Travel Photo of the Week: Solitude in the Sahara Desert

A trek into the Sahara Desert by camel whilst in Morocco was experienced by Travel Tips Plus reader Julie. The trek was just a small group and allowed for many peaceful moments to enjoy the complete solitude the desert environment creates. The camels lumbered up and down the rolling dunes, passing only the odd tussock of grass and as evening came, the red, rolling dunes were replaced by a deep, black sky dotted with zillions of twinkling stars.

Photo courtesy of Australian reader Julie.

Where is Jardin Majorelle?

Jardin Majorelle is an expatriate French painter’s botanical garden created in Marrakech during 1924 and was recently enjoyed by guest writer, Julie Wilson.

For an oasis of serenity and shade on a hot day in Marrakech, visit the Jardin Majorelle. Wander along the straight red concrete paths lined with bright coloured pots in this medium-sized garden brimming with cacti, palms, bougainvilleas and bamboo groves. Majorelle was a knowledgeable and avid plant collector. The dry sandy garden beds are studded with a botanical planting of cacti.

Water is an important feature of this garden – lily covered pools filled with small tortoises and lazily active fish, water channels and fountains are highpoints. When I wandered through birdsong filled the air.

The garden was created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Rather like Monet’s Giverny, as the garden was designed by a painter the garden is composed and coloured like a painting. Many of the built features are painted in a dark blue (‘Majorelle Blue’) which is striking – contrasting wonderfully well with beige sand, green plants and red paths.

After some years of neglect, the garden was restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The entrance fee is only 30 MD but when inside, the prices both in the shop and cafe, are very high by Moroccan standards. The delightful cafe has misters which puff out a cloud of cooling mist to help refresh diners with the intense summer heat. I ordered an almond milk with orange blossom water and dates – expensive but wonderful !

Be warned that the taxis outside the entrance seem to see this as a bit of a tourist trap and inflate their prices accordingly – so bargain hard or walk up the road 5 minutes to the crossing and pay much less (20 dirham should get you most places in central Marrakech).

Marrakech: Living on the Edge of the Desert

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Jardin Majorelle

One Great Reason to Visit Jardin Majorelle

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to see this inspired garden, the Jardin Majorelle, garden created by a Frenchman living in Morocco.

Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech

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Food is part of the travelling experience.

A guest post by Julie from Melbourne, Australia.

I’m just back from a trip to Morocco and the food was wonderful too, though with temperatures in the low to mid 40s, I did not eat a great deal at times. I lived on orange juices. These were freshly squeezed in front of your eyes and readily available everywhere. Along with ubiquitous mint tea, wonderfully refreshing. Moroccan food is full of fragrant and unusual flavor and aroma combinations, achieved through the use of cinnamon, ginger, saffron, cumin, pepper and coriander. For me three Moroccan dishes define the cuisine: couscous, tagines and bisteeya.

I was rather “tagine’d” out by the end of the trip, but I did make one wonderful food discovery – bisteeya (sometimes also spelt “bastillas” or “pastillas”). A fine crisp flaky pastry (rather like our filo pastry) wrapped around shredded velvety melting chicken and ingredients. I particularly loved the chicken and almond pastillas I ate. I also tried the tradition Fez dish of pigeon pastilla (pigeon pie!). Very gamey and rich. Wonderful for a special occasion or a feast.

The aspect that makes pastillas so special is the unusual combination of savoury and sweet, as the top of the pastry has a lines of aromatic cinnamon and fine sugar on top. The sweet cinnamon and savoury chicken mixture are a super and exotic combination and the textures of crisp flaky pastry and soft casserole-like filling is divine.

I come across a fabulous small restaurant in Essaouira. I had two wonderful lunches, so if you’re passing that way do drop in. It’s called ‘Restaurant des Reves’ (“Restaurant of Dreams”), 2 Av Side Med Ben Abdellah, Rue Sidi Ahmed Ouharoon, Essaouria.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Morocco

Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen

One Great Reason to Visit Morocco

One great reason to visit Morocco is the experience Moroocu cuisine first hand – wonderful Moroccan food can be found in a variety of settings – from roadside cafes, a delightful restauants,night-time stalls in the great square in Marrakesh ‘Djemaa al Fna’ … and if you’re lucky enough to be invited into a family home for some home-cooking consider yourself truly fortunate.

