Morocco // Kensington Tours June 2017
The Kensington Tour experience was amazing. Fabulous tour leader with an amazing, experience packed itinerary and fantastic drivers and guides. I would very much recommend this product for booking your high end clients. All components of the trip were luxury quality from the private driver, vehicles and tour guide. Accommodations that they use are amazing and all tours and sightseeing were fantastic.
Morocco is an amazing, beautiful country that agents can sell with confidence. It is the perfect destination for travelers who want something different and exotic, appreciate beautiful scenery, topography, architecture and really enjoy amazing cuisine. I had the best time ever! I have rated this experience as one of my top 3 favorite destinations in the world. The number one best part about this country is that it is so inclusive. They do not care what religion you are or where you come from, they are just happy you are there visiting their wonderful country. You can feel that everywhere you go by the way the people smile at you and greet you, even if they do not speak English. I always felt very safe and welcome. It was VERY hot in Fes, the desert and Marrakech but lovely in Casablanca. I recommend traveling late October or early November it the clients prefer cooler weather.
I could not get over how beautiful the country is with its diverse topography and architecture, amazing and gorgeous accommodations and the mixture of old and new customs. The sightseeing to the mosques, Jewish Synagogues, temples and hotels and palaces converted to lovely, 5-star hotels, was amazing. The food was to die for delicious and shopping at the modern shopping centers, pottery factory, rug factory and local markets was so much fun.
CASABLANCA:
Casablanca is where you arrive for your flight from the U.S. It is a very large, dirty city but does have some beautiful hotels, modern shopping centers and Rick’s Café, where the movie was filmed. I would recommend a one night pre and one night post hotel stay here to accommodate your flights or instead, a 2 night post.
Four Seasons Hotel, Casablanca, http://www.fourseasons.com/casablanca/ :
Amazing, beautiful, 5-Star property, modern rooms with Moroccan flair, beautifully appointed. . This property has been trying to obtain a liquor license but because it is across the street from a mosque, have not so far been able to do so. The resort is ocean front but the beach was not very nice. Brown sand and dirty with dogs on the beach so do not sell this as a beach destination. The food was excellent and the service impeccable. Only a 10 minute walk to the bustling city center, restaurants and shopping.
Toured the King Hassan II Mosque which was very interesting, especially since we were there during Ramadan. Gorgeous building with amazing architecture.
Also toured the Jewish Historical Museum of Morocco.
FES:
Is a Unesco World Heritage Site founded in the 9th century and home to the world’s oldest university.
Riad Fes, Relais & Chateaux, https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/morocco/riadfes-wilaya-de-fes-fes : This is a gorgeous, 5-star, boutique property that used to be a palace. It offers Andalusia and Moroccan art and Hispanic-Moorish architecture. Fabulous rooms, gorgeous patios and inner gardens and over the top bathrooms. We also had an amazing dinner at this property.
Went on a city tour to the market, Kings Palace, the Mellah which is the Jewish Quarter and included the Dannan Synagogue and pottery factory.
Chergui Sahara Camp, Merzouga Desert, http://adventure.chergui.com/ :
We spent one night at the dunes of Erg Chebbi at the Chergui Sahara Camp. We each had our own “luxury” tent; I would refer to it more as “glamping”. The tents had everything needed; small bathroom area with toilet stall, sink and small shower stall. King bed, couch, night stands, dresser with nice linens, rugs on the floor and even an air conditioner that worked! It was very comfortable. They offered camel rides to the sand dunes and had a wonderful dinner and breakfast for us in the dining tent. It was a really fun experience although not for everyone.
Stopped at the Dades Gorge and then on to Quarzazate.
Le Berbere Palace, http://www.hotel-berberepalace.com/ :
Stayed one night here and another gorgeous property and amazing experience. This is where many actors, filmmakers, etc. stay when they are filming movies. Very relaxing, luxurious experience.
The next day, on to Atlas Studios at the Heritage Center of Ait Ben Haddou where many movies such as Gladiator and Jesus of Nazareth were filmed as well as many current movies. VERY interesting.
Villa des Orangers, Relais & Chateaux, http://www.villadesorangers.com/en/ :
We stayed 3 nights here; another gorgeous property and this one was my favorite. Huge, gorgeous marble bathroom, large room with sitting area. The bonus was the marble staircase to the roof top pool with my own shower area, lawn chairs. Gorgeous public areas and breakfast was excellent!
Marrakech City Tour to Koutubia Mosque which can be seen from all point so the city. Visited El-Bahia Palace that now has rows of apartments. Shopping to a jewelry store, Medina markets and a rug factory. Had another fabulous dinner at the gorgeous, La Sultana Hotel.
Went on an evening horse and carriage tour through the Marrakech Market which was a great way to see the market at night and to get around the city. Lots of music, dancing and nightlife.
The next day spent the day at Kasbah Tamadot, which is Sir Richard Branson’s retreat for the rich and famous. Stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains and valleys. Enjoyed the pool, did not see anyone famous and had a fantastic lunch in our private area. Everyone treated us like we were famous!
Hyatt Casablanca, https://casablanca.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html :
Spent the last night in Casablanca here. Typical Hyatt property , very westernized, fairly nice rooms with dark woods, very nice public areas and a nice pool . Some amenities in the room, however did not work like ironing board and safe. Noting special,. Least favorite property of all.
An amazing, wonderful experience!
-Gene
