Morocco in January: The Perfect Winter Getaway

Starting in Fes, considered Morocco's spiritual epicenter, gives you a chance to land in the country and get your bearings. It's slower paced than its bustling sister, Marrakech, but with an incredibly rich history, excellent food, and lovely views.

I highly recommend visiting the famous Fes tanneries where you'll see the historic and meticulous way these craftsmen make and dye leathers (and have a chance to shop directly from them).

Walk through the medina, where some of the 'roads' get so narrow you'll need to walk single file. In the center of the medina, you'll also find the world's oldest university, University of al-Qarawiyyin. Fun fact, it was started by a woman named Fatima bint Muhammad.

Make sure to have dinner at the Riad Fes, even if you're not staying there. The Moroccan food here is truly exemplary, as evidenced by the fact that even our Moroccan-born guide was very impressed.

Finally, a pro tip: Find a rooftop or terrace around the time of the sunset call to prayer. It's a magical and very personal experience to stare out at the beautiful city, the sky turning a light shade of pink, while the melodic call to prayer echoes all around you.

After a few nights in Fes, you're adjusted to the time zone and ready to arrive in Marrakech. I'm not always a guided tour type of traveler, but there are some times when it makes a world of difference. Marrakech is one of those times! You will want to know the fascinating history and hear the intricacies of the Koutoubia mosque and the Dar el Bacha museum, for example. While at Dar el Bacha, pop by the charming coffee shop to grab some beans to bring home or put your name in for a seat in the cafe itself.

You'll want that same guide to take you through the iconic Marrakech medina and souk. First, as a layer of protection from the frenetic energy and sales tactics of many of the vendors inside. Second, to keep you from getting lost in the winding pathways. Third, to help you negotiate if, like me, that's not quite second nature to you. And lastly, to point out which rug seller is the best and why you should wait until you get to that stall instead of this stall to look for jewelry, and so on.

Spend an afternoon at the Jardins Majorelles and the neighboring YSL Museum. This garden may be where you stumble across the biggest crowds of your entire winter stay in Morocco, but a stroll through is still very much worth your while. Don't miss a visit to the Pierre Berge Berber Museum on-site, which was easily a highlight for me. And while you're there, stop by the YSL Museum next door which is a stunning look at the man's incredible life and work. (There's a great coffee shop here, too, for a pick-me-up.)

I highly recommend dinner at The Oberoi's Indian restaurant, Rivayat, as well as lunch al fresco at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Amanjena resort. For a break from Moroccan food, book ahead for dinner at the tres-chic Plus61.

Even in January, it's warm enough to take a lovely hike in the High Atlas Mountains and I highly recommend that you do. It's not a difficult hike, though the altitude can impact some, but its rewarding all the same. Again, if you've decided to hike with a guide they will typically have a connection to an Amazigh (previously called Berber) family who will offer to host small groups for mint tea and freshly baked bread. Listening to the call to prayer on an open terrace while chatting with a warmly welcoming family and watching as they show you the traditional ways of making bread in their clay ovens and fresh mint tea is a blissful memory I will not soon forget.

If you have a few extra days for your January getaway in Morocco, I recommend tacking on a trip to the seaside in Essaouira. This should be at the end for a mellow and bohemian finish to your trip. This is also where you'll want to buy the most authentic and best-made argan oil.