Chicken Pastilla (accompanied by great, local music)

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The delights of staying in Marrakech!

When visiting Morocco, the bustling city of Marrakech is the first port of call for many guests. The former capital and imperial city of Morocco, also known as the “Red City”, is rich in history and offers a wealth of natural, beautiful attractions, as well as lively street markets and a labyrinth of narrow streets to discover in the medina. Whether you want to soak up the city life or escape to the blissful Ourika River with it’s tranquil waterfalls, Marrakech is the ideal base. Wrap up in oriental charm in a historic house known as a riad – here are our seven favourite Riad hotels in Marrakech where you’re guaranteed a stylish stay.

Riad Al Assala Medina

Riad Al Assala Medina is located in the peaceful old town and the spacious five star suites make for an extremely sensual and intimate experience. A charmingly sized luxury abode with authentic Moroccan design, furnished in a clean, modern style. Only a walk away from the cultured Jemaa-el-Fna square, it provides guests with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, and the stunning rooftop terrace invites guests to soak up the sun and the city skyline.

Riad Demeures d’Orient

Riad Demeures d’Orient is hidden away in the heart of the Red City, it has an unique full view of the city’s ancient walls. With a mixture of Moroccan and Far Eastern architecture, the atmospheric five star resort is like no other. This idyllic sanctuary holds host to a neo-gothic library and a plethora of beautiful mosaics, whilst guests can relax with massages or in the traditional hammam spa. The soul of the Riad is the courtyard with marble fountain, swimming pool, lounge chairs and refreshing shade.

Dar Darma

Dar Darma is an extravagant Riad designed with moody dark colours and features like mirrored walls and large shapely pots in the rooms and common areas, creating an ambience of history and romance. The Dar Darma houses a grand inner court, a comfortable salon, a terrace, a restaurant and large, opulent beds in the glamorous suites. With children as welcome as adults, this city palace encourages all to visit.

Villa Shayanne

Villa Shayanne is located within ten kilometres of central Marrakech, meaning the five star resort offers the ultimate getaway for pure relaxation. Clear views of the Atlas Mountains and surrounding scenery make the Villa Shayanne an idyllic haven. The mixture of modern European design and traditional Moroccan elements gives the resort an exotic charm. With golf and tennis lessons or a tour of Moroccan cuisine, you can avoid the busy city but still enjoy the culture.

Riad Dixneuf La Ksour

Riad Dixneuf La Ksour is found in the heart of Medina, a peaceful back drop adjacent to the cultural blood lines of the Old City. The picturesque and classical Riad has a ancestral blend of modern design with the Moroccan tradition. A panoramic view of the Atlas mountains makes for an unforgettable stay. The six amorous suites have light, modern colours and the courtyard with swimming pool make the Dixneuf La Ksour a gleaming jewel in the rich tapestry of Marrakech.

Les Jardins de la Médina

Les Jardins de la Médina is an oasis just outside the medina walls. Time honoured tradition meets contemporary design, a large luscious garden makes this four star Riad is a sanctuary away from the busy lifestyle of the city. This historic hotel was a 19th century royal palace making it the perfect choice for honeymoons and romantic breaks, as the salons are now sumptuous rooms. The ancient garden gives life to Palm, Orange and Jacaranda trees. The swimming pools, Jacuzzis and beautiful songbirds create a tranquil atmosphere.

Dar Chérif

Dar Chérif is located on the road to Quarzazate, only ten minutes away from the Red City. Subtlety, calm and modest decor make Dar Chérif a true gift, with just six luxurious suites. Set in the centre of Andalusian gardens, the beauty and ambience is unrivalled. Decorated with authentic Moroccan pieces including Zellige, Tadelakt and Bejmat elements, all guests will leave well cultured in Moroccan art. Traditionally themed rooms and customary Moroccan food means you will sample the history and legacy of this great region.

Guest contribution from Escapio.com where these romantic Moroccan hotels and Riads are just a handful of the luxury, boutique and design hotels perfect for a long holiday or a weekend break.

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