London. Paris. Tokyo. Las Vegas. These destinations, among others, ring familiar to almost anyone. Others dream it, others have lived it. Most who are capable even return again and again and again — building tradition, making more memories, taking more photos at their favorite haunts.
But lately, there has been a clamor for places that are more esoteric, that are equally extravagant but are less Instagrammed than most. These places are brimming with culture and untouched tradition, with luxurious experiences and rare sights, and with people who speak a language of warm hospitality that everyone understands.
One such beautifully diverse destination is Morocco. Situated in North Africa and lined by both the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the country offers up a plethora of marketplaces, an endless array of delectable food choices, and a wide selection of luxe accommodations.
We’ve rounded up a short list of must-do and must-try when in Morocco, should you find yourself jet setting there soon.
- The Ruined Garden, Fez. Formerly the abandoned shell of a once-grand home of a merchant in the past century, this majestic and historic establishment was brought back to life by two expats who saw beauty where there was ruin. Owners Robert Johnstone and John Twomey took a chance on renovating this would-be establishment, allowing the greenery to take over the courtyard and the ruins, and retaining the original decorations that the beautiful abode came with. The pair then set out developing the place with a kitchen, an herb and vegetable garden, and charmingly mismatched dining pieces for an overall rustic food mecca that tourists have come to love. The restaurant, located inside a 5-room boutique hotel called the Riad Idrissy, serves authentic local dishes made with the freshest produce, vegetables, and dried and fresh fruits all from the souks in the medina.
- Le Ziryab, Rabat. If you want to get a small taste of Moroccan culture, the Le Ziryab restaurant located in Morocco’s capital city will likely have a bit of everything you’re looking for. The place brands itself as a home that has opened itself up to Rabat’s many visitors, but if it were home then it would be a lavish one. The restaurant boasts of elegant Moroccan architecture and stunning interior design. The people are extremely attentive, even bringing guests pitchers of rosewater and hand towels to wash with, as is customary in most Moroccan homes as a gesture of a hearty welcome. And speaking of hearty, Le Ziryab’s dishes come bursting with Moroccan flavor, with dishes that promise opulence, harmony, and a true culture of ‘Moroccanity’ for the senses.
- Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh. Being declared one of UNESCO’s ‘Masterpiece of World Heritage’ sites for its overflow of history and culture is just one of the countless reasons you should give this tourist-favorite main square a spot on your to-visit list. The location is a hub of dizzying transformation, like a time-lapsed montage happening right before your very eyes, with people and things endlessly moving and seamlessly transitioning from day to night. Djemaa El Fna starts out in the morning with simple trade things, and by the afternoon when the sun is high, young storytellers and entertainers begin to trickle in to feed the curiosity of tourists. The scene then transforms into a diverse food market with cuisines of all overwhelmingly different kinds. It’s the best place to go if you only have a day in Marrakesh because this is where you’ll experience the most that the beautiful city has to offer.
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca. This mosque is considered the largest mosque in Africa and is dubbed one of the biggest mosques all over the world. With guided, multilingual tours available for appropriately-dressed visitors during non-prayer hours, this grand place of worship is a favorite tourist spot, not in the least because of its extravagance. The structure is not only located by the sea; it also showcases some of the best Moroccan craftsmanship, with precious materials used on nearly every inch of it. And apart from a rich history backing this landmark up, it is also a great way to take a peek into one of the things Moroccans hold most dear in their culture.
- Riad Papillon, Marrakesh. Many riads in Marrakesh/Marrakech offer up luxurious privacy by way of their windowless establishments and very private enclaves, but perhaps one of the most beautiful riads is the Riad Papillon. The harmonious maximalist design aesthetic of the accommodation only heightens its beauty — the stunning courtyard (where you can take a photo of the pool from above on the terrace, for the ‘gram) is only a taste of a welcome to each of the 5 tastefully and uniquely designed rooms that also come with 5-star amenities like Egyptian cotton sheets and robes, and unlimited mint tea.
- Kasbah du Toubkal, Atlas Mountains. Finally, step into a place of luxury and eco-friendliness combined. The Kasbah du Toubkal, situated on a hilltop, champions ethical tourism in that it makes sure the establishment doesn’t ruin the environment but instead works in harmony with it. The Kasbah offers stunning garden lounges, exciting trekking lounges, and other activities that will not only make the guest feel at home in the mountains of Morocco — it would also make them feel relaxed like never before.
This guide is by no means complete and is just a guide to get your curiosity piqued. We’ll be the first to tell you that the only way to enjoy this destination is to explore it with your own two feet, with an adventurous and inquisitive mind that leads you through its untouched thoroughfares, and with an open heart to enjoy the beauty that is Morocco.
