What are the Best Hotels in Morocco? Part 2: Hotel Palais Jamaï Fes

Fez is an ancient spiritual, intellectual and creative capital, referred to as the "Athens of Africa" and its magnificent history emanates from the cobbled streets and ancient walls like the scent of a thousand roses. 

As a key location in the trade and migration route between Europe and Africa, Fez has played a major role in history, and continues this day as the cultural capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.

With its amazing culture and history, you're sure to be overwhelmed. What better way to enhance your enjoyment than to experience a few nights at the Hotel Palais Jamaï Fes, one of Morocco's Grand Hotels, built as a residence in 1879 for the Grand Vizier and renovated for Sofitel. It's sprawling grounds and gardens are located in the heart of the ancient medina (a UNESCO world heritage site); it is an oasis amidst the bustling souks and crafthouses.

As a bastion of the most elegant Moroccan traditions, Hotel Palais Jamaï Fes offers breathtaking views over the medina, patios, and a lush Andalusian garden, all which make this Sofitel Legend 5* hotel an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

With two restaurants, a hammam/spa, a bar, expansive gardens, tennis, golf, a pool, lounges and a mini palais for the kids, it is perfect for the whole family, or any business trip.  Take a day trip to Meknes, or Volubilis and enjoy the landscape of ancient grape and olive groves, or explore the medieval labyrinth of streets of Fez by day. Come back to your luxurious suite and relax before tasting the spectacular Fezzi cuisine at night in any of the restaurants.

Hotel Palais Jamaï Fes offers rooms, suites and villas, decorated in the traditional Fezzi style of intricate tilework and stained glass, with comfortable, high quality fixtures throughout. 

It's an ideal spot for family reunions, meetings, corporate events, weddings and other group journeys.

Located in the heart of the Fez medina, which is the largest car-free zone in the world, you might not need your car for days! If you shop in the medina, you can hire a man and cart to bring your acquisitions back to the hotel with you.

A trip to Fez with a stay at the Hotel Palais Jamaï Fes is always an unforgettable journey, and that is our specialty at Marrakesh Voyage. We would be honored and delighted to help you design a private, guided journey in the Kingdom of Morocco. 

What are the Best Hotels in Morocco? Part 1: La Mamounia Hotel & Spa

Where in the world does history tango with opulence, imagination pirouette with fantasy, and luxury embrace artistry? Why La Mamounia, of course.... the legendary grand hotel from the jazz age, set amidst the lush palm oasis of Marrakesh, which Winston Churchill referred to as "the most lovely spot in the whole world."

Opening its doors for the first time in 1923, during the time of the French Protectorate, La Mamounia is an exquisite, perhaps divine mix of Arab-Moorish architecture and Art Deco. With great fanfare, it re-opened in 2009 after a 3 year renovation and has subsquently been pinned the absolute top of every list, earning accolades for "hotel of the year," "best resort," "best international spa," "best hotel spa," "best hotel for service," "best urban hotel" and the "Grande Dame" by Fodor's 100 Hotels Award.

In times of yore, La Mamounia became Winston Churchill's retreat, where he would spend winters painting the majestic High Atlas Mountains and surrounding countryside. It was here that he relaxed in private with FDR just after the Casablanca Conference, (where he and FDR, Charles de Gaulle et al had outlined the strategy for ending WWII). The painting of the High Atlas Mountains that he gave to President Truman sold for almost $1 million.

Movie stars, rock stars, royalty and political leaders have all stepped through these doors into the mythical fortress of luxury and privacy to release themselves into the feather embrace of glamor, discretion, refinement and leisure. Marlene Dietrich was here, and Charlie Chaplin, and Alfred Hitchcock, and Charlton Heston, Mick Jagger, Tom Cruise, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan.... the list goes on and on and on.

It is even rumored that Alfred Hitchcock got his inspiration for The Birds, from a flock of pigeons that he startled of his balcony one morning while filming The Man Who Knew Too Much.

La Mamounia is a World Heritage Site. With an unbelievable selection of beyond-star-rating restaurants and bars, an absolutely gorgeous pool filtered with ozone, and what has been called the world's best spa, you can arrive, luxuriate in this most exquisite blend of Europe and Arab ambiance, and have a most wonderful experience without having seen anything of Morocco except what's visible from the balcony. Or, you can use it as your base to explore the labyrinth tunnels of the nearby souk, bartering for ancient carpets, cheetah pelts, or a traditional silk kaftan..... or enjoy joy a day of  World class golfing, skiing, hiking, car races, hot air ballooning, or ATVing, all of which are available close by.

The hotel itself offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, squash, spa, fitness center, golf driving range, billiards, and a casino.

