Category Archives: Imperial Cities

Travel to Morocco’s Mawazine World Music & Rhythms Festival

 

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The eight edition of the Mawazine Festival will take place on May 15th to the 23rd. This years Rhythms of the World festival team has arranged an eight day program featuring well known artists like Kylie Minogue, Warda Al Jazayria, Alecia Keys and Stevie Wonder.

The Mawazine Festival will be held in Rabat, Morocco, with musician from over 40 countries. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat is a city has an estimated population of 2 million people and is the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.  The festival will bring together a diverse group of artists and rhythms to pay tribute to the music of the world.

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Morocco will also contribute a number of different artists like Casa Crew, Bigg, Mazagan, and Fez City Clan. Music from all different countries will be intertwined, with a primary theme of jazz music.

The festival will feature Caribbean instrumentals, with artists who belong to the great Jamaican jazz groups like Ska Cubana, and Sly & Robbie. It will also feature French artists like Martin Solveig and Khalifa.

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The Legendary Stevie Wonder will close the Mawazine Festival’s program, with his epic R&B soul music.

The Mawazine Festival will include musical creations, and exhibition of emerging artists with a desire for cultural exhange, workshops like the guitar master class, shows for children like Carton Park and Visto Lo Visto of Spain, and street shows featuring the Maharaja Brass Band of India, and the Romanian Ciocarlia Brass Band.

 

 

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

 

 

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Backpacking in Morocco: The Best Way to Travel Local Culture

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After crashing her car in Italy, Lizzi Thomson of Bristol, grabbed a pack and some friends and continued traveling. Determined to feel the rhythm of a different world she headed to Morocco. After backpacking around Europe and one sleepless night in the Czech Republic, kept up by a man with night terrors and endless snoring she found her self settled under the stars in Marrakech.

“Morocco was a different story. Everyone stayed in Hostels. We slept on the rooftop terraces, under the stars. My favorite thing about sleeping outside was the call to prayer during the night, it was eerily peaceful,” said Lizzi.

“We spent every night on the roof, luckily it never rained but there was a tent that you could go under if it did. It was so warm, and the hostels were really nice. We only stayed in a hotel one night, after a midnight train ride,” said Albert Testani of Connecticut.

Albert, while studying at University of York, also took advantage of the opportunity to travel. Albert backpacked around Spain, France, India and Morocco. Spending time diving into each culture. While hitch-hiking in France was the most adventurous, hopping trains through Morocco was a guaranteed way to make friends.

The trains were great once you figured out how to read the signs in Arabic. According to Albert, getting around in Morocco was fairly easy and inexpensive. “With a bargaining culture there is no such thing as a fixed price,” he continued. As an insider to the bartering system he often got away with a cheap ride, thanks to the Lonely Plane Guide.

man-with-backpack1“In Marrakech there is so much to do, going to the Medina was a massive party every night,” said Albert.” We experienced (a more intimate) Moroccan culture in smaller cities like Fes, and Chefchaouen and Tangier. In the smaller cities you could blend with life more.”

The only trouble was getting lost in the maze-like cities. “It’s quite tricky to get around, the streets are rather winding. Anyone you ask for directions will know your a tourist by your Caucasian skin… we often would end up on a long elaborate tour, waving to all their friends houses,” said Lizzi.

It was a sea of clay and terracotta buildings. “We would wonder around, one day we found a woman sitting cooking, there were a lot of locals eating there… We got a massive meal for 2 dirhams. The Medina was filled with kabob stands, and fresh orange juice, which according to Albert “was amazing!”

For readers interested in backpacking in Morocco, make sure to check out some of Morocco’s adventure sports.

 

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Travel Fes: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Donkeys hooves knock against the stone, while people scurry through the Medina, getting lost in the maze like streets. Something is different about Fes. Listen closely, there are no honking horns, putting motors or screeching brakes. That’s right, inside the fortified walls and labyrinth allies there are no cars.

The best way to explore the city is by foot. Tourists should make sure to swing by the Dar Batha Museum, the home to Moroccan Arts. The display of handwoven Berber carpets, cobalt blue and ceramic pottery, embroideries, ancient astrolabes, and zelliges, elaborate mosaic and ceramic tiles, is a transport back in time.

Make sure to check out the video above from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for World Heritage.

