True Travel takes us to Morocco for Spring

Springtime offers a calmer, cooler alternative to the busy summer tourist season in Morocco, making it the best time to enjoy the country in all its captivating glory – away from the crowds. With that in mind, Ella Povey at True Travel takes us on a quintessential Moroccan adventure exploring the souks of Marrakech, the rocky Agafay Desert and the captivating Ourika Valley.

Saturday

We will spend the first day orienting ourselves within bustling Marrakesh's labyrinthine streets with a knowledgeable private guide. Along the way, we will be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, discover hidden gems, rich history, and cultural insights through the Medina.

Sunday

Set behind the lively souks of Marrakesh’s medina, a kitchen is carved into the stone. Here, we will learn the intricate skills of authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagine and pastilla, from a talented and revered local chef.

Monday

We will find refuge from the busy streets in the beautiful botanical Majorelle Gardens in the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, continuing the day's relaxation in the courtyard pools in the Villa Des Orangers, surrounded by the sweet scent of orange blossoms. 

Tuesday

Today, we will move out of the city and into the Afgay desert where we will stay in a traditional nomadic camp. Imagine a destination of true celestial nature, where your head is in the stars and your eyes are on the mountains. We will begin the day at sunrise with a hot air balloon, before a day of yoga class, pottery workshop, quad bike tour or indulgent massage - the choice is yours.

Wednesday

While we are in the desert, we will soak up the awe-inspiring landscapes on a traditional camel ride. Traversing over dunes at sunset is such a wonderful adventure.

Thursday

We will relocate to the beautiful scenery of the Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Valley, staying at the Kasbah Bab Ourika. The hotel's crowning glory is its gastronomical flair, curated with ingredients sourced from its own estate. Each dish is reflective of the season and inspired by the Moroccan landscape, and can be enjoyed by the pool, among the gardens, or beneath the stars.

Friday

We will round-off our trip with a guided hike through the unspoilt Salt National Park, passing through groves of olives, plums and vegetables in harvest. En route, we will visit local villages, meet their residents, and experience a taste of traditional Berber life. We will pause for a picnic in the forest before returning to the delicious cuisine of the Kasbah kitchens.

Your essential travel companion: The desert wind throws up sand so you will be best protected and most comfortable if you bring the long lost fashion accessory that is the buff.

A culinary curiosity not to be missed: Any of the street food in the medina. There are some incredible Moroccan delicacies to be enjoyed as you walk through the lively centre of the city: hamas kamoun, sugar-coated peanuts, zitoun or a glass of sugarcane juice are all delicious options.

The best spot for a post-prandial pause: El Fenn's rooftop – Marrakech’s answer to Soho House. It boasts a 30ft marble bar and team of mixologists on hand to supply a cooling cocktail under the mid-afternoon sun.

An unmissable event: One of Morocco's most popular festivals Kelaa M’Gouna, or Festival of the Rose. You cannot miss it! The oasis, located in the valley of the M’Goun River, hosts a festival in honour of the rose of Damascus each May. The festival lasts three days, each featuring concerts of Berber music, traditional dances and songs and the famous rain of rose petals.

A luxury that doesn’t cost the earth: A handmade rugs from the souk, the smaller ones are easy to take home in your luggage and their handcrafted-yet-intricate patterns truly bring a space to life with the traditional Moroccan flair.