Luxury isn't just something external or merely expensive, it's a feeling one gets of being treated well and enjoying the finer things in life. What better place to explore luxury and exclusivity than in Morocco? People may believe that at its core, luxurious living is about spending large amounts of money, but that's not the case. Morocco offers visitors luxury experiences that don't break the bank, thanks to its interesting architecture, vibrant food scene and beautiful nature. This article aims to give you a glimpse into the country that houses famous cities like Marrakesh and the capital city of Rabat.
Jardin Majorelle
Arriving in Morocco can already start in style. The best way to travel is obviously in business class (or even first class if you're that lucky), and you can inquire about upgrading a few hours before your flight. Oftentimes, it's less expensive to book a standard flight ticket and then upgrade shortly before departure than to purchase a business class ticket outright. With this business class ticket in hand, you can enjoy lounges and other amenities, eat to your heart's content, and then stroll onto the plane a few minutes before departure. Now, that's luxury.
One of the most beautiful places to visit is Jardin Majorelle, the botanical garden, home and studio of artist Jacques Majorelle, restored by the famous fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent in the 1980s. Visitors who would like a guided tour of cities and sites should opt for tour guides such as those available in Morocco luxury tours, as they can show you some real gems off the beaten track. Jardin Majorelle is a tourist magnet, so be sure to go early and take an hour or two to wander around its 'Majorelle blue' buildings and wacky cacti gardens.
Glamp in the Sahara
Another luxury that doesn't directly involve money, is having the luxury of time. Time to spend with your loved ones on a glamping trip in the Sahara for example. With a place so large and vast, one can genuinely rediscover a zest for life. Many people want to go to the desert but don't necessarily want to 'rough it'. Very understandable since it's essential to be comfortable and stay safe wherever in the world one travels to. Nowadays, glamping has taken the place of camping for many, and glamping in the Sahara desert is a once in a lifetime experience that allows travelers to see the shifting sands of rose-gold dunes without sacrificing all-important creature comforts. Particularly for couples, this is the ideal place for a romantic getaway, a trip that you won't forget for years to come.
Travel specialists and planners can arrange overnight stays and multi-day trips, and the journey takes around 12 hours from Marrakech and eight from Fes. The long drive is a worthy experience in itself—en route you'll pass crumbling citadels, mud-built Berber villages, lush valleys, and palm groves. Upon arrival, expect a nomad-style tent, with a proper bed and plenty of blankets for the chilly nights, and a nice bathroom with piping-hot water thanks to solar paneling. Gourmet breakfasts with eggs and fresh fruit fuel days spent hiking, sand-boarding and camel riding, before a delicious, home-cooked dinner as the setting sun paints the sky and the Milky Way begins to appear.
Doze Off in a Moroccan Palace
How many people can say that they've slept in a Moroccan palace? While the Four Seasons Casablanca is fantastic and highly recommended, sleeping in a Moroccan palace is a whole new experience that should be on your bucket list. Once home to Morocco's elite, many mansions and riads now welcome guests in truly palatial style. Just say the word and the genie-like staff will arrange a candlelit dinner, lovingly prepared with season-driven ingredients, a lavish breakfast on the roof terrace overlooking the minaret-topped medina, or a private hammam session. In Morocco, anything you want can be delivered with a smile. Take the opportunity to live like a king since this is somewhat unaffordable in other countries. Luxury with a capital L.
Fancy a Hot Air Balloon Ride?
Picture this: you're floating slowly above the arid landscape close to Marrakech as the sun begins to rise, breathing in fresh air and seeing the world come to life from hundreds of feet above the ground. Okay, so you may have to get up in the dark, but it's worth it for the feeling of quiet exhilaration as you drift onwards and upwards, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon and ochre-mud villages appearing toy-town tiny far below.
As luxurious as this activity is, be sure to book well in advance since this is quite a popular treat for the senses. If you'd like a private hot air balloon ride, there are specialist companies who offer fantastic services with meals and hotel transfer included.
Cook Your Heart Out
Morocco is well known for its cuisine, from couscous, tagine and bastilla, all the way to harira, zaalouk and lamb dishes. Once you've tasted these treats, you may want to recreate the incredible diffa (feast) back home, so a hands-on cooking class is a great way to get to grips with the subtleties of Moroccan cuisine. Don't be shy as groups tend to be small (maximum 12 people), so there's plenty of time to socialize and get tips from the dada (traditional Moroccan cook).
It's said that traveling is essential for growth, seeing new things and experiencing foreign cultures can change parts of you. One of the best ways to see a city is through the eyes of locals. It's a real gift to have the opportunity to witness the varying ways of life, the different architecture and all the cultures that come together in Morocco. As the saying goes: Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make. So travel often and live life with open eyes and an open heart.
