time to explore

One important tool on your trip is the Arrival app. It houses all your important information--flight times and boarding passes, your itinerary times and where to go, and a GPS that helps you find your way around. Most importantly, you have live support any time you need it, so the fear of exploring a foreign country is mitigated as much as possible.

Steeped in history, Marrakech is an exotic blend of people, architecture, wonderful sights, sounds and cuisine. The ancient Medina is at the throbbing heart of Marrakech, housing a maze of alleyways, atmospheric neighbourhoods, historic places of interest and a plethora of eateries, shops and souks. Berbers remain the largest ethnic group in Marrakech and the whole of Morocco. Arabic is the main language, with French second. Many people in the city speak a third or fourth language, often including English.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Morocco and the majority of Moroccans are Muslims. This has a considerable effect on life in Marrakech and visitors are advised to respect the religious culture. Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day – the call to prayer can be heard echoing through the city throughout the day, with the first call at dawn.

Dress Code

While Marrakech is relatively relaxed in tourist areas around dress code, there are some rules you are advised to follow simply out of respect. Despite the heat, don’t wander around in skimpy outfits, especially if you are a woman. Light floaty trousers and long-sleeved linen or light cotton blouses or shirts will keep you cool and covered in the summer heat.

You will be staying in a 300-year-old riad, or a traditional Moroccan home with multiple stories centered around an open-air courtyard with a fountain. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers. The building is shaped like a rectangle with different rooms on each side. Riads are a part of traveling to Morocco, and no visit to the country is complete without staying in one.

Home Sweet Home

The central courtyard has a garden and serves as cool retreat, complete with a pool for a mid-afternoon dip. The courtyard in the middle is open from the top and is the house’s natural light source. The interior is an intimate blench of color, plush fabrics, beautiful furnishings, and handcrafted ceramics. Our riad is located in the heart of the old Marrakech medina, putting you right at the heart of city life, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and cafes.

When you think of Moroccan food, you think of flavor. It’s an assault on the senses in the best ways possible. Moroccan food is a mix of many influences. It’s a blend of Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with hints of European and sub-Saharan influences.

Morocco produces a wide variety of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. Wheat is the staple grain while common meats include beef, lamb, goat, mutton, chicken, and seafood.

Savory, sweet, and sour flavors figure prominently in many Moroccan dishes. They’re typically seasoned with preserved lemon, smen (fermented butter), argan oil, olive oil, dried fruits, herbs, and a multitude of different spices. Some of the most commonly used spices in Moroccan cooking include cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, paprika, ginger, anise, and fenugreek. Ras el hanout, a popular spice blend used in many Moroccan dishes, can be made with 25-40 different spices.