Majestic Morocco
Morocco is very accessible – a one stop flight from Australia and direct flights from Europe and the USA. I landed and spent the night in Casablanca. Despite the romantic and exotic place pictured in the classic film of the same name, it is quite underwhelming but a good place to rest before heading elsewhere.
I spent most of my time in Marrakesh, a 2.5 hour journey by car from Casablanca. The Oberoi, where I was staying, was impressive from the moment I arrived. The building itself was huge and delivered a massive wow factor, as did everything it contained. Handcrafted textiles made by local artisans decorated walls and windows and the sheer scale of everything felt regal.
If I could sum this resort up in 1 word, it would be ‘generous’. From the enormous, well-groomed grounds and spacious guest rooms and villas to the service and the impeccable food quality and presentation.
My villa felt secluded with a private pool, which felt like a necessity in the heat of the summer. The resort’s main pool was equally welcomed and, although there were a lot of guests, it never felt crowded – mostly due to the scale of the place.
The selection of food was impeccably prepared and presented, with a good selection of cuisines to choose from.
The spa at the Oberoi is also exquisite with high ceilings, and uses 100% natural luxury spa products. There are a range of signature treatments to choose from – all designed to help you feel as relaxed and pampered as possible.
Overall this resort would be ideal for both romantic getaways and families. It feels like an oasis in the desert but is a bit of a drive to get anywhere else due to its secluded location.
One of my trip highlights was taking a private guided tour and a driver.
So many people get guided tours but going private makes an astronomical difference for several reasons:
- Direct conversation with the guide about anything that interests you
- Go wherever your interest piques
- Don’t have to wait for anyone else
- Car drops you off on one end and picks you up at another gate of your choice, s you don’t have to crawl to find a taxi/car/bus in the heat.
- Leave your personal belongings in the car safely
In the middle of the maze, Abs led me through a large wooden door and I was immediately transported into a different world – a tranquil, cool courtyard of a riad. We went up the stairs to a rooftop bar where I ordered a refreshing ice cold cocktail and a beer.
I met some associates for lunch at La Sultana, a renovated 17th century building, which is a collection of five riads combined, to create a 28-room luxury hotel with an intimate spa, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Marrakech, and richly decorated interiors that showcase impeccable Moroccan style and craftsmanship. The hotel is located in the southern section of the Medina, close to palaces, museums, and souks. The service, food, décor and atmosphere was immaculate.
Eventually I ventured into a more exotic section of the market where a snake was thrown into my arms and I was told to pose. Won’t be going back there myself, but I know a couple of clients that might tick a box for.
Marrakech is a city of hidden gems. There are so many things to choose from, all with something different to offer. I walked around so many of them for hours, pinpointing characteristics that would resonate with our clients.
Next stop was La Mamunia for the PURE event.
This hotel has been named by Conde Naste as the world’s best, and is located inside the walls of the city. The name La mamunia means ‘safe haven’ in Arabic and it really felt that way. The event attendees mostly consisted of owners and general managers of hotels and experiences, the people who are at the forefront of trends, who have their fingers on the pulse of everything new and up and coming. We were also privy to some off-market hotels – the ones you won’t be able to find on google.
We made discoveries with the heads of space travel.
We rubbed shoulders with the most exclusive UK agency – approved by the late ‘her Maj’ herself.
We networked with inspiring and sustainable and charity-driven luxury businesses.
I finished the trip off in the Agafay desert, which felt very remote, despite being super accessible. Agafay is a rocky desert about 30-45 minutes outside of Marrakech and is a unique experience. It was a welcomed reprieve from the week of constant networking and hustle and bustle. I stayed in a luxury tent and while I wasn’t living it up on the back of a camel or a 4×4, I was reading a book and taking in the tranquil desert views in beautiful silence.
It was such an inspiring trip full of vibrancy and energy and a great to be a part of travel’s resurgence with PURE. I just scratched the surface of Morocco, as I was predominantly there for a trade show but I will definitely be back with my family to explore places like Fez, the Atlas mountains and the Sahara Desert.
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