Morocco is the kind of place that helps you comprehend how magnificent this planet is. It is full to bursting with sights and sounds and smells and natural wonders. By train, by bus, by rental car, by grand taxi, you can explore its vastness, its green hills, its purple mountains, its endless deserts. It is an adventure rich in rewards, from beautiful textiles to smiling strangers. Morocco offers so much to explore and the opportunity to discover a fascinating culture and yourself in the process of navigating it all. If you’re looking for the kind of trip you will return from forever changed, Morocco is the place to get lost, and find yourself anew.
And when in the vibrant swirling overwhelm that is Morocco, having a sanctuary to rest and recharge in is crucial. Here is a list of some of our favorite sanctuaries we loved retreating to.
Xo, @bethanytoews (text) & @nadinbrendel (photos)
Dar Kawa – Arriving in Marrakech is a shock to the senses. The incredible peace and serenity of the Dar Kawa is a welcome retreat from the hustle bustle of the streets. Enjoy a beautiful meal under the orange trees. Relax and read on the rooftop terrace. Find yourself completely revived and ready to tackle the markets, knowing you have a beautiful sanctuary to return to:
Riad 11 Zitoune – Sometimes what you really need is someone else to tell you you’re okay. The Riad 11 Zitoune is full of this type of reassurance. The Riad’s owner, Alexandra, immediately puts you at ease and offers such warm and helpful advice for navigating the exciting world that is Marrakech. Service with a smile, and sweet and thoughtful details throughout, make this an excellent choice for a more budget conscious adventurer:
If you’re looking for Palm Springs in Morocco, look no further than the Fellah Hotel, from the hip staff, to the delicious mango and avocado salad, to the beautiful people lounging by the pool, this stylish hotel will make you feel like you have found yourself in Southern California, while the friendly stray cats will remind you you are indeed in Morocco:
Kasbah du Toubkal – The walk up to this mountain sanctuary is well worth the effort. Upon arriving, you will be met by the warmth of Berber men washing your hands with orange blossom water and offering you fresh dates dipped in milk. The call to prayer will echo through the mountains as you sit in the sun letting all stress melt away. A truly unique experience that will stay with you for years to come:
Dar Ahlam – “The House of Dreams”, so appropriately named. After the epic drive through the incredible beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, you will find yourself in a palm grove driving through narrow and dusty streets. And when you arrive at the Dar Ahlam, you cannot possibly be prepared for the level of care and attention to detail you will discover in this true desert oasis. Every meal is an adventure, every corner of the hotel a visual feast, and the hamam, it just might make you cry tears of joy. A once in a lifetime luxury experience well worth the expense:
Kasbah Bab Ourika – Driving to the Kasbah Bab Ourika is half the fun, the sweet voices of the local children calling “Bonjour!” as you pass by. And then the Kasbah itself, sitting a top a mountain, offering spectacular 360 degree views of the multicolored landscape of Ourika. Wonder the gorgeous garden, unwind by the pool, or sit and read under the shade of a tree sipping mint tea, find yourself never wanting to leave:
