Moroccan Magic Hostess Round Up

There's so much to love about Morocco.  A country of diverse contrasts; from the city, to the desert to the mountains and the seaside and eveything in between.  This is what we experienced on our recent tour.  Starting in Casablanca, with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque providing us with a great insight into islamic religion.  We then travelled to the famous blue walled village of Chefchaouen to spend 2 days exploring the old town with our hotel in a superb location and within easy walking distance to the souks.  A visit to a carpet shop introduced many to the world of bargaining, with many Sisters coming out winners!  We left Chef and headed towards Fes for our 4 night stay at the beautiful Riad Le Jardin des Biehn; once again in a superb location close to the winding alleways of Old Town medina.  With a maze of narrow streets, 13th century buildings and busy markets, getting lost is the best way to discovere Fes.  From Fes we travelled through to the beautiful Sahara Desert where we enjoyed an overnight stay at Chergui Luxury Camp.  A sunset camel ride into the sand dunes was a highlight for many with a kaleidoscope of colurs transforming the barren to the beautiful.  We were blessed with a full moon and a sky full of stars with many choosing to forgo their luxury tents for a room under the night sky.  From the desert we travelled through the movie town of Ouarzazate to admiire nearby UNESCO Ait ben Haddou, staying at La Berbere Palace home to many movie stars when on location, including Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. From here we began our climb through the High Atlas Mountains to our mountain retreat where we relaxed for 2 nights.  Beautiful weather seemed to follow us as we travelled onto Marrakech where we were hypnotised by the snake charmers and entertainers of Jemaa el Fnaa Square.  Our stunning accommodation Hotel les Jardins de la Koutoubia, again in a superb location was a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world that makes Marrakech a melting pot of cultures, traditions and hedonistic overtones. A visit to Yves St Laurent Majorelle Gardens and Museum was a lovley highlight. After our 4 night stay in Marrakech, we travelled the short distance to the seaside city of Essaouira, once a city Jimi Hendrix called home for 11 days.  With the remnants of a bohemian time gone by, this place was hands down a favourtie for many.  Travelling back to Casablance to fly home, this tour never disappoints and again I leave a little of my heart in this beautiful country.