If you’ve been dreaming of an epic, feast-for-all-senses vacation, consider this your sign to go to Morocco. Fora recently realized our own bucket-list fantasies on our latest FAM trip to this mesmerizing destination. And Morocco did not disappoint.
If you’re picturing colorful streets, lively souks and camel treks through the wind-swept desert, you’re exactly right. But there’s so much more to Morocco than meets the eye, especially in 2024. Read on for a recap of our most recent FAM – a scouting trip for advisors to gain an intimate understanding of a destination and make the best travel recs for their clients. Learn why we chose this destination, details of our itinerary around the country (including hotels galore) and a few reasons you should visit, too.
Fresh off our Morocco journey, we now have the best of the best travel recs. If you’re ready to plan your trip to Morocco, reach out to us to book today.
Fes
On this nine-day trip to Morocco, the FAM group – made up of Fora Advisors and two HQ members – visited Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and Essaouira. Advisors were able to dive deep into the destination, trying their hand at tons of local experiences and visiting different sites, restaurants, markets and — of course — hotels (more on that later). Through this exploration, advisors get to know the ins and outs of the destination, so they can make better & more informed decisions for their clients.
Why Morocco, you ask? Let’s break it down.
With its endless charms, Morocco has always been on the world’s stage as – yes, we’ll say it again – a bucket list-topper. But in 2024, Morocco’s travel landscape is characterized by several misconceptions. First, with the earthquake that struck the Atlas Mountains last September, many believe that the entire country and its infrastructure is less-than-intact (not exactly the case). The impacts of the earthquake were largely limited to the Atlas Mountains. And while the Atlas Mountains area is still recovering, visiting the region is very much possible (not to mention very worthwhile; see below for the details) – and our tourism dollars support its rebuilding. As our co-founder Henley Vazquez always likes to say, “to go is to give.”
Second, there are misconceptions around the country’s safety. However, with the right partners and planning, Morocco is an excellent destination that can indeed be explored & enjoyed safely. Of course, as with any destination (near or far) – it’s advised to always exercise caution when traveling.
Image courtesy of Riad Fes
Our advice: if Morocco has been on your bucket list – or if you’re adding it as you’re reading this! – now is a great time to visit. Our FAM trip was an important way for Fora to support & promote Morocco travel to our greater community (and indulge in some life-changing travel experiences in the process…).
Another reason we ventured to Morocco? We have an incredible local partner, Experience Morocco, who brought the destination to life for us and made sure every element of the trip ran smoothly. Experience Morocco rolled out the proverbial red carpet, incorporating everything from hiking tours to street food tastings into our jam-packed itinerary. Their emphasis is on truly unique, educational and bespoke tourism experiences (in other words, things that Fora is all about). And they certainly delivered.
In the words of one of our FAM trip attendees, Fora Advisor Nicole Campoy, “Experience Morocco was stellar in every way. I know that I can trust their suggestions in Morocco because of the way they tailored this trip.”
“I am one-thousand-percent confident that Experience Morocco is the best [local partner] for our clients,” Fora Advisor Karyn Pavich echoed.
Casablanca
Fora’s FAM journey started in Casablanca, the country’s coastal hub. US-based travelers to Morocco fly here first (if flying direct), and Casablanca serves as a fantastic soft landing to ease jet lag and adapt to the rhythm of Moroccan life. And the exquisite hotels (including the Four Seasons Casablanca, a modern Moroccan splendor) add to the city’s appeal. We’re also eyeing the soon-to-open Royal Mansour Casablanca, which – if it’s anything like the lavish Royal Mansour in Marrakech – will be a game-changer for the city.
Next, the group was off to Fes, where visitors get the full, authentic Moroccan experience. Think labyrinthine streets, incredibly preserved architecture and mesmerizing cultural riches. Fes is also home to the enchanting Riad Fes, a hotel that wowed our group with its intricate details and dreamy courtyard pool. Trust us: if you want that traditional riad experience, Riad Fes knocks it really, really far out of the park.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Casablanca: When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Riad Fes: Breakfast daily, VIP welcome.
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Following Fes, the group ventured to Marrakech, the country’s tourism darling (and for good reason). Vibrant, polished, trendy and ever-so-chic, the city has significantly evolved in the past few years – with more and more locals speaking English, for instance – making travel here even more accessible.
Plus, Marrakech is a luxury hotel mecca, if you will, with numerous five-star palaces & boutique hideaways that consistently rank among the best hotels in the world. The group visited five properties in Marrakech (spoiler alert: they’re all 10/10) and got a crash-course on how to matchmake each hotel to travelers’ personal styles. For instance, in broad strokes… If you favor epic views, opt for the Mandarin Oriental or the Oberoi. Minimalists will love Amanjena, while the Four Seasons is a great pick for families. And those looking for a five-star Moroccan classic should opt for La Mamounia or the Royal Mansour. Of course, there are so many other important details that go into choosing the hotel that’s right for you (and booking with a Fora Advisor is your secret weapon to making these informed decisions).
Fora Perks at the Mandarin Oriental: Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Amanjena: Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at the Oberoi, Marrakech: Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible, complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two guests.
Fora Perks at the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Royal Mansour: Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible, complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers.
Fora Perks at La Mamounia: Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Atlas Mountains
From Marrakech, the group took a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, where they immersed themselves in not only the landscapes but the rich traditions of the area. From an Amazigh tea ceremony to a spectacular hike in the region of Imlil, “the Atlas Mountains was the highlight,” said Fora Advisor Karyn Pavich. (‘Amazigh’ is the local, Indigenous name for the people & culture often referred to as ‘Berber.’) At one point during the visit, when the beautiful call to prayer echoed through the valleys, more than one FAM participant even shed a tear.
As the final stop in the journey, the group took to the shores of Essaouira. With its boho-chic vibe, the beachy hub of Essaouira was the perfect ending to the FAM adventure. The group stayed at Heure Bleue Palais, with its colorful suites and rooftop pool.
Perks at Heure Bleue Palais: Breakfast daily, VIP welcome
When asked about her favorite part of the trip, Fora Advisor Alexandra Shea said: “I think [it was] our lunch in Essaouira… or maybe the Atlas mountains... or maybe sleeping in the most gorgeous hotels every night?”
In the words of Fora Advisor and trip participant Nicole Campoy, “Morocco was presented to us in such a way that I've had no choice but to heap praise on it to anyone who will listen.”
Connect with Fora to start planning your dream trip to Morocco.
