Rather than simply listing cities, monuments, and must-see attractions in this traditional North African gem, I invite you to join me as I reminisce about my recent unforgettable 5-day vacation in the Kingdom of Light. I recommend that you grab a cold drink first to be able to keep up, as I packed in A LOT into this 5-day trip!

Day 1: Arriving in Casablanca

Our Moroccan adventure began in Casablanca, where we arrived at noon on June 1st. I had deliberately chosen to keep my eyes and mind open, free of preconceived ideas, so I could truly explore with fresh eyes. My first impression of Casablanca was that it was charming and sophisticated, a city where ancient Moroccan culture coexists perfectly with modernity.

After clearing immigration, we were warmly welcomed by the Moroccan Tourism Board, who escorted us to a luxury bus that would be our primary mode of transportation for the remainder of our trip

Tip: If you’re considering group travel to Morocco, skip the taxis and opt for a luxury bus and chauffeur. It adds a unique flair to the entire trip.

We arrived at our first hotel, a stunning 5-star establishment in the heart of Casablanca. Once settled, we were whisked to the hotel’s spa for our first Moroccan experience: a rejuvenating hammam session at the spa.

Tip: When you visit Morocco,  make sure a visit to a hammam is on your list.

Our first day ended with delicious cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop, where a DJ played Nigerian songs in the background— as everyone bopped and swayed to the beats. It was a nice feeling that made our evening even more special.

Day 2: Exploring Tangier

Day 2 began with a quiet but quick breakfast at 7 AM, as we had an early departure for Tangier. By 8:15 AM, we were at la Gare de Casa, the train station, ready for our 2-hour trip to Tangier. While a 7-hour road trip sounds appealing, it would have disrupted our itinerary, so we opted for the faster train option.

We arrived in Tangier just before noon, and the welcome in Tangier was quite different from Casablanca’s floral greeting. Here, we were served mint tea and traditional Moroccan sweets by staff dressed in traditional attire.

Our guided tour took us to several popular spots, including the Cape Spartel Lighthouse, the Petit Socco, the Kasbah, and the Medina. One thing that stood out was the uniformity in design. Our guide explained that Moroccan craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the culture and preserved through generations. The intricate designs in a newly-built 5-star hotel could be identical to those in a historical museum like Dar Niaba. While it might seem monotonous after a while, appreciating the hand-crafted details that have endured through the ages gives you a deep respect for this cultural heritage.

Our tour included a visit to the spice and herbal section of the market, where we could choose spices and herbs for customised medicine, skincare products, and perfumes. Watching the skilled men, mostly in their late 50s and 60s, quickly formulate products using techniques passed down through generations was a testament to the rich cultural preservation alive in this ancient kingdom.

Our day ended with a drive through the vibrant town to a charming restaurant, where we indulged in Moroccan delicacies and wine, ending our second day on a delightful note.

Day 3: Enchanted by Chefchaouen

With our tour of Tangier complete, we journeyed to Chefchaouen, known as The Blue Pearl. This enchanting city, with its thirteen gates and predominantly blue colour scheme, is a sight to behold!

Seeing the city in pictures is one thing; but standing on its cobbled streets, basking in the brilliance of the sun, and taking in the stunning scenery is a completely different affair. The blue and white hues make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe. The architecture, the people, and the vibrant atmosphere bring the city to life, making you feel instantly invigorated.

In Chefchaouen, we experienced our first Moroccan wedding, which was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever attended. Everything from the clothing and jewellery to the oud songs sung by the women celebrating the bride was remarkable and decadent. It made me wish I were more than just a spectator!

It was also in Chefchaouen that I tasted my first tagine, a delectable beef-filled dish that I won’t forget soon …

Day 4: The Road to Marrakech

We bid farewell to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen in the morning and embarked on a journey to Marrakech via Tangier and Casablanca. This was my first opportunity to experience a Moroccan road trip, and I can assure you, it did not disappoint. The scenic drive showcased the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco, making it an unforgettable experience. 

Tip: When you visit Morocco, be sure to include a road trip in your itinerary.

Day 5: Farewell Adventures in Morocco

Our vacation in the Kingdom of Light was coming to an end, and we decided to pack in as much fun as possible before our departure scheduled for later in the evening.

We started the day at 5:45 AM with a hot air balloon ride, hoping to catch the sunrise. If you’ve never tried hot air ballooning, it’s a must-do. Initially, you might cling on for dear life, but as you ascend, fear gives way to sheer exhilaration, and you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid.