A quick word about La Mamounia's spa: it covers 27,000 sf, and patrons can lie on couches on a platform propped by gilded columns over the indoor pool. The marbled hammam comes with a high-tech power gym, with red leather sofas and black walls that lead to whirlpool baths, saunas, a beauty parlor and a high-end Paris coiffeur. Massage, facials, mani-pedis, and a wide assortment of wraps are available.

Although the newly renovated hotel does not allow people to wander in off the street, if you book a dinner reservation you can meander through the fabled lounges and bars. 

La Mamounia is not a part of a greater chain; it is locally owned and operated and chooses not to "compete" with other hotels around the world. There are very few hotels in the world with this level of quality, service and luxury, although some critics have given it an honorary "7 star" rating.

Here, at La Mamounia, is an amazing opportunity to live a fantasy, touch history, dance with ghosts of a world gone by... and emerge with a wealthier spirit as you journey onward in your life!

________________________________________________________________________________

Our team of experienced travel professionals at Marrakesh Voyage would be delighted to help you design a private, guided journey in the Kingdom of Morocco.  

The Perfectly Preserved Medieval City of Fez

There are few cities that exist today as they did 1,200 years ago. Fez (or Fes) Morocco is one of them.

Because of its outstanding ancient architecture, which was built to allow for horse and foot traffic, the cobbled streets are too narrow for cars. Fez El-Bali, the medina of Fez, is the largest car-free zone in any city in the world. This ancient walled city is one of Morocco's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a rare pleasure to walk around the city, not having to breathe car fumes, and compete only with horses, donkeys and hand-pulled carts!

Fez boasts the world's oldest existing and active university, al-Qarawiyyin, which first opened its doors as a religious school in the year 859 AD. Fes has been, and continues to be a major center of learning in the Arab world. It became the capital of the Moroccan empire in the 13th century, and during this time of prominence, people traveled from all over the world to study with famous philosophers, imams and political leaders.

It is a dual city, with two city centers. The original medina (Fez El-Bali, c. 800) is more the commerce center, and the newer town (Fez Jedid, 1276) is more the center of government.

Fez is the center of culture in Morocco, and is famous for its mutli-ethnic art, sacred music, epicurean delights and traditional crafts. As you walk around the souk and the medina, you can poke your head in any number of artisan cooperatives where they make leather, or wool, or cactus silk, or copper pots, or pottery. Many of these cooperatives are hundreds of years old and operate in the same tradition as their forebears.

As one of the major cities in northern Morocco, it has historically been a major point of entry into Morocco from Europe. During the Muslim and Jewish exodus from Europe (Spain in particular) Fez became a place of tolerance and Jews were instrumental in building the commercial and cultural life. For quite a long time, it was an important center of religious Jewish learning and philosophy. In addition, people came from all over Africa and the Muslim world to attend the University and to this day there is a very international, and tolerant feel, to Fez.

The accommodations in Fez - specifically the Riads - are outstanding.  A Riad is a traditional family dwelling (repurposed into a B&B) which, from the outside, is nothing but a door.... but once you enter through it is a lush oasis of peace and beauty, with fountains and tilework and plants and birds. Fez is famous for its colored glasswork, tile art, silk and copper, which you will find everywhere you go. Fez riads give the traveler a sense of opulent peace and meditation, and are the perfect choice for a full-immersion experience in this wondrous, ancient city.

Whether you're an adventurous eater or not, you will enjoy the incredible variety of food in Fez. There is an amazing mixture of Mediterranean, African, Jewish and Asian flavors, made with great care and pride. Fez is considered the epicurean capital of Morocco for good reason, and it sits in the midst of Morocco's outstanding wine region. (Most of the wine made in Morocco doesn't get exported because it's so good, they want to keep it for themselves.) If you like, schedule a cooking class while you're in Fez and learn to cook some of the delicious, traditional dishes.

A few nights in Fez are included in many of our Morocco Excursions. Marrakesh Voyage specializes in customized, private tours. With over 25 years experience as a tour agent in Morocco, we have a core team of excellent, experienced guides who become your Moroccan family while you're in our magical Kingdom. You give us your travel dates, we'll give you an unforgettable Moroccan journey of a lifetime!

We hope to see you there, Inshallah!

10 Reasons to Make Morocco a Travel Priority

Morocco is the gateway between Africa and Europe, ancient history and modern luxury. Journeying through it's geography, history and culture with the right tour company can be an experience of continual delights, creating a fantastic memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life. 

Here are ten fabulous reasons to put Morocco at the top of your trip list: 

1. Ancient History

Morocco is home to the Berbers, a civilization that is said to have inhabited Morocco (and North Africa) for at least 7,000 years. That ancient history is visible everywhere you travel, mixed with Arab influences from the past 1,000 years in the architecture, the hospitality, and the very simplicity of life. When you travel through the Atlas mountains, the Sahara Desert, and the ancient cities, you become a part of that incredible history.

