WANDER AND EXPLORE
Wander through the The Habous Quarter and explore the sprawling outdoor markets and alleyways of shops offering local handicrafts. Take time to visit The Olive Souk (Boulevard Victor Hugo | Casa, Casablanca 20490, Morocco) and experience an authentic slice of Moroccan culture amongst the barrels of olives and locally produced spice and oil blends. The Notre Dame de Lourdes Church (Rond-Point d’Europe, Casablanca 20500, Morocco) can also be found in this district, one of only two catholic churches in the city and widely regarded as the most beautiful.
For young people and children wishing to escape the heat, The Morocco Mall has an ice rink, Aquarium and Imax cinema.
AUTHENTIC CULTURES
VENICE
ART AND CULTURE
Casablanca is an artistic city and many of its galleries and museums are housed within exquisitely maintained Art Deco properties. The Villa Des Arts Casablanca (30, Boulevard Brahim Roudani) is a gallery overseen by the ONA foundation. They offer activities tailored to young people, children and families, however you do need to contact them in advance to arrange an appointment to visit. You may wish to take a trip to the Old Town in Casablanca and visit the Boulevard Mohammed V (Casablanca 20250, Morocco) to get a feel for the fusion of architecture that makes Casablanca so striking.
NEW EXPERIENCES
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TASTE
Pastilla is Moroccan pie made with meat, eggs and nuts and dusted with powdered sugar. Seek some out while exploring The Habous Quarter.
Visit Bleu at the Four Seasons for seafood and contemporary Mediterranean and European cuisine.
Try Le Relais de Paris within easy walking distance of The Four Seasons Hotel, for upmarket contemporary French cuisine.
VENICE
There is something compelling about Venice – a city seemingly built on water – theatrical, romantic, secretive and yet uplifting, there is a reason we keep going back. Timing has a lot to do with a successful visit – the many carnivals and festivals means the city swells with activity throughout much of the spring and summer. Don’t let this put you off – in the August heat the city looks just like a Canaletto painting – in the winter the mist rises from the waterways and the labyrinth of streets feel almost bewitching with a sense of architectural theatre. The shopping is unique, the food all too often underrated and the atmosphere perfect to enchant it’s visitors.
Venice is an exciting city for younger travellers – the waterways and Gondolas provide a backdrop which changes with both the weather and time of day. The many alleyways makes navigating the city feel like a bit of a maze - together with the carnival masks and Lion motifs appearing at every turn - there is a sense of magical occasion about the place.
Murano is a series of small islands linked by bridges, just across the lagoon from Venice. It is famously the home of the city’s glassmakers - historically banished to Murano to prevent fire breaking out in Venice. A short gondola ride will bring you to this mini-Venice, where the crowds are fewer but the architecture just as splendid. Take a private vaperetto for a short trip over to Torcello island for lunch at Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo
ONCE IN A LIFETIME
WANDER AND EXPLORE
Explore the Jemaa el-Fnaa (Place de Marché Animée Jemaa el-fna by a-maps 40000, Morocco) Marrakech’s main square with a busy market, complete with magical snake charmers and delicious street food to be sampled. Avoid the market at night and instead arrive just after midday. The market is a great hit with children, as there is such a wide variety of magical things to explore. Take a break in Les terrasses de l’alhambra (Jemaa El Fnaa Square, Marrakech 40000) for ice cream and Moroccan tea.
The Saadian Tombs (Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakech 40000) are a ten minute drive from The Four Seasons Hotel. These intricately decorated and carved tombs are the final resting place of many members of the Saadi Dynasty and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Morocco.
Many people enjoy taking a horse and cart tour around Marrakech, an activity that is particularly popular with children. However, do be discerning in your choice of vendor, to ensure that you select one with healthy and happy horses to avoid upsetting young children.
ART AND CULTURE
French painter Jacques Majorelle created the beautiful Majorelle Garden (Rue Yves St Laurent By A-Maps Marrakesh 40000, Morocco) one of Morocco’s most visited tourist attractions. Wonder through the spectacular, peaceful gardens and take a visit to The Berber Museum, to learn about Berber culture and art. The Tiskiwin Museum (8 Rue de la Bahia, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco) also houses many Berber artefacts, and is a fifteen minute drive from The Majorelle Garden.
MACMA Musee d’Art et de Culture de Marrakech (61 Yugoslavia Street | Passage Ghandouri, Gueliz, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco) is a ten minute drive from The Four Seasons Hotel and houses a small but excellent collection of Moroccan art.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
TASTE
Al Fassia Aguedal (Al Fassia Aguedal 9 bis, Zone Touristique de Aguedal, Km 2 route de l’Ourika, Marrakech 40000) is a ten minute drive from The Four Seasons Hotel and serves light and delicious Moroccan cuisine, served in their beautiful dining room or gardens. Alternatively travel the same distance to Al Fassia Guéliz (55 Boulevard Mohamed Zerktouni, Marrakech 40000) to sample the same cuisine in a cosy, central restaurant. Reservations for each restaurant need to be made by telephone as they don’t accept email enquiries, Aquedal is open for dinner every day and Guéliz serves both lunch and dinner but is closed on Tuesdays.
Cafe Arabe (Rue Mouassine - Médina, Marrakech 40000, Morocco) offers contemporary Italian cuisine and is a wonderful venue for lunch or dinner. The cafe also has an extensive range of Moroccan tea to sample, served in a charming, orange tree lined court. Cafe Arabe is ideally placed when visiting the Madina.
Book ahead and request a table in the walled garden at Dar Moha (Rue dar El Bacha, Marrakech 40000, Medina) for a luxurious dining experience.
Le Comptoire (Avenue echouhada hivernage 40000 Marrakech) serves French, Moroccan and Asian influenced cuisine with traditional Moroccan belly dancers and a performance like flair.