 

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Moroccan Souks – Travel Adventures in Moroccan Marketplaces

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The souks, or market places, in Moroccan cities often take up entire city blocks and are made up of stall after stall of goods that wind their way through the narrow alleys and side streets, often only wide enough for pedestrians and the occasional donkey. The stalls themselves are piled high with Moroccan goods from traditional brightly colored carpets and scarves, sacks of exotic herbs and spices, to freshly picked fruits and slaughtered meat from local farmers.

As well as a place for Moroccans to buy and sell their goods, souks are also important parts of the social scene within Moroccan culture, serving as a place to settle disputes and debts and also as a place where families can meet to discuss future wedding plans. As women customarily stayed home and kept out of the public eye in rural Morocco the weekly souks offered a chance for women from different families to meet, gather cooking materials for upcoming meals, and catch up on the latest gossip.

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Specialty Souks

The souks may seem chaotic crazy to an outsider but there is actually an organization to them that helps make the souks easier to navigate. Specialty souks within the souk itself specialize in one product such as Moroccan scarves, setting it apart from the next street over which might be the meat souk. This means shoppers can browse through the colorful stalls filled with silk scarves along one street to inspect the quality and compare the prices between stalls before moving on to the next street and selecting the cut of lamb they wish to purchase for dinner that night.

Haggling

Haggling is an expected part of the buying and selling process in Moroccan souks. It is not unusual for a shopper wishing to buy a high quality Moroccan rug to spend half the day bargaining with the rug seller over the price, often over many cups of sweet mint tea. The process usually begins with the shop keeper naming a price and then the buyer will then counter that offer usually with a number 1/3 to ½ the amount the shop keeper suggested. The buyer and seller will then go back and forth offering and counter offering before finally agreeing on a price. Patience and respect are important in the bargaining process and if a shop keeper allows you to walk away without purchasing his product then you underestimated its value and offered too low a price.

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Souks in Fes and Marrakech

Two of the most impressive souks occur in the cities of Fes and Marrakech. In Marrakech the souk is located behind the famous Djemma el Fna square where street performers, snake charmers, and story tellers gather along with food and orange juice vendors to provide entertainment and refreshment. The souk itself is spread out along the twisty side streets behind the square and offers shoppers a wide and varied choice of traditional Moroccan goods.

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While Marrakech is famous of its circus-like main square the souk in Fes is more of a practical nature where locals go to buy day to day produce as well as specialty items. Fes is famous for its extensive tanneries which are one of the most photographed sites in Africa making the souks in Fes the best places to buy leather products.

These daily souks have changed little over the centuries and for visitors who wish to truly experience Moroccan culture the best way is to step into the hustling and chaotic world of the Moroccan souk. For the large crowded souks of Fes and Marrakech it is often suggested that tourists hire a guide to help them find their way and assist them in haggling over prices with shop keepers.

The most important thing to remember in a Moroccan souk is to have fun! Enjoy browsing through the items and haggling with the shop keeper, it is a unique Moroccan experience that is sure to provide plenty of stories and one of a kind souvenirs to take back home.

 

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Travel Morocco’s Historic Kasbahs and Majestic Waterfalls

Morocco boasts beautiful cities with majestic mosques, imperial palaces, and hotels worthy of royalty, but outside these sprawling cities there is a different sort of majesty and beauty for travelers to discover.  Leaving the chaotic and busy city centers the Atlas Mountains and the sprawling Sahara desert give way to a different Morocco, one of camel caravans, ancient trade routes, and breath-taking natural wonders.

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Moroccan Kasbahs

Morocco is often referred to as the land “of a thousand Kasbahs”, the “way-stations” for the traveling merchants, tradesmen, and adventurers of ancient Morocco.  These fortified cities were safe havens for the weary traveler, a place to rest and to socialize with fellow travelers and inhabitants of the Kasbah towns.  Exotic goods, skills, languages, and beliefs were shared and exchanged at these Kasbahs attributing to Morocco’s rich and diverse history combining European, African, Christian, Muslim, as well as many other cultural and ethnic influences.  While the harsh dry climate of the Saharan desert takes a toll on these ancient cities the Moroccan government, as well as many private companies, are working to restore and ensure the survival of the Kasbahs.