After touching back down, we were off for some quad biking. At this point, we were fearless and eager for more adventure. I opted to ride with a guide, but if you’re more daring, you can ride solo. Don’t worry, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear, and help is always nearby in case of emergencies.

As if quad biking wasn’t thrilling enough, we thereafter hopped on camels for a more traditional experience. This slightly hair-raising adventure is one I recommend if you’ve never tried it; I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Having had our fill of adrenaline, we returned to our hotel to freshen up before heading back out for one last exploration: the Museum of Confluences, Dar El Bacha. The museum offered a feast for the senses with its stunning architecture, intricate wall, ceiling, and floor designs, exquisite woodwork, and a coffee shop featuring beans from around the world that brew for a minimum of two hours. (Yes, you read that right. Two hours.)

Alas! All good things must come to an end, and soon it was time to pack our things and head back home. As we were chauffeured to the airport, I felt waves of bittersweet emotions. While I was happy to be returning home, I didn’t want the magical Moroccan experience to end. This just means I’ll be back again soon, because as anyone who has been will tell you, 5 days is grossly inadequate to take in its beauty.

Tip: You simply must visit Morocco – The Kingdom Of Light!

The post Want to Visit Morocco? Here’s How I Did It in 5 Days! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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Morocco is truly one African nation to explore if you haven’t done so already. Not only is it choke-full of interesting places to visit — Morocco is famous for preserving ancient traditions in every aspect of their lives from architecture to food, and even style — but there are so many things to do and see that we daresay a 2-week stay is barely enough to get acquainted with whatever city you choose to visit, talk less of the entire country.

Fresh from our Moroccan trip, here are some places that really intrigued us and we believe offer a good starting point to an exploration of the Kingdom of Light.

The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Very cliché in terms of where to visit, but if it’s your first time in the country, it pays to start with a popular and important landmark as it serves as a great foundation of what to expect on your Moroccan adventure.

The storied mosque that took about seven years to build and thousands of hours of labour features mostly local materials and craftsmanship. Its strategic position by the Atlantic Ocean and just a little above it adds further appeal to its magnificent size and impressive craftsmanship.

Thousands of stories and articles on one of the largest mosques in the world with one of the world’s longest minarets abound, and it can almost feel like you’ve been there without having actually ever visited. But, unlike other popular tourist destinations, it is truly one place you must see for yourself to fully understand how beautiful and special it is.

Hammam

Whether you are in Marrakesh (Marrakech if you prefer) or Casablanca, the one activity you cannot afford to miss is the traditional Moroccan Hammam, which is why it gets a special place on this list.

The Hammam is basically a spa experience that starts in a dry hot room, then moves on to a hot, steamy room, which then gives way to a bathing room, and ends in the resting room, or, in some cases, goes on to yet another room, the massage parlour, where you receive a full body massage that melts away whatever stubborn stress might remain after this truly blissful experience.  You’d thoroughly enjoy the amenities and treatment from seasoned practitioners with decades of expertise using centuries-old local Moroccan practices, soaps and oils.

Tangier

For most visitors, Casablanca may not have much to offer beyond the Hassan II Mosque and other smaller tourist attractions, but not Tangier.  This ancient medina, which is the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, is the perfect place for limitless exploration, and when you want, blissful relaxation.

Tangier is a  7-hour road trip from Casablanca, but, to get there faster, a 2-hour train ride from La Gare Casa would suffice.

Once there, you can choose to explore the Kasbah, a historic fortress and palace, housing the Dar Niaba museum, which showcases the city’s history and cultural artefacts. Or, if you would rather just sit back and take in the city, the Petit Socco, also known as Souk Dakhli, is the place to go. The Grand Socco, on the other hand, is a vibrant, bustling public square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops, so should you get bored, you can easily hit the stores to buy everything from clothes and shoes and even prepare your unique body oil with whatever herbs, seeds and nuts of your choice.

The Cape Spartel Lighthouse is one landmark you do not want to miss while you’re in Tangier. Situated at the northwestern tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge, this historic lighthouse, built in 1864, stands majestically on a rocky promontory, its shining bright beam guiding ships and travellers alike.

The Lighthouse is not only a marvel of engineering but also a sacred site, mentioned in the Qur’an and the epic poem, Ulysses by Homer. In the former, it is called the ‘Ras al-Tubul,’ marking the western extremity of the known world while Ulysses describes it as the ‘Pillar of Hercules,’ symbolizing the gateway between Europe and Africa.

