MARRAKECH

A 900-year-old medina, narrow streets flanked by small artisan shops, a vast square with snake charmers and fortune-tellers, and evening storytelling sessions in the open air. This is Marrakech, and so much more! There isn’t a city more exotic and interesting than Marrakech in all of Morocco. Marrakech is the heart of southern Morocco, the Red City, the City of Design, Fashion, and Art, and also a Berber capital

Built in a dry desert environment, Marrakech rose from dust and sand almost like a phoenix. Through the clever use of water in its ancient channels called khettarats, the city flourished and became the capital of the South. Berber dynasties ruled the city for almost a millennium, and it still retains a strong Berber vibe, evident in every corner of the old town, especially in its exotic main square, Jemaa el-Fna. Just before and during the French Protectorate, Marrakech expanded with a New Town that, in some parts, resembles any Southern European city, with elegant broad avenues and Art Deco buildings. Here, locals enjoy a vast selection of opulent restaurants and vintage cinemas, while meeting friends for a glass of Moroccan tea and traditional pastries in charming cafés.

Marrakech is a feast for all the senses! It dazzles with its scents, colors, and incredibly lively character.

If Marrakech were a person, it would have stepped straight off the catwalk at one of Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion shows, dressed in an elaborate yet somehow traditional African fabric made into a vivid and colorful outfit, topped with a black velvet Fez hat to complete the look. He would enjoy strolling through town, meeting a diverse crowd of friends every afternoon for Moroccan tea, and on summer evenings, sipping a fashionable cocktail on a rooftop while watching the sunset over the High Atlas Mountains. Marrakech would love hosting lavish parties and elaborate events with world-famous fashionistas, but would just as easily sneak out the back door to meet his street friends for a Shawarma sandwich before rushing to the next prayer at the local mosque.

Marrakech would never want to be too modern, but would insist on maintaining strong traditions in his own contemporary way. His house would be decorated with African and world art, alongside European design pieces, but his living room would always look Moroccan and Berber first. His favorite season would be the scorching summer because it’s then that he feels most alive. People come out at night to spend hours talking over a glass of tea, and Marrakech adores both- the people and the Moroccan tea! He would love watching the High Atlas Mountains, but would rather stay observing them from afar than actually doing the hike. The sight of the sun setting behind the Atlas would be his favorite view in the world.

Marrakech would be a joyful eater, with a pantry filled with delicious foods and exotic items. His kitchen shelves would always be stocked with colorful spices to add flavor to one of many of his Tajine dishes. Marrakech would be all this and more—elegant, honest, open, mysterious, sophisticated, traditional, friendly, and at times, a challenge to understand. Like a good friend, like someone you return to over and over again.

HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS- OURIKA VALLEY, KASBAH TAMADOT

After leaving Marrakech, we stop at the lush Anima Art Garden for a short stroll before continuing to the Ourika Valley. We sit and enjoy Moroccan tea on the floating terraces of the Ourika River and take a short, easy walk in the refreshing nature.

A short drive further brings us to the High Atlas, where it’s time for lunch. We visit a Berber family who offers us couscous, and we join them for lunch, experiencing the traditional Berber way of eating. This is an authentic encounter with Berber culture, as we engage in relaxed conversations about their everyday life, family relationships, and traditions over a bowl of couscous.

In the afternoon, we visit the wonderful, luxurious resort of Kasbah Tamadot, the Moroccan home of Richard Branson. We stop in their elegant garden, with views of the High Atlas Mountains, and enjoy afternoon tea in a sophisticated atmosphere. We also learn about the NGO founded by Richard’s mother, Eve Branson, which supports the local Berber people from the nearby village of Asni. The project suffered significantly during the earthquake in September 2023 but is now back up and running. We leave a small donation, wish them well, and continue our journey toward the desert.

A DESERT EXPERIENCE- AGAFAY STONE DESERT (on how the luxury camp and its tents look like check the bottom of the Itinerary Section)

In the early evening, we reach the Agafay Desert. We go straight to our luxury camp amidst the stony landscape. Those who feel like it can take a camel ride at sunset, while others may choose to relax in the camp and enjoy the serenity and quiet of the desert. You can rest in your luxury tent, go for a walk, or simply enjoy life by lounging on the sunbeds beside the main tent..

We gather again in the evening for a true desert feast under the stars, which lasts long into the night.

Mornings are the best in the desert. After a long and peaceful night, we meet for breakfast in the main tent. The meal is homemade and wonderfully elaborate! We take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into preparing it for us, right here in the middle of the desert.

THE ATLANTIC COAST- ESSAOUIRA

Before midday, we say goodbye to the desert and head west toward the ocean. Along the way, we stop to admire the many argan trees and visit a women’s cooperative that produces some of the finest argan oil in the world. Everything is still handmade, and the quality is truly unprecedented.

We are not yet at the ocean, though. We visit a local winery and indulge in a rustic lunch, paired with tastings of their homemade wines. What a wonderful experience!

But Essaouira awaits, and we’ve been longing to see the ocean. And there it is—far in the distance, we see the ocean with white waves crashing on the long sandy beach, stretching toward the centuries-old ramparts that protect the old town of Essaouira. We can already feel that we’ve reached a favorite holiday spot for the Marrakchis, as the atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going. We take a guided tour of the Medina to see the old Jewish quarters, the ramparts, and the many small squares.

Essaouira has always been a cultural hub, blending traditions from deep Africa with Berber and Arab cultures. It is also the home of Gnawa music and the largest international Gnawa festival. With its rich musical legacy, the town has attracted important Western musicians who found inspiration in its fusion of musical heritage. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the many small shops, cafés, and the town’s unique vibe.

We meet again in the evening for dinner at a seafood restaurant. After all, we are at the Atlantic! Afterward, we visit a rooftop venue, where, with some luck, we might catch an evening concert. Following an evening cocktail, it’s time to say goodnight.

The next day, we return to Marrakech and have some time to explore the souks for last-minute shopping or to enjoy a swim at the hotel pool. We’ll be staying at a 5-star hotel in the new town.

We prepare for the final special dinner—the Farewell Dinner will be a royal affair, as it should be. (Note: The dress code is elegant… preferably a Moroccan kaftan.)