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Ouarzazate – The Door of the Desert

Located just four hours from Marrakech, Ouarzazate is known as “The door of the desert” and is a main Berber town.  Once a major stop for travelers on the ancient camel caravan route through Morocco and much of Africa, Ouarzazate is a must-see for travelers wanting to experience Moroccan history as well as Moroccan natural wonders.  Ouarzazte boasts two Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou and the Telouet Kasbah and the famous Cascades d’Ouzoud waterfalls.  This Berber town is a popular destination for travelers looking for a little adventure.

Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a fortified city located in Souss-Massa-Draa, not far from Ouarzazate, along the Ouarzazate River and is a wonderful example of the ancient Kasbahs found along the camel caravan routes throughout Morocco.  This enclosed city was home to many families all of whom had their own house within the city walls, although most of its inhabitants have since moved to more modern towns nearby a handful of Moroccans still live in this ancient town.

Since 1987 Ait Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its magnificent red walled buildings and impressive architecture has made Ait Benhaddou the site of many films including, most recently, the films Gladiator in 2000 and Alexander in 2004.  It is a city that’s rich with history, culture, and amazing architecture that is sure not to disappoint.

Taourirt Kasbah

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The Taourirt Kasbah, while not as old as some of the more ancient Kasbahs in Morocco, is considered one of the most important sights in Morocco and has a significant history.  In 1893 Sultan Moulay Houssan was stranded in the Sahara Desert and he and his army of 3,000 were taken care of by two brothers, Glaoui, of the Taourirt Kasbah.  In return for their hospitality the Sultan gave the brothers political power over the

High Atlas Mountains.

The brothers maintained and strengthened their position and when the French occupied Morocco 20 years later they managed to enter into an agreement with them and by the end of the French colonial rule the Glaoui brothers had almost as much political power as the Sultan.

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While the Saharan Desert has taken its toll on the Kasbah the huge structures make for an impressive view that are sure to awe visitors.  The reception room and main halls, the only interior rooms still open to the public, are adorned with high vaulted ceilings with grand pillars and huge ornately carved wooden doors.  The large scale luxury of the Taourirt Kasbah is surprising to find so far into the desert and certainly speaks to the power and influence that the Glaoui brothers once held.

Cascades d’Ouzoud

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Gorgeous cool blue water falls 100 meters through a lush green terrain into refreshing pools perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.  The last thing you might expect to find in hot and deserty Morocco is waterfalls but the Cascades d’Ouzoud exist nonetheless and provide Morocco with just one more natural wonder for visitors to experience.

Located near Ouarzazte, through a tiny Berber village called Ouzoud, the cascades provide the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to spend the day picnicking and swimming in the refreshing pools.  The cascades are a popular camping spot offering visitors the chance to sleep under the Moroccan stars next one of the most beautiful natural wonders in northern Africa.  At the summit of the falls there are several old mills, many of which are still in use, and, if you look carefully in among the trees you might even spot a troop of Barbary apes that live among these majestic falls.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Travel Fes Morocco’s Luxurious Riads & Hotels: Where To Stay

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Moroccans tend to be very accommodating, friendly and hospitable. It is no wonder why many hotels, riads and restaurants in Morocco specifically cater to guests providing them comfort, good service and a little pampering. Fes, one of the most cultural and spiritual cities in Morocco, has some of the most luxurious Hotels and Riads. Some of these upscale guesthouses include the Riad Dar Roumana, Riad Fes, Palais Jamai and Le Maison Bleue.

riad-fesWhat’s a Riad?

A riad is a very large traditional Moroccan home with architecture from the period of the Idrisid Dynasty. Riads commonly have rooms arranged around an interior garden or mosaic tile pool, with Arab style archways and detailed mosaics.riad-dar-ramouna-2

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Riad Dar Roumana

The Dar Roumana is unique for offering an exclusive cooking lesson for their guests. Cooking lessons are usually scheduled as one day sessions with a trip to the souk to buy fresh ingredients for the meal. Lessons are offered on Tuesdays and Fridays, in both English and French. To enhance your stay host will arrange or book a visit to the local hammam, tee time at the Royal Golf Course, and car rentals.riad-fes-2

Riad Fes

At the Riad Fes, guests can enjoy the Golf Escapade, with green fees that are included in the price of the stay. The Riad Fes also includes transfers to and from the airport, accommodation, green fees, transportation to the golf course, bed and breakfast, and guided visits and transportation. The riads royal suite is perfect for honeymooners looking for a romantic setting, with views of the garden and pool, and a private terrace overlooking the medina and Atlas Mountains. Rooms in the Riad Fes include a dressing area, bathrobes and slippers, a mini bar, fresh fruit, pastries and flowers.riad-fes-3

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Palais Jamai

At the Hotel Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai guests are encouraged to take advantage of a soothing massage at the spa, free access to the fitness center, or a buffet style breakfast. Guests can enjoy the restaurants international cuisine or barbecue on the pool terrace overlooking the medina.  The just after twilight the pool terrace has a a magical atmosphere with a horizon of city lights and towering palms.

