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A land of infinite romance and mystery, of opulent palaces and lively marketplaces, architectural heritage and contemporary arts fairs, sprawling desert sands and low-key surfers' paradises, the magnificent kingdom of Morocco is a clear choice for any bucket-list and a true portal to another world.
Whether you're looking to take in aromatic cuisine in elegant riads or refreshing cocktails on trendy rooftop terraces, Morocco is a country with an embarrassment of riches to satisfy culture vultures, outdoors enthusiasts, foodies and bargain hunters alike... once drawn in by the kaleidoscopic charm of Morocco, you won't ever want to leave.
At Villanovo, we know that better than most, since our founders, David and Geraldine, took the decision to raise their family in the Red City of Marrakech. And so it is with a strong desire to do justice to this magnificent kingdom that we present you our tips on the Top 10 Things to Do on Holiday in Morocco. So, sit back, sip a glass of mint tea and dream about your next holiday with Villanovo.
Treat the kids to a mind-opening cultural experience and lifetime of memories.
Morocco is a wonderfully family-oriented destination, offering both safety and no shortage of things to see and do for younger members of the family. The awe-inspiring sites of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Gardens offer plenty for curious minds to soak up, while the healthy culture shock of a trip to the souks or a camel ride into the desert are perfect for providing experiences that will open young eyes to the endless pleasures of travel.
And for those who might prefer something a little more familiar, there are plenty of activities that to keep restless minds and bodies occupied. Visit Essaouira, where the long, breezy coastline is the perfect place for a spot of wind and kitesurfing.
It's impossible to talk about Morocco and not touch upon its delicious cuisine. A favourite with foodies everywhere, the fragrant spices and delicate blend of fruity and savoury flavours of Moroccan cuisine are as emblematic as the palatial riads and lively souks that make up its cities.
Making the most of its privileged position between the European, Arab and African worlds that surround it, while drawing on its own unique Berber culture, Moroccans have over centuries developed some truly mouth-watering dishes alongside some top restaurants in which to showcase them. And why not take in a cookery class while you're visiting and learn the authentic tricks and tips of a local expert? Afterwards, you'll be able to regale your friends with more than just stories of your adventures.
Marrakech is brimming with unforgettable architectural wonders, chic rooftop terraces, oasis-like leafy gardens and an endless array of fascinating museums, boutiques and galleries. It's easy to see how you can spend your entire holiday in the Red City and leave having not seen, heard, haggled over and tasted everything you had hoped to. That is no cause for concern nor failure. There is good reason why visitors return again and again.
However, to get too caught up in all that there is to see and do in Marrakech is to miss the opportunity to explore the wonders that lie within easy reach of the city walls. The majestic Atlas Mountains can be reached easily on a day trip, with guided tours leading you by foot, bike or donkey into the fabled foothills of this vast mountain range. Discover the fertile Ourika Valley, peppered with Berber villages, or head east and explore the magnificent ancient fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. For those in search of something a little more hi-octane, you can head to the Agafay Desert and other spots outside the city for a go on a quad bike or a buggy. Overnight stays can also be arranged at luxurious desert camps in Agafay for those in search of an experience apart on their next holiday. Finally, for those looking for a wonderful day trip spent next to the water, the Lalla Takerkoust lake is a great spot for some lunch and a true sense of escape. Speak to our local concierge for more details.
>>> Our villas and riads in and around Marrakech
Despite the obvious temptation, being on holiday in an exotic land doesn't all have to be about exploring and discovery. It's important that you properly unwind and set yourself some time aside especially for you. After all, you've worked hard all year for this moment.
And there is no better way to relax in Morocco than by pampering yourself with an authentic hammam experience. Centuries of carefully learned expertise have gone into providing you with an unparalleled massage and spa treatment, all set inside some of the most beautiful buildings you could hope to find. Unmissable.
For all of its traditional culture, wild beaches, celebrated culinary style and myriad medinas, it's easy to forget that Morocco is also a top golfing destination, with wonderfully designed fairways, tricky approaches and beautifully manicured greens on show throughout the kingdom.
The Al Maaden Golf Resort, Fairmont Royal Palm, Amelkis Golf Club and Royal Golf of Marrakech and the award-winning Assoufid Golf Course offer fantastic courses with beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains to enjoy a round on, while Agadir offers the Golf du Palais Royal and Tazegzout golf courses and Essaouira provides the splendid Mogador Golf Club, for those looking to spend their golfing holiday on the coast.
Contrary to the popular image of Morocco, which is often sometihng of a montage of camels in the desert and the elegant riads and souks of Marrakech, the kingdom is also home to some wonderful coastal towns, and one coastal city in particular is something of a favourite among bohemian travellers and surfers. The worst-kept-secret among visitors to Morocco, Essaouira is a wonderfully peaceful alternative to Marrakech set on the Atlantic coast and enjoys a privileged status among surfers as a go-to for winter waves and laid-back vibes on the northern tip of Africa.
