M O R O C C O

DESPITE MOROCCO’S GLOBAL REPUTATION AS A LUXURY TOURISM DESTINATION, IT STILL HOLDS AN AIR OF MYSTERY. SO, WHEN I FIRST BOOKED A TRIP TO THIS ENIGMATIC LOCALE THIS PAST MAY, IN ALL HONESTY, I WASN’T QUITE SURE WHAT TO EXPECT.

REVIEWS ON ALL THE MAJOR TRAVEL SITES HAD SUCH CONTRADICTING OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES. HOWEVER, FROM THE MOMENT I STEPPED INTO THE MEDINA OF MARRAKECH, I UNDERSTOOD WHY IT WAS SO INEXPLICABLE

IT’S A COUNTRY WHERE I SAW YIN AND YANG IN EFFECT RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. IT’S CHAOTIC AND CALM SIMULTANEOUSLY. IT’S ARID YET LUSH IN EVERY CORNER AND IT’S DEEPLY ROOTED IN HISTORY YET MODERN IN TERMS OF CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT. IN EVERY CITY YOU VISIT, YOU’LL EXPLORE COLORFUL CORNERS DECORATED WITH VIBRANT BERBER RUGS AND ELABORATE TILE-ADORNED EDIFICES WHILE THE FRAGRANCE OF FRESH SPICE SHOPS DELIGHT YOUR SENSES. BUT, THERE ARE FIVE EXPERIENCES I THINK TO TOP THE REST WHEN IT COMES TO FULLY EXPERIENCING THIS MAJESTIC COUNTRY…

The souks, otherwise known as the markets, are the best place for shopping. From handmade leather sandals to fresh Argan products, you’ll find it all. The key, though, is to put your bartering hat on and get ready to walk past vendors trying to capture your attention. When you find something you like, start with an offer half of the price they quote and go up from there until you reach a deal! Having a guide for this, that knows where to shop for what, will also help.

Depending on your itinerary, you can visit the Afghay Desert, closer to Marrakech, or the Sahara. If you’ve never been off the grid in a place where luxury tents are the only infrastructure, you’ve likely never seen stars quite like glamping in the desert. Upon nightfall, the stars become glitter, sparkling above the muted dunes, begging to be admired. Especially with no sounds but the soft wind lulling you into the most blissful existence, I’ve never quite felt as at peace as I did in the Moroccan desert at night.

Now, bartering takes energy!

When you need a break, simply find a quiet corner where the sun is warmly shining through the thatched roofs above. Bonus if you can grab a mint tea while you rest!

We left with the most beautiful Berber rug we purchased at a collective of women weavers in one of the souks and were even able to try our hand at making our own rug! Another art form they don’t tell you about is how they wrap the rugs up so you can actually check them like a checked bag on the airline! Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to explore and gives you a peek into local culture.

Moroccan cuisine is simple, yet the most flavorful I’ve ever tasted due to all the fresh spices! Sip on mint tea, nibble on all the fresh dips like Zalouk with bread fresh out of the oven, and see if you can tell the difference between tagine and tangia by the end of your adventure.

You can experience staying in a beautiful Riad on Rise Girls Trip

A principle of Moroccan culture is not to be too flashy and ensure everyone is treated equally. So, those Moroccan citizens who had the money for these elaborate homes actually built them behind the solid, plain walls of the medina so each dwelling looks the same from the outside.

Riads are small guesthouses that are the most picturesque places you’ll ever set your eyes on… even if you don’t realize it on the street.

For that reason, when you walk past the heavy wooden doors to the riad entrance, the breathtaking scene is often not what you expected. The dusty, orange medina streets are instantly replaced with lush plant life, glistening pools, and gorgeous courtyards perfect for sipping on mint tea.

between the two cities. While you should definitely stay in one, most have restaurants on-site. So, eat at a few different ones so you can explore the styles!

Popular in both Marrakech and Fes, there are hundreds, if not thousands,

While I have been to a spa or two in my day (…okay, I may be known to pamper myself with multiple treatments on every vacation), there was something soulful about the spa experiences in Morocco. Morocco is known for their hammams or bathhouses. Typically, these sanctuaries offer different-temperature pools where you can soak and relax with zen lighting while the flowing water serenades you.

Put your phone away, disconnect from the world to reconnect with yourself, and end your hammam experience with a tailoredto-you massage. You can find these in every city (except maybe the desert)! These are just a handful of the countless captivating experiences you’ll have if you indulge in a trip to this otherworldly African nation. Majestic Morocco awaits!

By Sara Iannacone Copywriter & Online Business Coach at One Wanderful Life

FOR THOSE SEEKING THAT MOROCCAN MAGIC MENTIONED, WE HAVE AN INCREDIBLE GIRLS TRIP COMING UP AT THE END OF THIS MONTH!

IAS A SMALL GROUP, WE ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE MARRKESH AND THE AGAFAY DESERT, LEAVING WITH INCREDIBLE FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES - PRICELESS

Very soon, we are going to experience the magic of Morocco and you are invited.

A curated, luxury girls trip inclusive of 3 nights in a traditional Riad (see images), and one night under the stars in the Agafay Desert.

Rise Girls trips are about curating a personal travel itinerary, but attending as a group of like-minded women.

Growing up, and into my teen years especially, I always wanted a 'group' to go away with, and I know others felt this lack too.

That's why I now create trips and experiences so we can share that sisterhood magic, whilst seeing the world and all it's adventure and beauty.

See itinerary example...

In our private transport we explore further into Morocco, passing through the Atlas Mountains, ariving in Ouarzazete and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah We will see authentic Berber villages and also a UNESCO heritage site founded in the 11th century In the evening we share a beautiful traditional dining experience on the rooftop of the Riad.

Travel 45 minutes to the Agafay Desert where we will stay in luxury bell tents in Morocco's Habitas accommodation. Here you can camel ride, amongst over activity options. Sleep under the stars!