Morocco Is Calling
New Jersey has brought the US an incredible gift: non-stop flights to Marrakech, courtesy of United Airlines.
For East Coasters, Marrakech has officially become a weekend destination. With luxe hotel openings, souk experiences, incredible desert dinners and the Atlas Mountains finally getting their moment, there’s never been a better time to travel to Morocco.
Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui, co-founder and owner of Experience Morocco, one of our favorite, most trusted Morocco travel companies, called the flight addition a “game-changer” for those living in the Tri-State.
Our favorite hotels in Marrakech
Marrakech
Spend a minimum of three nights in Marrakech, said Fora Advisor Swaylah Faroqi, and use it as a homebase for a day trip to the Agafay Desert. Rather than spending a night out in the dunes, Sway recommends a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, or a sunset camel ride.
As a homebase, opt for La Sultana or El Fenn. Both are in Marrakech’s medina, close to the shops, souks, food stands and energy.
La Sultana, one of Sway’s favorites, gives you that traditional riad experience one usually thinks of when planning a trip to Morocco.
Image courtesy of La Sultana Marrakech
Fora Advisor Nancy Deane is partial to El Fenn.
“It’s a boutique property that has the most exquisite design,” Nancy said. “Every corner feels special and makes me giddy with excitement.”
Pro tip from Nancy: Skip room service, head up to the rooftop bar and order La Vie est Belle, a delicious concoction of Aperol, cranberry juice and martini roso.
When you’re not swooning over your luxe accommodations, explore the vibrant rooftop scene and immerse yourself in the neverending hustle and bustle. Marrakech is truly a foodie’s paradise.
Image courtesy of El Fenn
Where to eat in Marrakech
Insider Morocco travel tips
Getting a fast-track pass at the Marrakech airport is a must (think 20 minutes spent in line as opposed to hours). A Fora Advisor will hook you up.
Getting a fast-track pass at the Marrakech airport is a must (think 20 minutes spent in line as opposed to hours). A Fora Advisor will hook you up.
Look forward to the repaved road to the Agafay Desert, which will make the journey as seamless as ever.
Look forward to the repaved road to the Agafay Desert, which will make the journey as seamless as ever.
Casablanca is back, especially with the new Royal Mansour. It's no longer just a stopover destination.
Casablanca is back, especially with the new Royal Mansour. It's no longer just a stopover destination.
Your Moroccan itinerary
Although you can now visit Marrakech over a long weekend, if you want to see more of the country, stay for seven to 10 days.
Marrakech
Spend at least three nights here, and consider a day trip to the Agafay Desert.
Atlas Mountains
Spend another three nights amid the mountains for an especially immersive cultural experience.
Optional beach add-on
Consider Tangier or Tamuda Bay for a relaxing end to your trip.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains lie about an hour to 90 minutes outside of Marrakech. Sway said the mountains are an absolute must for cultural immersion and a more authentic, traditional experience.
“It's just extremely majestic,” she said of the landscape, adding how the scenic drive out to the Atlas is “an experience in itself.”
Stay at Kasbah Tamadot, part of Virgin Limited Edition hotels. Choose from luxe rooms, suites, tents and riads.
“That is like ultra, ultra luxury,” Sway said. “It's so, so stunning.”
You’ll love the burnt-red, palace-like building. Inside, a serene courtyard centers on a reflection pool strewn with flower petals. Lanterns, patterned rugs, intricate tiling, meticulously etched light fixtures and other thoughtful details only add to the pervasive luxury, as do their newly remodeled villas.
Sway said you can truly “rely on the hotel to make it a wonderful experience…I've always booked them and they've just knocked it out of the park.”
Image courtesy of Kasbah Tamadot
Don't miss these beach add-ons: Tangier and Tamuda Bay
Tangier sits on the northern edge of Morocco, right on the Strait of Gibraltar. (It’s a quick ferry ride to the south of Spain from here.) The city is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It’s the “coastal finale for anyone who just wants to relax after such an adventurous start to their trip,” Sway said.
“Tangier is having a moment with tastemakers, artists and coolhunters from around the globe,” Nancy added. “It was known as a bohemian enclave in the mid-20th century and the old world glamor feels ripe for re-discovery.”
Even better, you can hop on the high-speed train and whisk yourself back to Casablanca to fly home.
“It's better than any train I've ever been on here in Europe,” Sway, who lives in London, said. “I was in shock.”
Tamuda Bay requires a bit of a longer commute, but it's well worth the effort.
“When people think about Morocco, they often think of the desert, but I’d love to see more people explore the coast,” Nancy said. “For many, pricing along the Mediterranean in Europe has become prohibitive, but there are still some amazing finds over here on the other side!”
One such amazing find is Tamuda Bay, home to the exceptional Royal Mansour.
“I would not leave this place. The spa is insane. The facilities are insane. The beach club is amazing,” Sway said. “It's phenomenal.”
The king himself owns the Royal Mansour Collection, and it shows. Spaces are opulent and beautifully designed: lush florals, gleaming marble bathrooms, intricate archways, a breezy coastal-chic color palette. Sway loved the feminine, soothing aesthetic of the hotel. It’s breezier and softer compared to the other Royal Mansours.
“Everything about this property screams five-star plus,” Nancy added. “It is fit for the king after all.”
Images courtesy of Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier and Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay