From hip city pads to luxury tents in the wild, Australia is home to some of the most stylish and innovative properties that will never cease to amaze. So we’ve searched high and low and found our favorite places for you to rest your head.

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**SOC GEN EXCLUSIVE OFFER**Enjoy four nights at Maison MK in Marrakesh and receive a half day private walking tour of the Medina, an in house hammam experience, aperitifs, a gourmet dinner at Gastro MK and a half day private cookery class all with our compliments. Prices start from £799 per person including flights from London, private transfers and accommodation.

call us on 0207 426 9888 or click here to book

description

maison mk is one of our favourite contemporary luxury hotels in Marrakech, with a wonderful blend of Islamic and 21st-century design. There is an overriding feel of unbeatable decadence from this riad and, coupled with a central location, you’re able to instantly embrace the more adventurous side to this busy and spirited city.

location

Location Location Location. It’s important to be in the right spot in Marrakech, and with maison mk you’ll find yourself in the perfect place. Set back from the hustle and bustle, maison mk is found on one of the main cobbled streets of the most affluent areas in the medina.

sunset drinks on the rooftop

With views of the distant Atlas Mountains from the spectacular 3 tier roof terrace, you won’t feel as though you’re right in the heart of the medina- but you couldn’t be more wrong. Located just three minutes from the Djemma el Fna and all the best souks, you’re never further than walking distance from all the Moroccan action. In true Moroccan style, the riad houses a central courtyard that all the suites face into. The walls are a metre thick so as to ensure you feel suitably removed from the sounds, sights and smells without becoming totally detached from of what presumably drew you to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech in the first place.

the romantic surroundings to your bedroom

your room

All five bedrooms and one master suite maintain a running theme of stylish decor, adding to the sense of fluidity felt throughout maison mk. Rose petals are scattered throughout your room adding to the already romantic setting. Colour themes ooze a rich warm spice palette, that create an indulgent yet comfortable environment fit for a King (and Queen). Each suite is the epitome of indulgent chic, with huge back-lit beds, unique works of art on the wall and rich flashes of fabrics and colour adding to the supremely calming ambience.

the sumptous double bedroom

Bathrooms have huge pod tadelkt baths, monsoon-like showers, deep fluffy towels and robes, beautifully presented organic bath products, complimentary mineral water and a professional hairdryer. Beds by the King’s own bed-maker, super-luxurious 600-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, smart flexible bedside lamps, exotic beaded coat hangers, fully stocked minibar, full length mirrors – every detail has been well and truly thought of . A local mobile phone with useful numbers as well as a personalised mini bar are just other delicate touches from maison mk that makes your stay here as stress-free as possible.

a luxurious dip in MK's pool

why we like it

The food at Maison MK is top notch, providing a scrumptious five course menu to evening diners. The fairy-lit teardrop shaped pool and a fantastic spa with two dedicated treatment rooms and professional full time beauty staff is the ultimate way to wind down. Embrace culture with some Moroccan style pampering- we recommend the 45 minute luxury hammam – a traditional gommage (a scrub down to you and me) with black soap, sugared argan oil, a traditional clay mask mixed  with rose flower water– totally rejuvenating, glowing and soft.

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Calling all adventurous spirits, it’s time to discover the rugged frontier of Southern Morocco on your own exhilarating North African escapade. Voyage into the remote highlands of the Atlas Mountains, uncover ancient Kasbahs, and discover the nomadic way of life as the mountains merge into the periphery of the mighty Sahara Desert. This is a desert adventure that takes you further than sitting on a camel on a sand dune.

romance in marrakech

souks marrakech

Start your trip in Marrakech, a city sure to capture the hearts of anyone who passes through. Known for its vibrant buildings in hues of red, ochre, and pink, Marrakech is a sure fire sensory overload. As soon as you touch town you’ll feel the balmy heat caress your skin and the exotic smell of spices fill the air. Hole up in the exclusive Riad Farnatchi right in the middle of all the action. Spend your day in the medina and lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleyways, where the call of the souk traders will tempt you with decorative delights and leather goods. For the best views in the city take to dizzying heights in a hot air balloon, reaching out to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the beginnings of the Sahara. If heights aren’t your thing, then panic not, why not take a lesson in the art of Moroccan gastronomy. Whip up some mouth-watering Tagines packed with tender meats and exotic delicious spices. Recipes guaranteed to make you the toast of all dinner parties back home.

