Welcome to Morocco, a beautiful country situated in the north of Africa, and the gateway to the continent. Its location and cultural blend with Europe create an exotic and exciting destination for luxury travelers.
With just 8 miles of sea to cross before reaching Spain, Morocco’s vibrant cities like Marrakech and Tangier offer an unmatched mix of diverse cultures that seldom exists elsewhere in the world. The Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains offer stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. Let’s embark on a journey that will take us to some of the most exclusive locations in the country.
Marrakech
One of the most popular cities in Morocco is Marrakech, the fourth largest city in the country. It is known for many reasons. The Medina, the original walled-off part of the city, holds a feel of ancient times. Narrow streets wind through the area, perfect to wander about without aim. Colorful and creative architecture adorns the walls and buildings, traditional markets line the streets, filling the air with the smell of spices, and the call to prayer of the many mosques echoes through the air.
The Medina’s beauty really shines when visiting the Jamaa El Fnaa. This square lies in the heart of the Medina and features flute players and other entertainers, scrumptious street food, and even the alluring movements of snake charmers.
A fashionable stopover for luxury travelers in Marrakech is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The museum showcases the life and work of the iconic fashion designer, highlighting some of his most famous creations and sketches. The museum itself is a work of art, with a modern and sleek design inspired by the Moroccan landscape.
The city is also known for luxury stays and culinary treats for the traveler. Add in the classic cafes where sipping on coffee or tea is a popular pastime… and you have a city that will burn into the memories of any traveler.
Casablanca
Another famous city featured and named in a classic Hollywood film is Casablanca. Once called Anfa, it is the largest city in Morocco and has the largest artificial ports in the world. Casablanca has become the image of modern Morocco, the economic center.
Though built in 1993, the Hassan II Mosque is the second-largest mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world—with the second-tallest minaret (tower) in the world. Its sleek and modern design is accented by designs of the past. Guided tours are offered to the public in numerous languages.
The Medina, just as in Marrakech, is the historical center of Casablanca. Old Medina is a trip back in time through small passages and along open markets. However, there is also the Quartier Habous which is considered the New Medina. Here, more modern shopping happens, along with amazing spots for culturally rich foods. Regardless of new or old in shops, the traditional art of haggling is encouraged. Casablanca is an urbanized stopover that will provide the traveler with a different view of Moroccan life.
Fes
An Exotic Gem, Fes is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Make time to visit some of the city’s top attractions, such as the Medersa Bou Inania and the Al-Attarine Madrasa, two of the city’s most beautiful and well-preserved historical sites. In addition, Fes is also famous for its vibrant souks, where you can find beautiful fabrics, artisanal ceramics, and handcrafted jewelry. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the street food scene in Fes, where you can indulge in traditional Moroccan delicacies like Tagine and Couscous.
Tangier
Tangier offers a unique blend of European and North African culture and history. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, it serves as a crucial gateway to Europe.
Tangier has a long and diverse history that dates to the Phoenician era. It was a significant port city for Europeans and was under the control of various cultures such as the Romans and the Portuguese. As a result, the city has a rich history and boasts several historical landmarks and museums, such as the Kasbah Museum, the American Legation Museum, and the Dar el Makhzen Palace.
Tangier’s unique location has made it a melting pot of different cultures. The city’s architecture is a fusion of traditional Moroccan, Andalusian, and European styles. The bustling medina of Tangier is home to colorful bazaars, spice shops, and traditional Moroccan restaurants. There are also many cafes and restaurants that offer Mediterranean and European cuisine.
Tangier is home to several beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. The most famous one is the Plage de Malabata, which is a 5km stretch of golden sand with crystal-clear waters. The beach also has several beachside restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails. Tangier has a lively and vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes.
Sahara Desert
To the south of the country sits the iconic image of dunes stretching off into the horizon, some of these sand hills rising as far as 590 ft… the Sahara Desert. Being the largest hot desert in the world, it spans 3,600,000 sq mi and has very few people that live there. Temperatures have reached up to 116° F, and it can be an inhospitable place. Though, the people of this region have learned to navigate and survive it with relative ease.
These skills are shown in the tours available to see this sparse and alien landscape. Especially finding and cultivating the oasis, a green island in the middle of seemingly infinite sand. The traveler can find tours to these and, wonderfully surprising, luxury stays within them. Often including a comfortable bed surrounded by authentic décor, live music, and a traditional feast… the oasis is a restful getaway from the desert and the traveler’s everyday grind.
The Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a significant natural wonder and a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting Morocco. These mountains stretch over 2400 km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, making them one of the largest mountain ranges in Africa. The Atlas Mountains are renowned for their stunning landscapes, varied terrains, and traditional Berber villages.
The High Atlas, which is the most famous part of the range, offers numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration. Luxury travelers can go on guided treks or hikes, enjoying the scenic views of crystal-clear streams, green meadows, and ancient Berber villages tucked away in the mountains. The High Atlas also presents opportunities for skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing for the more adventurous.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience in the Atlas Mountains, there are several mountain lodges and resorts that offer world-class amenities and services. These luxury accommodations offer the perfect respite from exploring the rugged landscapes and provide a tranquil space for travelers to relax and rejuvenate.
Additionally, the Atlas Mountains are also home to the Toubkal National Park, one of the most famous national parks in Morocco. The park is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Barbary macaque, the North African boar, and the Atlas bear. Visitors can take guided walks to explore the park’s fauna and flora or camp overnight to immerse themselves fully in nature.
For a unique and unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the charming landscapes of Morocco. Picture yourself soaring high above the stunning Atlas Mountains, spotting indigenous wildlife, and enjoying breathtaking views of Morocco’s vast and diverse scenery. Many hot air balloon operators offer exclusive and luxurious experiences, including wine and champagne tastings, gourmet meals inspired by local cuisine, and live music.
Morocco will enchant the luxury traveler looking to adventure into an entirely different culture. Experience traditional and modern cuisine to delight the senses, luxury hospitality to pamper, markets and bazaars to tempt, the exquisite architecture of palaces and riads to awe, and the vast desert and stunning mountains to explore. Morocco has captured the imagination of explorers and authors and consistently exceeds the expectations of travelers.
Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation! Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!
Featured image by Photo by Moussa Idrissi
