OVERVIEW
Morocco is a country rich in sounds and smells, culture and charm. Flights from the UK are not only frequent to Marrakech Menara but also extremely cheap. With the Air Arabia flights now from London Gatwick, getting to Fez has also never been easier. It’s a fairly quick flight at just over 3 1/2 hours from London, making it a great option for some winter sun when you don’t have a huge budget.
Start with a few days in Marrakech, spending your days wandering the winding streets of the medina and souks. Accommodation ranges from the traditional riads with their interior courtyards and refreshing plunge pools to the grander options found in the Palmeraie, such as Selman with its imposing gardens and 80-metre swimming pool. Head out from Marrakech to spend a night or two in the magical Atlas Mountains. We can arrange a visit to Lalla Takerkoust for a fabulous lunch, a glimpse into traditional Berber life and, for the more energetic, a quad-biking tour of the desert.
With any time left to spare, we’d recommend exploringe the more secret side of Morocco. Essaouira is known for its wind (hence: excellent kite and wind surfing conditions) so tends to attract the adrenaline junkies. However, in recent years, we’ve seen exciting hotels popping up here such as Le Jarden des Douars with its gorgeous adult-onlyinfinity pool and traditional hammam. The same applies to Fez. The direct flights from London Gatwick and Stansted have now made exploring the labyrinth-like Medina easier than ever before retreating to your luxurious hotel to regroup.
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world
Gustave Flaubert
CURRENT FAVES
MARRAKECH
If you’re after a Soho House vibe, then you’ve come to the right place with Vanessa Branson’s exquisitely-styled El Fenn. For those who also want to be close to the centre of medina, El Fenn is perfectly situated a short walk from Djemaa El Fna and the souks. It now is much larger with 42 bedrooms spread over a number of interconnected riads, but space for guests here is not limited. With sun-dappled courtyards, bars, a spa, boutique and an incredible rooftop terrace, El Fenn is the only hotel that can boast three swimming pools in the heart of the medina. There’s even an additional 13m rooftop pool with Berber-tented sitting area and views of the Atlas Mountains and Koutoubia mosque.
ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Kasbah Bab Ourika is a romantic hotel in the Atlas Mountains hotel offering awe-inspiring views, farm-to-table dishes from their on-site vegetable patches and Berber-inspired interiors. You’re only 45 minutes from Marrakech, yet with the endless possibilities of the Atlas Mountains on your doorstep. Discover on foot, horseback or mountain bike: the Kasbah has its own trusted guides and be sure to visit the Ourika valley and the waterfalls at Setti-Fatma before returning to laze by the pool.
LARACHE
Having only opened in 2023, La Fiermontina Ocean has already made its mark on the luxury travel market in Morocco. Situated on the sun-kissed shores of Larache overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this property is all about getting back to nature in an unspoilt paradise whilst soaking up the expansive views over deserted beaches. Stay in pool villas or traditional village homes, all with access to the hammam and spa. Head out on horseback, visit local villages and visit the surf school on the beach below. Day trips include visits to the ancient city of Lixus, Rabat and iconic Casablanca. It’s best accessed from Tangier which is a simple 45-minute drive from the property. .