2. Vibrant Culture
The arts are flourishing in Morocco! There are art, music, film, and writing festivals all over the country as well as traditional celebrations honoring harvests, marriages and historical events. Make sure to include a festival in your trip!

3. World Class Cuisine
Food is a very important part of life in Morocco; even the poorest Moroccans eat well. Although there are some corporate farms, most food is grown very traditionally, and organically, and great care is given to the presentation of meals. Fez is considered an epicurian capital of the world. In addition to the delectable traditional dishes of Tagine, Couscous, Bastilla and the like, there are also excellent fusions with French and Asian food.

If cooking is your thing, make sure to spend a night or two at Kasbah Omar in the High Atlas Mountains where cooking classes are offered to all guests.

4. Elegant Accommodations

Whether you're backpacking through Morocco or traveling 5star+, you will be enchanted with the beauty of Morocco's hotels, riads and B&Bs. Few people realize that the hacienda-style family dwelling comes from Arab culture, in which it was developed to keep out the heat of the desert in the summer, and stay warm in the winters. These dwellings are blank/nondescript from the outside, but sumptuous and peaceful inside. A riad is one of these buildings that has been beautifully converted into a B&B with a limited number of guest rooms. It is highly recommended that you stay at least one night in a riad to experience the beauty.

5. Gracious, Educated Hosts
When you travel with a well-respected tour company in Morocco you will have a highly educated guide at your side who speaks your language well. This guide will make sure you are comfortable, safe, will be able to give you context for every part of your journey.

6. Excellent Nightlife
Morocco has some of the largest and most famous nightclubs in all of Africa, especially in Marrakesh which has become a playground for Europe's elite. There are also excellent cultural fetes, such as the Fantasia in Marrakesh where you can dine like a Pasha while traditional musicians, dancers and Jannisaries perform all around you. Whatever your desire, it can be found in Marrakesh!

7. World Heritage Sites
Morocco boasts TWELVE world heritage sites, including the cities of Fez, Rabat and Marrakesh. You must include a visit to the Jemma El Fna square in Marrakesh, an ancient trading post and the largest most active square in all of Africa. Full of snake charmers, acrobats, tricksters and healers by day, it turns into an open air mall of restaurants at night where you can dine on sheep brains, escargot, or tripe soup if you're an adventurous eater, or sandwiches, couscous and tagines if not. Also, load up on delicious figs, dates and nuts at the merchant stalls around the square all day and night long, and the fresh orange juice is a fantastic pick-me-up after a day of exploration!

8. The Sahara Desert

There might not be anything in the world as wonderful as traveling by camel train into the desert evening to be met by a family of Berber nomads who cook you a fabulous dinner (including bread baked in the sand) and play drums, deep into the vast starry night. The endless sky wraps itself around the tall, undulating dunes, and as you sleep the silence fills you with vivid dreams.

9. 1,100+ Miles of Diverse Coastline
Bordering both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Morocco offers tremendous variety for aquatic fun. World class boating, swimming, fishing, and surfing are available from Tan-Tan to Tetouan. And of course, the seafood is extraordinary.

10. World Class Shopping
The Jemma El Fna is the entrance to the famous Souk of Marrakesh, an endless maze of shops where you can purchase anything your heart desires. The artisans of the souk are in a forever-battle of creating the most intricate, delightful, colorful items for you to purchase and take home.... whether it's shoes, scarves, pocketbooks, tea sets, jewelry, clothing, lamps, carpets etc etc etc. Shopping in the souk is a singular experience and can be very fun, especially if you love to haggle, but there are also fabulous shopping experiences all over Morocco. Don't be shy to stop at any roadside vendor to see what wonders they may have for you, whether its walnuts or crystals or tagines.

Marrakesh Voyage LLC offers private, chauffeured journeys for our clients. With over 25 years of experience, your excellent journey is our pleasure and our pride. We'll work with whatever dates you have available to build a trip to Morocco that you'll remember for the rest of your days! We can arrange everything you need for groups, corporate trips, and special events.

When is the Best Time to Visit Morocco?

An important part of planning your vacation is making sure you know what to expect, weather wise, in your destination. 

Morocco is very similar in size and geography to California, and yet there are times of the year that, depending on your purpose for traveling, you'll get a higher "Ahhhh!" factor.

If your goal is to visit the desert, then July and August are not ideal times to plan your trip. The daytime temperatures are in the hundreds, and you'll probably see a host of creepy crawly creatures that you might not want to encounter. July and August are also very hot in Marrakesh, which is a landlocked city that gets dusty and very dry.

However, this time of year is quite nice on the coast, in Essaouiera and Agadir, so if your interest is surfing, windsurfing or parasailing, this is a great time to go!

