Morocco Travel Information

Less than an hour's drive from Marrakech, Richard Branson's walled mountain hideaway is a veritable wedding cake of terraced courtyards and fruit-tree filled gardens, centered on one of Morocco's most spectacular infinity-edge pools. The most decadent room is The Master Suite, a three-bedroom replica of the Kasbah that sits on an isolated promontory. It features a private pool and sweeping valley views from the private rooftop terrace.

This sexy property, with just three sumptuous rooms and two suites, is the result of German businessman Bernd Kolb’s deft renovation of a 300-year-old urban palace in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. All the furniture, from the lamps to the tableware, was designed by Kolb, Yannick Hervy and Moroccan artisans. And talk about atmosphere: A renowned local calligrapher hammered the story of the girl Yela who once lived here in silver on doors throughout the house. Chill out in the Flying Terrace roof terrace, ask about an airport transfer (it’s included in the room price) and reserve a traditional Moroccan evening meal for two.

New York interior designer Thomas Hays' foray into Moroccan chic at Riad Meriem is an all-out symphony of seduction. Traditional lanterns for lighting and smooth plaster walls painted in rich jewel tones make the rooms amazingly cozy. The modern and traditional artwork, from Africa and Asia, makes for an eclectic combination—particularly when paired with Moroccan elements, such as the courtyard pool that's shaped like an Arabesque. Sleeping in the Star Suite means dreaming beneath a gauzy fabric that's draped under star-shaped lanterns that hover over the bed. The bathtub is the size of a small pool.

The former residence of a courtly family who once entertained the King of Morocco on the premises, Dar Karma balances traditional Moroccan style elements with clean contemporary lines for a seriously sexy effect. This French-owned riad is notable for its rooftop garden that's alive with delicate olive trees and a sleek Turkish-style bath, or hammam, that's available to guests 24 hours per day.

In Arabic: The House of Dreams. That's no stretch for this surreal 19th century Kasbah (a Relais & Chateaux property) that's located in a palm-rich oasis near the desert town of Ourzazate. The Kasbah's mud brick floors and adobe walls pair with antique furnishings and silk drapes for a vibe that's at once organic and extremely elegant. For the ultimate privacy, considering renting one of the property's three individual villas. Dinner, served privately, is staged in different sections of the Kasbah: One night, perhaps, it's alfresco in the olive grove; the next it's hidden away in a cozy, candlelit corner.

The comfortable, spacious rooms set in classic Moorish décor, first-rate spa, tennis courts and heated outdoor pool are just a few of the features that make Sofitel's Palais Jamais one of Morocco's finest hotels. There's no better view of this ancient city than on the terrace here. The most seductive views come at sunset, when the medina rooftops stretching below the hotel are lit with disappearing daylight, and the otherworldly wail of the call to prayer floats heavenward. It's a view that makes the ancient city, and the entire Arab world, feel wonderful and mysterious.

Owned and operated by a native Fassi family, this riad is a study in contrasts. One section of the property reflects a completely classic take on the craftsmanship and art of Fes, while the other half is deliciously modern and luxurious. The restaurant is bathed in candlelight and cozy nooks centered on a fireplace, making it one of the city's most romantic settings. During warm weather, opt for a meal near the pool-like central fountain that flanks the most sophisticated bar in town.

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