SPOTLIGHT ON MOROCCO

Denise Brotherwood, Operations Executive

Spotlight on Morocco

From the moment we landed in Casablanca we experienced the welcoming hospitality of the Moroccan culture with the traditional greeting “Salaam” – “peace to you”.

We travelled on the smooth, clear highway to Rabat for one night before continuing to the ancient city of Fes which is celebrating 1200 years since it was built. You feel it has not changed in that time as you walk through the narrow souk and hear the cries of “Balak” as a heavily laden donkey pushes past, or the strong smell of the pits where leather is dyed hits you. In late April and early May the streets of the cities are purple with jacaranda trees in bloom.

To Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains past beautiful landscapes of hills with green fields covered with red poppies; golden fields of corn; olive groves and herds of goats, where we stayed at the Relais & Chateaux Villa des Orangers which has possibly the most exquisite white carved stucco courtyard I have seen; beautiful rooms and gourmet food. Marrakech was lively and cosmopolitan, and perhaps more accessible for wandering around with the Majorelle gardens, Bahia Palace and exciting Djemaa el Fna square.

For a relaxing end to a busy time in Morocco you cannot beat Essaouira where the blue sky meets the blue sea and gentle white waves roll onto the sandy beach. With whitewashed walls here the souk is very pretty and everyone seems totally calm and enjoying life.

After Essaouira we just had time to visit four diverse properties in the Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah du Toubkal - an eco friendly nest up in the mountains; the Kasbah Tamadot - Richard Branson’s gorgeous property; La Roseraie with fabulous gardens full of roses and La Bergerie which has a relaxed feeling.