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Le Maison Bleue

The Le Maison Bleue provides a quiet stay in the middle of the hectic city, with a rooftop terrace that overlooks Fes. Guests at the Le Maison Bleue are guaranteed to feel right at home as guest of a promanant Fassi family. The palace was home to Si Mohammed El Abbadi a famous astrologer, who left his intellectual touch on Le Maison Bleue. The riad features a rare and extensive library.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Moroccan Spice Tour: From Souks to the Plate- Essentials For Moroccan Cooking

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Exotic aromas of ginger, coriander, and cinnamon mingle in the streets. Fine mounds of spices tower like sand pyramids in the dusty souks of Morocco.  Deep red paprika, vibrant yellow turmeric, beige sesame, green olives and lemons layer in eye catching patterns.

One of the largest markets for Moroccan spices is in Agadir. The spices are customarily displayed in metal tins, woven baskets or plastic tubs. Each dose is weighed individually and sold in a modest paper bag.

Medicinal Properties

Herb specialists in the souks have a wealth of knowledge of the medicinal benefits of the array of red, orange and yellow spices. Cumin, in between a rust and gold color, has been utilized as a stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, sedative, digestive and also a remedy for colic and dyspeptic headaches. Saffron along with its pungent flavor and sharp odor is said to cure asthma, and some herbalists claim it contains anti-cancer properties. Cinnamon is known to have antibacterial entities and turmeric along with exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants also helps slow the process of food spoiling.

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While many spices were emported from the East they also originate throughout the Mediterranean and can be specifically found in Morocco. Saffron, which is often used when cooking white meats, poultry and lamb, is native from Tiliouine. Saffron is difficult to cultivate because it must be picked by hand, and for every one gram it requires 140 of the violet blue flowers. Lemons and oranges originate in Fez, and olives and mint derive from Meknes. Some other widespread spices are also home grown: cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, mint, pepper, ginger, paprika, sesame seed, anis seed, coriander, and parsley.

Dessert

Spices are the heart of Moroccan cooking, and are crucial for making a couscous or a tajine, two popular Moroccan dishes, they are also used sparingly in many desserts. Halwa shebakia, a Moroccan delicacy, is a type of honey cake. Its pretzel-like pieces of dough deep-fried and dipped into a hot pot of honey are then sprinkled with sesame seeds. The ingredients also include a teaspoon of turmeric and ground cinnamon. Saffron is also commonly used in desserts (milk, yogurt, puddings) and teas.

Mint-Tea Fresh

Not only a breath freshener, mint is also served as an herbal remedy with soothing tendencies. Traditionally while Moroccans pour their tea they raise the steaming pot high above the glass, when the tea bubbles it insures its freshness. Mint tea is also customarily served in small shots. While negotiating prices in the souks, it is common that bargainers will be offered some mint tea.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Morocco Travel at its Best: The Top 10 Riads and Hotels in Marrakech

You have dreamed of traveling to Morocco, of exploring the colorful souks of Marrakech and sampling the Moroccan cuisine, but where to stay during your trip?  Below are listen 10 of Marrakech’s most luxrious and breath-takingly gorgeous hotels and riads.  Whether you are looking for the ultimate in sophistication, a private getaway for you and your lover, or the perfect starting place for an out-door Moroccan adventure, these hotels have something to offer everyone…

La Mason Arabe

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La Mason Arabe, a hotel located in medina of Marrakech, is the picture of elegance and indulgence. The hotel itself, a restored Moroccan riad, is built around two flower-filled patios and has 9 rooms and 8 suites, two restaurants, an impeccably blue swimming pool, luxury spa, and a cooking school. Using Moroccan materials and techniques handed down over the centuries gifted Moroccan craftsmen returned the old riad back to its original and spectacular form.

