening, visitors can head straight to Jemaa el-Fna Square that’s packed with fortune tellers, snake charmers, poets, and storytellers in this historic square in Morocco. The Atlas Film Studio is a must-visit place at Ouarzazate, Morocco for movie-buffs who have binged-watched movies like The Jewel of the Nile, The Living Daylights, Aladdin (2019 film), The Mummy, Gladiator, and the likes. The Atlas Film Studio is the world’s largest film studio and a very popular tourist attraction. Those with an interest in the incredible history of Morocco’s sultans should make sure to visit the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh. Last but not least you cannot leave Morocco without experiencing the immersive experience of a traditional hammam. You can also enjoy this experience in private quarters at an upscale hammam at a riad with private treatment rooms.