rock the kasbah in the mountains

Village of Tazca Tafraoute

Today you’ll escape the buzzing atmosphere of the city and really get away from it all. Get ready to experience the great outdoors. Onboard your private 4×4, roll through the mountain passes and into the regions of the deep south. Sit back, relax, and marvel at the jaw dropping rock formations and steep valleys dotted with waterfalls as they pass you by. Over the next two days you’ll voyage over the Col de Tichka which stands tall at 7,000ft. Uncover crumbling Kasbahs of centuries old in the countryside village of Telouet before tucking into a typical rustic meal sat at low tables in a Saharan nomad tent. Continue south towards the village of Tamdaght, where you’ll find your accommodation Kasbah Ellouze. Cool down after a long day’s hike with a dip in the pool, overlooking sun kissed orchards and palm groves.

traverse the dunes by camel

desert daze

If you fancy getting some adrenaline pumping, spend your morning exploring the grounds by mountain bike, the trails wind through the mountainside allowing for spectacular views of the valley. Then set from the cool lofty heights of the mountains and head down to the desert. Here you’ll stay at Les Jardins de Soukra an inviting boutique guest house nestled deep in the Soukra palms. Head further into the expanse of the Sahara towards the desert dunes of Merzouga where your stop-over for the night is a cosy auberge in the “Hamada” stone desert. Explore the magnificent desert landscape of the Erg Chebbi Dunes, the highest sand dunes in Morocco by the one and only way, camel of course. These ships of the desert may not be as quick as the 4×4 but trust us there’s nothing like traversing across the wild African desert, just you and your trusty stead. Find the perfect spot to set up camp under the night sky, for some of the best star gazing in the world; it doesn’t get more remote than this.

valley of the draa river

find peace of mind in the oasis

And finally, discover the desolate beauty of the Draa Valley. This volcanic landscape conjures up unearthly images, if not for the odd oasis and plams you’d think you’d landed on the moon. Think anvil shaped mountains set against piercing blue skies. The region is virtually uninhabited, the only sign of life is the crumbling Kasbahs scattered on the horizon. On your return journey home, side step Marrakech and head to the Palmerie known as the City’s lush garden for a touch of pampering and luxury. The Jnane Oasis retreat can only be described as perfect serenity and comfort hidden amongst a myriad of palm trees, a Utopian paradise found.

Capture the spirit of the Moroccan mountains and truly escape from it all, on this adventure brimming with new lands shrouded with African mystery.

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Welcome to our honeymoon page – we’ve set this up with the help of Black Tomato to tell you a bit about our plans for our glorious Moroccan honeymoon. After the excitement and build up to the wedding we’ll be heading off to indulge in some Moroccan hospitality while letting the exotic smells, sounds and tastes tickle our senses. We’ll explore the cities of Fez and Marrakech, trek the Atlas Mountains and soak up the sun in Essaouira, staying in a variety of beautiful and traditional Moroccan-style Riads.

the gorgeous alkantara, fez

After arriving in Fez, we’ll settle in for three nights at the stunning Riad Alkantara. Set within the medieval city walls, we’ll have a chance to burn off any lingering wedding stresses, chilling around the Riad’s beautiful gardens and dipping our toes in the vast swimming pool. At nightfall, we’ll get the first scent of the fragrant breeze floating through the city, enjoying our dinner to the perfumes of jasmine and honeysuckle lapping through the air.

With the help of our private, English speaking guide, we’ll spend a day getting a flavour of life in Fez, discovering age-old techniques in use at the colourful tanneries and honing our bartering technique at the bustling souks.

traditional tanners in fez

Having got to know the city, the next day we’ll turn our talents to traditional Moroccan cuisine on a cookery course. We’ll be able to practise our new bartering techniques, bargaining for fresh produce in the souk, before transforming the ingredients – with only a little help from the chef – into a traditional 3-course Moroccan feast. By the end of the day, we will have (hopefully…) captured the heady, aromatic flavours that make the food here so delicious and experienced how to make the dishes that are so at the heart of Moroccan hospitality. That Tagine pot will come in useful.

the tranquil riad azzar in marrakech

The next morning, we’ll say goodbye to Fez and board the train to Marrakech, enjoying some people-watching as the soap opera of everyday Moroccan life unfolds before us. Riad Azzar, set along a winding side street in Marrakech’s dizzying and exciting medina, will be the plush place to rest our heads for a night. The inviting pool and lush gardens will be the perfect antidote to a day’s travelling and a few intense, bartering-based forays into the souk. Marrakech’s billowing central square oozes energy, and will be great for a little walk around, treating our senses to the intense and fragrant atmosphere.