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The rooms in La Mason Arabe, many with fireplaces and private terraces, each have a unique layout and embody the exotic and colorful styles of Moroccan décor. With brightly colored bedspreads and pillows with intricate beading set against the stark white of the walls and the deep earthen ceilings make for an aesthetic view while the bathrooms, no two alike, are designed using Moroccan marble and granite.

Riad Kniza

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This small luxury hotel dating back to the 18th century is located at the heart of the medina in Marrakech and has been completely restored by world-renowned antique dealer Haj Mohamed. The Riad Kniza has eleven tastefully decorated rooms built around three courtyards with a view of the Moroccan sky. Each room has a satellite TV, air conditioning, and free WiFi connections.

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The restaurant at Riad Kniza, with only nine tables either in the restaurant or under the night sky on the roof terrace, offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere for diners who wish to taste the freshest of Moroccan cuisine.

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The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Jema L’Fna Square where visitors can explore the colorful souks, sample the sweet mint tea, and delight in the story tellers and snake charmers Jema L’Fna Square has to offer.

Amanjena

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Amanjena, meaning “peaceful paradise”, offers 32 spacious private pavilions, eight with private pools, and all with multi-faceted high domes, and wood-burning sunken fires to set the mood. Each terrace has a private pillared gazebo with cushions making it the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the Moroccan night. Surrounded by the lush greens of the olive grove and fruit trees, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and the buzzing activity of the medina of Marrakech the Amanjena offers the utmost in luxury and indulgence.

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Amanjena offers something for everyone, from fine Moroccan and international cuisine at their dinner restaurant, two clay tennis courts with an arched central pavilion for refreshments, a timber-floor gym for recreation, and a hammam for those looking for some rest and relaxation.

Kasbah Le Mirage

The Kasbah Le Mirage is a hotel like no other. Located 4km from Marrakech facing the Palmeraie and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains the Kasbah Le Mirage sits at the heart of traditional mud-walled houses on the banks of the River Tensift. The last few meters to the hotel are traveled on foot on a dusty trail that leads guests to the vast reception hall on an ocre patio and luscious indoor gardens. Luxurious and unsurpassed hotel service, spa treatments, and fine dining is combined with outdoor activities such as quad-biking, archery, and horse riding to make the Kasbah a unique and fabulous experience.

La Sultana, Marrakech

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La Sultana Marrakech is located in the heart of the “golden triangle”, at the entrance of the city walls, next to the royal palaces, and right next to the famous Jema El Fna Square. La Sultana is a member of Small Luxury Hotels and Great Hotels of the World and lives up to its reputation with its 28 sophisticatedly decorated rooms and marble-filled bathrooms. Panoramic terraces complete with a misted solarium, bar, gazebo, and open air massage room only add to the elegance and indulgence of this 5 star hotel. With its flowered patios and blossoming orange trees La Sultana makes for the perfect romantic getaway.

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Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa

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The drive up to the Sofitel is elegant enough, a palm tree lined driveway surrounding a magnificent fountain leads visitors up to the magnificent arched entrance. The 346 rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated in Moroccan décor, offer guests the ultimate luxury and comfort and a view of the Atlas Mountains, pool, or gardens. The spa at Sofitel offers guests the traditional black soap scrubs, body wraps, ghassoul clay, and Berber facial treatments. Those wishing to experience the Marrakech night life will be please to know that Sofitel boasts three bars and is in close proximity to a night club. With Sofitel’s luxury spa waiting for you upon your return don’t hesitate to dance the night away.

Jnane Salmia

Jnane Salmia is a luxurious privately owned villa located in Palmerie, a short drive from the center of Marrakech. The villa is perfect for a family, group of friends, or the rooms can be rented out individually. The main house is comprised of five stunning bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the luscious gardens. The second house contains two bedrooms each with a bathroom, and sitting room with a common sitting room joining the two. Each house has its own private swimming pool allowing guests to soak up the Moroccan sun in the cool clear water.

Meals are created for the guests exclusively by the resident chef whose cooking is a fusion of European and Moroccan cuisines. Visitors dine on exquisite meals in the luscious gardens of olive trees, rosemary, lavender, and jasmine that surround their villas. For the ultimate private escape visit Jnane Salmia, Marrakech.

Dar Les Cigognes

This luxury boutique hotel, located in the medina in Marrakech, was created from two riads which are connected by a bridge over a small alleyway. With just 11 rooms Dar Les Cigognes guarantees its visitors superb personal service in their Moroccan chic rooms complete with canopied beds and lavish bathrooms.