Chefchaouen

You’ve probably heard about the picturesque blue town of Morocco, but Chefchaouen is more than its blue-and-white aesthetic. Its rich history, intentional architecture that preserves decades-old tradition and culture, and, very traditional cuisine that includes the tagine, a slow-cooked stew, all come together to make for a truly authentic, luxury experience like no other.

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a fortress to resist Portuguese invasions. The blue you see everywhere is intentional, as, in Moroccan culture, the colour is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace. This beautiful fortified medina, with its twelve gates and narrow streets, offers the best of Moroccan warmth and hospitality, and even if you do not get to visit other popular cities like Marrakech and Tangier, the one place you absolutely do not want to miss on your first visit is the very beautiful, very traditional, and very charming city of Chefchaouen.

Marrakech

Last on our list is Marrakech, and honestly, if the theme of your vacation is ‘busy days and countless media,’ Marrakech should probably be the starting point of your Morrocan adventure.

There’s so much to do and see that a week in Marrakech would probably be grossly inadequate. From the museums — like the Dar El Bacha, La Musée des Confluences — to the souks, to the public buildings open to tourists, to the different tourist activities like quad biking and camel riding, you’d never run out of things to do and places to see. Also, the architecture and craftwork, especially in the Medina, is simply stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.

Even if your goal is to have a very peaceful Moroccan vacation, it would not hurt to add Marrakech to your list of places to visit, even if it is just for a day or two. The experience would definitely be worth it.

The post First Time In Morocco? Here are Some Must-See Destinations and Activities to Consider first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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The event, hosted outside the usual fashion week calendar, took place in the Arabic city’s 16th century El Badi Palace. Setting the scene for a night to remember, the stunning outdoor runway was surrounded by lush gardens and pools adorned with hundreds of floating tealights. Celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica Alba, along with influencers and worldwide press made the trip to the lavish setting to experience Chiuri’s latest vision.

The Cruise 2020 collection is based on a new vision to incorporate the prestige of local African craftsmanship into high fashion design. Models donned flowing maroon gowns and beaded dresses with patterned prints and bandanas as they glided down the catwalk surrounded by guests on Moroccan cushions.

The wax fabrics featured were made in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as Chiuri was inspired by African textiles after reading a book about the history of wax fabric in the continent. These wax fabrics were the focal point of the collection, celebrating the creative input and local artisan skill of the manufacturers in Abidjan. Accompanied by anthropologist Anne Grosfilley, Dior’s creative director commissioned the complex manufacturing of the cloth while visiting the Ivory Coast, telling press before the show:

“Dior is a global brand. As we move into the future, we need to represent many different points of view, not just mine. You’re really speaking about the human touch here, like in couture.”

Dior’s new global outlook has certainly been met with criticism along the lines of cultural appropriation, especially as the designs were worn by non-African models. On Instagram, the luxury label shared videos of local artisans making the fabrics, but some questioned the notion of a French label profiting from the craft of another, previously colonial, culture.

However valid the criticism, we approve of any brand promoting transparency in the sourcing and manufacturing of their materials. Moreover, Anne Grosfilley maintains, “This collection is not about an idea of an ‘African look’. It’s a celebration of African savoir-faire, and it will be a part of a real African economy.”

Maria Grazia Chiuri hopes the collection will both strengthen and endorse the tradition of wax fabric in West Africa as it is being threatened by a digitised modern version.

Words: Maeve Campbell

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Yves Saint Laurent, Serge Lutens, and Jacques Majorelle are among the famed group of creatives that fell under Marrakech’s spell and now have their own odes to the city in tangible form—from homes to museums, to architecture. With the surge of fashionable tourists that Marrakech has seen over the last decade, it’s clear that there is still much that inspires.

Below, a very chic travel guide to the enchanting Moroccan city.

Royal Monsour

Without even leaving the hotel—that is, if you’re staying at the Royal Mansour– Marrakech has already exceeded your expectations. You can see so much of what makes Marrakech a fashion crowd favorite without even exiting the palace’s—err, hotel’s—gates. Immediately you’re greeted by the abundant and eager staff (the staff to guest ratio is 10 to 1 and everyone speaks an impressive range of languages—from English to French to Arabic as lessons are available to all staff on property). They’ll escort you through the five acres of palm and lemon tree-lined gardens that surround the 53 private terracotta-colored riads.

