Fleewinter Morocco Newsletter

Morocco is the place to visit at the moment and there cannot be another place in the world that is developing so fast, yet retaining such an exotic and traditional feel. A key reason for this is the loving restoration of the traditional riads and boutique hotels. We are increasingly getting people who want to sample as many different places to stay as possible, and so we thought we’d provide a “tasting menu” to tempt you.

Honeymoon Heaven

When New York designer, Thomas Hays took over the already lovely Riad Meriem , we knew we were in for a treat. The style and attention to detail is beautiful and whilst the artwork adorning the walls has been gathered from around the world, there is no dilution of the intense “Moroccanness” of the rooms. Quite how somewhere can be completely authentic and totally contemporary at the same time is a mystery to me but Meriem does it, and with prices from £175 per night, in our view it beats many more expensive options.

Shoppers Delight

Marrakech is a shopping heaven but the biggest challenge is finding your way around the souks and separating the treasures from the tourist tat. We think we have found the answer by offering personal shoppers in Marrakech. This can enable you to relax and short-cut your way round the Medina. We recently sent the Sunday Times Deputy Editor into the heart of the souk to try out the service – Click here to be amused. And one of our beautiful Marrakech Riads is the best place to put your feet up after a day’s shopping. Click for our latest Morocco Promotions and steal a bargain without haggling – giving you even more to spend on Moroccan delights!!

The Best of the Best

Occasionally we get calls from clients who just want the best (please ring again…) and in Marrakech the top of that list is often Riad Farnatchi – sumptuous suites (some as big as riads themselves), discreet service and beautiful architecture. Prices are not cheap but still good value from £230 per night and of course places like this never do offers…except of course via your friends at Fleewinter (I’ve always wanted to say that) who can offer 4 nights for the price of 3 in the month of July

Morocco isn’t just Marrakech

There is much more to Morocco than Marrakech and if you have more than a long weekend we recommend seeing some more of the country. We think it is well worth pushing the boat out in Marrakech but for the rest of Morocco you can have a great experience and spend very little….

The favourite to combine with Marrakech is the coast around Essaouira, and a hot new find for us is the village of Sidi Kaouki a few minutes south of the town. The best place to stay is the small Italian-run Windy Kaouki and with prices from £60 per room per night it is a fantastic contrast to the hustle and heat of Marrakech. In fact we loved the location so much we are building our own hotel there – watch this space….

If the beach is not for you, escape to the mountains and the desert. We do fantastic tours over the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara – it is always the highlight of any trip and most people even spend a night under canvas and stars snuggled up to their trusty camels – for a sample itinerary click here.

The final option that makes a relaxed combination with Marrakech Medina is the beautiful tented hotel Jardins D’issil just outside the city. At only £65 per room (well, air-conditioned luxury tent actually) it is great value. A few nights here just before you fly home (only 25 mins to the airport) is a great way to round off a trip.

Finally if all this means you can’t wait to get to Morocco, I can recommend a couple of good books. Whilst not one for the squeamish, the “This Blinding Absence of Light” is a stirring story. An easier read and more down the chick lit route is “If not Now” – not usually my sort of book but the author is a Fleewinter client and much of it follows an itinerary she took with us last summer - I loved it and highly recommend it.