MOROCCO
INTO THE BLUE Clockwise from left: winter sun, Tangier; Chefchaouen; medina, Marrakech
“Morocco is the ideal country for making memories with my teenage niece” Next stop on our adventure was laidback Chefchaouen, the ‘Blue City’ hidden in the Rif Mountains. It’s a two hour drive from Tangier but worth it for the painted
This is the most visited site in Marrakech, so book a time slot. Once inside the grounds, the outside world is muted and the only sounds are
staircases alone. Stop for lunch at Café Clock where you can sample camel burgers! Then finish your day with a hike to the Spanish Mosque and cinematic views of the aforementioned mountains. By contrast, Rabat is a lot more commercial and, as it’s Morocco’s capital city, you’ll notice the change in pace. This is a luxury destination, with boutique shopping, high end restaurants and glossy beaches, although visitors still clamour to take pictures outside the Royal Palace. You can’t enter the palace, but it’s interesting to see the guards on horseback outside, coping admirably in the heat. If that makes your thoughts turn to hammam you might like the Story Rabat spa.
hushed voices, birds and fountains. Majorelle was created by French Realist painter, Jacques Majorelle, in the early 1900s, and known for it’s manicured grounds, restored after his death, by Yves Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent is another of Marrakech’s ‘darlings’. He made his home here in the 1960s, and The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, adjacent to the garden, showcases his work, through a mix of film and a curated collection of his designs. Marrakech is arguably Morocco’s most well-known city, attracting an international crowd and supporting local artisans. You can enjoy annual film and art festivals, designer
shopping, and luxury hotels here, but visiting a herbalist remains one of our most memorable experiences. We left with goodies promising us shiny hair and clear skin, as well as at least a year’s supply of Argan Oil, which is touted as the answer to everything. From Tangier’s coastal charm to the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen, Rabat’s elegant modernity, and the vibrant energy of Marrakech, each destination offered its own unique character. So our Morocco holiday was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and bonding. Whether marvelling at centuries-old architecture, experiencing a hammam, haggling in bustling souks, or simply enjoying the rich culture, it is the ideal country for making lasting memories and effortlessly balances the thrill of exploration with the comfort of familiar luxuries.
The impressively maintained Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also worth a visit. Here you can see the catacomb and marvel at the original carvings. Combine this tour with a visit to the city’s unfinished minaret, which dates back to the 12th century. The last stop on our journey was Marrakech, and Jemaa el-Fnaa square where locals and tourists rub shoulders with henna artists, snake charmers, and storytellers. The square is the gateway to the labyrinthine medina, where everything is for sale, from carpets to spices. When we’d browsed our fill - if such a thing exists for teens - we headed for Majorelle Garden, just outside the medina on Rue Yves Saint Laurent.
the lowdown
HOW TO GET THERE Direct UK flights to Tangier from 2 hours, 28 minutes WHERE TO STAY Hilton Tangier City Centre, King Suite (2 adults, 2 children) from £346 per night hilton.com Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial & Spa, Imperial Suite (2 adults, 2 children) from £405 per night
sofitel.accor.com GOOD TO KNOW visitmorocco.com visitmarrakech.com
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