Meals, snacks, and drink are provided for guests when and where they please, either in one of the many bhous, out in the courtyards, or under the Moroccan sky on the roof terrace. Local and fresh ingredients are used to make the finest in Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine that is sure to excite and satisfy any taste bud.

Ksar Char-Bagh

Ksar Char-Bagh is located just 6km from the medina in Marrakech and is situated in the heart of a palmgrove.  With only 12 Harim suites and one apartment, each extravagantly decorated Ksar Char-Bagh offers superb and personalized service.  The Harims, which means small apartment within a palace, are sensually decorated with low-lighting Moroccan lamps, intricately embroidered pillows, and deep marble baths.  The hotel itself was inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture and running water, symbolising the rivers of paradise, run both inside and out.  With a magnificent palm tree lined pool surrounded by luxurious lounge chairs, guests are invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Moroccan sun.

Terre Resort and Spa

This luxury resort and spa is based on the traditional Moroccan riad-style architecture but has added its own twist by using an 8-sided octogone shape for its buildings rather than the traditional 4-sided.  This octogone theme is incorporated throughout the resort, from its 18 private 8-sided villas to its octogone hammam and 8-hand massage.

The Terre spa incorporates a holistic and non-invasive approach to its rejuvinizing and restorative facials and massage therapies.  The hammam itself is a peaceful oasis that allows guests a break from their chaotic routines and a chance to relax and cleanse with the traditional Moroccan steam bath.

The ten hotels listed above are among Marrakech‘s most luxurious and elegent hotels.  Each one steeped in the rich Moroccan history and culture they provide their guests with the perfect place to begin and end their Moroccan adventures.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Travel The City Of Fes: Explore The Old Medina, Tour The Souks & Discover Morocco’s Ancient Architecture

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Fès is the fourth largest city in Morocco and also known as one of the ancient imperial cities). It is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fès -Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. To enter the medina, you will pass through the Bab Boujeloud gate, with its decoration of blue and green faiences. You will explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls of fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan handicrafts and home goods. Fès has two main streets, “Rue Talaa Kebira “ and the “Rue Talaa Seghira “ which are utilized as the main throughways when exploring the medina- and the mysterious maze-like streets in between.

Kissaria

The Fès medina is a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of stalls and workshops. This area is known as the famed Kissaria -the commercial center. A multitude of locally produced goods are on sale including cotton fabric, silk, brocade work, slippers, and many more. Each district in the Fès Medina produces its own specialty goods: cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron … one looks on as the dyer stirs his yarns, steeped in their multitude of colors, as the tanner tramples his skins under an open sky -skins that the leather-worker will eventually adorn with fine gilt for book-binding.

Ville Nouvelle

Fès’ Ville Nouvelle is where the major government ministries of Morocco reside. Fès is a city that will impress you with its culture and stimulate your senses with its extraordinary sounds, smells and visual elements. The people of Fès, referred to as Fassis, are most hospitable. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO Fès is also considered one of the most spiritual and religious cities in Morocco. It has stood at the heart of Moroccan civilization for over five centuries and was a major cultural and intellectual center, competing with those of Europe.  

Fes Architecture

History

Fès, once a small village on the right bank of the river, was founded by Moulay Idriss  in 789. Then in 808 his son, Idriss II built another town, El-Alya (High Town) on the left bank. By allowing Muslim families expelled from Cordoba, Spain and later 300 refuge families from Karaouiyine, Tunisia to use his land as a refuge, Idriss II is responsible for Fès becoming the center of Islamization and Arabization. Fès’ rich cultural history continued in 1145, when the Almohads conquered the city and helped build its prestige to become Morocco’s major economic metropolis. Fès’ development was also influenced by the Merinids who established the Fès El Jdid (new city) and raised Fes to imperial status. Fes’ achievements and prestige made it the apple of every leader’s eye. In no time it was re-conquered by the Alaouities in 1666. However, after Moulay Ismail rejected Fès as his capital, choosing Meknes instead, Fès went into a decline until the early twentieth century when the French established the Protectorate.

Current

Today Fès is a bustling city inhabited by Moroccans and Westerners. A tour of Fès  is an exciting opportunity to learn about its fascinating cultural history, visit ancient landmarks and discover the ancient medina. Fès is also a great base for taking day trips to Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Voubilis/ Walili.

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