A Journey to Marrakech & Beyond Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream to Experience Morocco
Morocco is a land of such incredible diversity that it speaks to all of one’s senses. From its ancient cities to its striking deserts to its vibrant markets, travelers feel warmly welcomed. My recent trip to Marrakech and the surrounding area drove home the fact that with a trusted travel professional, no destination is off the table. If you’re open to a bit of adventure in this north African country, you’ll come home feeling richer for the incredible experiences you’ll have had in a new-to-you destination.
Considering Morocco? Here’s why you should go.
Travel to Morocco is more accessible than you think.
Solas Travels has the connections and the creativity to curate a life-changing trip to Morocco. If you’re inspired, excited and ready to open your mind to a new place, our diversity of experience, knowledge of where to go in Morocco for every style of traveler and interest, and insider connections ensure a comfortable, enriching stay.
It’s easy to travel purposefully in Morocco.
Purposeful travel is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. How one connects meaningfully with a destination varies around the globe. Thanks to my recent experience and our expert knowledge, we can help you travel in ways that support local communities, whether that’s working with the Eve Branson Foundation (see more below), or traveling respectfully during Ramadan.
Marrakech offers exceptional hotels.
For the savvy traveler, it’s well known that Marrakech has an incredible array of hotels to choose from. Solas Travels can arrange VIP service at first-class hotels in the city and beyond.
Let’s take a peek at the handful of hotels I personally experienced while in Marrakech:
- Named #1 Resort in North Africa and the Middle East (Travel + Leisure 2022)
- Remarkable craftsmanship, taking 200 builders a full decade to masterfully construct the property
- Gorgeous grounds brimming with citrus orchards, herb gardens and olive trees that supply the kitchens and are used for hosting welcome tea ceremonies
- Spa facilities that feature Spanish and Moroccan treatment products
- Highly personalized service
- Tucked quietly away, approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Marrakech
- 20 years of experience in hosting the world’s most discerning travelers
- Dedicated to the guest experience, going so far as surprising my group with a magical dinner in a traditionally decorated Moroccan tent with live music, multiple dining courses and dancing
- At the base of the Atlas Mountains, and integrated into the local landscape and nearby community, providing a true sense of place
- Just 28 rooms and suites, including exceptional Berber tents, with walls of windows that invite the outdoors in
- Warm, inviting staff that takes great pride in the high level of service they provide to their guests
- Opportunity to visit local foundation workshops (including the Eve Branson Foundation) to help guests truly appreciate the communities that reside there and the weavers and woodworkers the foundation supports
Everywhere you go in Morocco, there are new sights & cultures to experience.
Where to go in Morocco once you’re there may seem overwhelming. Enter Solas Travels (hi!), who can provide an inside track on the destination’s hidden gems and must-see sightseeing spots.
During my recent trip, we had the privilege of private, guided visits to several of the area’s can’t-miss locales. On your own travels, this is just the kind of experience curation that you can expect (with ample room for independent exploration, if that’s more your style).
Here’s what I loved:
Our day tour of Marrakech included a visit to this pristine public garden purchased by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1980. Originally owned by French landscape painter Jacques Morelle, today the garden boasts 300 plant species from five continents, and the artist’s electric-blue, art deco studio-turned-museum.
This beloved Marrakech palace near the medina entrance is considered one of the most beautiful in the Red City. We can arrange for a private, guided tour during which you’ll marvel at the traditional riad’s black-and-white checkered floors, colorful mosaic tiled ceilings and painted cedar wood doors. Be sure to pick up delicious coffee at Bacha, a most delicious-smelling coffee shop and cafe tucked within the palace, amidst its fountains, citrus and palm trees, figs and olive groves.
Yet another example of an under-the-radar sight (and another reason to work with a seasoned travel professional, who knows just where to go in Morocco), Le Jardin Secret is newly open to the public. More than 400 years old, the complex has been home to some of the country’s and city’s most significant political figures. Today’s visitors, especially families, will appreciate the Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan design in the gardens and outbuildings, all of which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Even the most beginning hiker can tackle a trek in the Atlas Mountains around Marrakech. We were fortunate enough that there was still quite a lot of snow on top of the mountains, making for a serene scene. This was a true highlight for me, particularly lunch afterwards on the rooftop of a riad, hearing the call for prayer on the wind.
How Solas Travels Can Plan a Magical Morocco Trip
Solas Travels has the connections and creativity to make your trip to Morocco unforgettable, not only with the companies I traveled with recently, but other celebrated tour operators and hotels within the destination.
With your open-mindedness and our insider connections, together we’re able to create the trip you envisioned and, we hope, one that far exceeds your expectations.
Special thanks to Virgin Limited Edition for designing this incredible experience along with Morocco Private Travel, Oberoi & Amanjena.
