Wanderlust Series: Morocco

At RT Edgar, we pride ourselves on understanding our clients beyond the realms of real estate. Many of you are inspired travellers, and by connecting with you, we've discovered not only where and how you want to live, but also where and how you choose to travel. In this Wanderlust series, we delve into the world’s most captivating destinations and explore how cherished experiences and adventures interweave with real estate aspirations.

Magical Morocco

Prepare for a sensory overload in the magical Kingdom of Morocco, where a mesmerising fusion of cultures and colours, landscapes and architecture, hypnotic sounds, heady scents, and tantalising cuisine has been tempting travellers for centuries.

Perched at the top of the African continent, with Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines that stretch inwards towards mountain ranges and desert oases, Morocco is just 13 kilometres from Spanish shores and a short flight from most European cities, making it a popular holiday destination.

In the World Heritage-listed medinas (city centres) of Marrakesh and Fez, wander a labyrinth of alleyways that lead to souk markets populated with spice merchants, storytellers, and snake charmers. Meanwhile, the fabled port city of Casablanca, now known as the country’s cosmopolitan capital, is considered an ‘alfresco museum’ of Neo-Moorish and Art Deco architecture.

Rock the Kasbahs

Known as the ‘land of a thousand Kasbahs,’ these ancient mudbrick fortresses dot the southern Moroccan landscape and have provided shelter and safety to citizens for centuries. One of the most famous is the Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah, a stunning architectural collection of fortified buildings and towers dating back to the 17th century.

Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah

Out of the Blue

With a pigment created from the locally found gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, this vibrant shade of blue was trademarked by French fashion designer and former Marrakesh resident Yves Saint Laurent as ‘Majorelle Blue’. Seen throughout Morocco, YSL used this shade of blue as his signature colour in many of his collections. Discover more at the Jardin Majorelle, YSL’s villa and garden in Marrakesh.

Shades of blue seen throughout Morocco

Jardin Majorelle

Captivating Cuisine

Aromatic and flavoursome, Moroccan cuisine is as colourful and diverse as its people and landscapes. Tasty tagines and chermoulas are savoured worldwide. The best way to experience the deliciousness is on a food tour, where you will discover souks, stalls, and stores to see, smell, touch and taste the myriad ingredients before being treated to a Moroccan feast. All the major centres, including Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca and Rabat have locally guided food tours, ranging from street food sampling to private home-cooked meals to gourmet dining.

Heavenly Hammams

The centuries-old Moroccan hammam spa ritual will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and radiant. Hammams are found throughout the country and are a vital social hub. The tranquil ambience of the cool, stone interiors, comprising a labyrinth of massage and steam rooms, offers the perfect antidote for desert heat and daily stress. The age-old ritual, designed for complete well-being and tranquillity, begins with a steam session followed by a full-body exfoliation and a soothing massage by the hands of a skilled traditional therapist.

Hassan II Mosque

Grandly positioned on Casablanca’s Atlantic coast, the Hassan II Mosque is hard to miss. One of the world’s largest mosques, with a 60-storey minaret topped by a laser light directed towards Mecca, the architecturally acclaimed mega-mosque is capable of welcoming more than 100,000 worshipers. Completed in 1993, the intricately decorated marble structure was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau under the guidance of Morocco’s King Hassan II and constructed by local artisans.

Luxe Places to Stay

La Mamounia Marrakech
Named Conde Nast’s ‘Best Hotel in the World’ in 2018, this celebrated five-star hotel offers guests the ultimate in Moroccan luxury and hospitality.

Riad Fes, Fez
A fusion of traditional and contemporary sumptuousness, this elegant Fez residence draws inspiration from Morocco’s traditional riads infused with the brilliance of French designer Christophe Pillett.

Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Honouring the time-honoured hallmarks of Moroccan design complemented with modern luxuries, this world-class hotel, is adored by guests for its ocean views, palm-lined courtyards, and elegant rooms.

Quick tips: Morocco

Best time to go. Late spring (April/May) and early autumn (September/October) are usually the best times to go – with milder weather and less crowds. The peak summer months of July and August can be very hot and are often very busy with tourists, particularly in coastal centres such as Casablanca.

As a Muslim country, the month of Ramadan, tends to be a quieter with fewer crowds. Many restaurants are closed during the daylight hours, but international hotels still serve meals - the dates change each year, so do your research.