MAGNIFICENT MOROCCO

I reckon Marrakech is bit like marmite. You either love it or hate it. For me I loved the sights, the smells, the chaotic Jemma El Fna and the souks but most of all the incredibly friendly jovial and kind people. Everyone we encountered (without exception) was so kind and helpful especially our driver Abbas.

Morocco has it all and I can say that really only having just scratched the surface during our 14 day trip. Due to some unforeseen circumstances on our visit (namely a hospital stay) we didn’t manage to do all of our incredible itinerary but that just means we will definitely have to go back! There is something for everyone, from the beautiful fishing port of Essaouira (3 hours west of Marrakech), to travelling up into the stunning Atlas Mountains, adventures out in the desert (luxury tents, camel rides and dune buggies/quad biking) to playing golf on some fabulous courses in some pretty luxurious resorts.

Accommodation wise you’re really spoiled for choice. From small quaint traditional riads to luxury boutique riads to fabulous international chain hotels. I’d recommend La Sultana which is an exquisite traditional luxury boutique riad in the Kasbah. For a stay with kids and to be located right next to the Jemma El Fna (the main square) and the souks then I’d recommend Les Jardins de la Kotoubia. This is a stone’s throw from the main square but after being in the hustle and bustle of the souks, retreating into this hotel is just fabulous. The hotel has 2 lovely pools one of which is on the rooftop with wonderful views of the Koutoubia Mosque.

Again restaurant wise there must be hundreds in the centre of Marrakech. Our favourites were the rooftop restaurants at sunset, particularly La Pergola which plays jazz music as you dine. Also, sunset views from Nobu Hotel’s rooftop bar in the newer area of Hivernage in Marrakech (near the likes of the famous La Mamounia and Royal Mansour) were outstanding.

However, the two standout places for us were our trip into the Atlas Mountains to stay at the Kasbah Tamedot (just over an hour from Marrakech) and our stay at the Fairmont Royal Palm resort (20 minutes outside Marrakech with access to the Royal Palm Golf & Country Club).

Kasbah Tamedot (recently appearing on the BBCs Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby) is Richard Branson’s luxury Moroccan retreat and it truly is a special place. Not just because of the location, the architecture and the food but because of the whole ethos behind this hotel. 100% of the employees are locals. Richard Branson’s mum Eve set up the Eve Branson Foundation (EBF) and her vision was to ensure there was work at the Kasbah for the locals living in the Atlas Mountains. It was fascinating hearing the stories from the staff about how the EBF had helped them for example our waiter Ishmail who had left school at a young age and up until 10 years ago didn’t speak a word of English. The EBF taught him English and upskilled him resulting in one of the best waiters I’ve ever come across.

We also took a very special trip with our guide Hassan into the Atlas Mountains. He kindly took us to his house and it was a very special few hours talking with Hassan’s dad about his work taking tourists on hiking trips into the Atlas Mountains and up Mount Toubkal. All whilst drinking traditional Moroccan mint tea. Very memorable indeed.

Kasbah Tamedot is a special place. The staff and service were outstanding. It is absolutely stunning which helps but it’s also the little things, from leaving a pair of traditional Babouches (locally made slippers) at the end of your bed to take home as a souvenir to watching Casablanca under the stars on the outdoor cinema screen wrapped up in blankets and eating fresh popcorn.

The 5-star Fairmont Royal Palm is a wonderful hotel with all of the facilities such as pools, restaurants, gym and a wide array of accommodation that you’d expect from the Fairmont brand. I am a huge fan of Fairmont and with the Royal Palm they have just got it absolutely right. Right next door is the Royal Palm Golf & Country Club with an 18 hole golf course and a further swimming pool and restaurant. Like Kasbah Tamedot the staff and service were outstanding. This was a fabulous way to end our trip.

Inspired to visit Marrakech? I have loads of top tips so do make sure you speak to me first.