Arrive at your private riad immediately feeling like the protagonist of your own fairytale. In true riad fashion, each home opens up to its own mini courtyard with a cascading fountain. The subtle opulence is characterized immediately by the velvet, brocade, and silk details throughout each of the several floors of every riad on the property. And in Marrakech, you can never forget to look up. The ceilings– wooden and hand-carved—add a modest regality to the already royal experience. The best amenity of all is that each riad comes complete with a rooftop private plunge pool where you can enjoy the afternoon sun while sipping Nana tea or eating breakfast in your canopy before the start of the day (brought to you by your personal butlers). The experience is only topped by a visit to the hotel’s world-renowned spa (don’t leave without booking a private hammam) and a reservation at La Grande Table Marocaine.

Serge Lutens House and Laboratory

A recluse himself, famous perfumer, Serge Lutens spent many years of his life building his enchanting home in the heart of the medina, which until recently has been Marrakech’s best-kept secret. The irony is that Lutens never actually lived in the home; he chose not to after spending 35 years designing and overseeing its construction. It wasn’t until recently that he opened it up for tours exclusive to Royal Mansour guests. Lutens’ love affair with Marrakech is evident in the interior design of the home. Inside, you’ll find darkly lit, yet decadently detailed and meticulously handcrafted sitting rooms that have seldom been used by Lutens himself, along with several other North-African inspired spaces and artifacts. It is an eerily elegant masterpiece nestled quietly in the heart of the Medina that is not to be missed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Algerian born, Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “The colors of Marrakech gave me color.” In 1966, he bought a vacation home in the city that inspired much of his career. (Marrakech was so important to Saint Laurent that after his death, his ashes would be scattered in the Majorelle Gardens next door.) The museum, which opened in 2017 is unpretentious and easily digestible; it reveals a well-summarized and visually compelling scope of YSL’s career. Inside the terracotta-colored building perched just beside the Jardin Majorelle, you’ll find a concise timeline and exhibit showcasing Saint Laurent’s life and designs that influenced decades of fashion.

Jardin Majorelle

It’s really no wonder that Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited sights in Morocco. The natural beauty and colors of the two and a half acre botanical garden and landscape garden looks practically biblical. Created by the French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle, it features a famously photographed Cubist villa in Majorelle blue designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir. Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful stroll before the large crowds.

Sidecar ride to Dar El Sadaka Sculpture Garden in Palmeraie

Take a ride through palm oasis, Palmeraie and end up at French visual artist, Jean-Francois Fourtou’s prolific family-owned villa, Dar El Sadaka (known for “House Fallen from the Sky” and the “Giant’s House”). The memorable day starts off by getting picked up from the Royal Mansour by Marrakech Insiders’ chic vintage sidecars. Cruise through Marrakech in style, taking in the sights and smells of the medina then onwards toward Palmeraie. Arrive at what can only be described as a scene out of Alice in Wonderland. Walk through Jean-Francois Fourtou’s fantasy world that will make you feel like a kid again with a surprise in every corner. End the day with a private lunch in the Giant’s House.

Shopping the Souks

Pack light before your trip as the souks are the highlight for many when visiting Marrakech. The city is practically synonymous with its energetic heart in the medina. If you need help navigating the bustling stalls of slippers, spices, soaps, silver, ceramics, rugs and throws, contact Mustapha (the self-proclaimed Marrakech GPS). He’ll take you through the busy markets by way of charming shortcuts and side streets that lead to chic hidden cafes like Dar Cherifa. Words to the wise: go in the AM to avoid crowds and start your bargain at half what asking price is.

Source: Luxuo

The post ASPIRE Pick of the Week: An Insider’s Travel Guide To Marrakech! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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Located in the heart of the ocher city and only minutes away from the legendary Jemaa El Fna square and the colonial district of Gueliz the hotel is close to major tourist attractions, according to the management of the hotel.

The palace, erected on an area of 1800 m², is part of the Kenzi Hotel Park, chaired by Abdellatif Kabbaj, who is also president of the National Confederation of Tourism.

The Luxury Travel Guide, selected the winners based on their unique interior design, innovation, rooms and facilities, location, employee satisfaction, and most importantly, their excellence in service.

“We are delighted to pay tribute to and commend all those who have excelled in the industry. This year has seen an unprecedented number of shortlisted companies, providing strong competition in every category,” Luxury Travel Guide stated.

In 2015, Marrakech was named the world’s top destination in the TripAdvisor annual Travellers’ Choice Awards and just last week, Fodor’s Travel Guide, the world’s largest and professional travel guide book, ranked Marrakech on the top of its “Travel Go List for 2018.”