It’s off to Imlil for the next three days, high up in the Atlas Mountains. There, we’ll stay at a Kasbah de Toubkal, a Berber mountain guest house located at the foot of Jbel Toubkal – the highest peak in North Africa. With commanding views over the valley below, we’ll trek with our guide, exploring the rugged Atlas landscape. The Kasbah was built to be a summer palace for the Pasha el Glaoui so we’re also keen to test our ‘royal’ treatment here at the hands of the wonderful Berber hospitality.

atlas mountains

After three days in the cool mountains, we’ll be driven down to the sunny coastal town of Essaouira where we’ll stay at the Villa de L’O for three nights. This former almond storage depot is the perfect place to begin exploring idyllic Essaouira, taking in the white and pink-washed houses, rolling dunes, tranquil harbour and fresh fish stalls. There’ll also be camel rides, quad biking, horse riding and plenty of watersports to keep our options filled. Finally, a sunset stroll along the sandy beach will provide a perfect romantic end to the days. Pure honeymoon paradise.

We’ve set up a honeymoon registry as we thought that contributions to our trip would be the ideal gift idea (and would save us from taking toasters and towels through customs in Morocco!) If you would like to contribute, please contact Sophie at Black Tomato by either email sophiew@blacktomato.co.uk or call her on +44207 426 9936.

Thank you! We really will appreciate any contributions you make.

Lots of love

Clare and Tom

PS Please don’t forget to leave your names and a message so we can thank you.

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We love Morocco. Just a short hop over the Mediterranean and you’ll find yourself stepping back in time where ancient architecture and traditional culture still adorn the streets. The colours, the sounds, the Arabic influence and Berber culture always get us coming back for more. But we’ve barely scratched the surface. Never have we come across a destination so jam-packed with such extremes. From the long stretches of stunning coastlines to the rolling dunes of the Sahara desert and the snow capped mountains of the Atlas – there’s something for everyone in Morocco.

Read on to get under the skin of Morocco and find the perfect Moroccan adventure for you.

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Well why not test your skills on Morocco’s Oukaimeden? At 3372m above sea level and with reliable snowfall from January until mid-March (snow has even been reported in late April) it’s hard to imagine that you’re actually in sub tropical Africa….

limitless skiing in oukaimeden

The resort is well equipped to cater for a whole range of skiing ability with several ski lifts on a host of marked runs; so when you get to the summit be sure to take in the scintillating 360° views of the High Atlas mountain range… You’ll have the world at your feet.

Oukaimeden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the souks and bazaars in downtown Marrakech – and with the city only a short two hour taxi ride away – it’s ideal for a day trip (or two) with a difference…

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zagora marathon runners

Compete in either a half or full length marathon, then share you experiences with other runners whilst camping beneath the stars in traditional Berber style.

The challenging route weaves through villages and dunes whilst the finish is a gruelling an 850m assent.  Organised by the Ahansal brothers , expect to be rubbing shoulders with some of Europe’s and North Africa’s running elite.

So pick up your running shoes and head to Morocco this New Year.

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djemaa el-fna transforms into an open air cinema

Some of the events are invitation only, and lucky for you we know the right people to get you in. Stop off at the Accreditations Office for your badge, which will let you into the hottest spots, including the Tribute Ceremony where five incredible actors and directors will be honored.

Who will be there? Well, you just have to attend to find out…

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mount toubkal in the distance

As you climb higher and higher, the views become even more stunning and the excitement builds as you attempt to reach the top.

Along the way, spend some time learning about the isolated villages and explore the many valleys and gorges of the mountain range. You’ll feel like a champion when you hit the summit, giving you the best view of Morocco.

Climb Toubkal on one of our Moroccan experiences

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