Its excellent surf and kite-surfing aside, Essaouira also enjoys a burgeoning reputation as an arts hub, with local Gnawa and international artists displaying their works on the streets and in the ever-increasing art galleries popping up around the city. Venture a little inland and discover the country's best spot for Argan oil.
And if you need any more convincing that Essaouira is worth paying a visit to, then its Medina's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site should do the trick. A wonderfully calm and pleasant city, which is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Although it might seem like something of a cliche by now, the hustle and bustle of the souks - colourful dens of market stalls, locals, tourists and traders bartering over artisan leather goods, fragrant foodstuffs and clothes - really does offer a unique experience to the uninitiated. Found throughout the kingdom, these lively public spaces could be described as the beating heart of daily life in Morocco, where rich and poor, locals and visitors rub shoulders and where you must never accept the first offer. While there are indeed plenty of ramshackle markets around the country for those looking to get their hands dirty, as it were, the souks of Marrakech tend towards the more boutique style of shop, with beautifully rendered items made by talented local artisans populating the shelves.
Try your hand at a little haggling and see what treasures you might bring back in your suitcase after a holiday in Morocco.
And Essaouira isn't the only other destination for curious travellers to explore once they've got their fill of Marrakech. The other surfing hotspot of Agadir - further down the west coast than Essaouira - also contains the biggest souk in Morocco, among its many charms. Meanwhile, it's golden sandy beach is less exposed, providing a wonderfully relaxing spot for sunbathers.
To the north, closer to Casablanca and the Straits of Gibraltar, the picturesque town of Oualidia enjoys a beautiful coastline, responsible for the best part of the kingdom's oyster industry, some wonderful artisan pottery and an unspoiled inland region also ripe for exploring. Famous for being home to the king's summer residence (built in the 1940s), it is a favourite among the country's elite, who flock here in the summer to enjoy the gorgeous saltwater lagoon, pretty whitewashed homes and marina. However, it is still relatively untouched by foreign tourism.
Elsewhere, the monumental 16th-century vestiges of Taroudant's former status as the nation's capital are hugely appealing for lovers of architecture, as it is for culture vultures of all kinds, given its well represented Berber culture. Situated in the Souss Valley on the 'other' side of the Atlas Mountains, it is not so often frequented by tourists, who may wish to remedy the situation, as they are missing out on an authentic insight into the Saadian heart of Morocco.
>>> The most beautiful villas in Morocco with house staff
While there is plenty to keep your eyes and belly bulging and your imagination entertained throughout the Red City, for those who are looking for an extra special experience in Marrakech, they can hop on a hot-air balloon and float over the surrounding desert and Berber villages at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and get a completely different view of this most storied of cities. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience destined to live long in the memory, which our dedicated concierge service in Marrakech can help to arrange.
A strange point to make about a kingdom overflowing with cultural and historical riches but there is a further point to be made about a trip to Morocco: it is a country very much in ascendence, culturally, economically and as a travel destination.
It is common that places wax and wane in popularity and cultural significance, and there is a feeling about Morocco that it is thriving. From the increasing number of high-profile celebrities spotted visiting Marrakech recently to the success of the country's men's football team, the country's ever growing art scene, international art and film festivals and potential as an exporter of renewable energy over the coming decade, there is a sense that the country's time has once more come. The sense of excitement and anticipation pervades the streets and the people in them, provides visitors to this fabled country on the edge of the Sahara Desert with the opportunity to witness a land of already rich history in a state of cultural ascendency.
We at Villanovo have handpicked an exclusive selection of high-end riads and villas from which you can enjoy the myriad wonders on view across Morocco. From elegant traditional riads with wonderfully leafy patios in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, to beautiful villas just a short walk from the coast of Essaouira, we offer you sensational luxury rentals in the most sought-after locations. All of our properties come with the possibility of house staff, including private cooks, who can delight you with some of the finest local delicacies in the comfort and intimacy of your own private paradise.
And for those wishing to make their stay that little bit more special, we also offer the services of our dedicated local concierge, to assist you in the preparing and smooth running of your ideal escape to Morocco. Whether it's making the arrangements for airport transfer, bike, car or camel hire, a trip in a hot-air balloon or tips on the best restaurants and roof terraces to visit, our experienced local specialists are on hand to take the stress and guesswork out of planning the holiday in Morocco that you and your loved ones deserve.
Speak to us today and start planning your unforgettable holiday in Morocco.
>>> Explore our full selection of luxury riads and villas in Morocco
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