MOROCCO
CASABLANCA • FES • MARRAKECH
CASABLANCA
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
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.
WANDER AND EXPLORE
Fes is a remarkably well preserved medieval city, perfect for exploring and with a unique, historical charm.
Explore The Bou Inania Medersa (Rue Talaa Sghira, Fes, Morocco) with its remarkable architecture and visit the flea market within. The Bou Inania Medersa is open to western visitors, though do be aware that as this is a Grand Mosque site, appropriate clothing must be worn.
The Medina is the cities ancient quarter, with many ancient alleyways and open markets to explore. Take time to revel in the hustle and bustle of the quarter and perhaps take a look at Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, (Boutouil Kairaouine, Fes 30030, Morocco) an ancient shrine containing the tomb the descendent of the Prophet Mohammad. After all the heat and activity in The Medina, venture to the nearby Jardin Jnan Sbil (Avenue Moulay Youssef, Fes 30000, Morocco) to cool down in the shade of landscaped trees and gardens. Once you have cooled down a little, take a ten minute walk to Glaoui Palace (1 Rue Hamia Douh، Fes, Morocco) which while a little shabby, still provides a valuable insight into historic Fes.
Explore The Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fes, and take in the Gates to The Palace Royale (12 Derb el Miter Oued Zhoune Luxury Riad Medina, Fes, Morocco) as it’s grounds are not open to the public and visit the bustling souks.
TASTE
Enjoy traditional Moroccan couscous and tajines at the markets and local restaurants.
A two minute walk from The Riad Fes is The Ruined Garden (15 Derb Idrissy Sidi Ahmed Chaoui Medina 30110 Siaj) for fresh and delicious Moroccan cuisine.
FES
BEST KEPT SECRETS
MARRAKECH
RELAX
Pamper yourself in Les Bains De Marrakech, (2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou, Quartier Kasbah, Marrakech) Marrakech’s most luxurious Hammam, offering a wide array of treatments and bathing options. Les Bains De Marrakech is also situation near to the beautiful Saadian Tombs (Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakech 40000, Morocco)
Young children will enjoy a trip to Paloozaland (Koudiate laabid, Casablanca road, Marrakech) a Dinosaur themed park for children with rides and live events. While not necessarily glamorous, the park does offer an opportunity for younger children to play, as there are not many playgrounds in Marrakech.
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.