Many of the cultural festivals happen in May and June, so if you want to include some excellent music or theater events in your tour, check out the Morocco National Tourist Site and plan your trip around the festival of your choice. The weather at this time of year is hot - but not unbearably hot - and dry during the day, and cool at night.

March and April are a nice to to visit because people are happy that the rainy season is ending and they can put away their layers. The blossoms are on the trees, the air is fresh and the orange juice is fresh and bursting with flavor. It's similar in October/November... when the days lose the intensity of the summer heat, and the nights cool down.

During winter - December/January/February - it's rainy season in Morocco. It's more grey and cloudy than other times of the year, and there's a definite chill in the air. The higher end hotels and riads have heating, but if you're going on the cheap, don't expect heat in your room.

The beauty of traveling in the winter is that there are fewer tourists, and if you're a skiier, Toubkal in the Ourika Valley (40 minutes out of Marrakesh) is an excellent destination. There is also golfing in Marrakesh during the winter, in fact it's become the winter practice- and playground for many world-class golfers.

Whatever your reason for traveling, Marrakesh-Voyage.com would be honored to help you design an unforgettable, customized, private guided journey.

Bislaama! 

A Trekking Journey in the Sahara Desert with Overnight Camping Under the Stars

It sounds like a dream.... riding a camel into the sunset over the ochre dunes, led by a Saharoui guide, until you reach an oasis where food is cooked in the sand and rhythm of African drums beat late into the night. 

Whether you arrive on a full moon, when the dunes are as bright as day, or on a new moon, when the stars light up the sky like diamonds, your arrival at the nomad encampment will be a moment that you remember for the rest of your life. Your camel train departs from the edge of the sand and travels into the labyrinth of dunes, on a well-trodden pathway that only your guide can decipher. The rhythmic sway of the camel will lull you into a trance as you breathe in the astounding beauty of the desert around you, with its ever-shifting curves and valleys.

The expansive sky around you is like a balm for the soul. The smile on your face and glee in your heart as you trod through the sand in the darkening sky settles in; you will continue to find amazement and absolute joy as you journey to your encampment. Upon arrival, you are greeted with the customary cup of mint tea, and shown to your tent, with its surprisingly comfortable beds! After a quick rest, explore the dunes while your dinner is being cooked. If you plan ahead, you can spend the next day in a dune buggy, or surfing the tallest dunes.

A delicious desert dinner will be served - tagine, with Berber bread, baked in the sand. Musicians will enchant you with ancient songs of desert life. Before you lie down, make sure to stargaze, as you will never see the sky as brilliant as it is in the desert.... with no light pollution, no sound pollution, just the wind and the sand and the neverending sky. The silence of the desert will lull you to sleep and your dreams will be enchanted.

In the morning, share breakfast and meet some of the other travelers who have intersected with your desert journey, before reconnecting with your camel and trekking back to the edge of the desert - refreshed, uplifted, enchanted and inspired.

Marrakesh Voyage LLC offers private, customized tours of Morocco. Visit our website to learn how you can create your dream journey in the exotic Kingdom of Morocco, including a camel trek in the Sahara. 

Is it Safe to Travel in Morocco?

Tourism is the Primary Industry in Morocco. 

When tourism rates drop, the whole country suffers. To this end, Moroccans appreciate and welcome tourists who come and spend money in their country.... whether you're a backpacker or traveling on a five-star golf retreat. In Morocco, you will find a country of gracious, hospitable people.

Tourists are absolutely vital to the Moroccan economy. 

In the past decade, Islamic extremists have tried to create a foothold in Morocco, but they have only found loose sand, as most Moroccans are in fact very moderate and do not mix politics and religion. Morocco is a highly international country, being a part of Africa and a close cousin to Europe. Most Moroccan families have relations living abroad, and therefore have a perspective that transcends borders. They are a peace-loving people who want to share their rich heritage and landscape with all who come to visit. 

Morocco is becoming a popular destination for retirees, as the cost of living is very low and the quality of life is very high. All cities in Morocco have conveniences of the Western World, and it's possible to live quite simply and elegantly. Marrakesh is becoming known as the winter playground of Jetsetters as it's dotted with gorgeous golf courses, fantastic restaurants and world-class nightclubs.

It's not a well-known fact, but Morocco was the very first country to recognize the United States and offer friendship, back in the 1700's. The relationship between the US and Morocco is highly stable. The current King of Morocco has been influenced by the time he spent living in the US. He has instituted many progressive policies to create a more democratic Moroccan society, and has relationships with all living presidents.

When you travel in Morocco, you will find that many Moroccans speak at least a little English, and will welcome any opportunity to practice and learn more.

Marrakesh Voyage LLC offers private, customized tours of Morocco with a private car and driver/tour guide whose job it is to make sure your travels are perfectly enjoyable and safe. Come visit our website and let us help you build a dream trip to the Exotic Kingdom of Morocco!