Source: Morocco World News 

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Marrakech isn’t quite the centre of the contemporary art world – but it was for a moment this weekend. The tireless Princess Alia Al-Senussi, who sits on boards from the Tate to the Guggenheim, had arranged a series of sparkling parties around town. Glen Lowry, the director of New York’s MOMA, left an exclamatory “Bravo!” in the visitors’ book of the recently opened Museum of Contemporary African Art (MACAAL).

Eugenio Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, whose family owns one of the finest private collections in Italy, and Valerie Blair, the influential director of Marian Goodman’s London gallery, were among those seen wafting through the fragrant foyer of La Mamounia, the city’s finest hotel.

The event that had brought them to town? The first edition of the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair to take place in Africa itself (and rather conveniently, at La Mamounia too).

1:54 originally launched in London back in October 2013, with a remit to show African artists work, and proved a quick hit with visitors already in town for Frieze. Since 2015, its become an annual event in New York too, to coincide with the US edition of Frieze in May.

But for its founder and director Touria El Glaoui – a Marrakech native – being on African soil has constituted a whole new beginning. “It’s not only that we want to grow African collectors and a local market, but the artists themselves really wanted to show on their own continent,” she said. Meanwhile, the art world incomers discovered that Marrakech’s cultural scene, from private museums to new contemporary art galleries, is clearly on the rise.

The fair itself was a tiny event – just 17 galleries from Africa and Europe testing these unknown waters – but size isn’t everything and it delivered nonetheless. Dazzling watercolours by Ouattara Watts commanded the booth at Sitor Senghor, a gallery from Senegal.

Watts, from Cote d’Ivoire, was close to Jean Michel Basquiat for the last eight months of his life – the pair met at a private viewing in Paris in January 1988. And while his work is unashamedly influenced by Basquiat, his own language of African masks, complex numerological sequences and the all-important foot – in his culture, the ultimate symbol of truth – is very much his own. The prices, from 3,500 to 15,000 euros, are also decidedly un-Basquiat.

The photographs of Joana Choumali, another Ivorian, were shown at Loft Gallery from Casablanca – images of terrorism treated to a painfully neurotic overlaying of embroidery. The large-scale assembled textile works of Malian Abdoulaye Konaté were everywhere – he’s been looked at with fresh eyes (and added zeros) since his work appeared in this year’s Venice Biennale.

Copenhagen gallery Mikael Andersen dedicated its entire booth to the charged lines and dashes of Ernest Mancoba – a late South African artist whose desirability has been much enhanced since Tate Modern acquired some of his work.

With the fair properly foraged, visitors set off for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which opened in Marrakech late last year, in a chicly designed pink stone and terracotta building by Parisian architects KO. (They also designed the Grand Café de la Poste here, a sort of Marrakech Wolseley.)

With its curving entrance, skinny windows of jewel-coloured glass, and interior walls lined in black mirror, the museum, funded by Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé’s own foundation,  feels half mausoleum-half luxury store. It’s currently hosting a stunning temporary exhibition of work by Nourredine Amir – sculptural dresses heaving with narratives. But just a glimpse of a 1967 women’s culotte suit – Saint Laurent at his ground-breaking best – and an exquisitely presented Mondrian dress from 1965, make this worth a visit.

The MACAAL, a little further out of town, is also a private museum, funded by the property developer Alami Lazraq, and showing work from the collection of his Alliances Foundation on its top floor. Since Morocco banned both production and use of plastic bags in 2016, the country’s young artists – taking the environmental message to heart –seem hellbent on finding a million things to do with plastic petrol cans, water bottles and bubble wrap.

The ground floor has been intricately reconfigured with arched passageways and small room in order to show the temporary exhibition – Africa is No island – bringing together 40 young photographers whose work conveys aspects of contemporary African lives and more than challenge the dark continent stereotypes.

Meanwhile, in the Gueliz district, private contemporary galleries are popping up in the handsome early twentieth-century buildings, where bars and cake shops occupy the ground floors. Nathalie Locatelli specialises in North African photography from the loft-like Galerie 127. And the Comptoir des Mines – once a mining company headquarters that hasn’t entirely lost its lovely municipal air – is now room upon room of video, sculpture, painting and textile works.

Time was, you’d come back from Marrakech with a rolled-up carpet, a pair of pointy leather slippers and a box of dates. Nowadays, it could just as well be a piece of art. Marrakech is moving on.

Source: The Telegraph

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