04 December 2021

Its with great pleasure I share with you my family trip to Morocco. A 3 hour flight from Manchester to Marrakech we were met by our driver and taken a 20 minute drive to our 5 star hotel, Eden Andalou Aquapark and Spa. We were pleased with our standard suite. With myself and older children, this gave us twin beds in the main bedroom and an arched section which converted to 2 sofa beds at night and a lounge area through the day. This opened up to a patio and garden area just steps from the pool. The following day we were pleased with a great breakfast. We were all inclusive and a huge selection of hot and cold dishes. The staff were very courteous and smart. As we were celebrating an 18th (daughter) a 21st (son) and unfortunately a 50th (me!) I wanted this trip to be one to remember so I pre booked excursions prior to departure through Do Something Different. All activities were confirmed by reception and our drivers were on time. Our first 'experience' was quad biking in the desert. Fabulous! A brief 20 minute test circuit and we were off! My son took the lead and I followed with my daughter hanging onto the back of me! We enjoyed a few hours skirting round the dunes and all felt safe and well organised. We finished off with tea and cake. Enjoyed by all! Our time round the pool was as relaxed or busy as we wanted - I showed myself up with the aqua aerobics and had a go with the water polo. For more exhilaration we headed to the waterpark just a 5 minute walk through the hotel grounds to a 'gated' area with many slides and flumes. All managed well with life guards. Great we could dip in and out of here and open till 10pm each night. Our next experience was one I will never forget - Hot air balloon over the Atlas Mountains. We were picked up at 4am, yes 4am!! About an hour minibus drive to the desert where we were served coffee and juice in a Bedouin tent. At about 5.30 we walked across to our balloon and climbed into the gondola. Amazing smooth flight into the air and as our 'pilot' pointed across the mountain range the sun started to rise and this was everything and more than I expected. After approx. 45 minutes in the air we were back on the ground and taken back to the tent to watch (and participate) in donut making which contributed to our prepared hot and cold breakfast. We were transported back to our hotel and back by the pool for mid morning! The following day we had booked a guide to take us round the main Souk in the City. This was called Souk Semmarine and with the many alleys and paths within the walls our guide navigated us round the bakeries, potteries, textile shops, spice markets and antiques.....and everything else. Very knowledgeable and by far the safest for me and my family. We came away with some great gifts and a bit of tat! Evening meals were very varied and a different hot selection with an extensive cold buffet. The deserts were colorful and well presented. My son is a bit football mad so he was happy to watch the open air big screen, whilst me and my daughter were entertained by the animation team - some stuff not to my liking but good to people watch, chill and sing a long ! Our last evening was really special too - horse and carriage round the City at night. Again, picked up at hotel reception about 6pm we were taken to the square by the Medina - it was heaving! A great hustle and bustle. I loved it! We trotted around the walls and were told about the history and landmarks. We wouldn't have seen this on foot for sure! After about 2 hours we finished our night with a meal on a roof top terrace overlooking the square. Our driver picked us up and brought us back to our hotel for late drinks and nibbles at the bar. To summarise, this holiday we experienced, culture, history, water fun, 5 star luxury. I recommend pre booking these trips before leaving the UK. Here's a little video I put together of our 7 day adventures. Enjoy!