Location

Set in the valleys of the Rif Mountains the hillside town of Chefchaouen is just two hour’s drive from the straits of Gibraltar, yet it feels like worlds away from its European neighbours. Exotic, and with an air of mystique it’s the perfect window to peer into the wonders of Northern Africa. With no cars or taxi’s allowed in the main medina, your free to wander the streets and labyrinth of alleyways of cobbled white walkways fringed with cornflower blue buildings. 3 minutes walk from the medina and the buzzing souks and you’ll find the Dar Gabriel.

Your room

Rooms are spacious and airy, and are filled with authentic rugs and lamps designed by local craftsmen of the village. All rooms boast cosy fire places for those chillier nights, and large terraces with spectacular views over the blue and white village set against the dramatic rocky landscape. Four bedrooms on the middle floor are linked by a cedar landing opening onto the courtyard and fountain, escape the midday sun and relax by the fountain with a glass of mint tea. True Moroccan heaven.

Why we like it

The service at the riad is second to none. The owner Ben caters for your every need with the friendliest and most personal service. His wife cooks some of the best home cooked food you’ll eat in Morocco, with simple tagines and cous cous dishes with subtle flavours. It’s the perfect laidback atmosphere to enjoy this secret and intriguing village.

Stunning coastlines and ancient medinas

Intense blue skies, the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and gleaming white architecture; it’s not called the blue and white city for nothing. History has certainly left its mark on Rabat, with monuments and towers reaching to the skies to honour national heroes dating back to the 7^th century. Touch down in Casablanca, and transfer straight to Rabat, settle into your gorgeous Riad Kalaa, right in the heart of the old medina.

A smaller, calmer version of Casablanca, this city is packed with just as much charm; think elegant tree-lined boulevards, with a distinctive European feel and imposing architecture dominating the skyline. With a private guide at your side, wander the ancient medina and savour the heady aroma of spices whilst you browse for that must-have pair of leather slippers. Explore the sea front with its crumbling fortress walls as you gallop past on horseback, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon sitting back, relaxing with a flavoursome Moorish coffee while watching sail boats bob on the horizon. Make sure to stop off at the nearby town of Sale, renowned for its beautifully manicured gardens and sunsets over the Bou Regreg River. Simply breathtaking. For those looking for some adrenaline-inducing activities then grab your surf board and hit the waves at one of Morocco’s most infamous surf spots, pretty gnarly.

Location

This charming little hotel is located about 1.5 miles off the main road, set in the palm groves near the village of Skoura that stretch toward the High Atlas Mountains and in an area of fascinating abandoned kasbahs.

Your room

Les Jardins de Skoura has eight suites set in colourful gardens with vines, olive, apricot, pomegranate and fig trees in abundance perfect for lazing in the shade with a good book, also good if you’re feeling a bit peckish. Each suite is decorated in traditional Moroccan style with warm hues of burnt reds set against locally crafted furniture. Each room has its own bathroom and cosy log fires to keep you warm during the chilly Saharan nights.

Why we like it

Owner Carole Lecomte has seemingly blended luxury and calm with a friendly laid back ambiance. We adore the pool, which feels like you’re sitting in an Arabian Harem, fringed with olive trees and dotted with candles. The whole property boasts spectacular views over the Atlas Mountains, watch the sun go down on the terrace with chilled glass of wine in hand as the cool evening sets in.  Find your company at the Jardins de Skoura Children with the in-house donkeys, dog, cats and turtles that grace the properties gardens.

Location

If you’re after authentic rustic remoteness, look no further. Based in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this Kasbah really does make you feel like you’re in the heartland of the moroccan countryside. A unique charm that makes Kasbah Ellouze so endearing is that it’s placed right in the hub of a small, quaint traditional village. Wake up to the relaxing lull of Moroccan life and immerse yourself in the village life as you head out of your hotel for an afternoon stroll. For a rather more adventurous experience take a camel ride along the shimmering rivers that twist through this landscape.

Your room

Simple, authentic style is the theme running throughout this ten bedroom property. Each room looks out onto the stunning gardens of almond, pomegranate, apricot and olive groves set against the backdrop of the distant snow capped mountains. Locally inspired decor complimented with key Moroccan colouring – azure blue, terracotta red and earthy brown – are used throughout the rooms and small touches, such as local arts and crafts dotted throughout, set this Kasbah apart from the rest. Crisp, clean, locally embroidered linen and wooden terraces opening out of some of the rooms make you feel as though you’re in your own magical Arabian castle.

Why we like it

As the sun slowly peeks over the crest of the Atlas Mountains there really is only one way to fully appreciate the spectacular surrounding scenery – by air. A once in a lifetime organised trip in a hot air balloon trip, at sunrise across this extraordinary arid landscape, is an experience we can’t recommend enough.

Coupled with the resident camels that make frequent appearances, wandering around the luscious emerald gardens or peering over the terracotta Kasbah walls, the Kasbah Ellouze fuses two essential aspects of a hotel experience that here at Black tomato we look for – unique and one to remember for a life time.

Romance in 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.

Location

Deep in the heart of the Ait Alla tribe territory in the famous Sahara desert, southern Morocco Atta Saharan Camp is 6 hours drive from the town of Ouarzazate. Sublimely beautiful, this is the desert at its best.

Your room

Each of the tented suites is spacious and comfortable with thick canvas walls, colourful rugs covering the floors, and huge beds. The tents are lit by decorative Moroccan style lamps giving them a warm, magical ambience. Snuggle up beneath thick bed covers and bright blankets on chilly desert nights, or lounge on natural rattan chairs and enjoy the tranquillity. There is a separate bathroom and shower tent, set apart from the main camping area, which provides fully modern amenities, including hot water.

Why we like it

We love rummaging through the big chest library in the lounge and heading off to our suite to curl up on the big beds with a book about traditional Berber cultures and tribes.

At a glance

It’s only a short trip from Europe but, culturally speaking, Morocco is a world away. And, in the winding alleys of the souks of Marrakech and Fez, you’d swear that you had gone back in time, too. The sights and sounds (and smells) of Africa come alive in a high definition, techni-colour assault on the senses. The ancient imperial cities have more than enough surprises up their sleeves to entertain and bewitch you – whether it’s your first trip, or your fortieth. Meanwhile, life at the seaside port town of Essaouira is all whitewashed dazzle in comparison to the interior’s earthen hues – and it moves at a gentler place, perfect for a chill out sojourn on your North African adventure. Then, for a completely different cultural experience, you can visit the Atlas Mountains. There, you’ll get acquainted with the local Berber tribes and their simple way of life, far from modern life’s trappings. The mountain range is North Africa’s largest – stretching through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia – and is heaven for trekking and nature fans.

What to see

You can’t go to Marrakech and avoid the Djemaa El Fna. And why would you want to? There are snake charmers, orange juice and water sellers, vendors of kohl (for the authentic Moroccan smokey eye look), stray kittens, story tellers, strange noises and, after dark, the square turns into a massive open-air restaurant with local cafes setting up stalls to hawk their morsels. It has to be done. Morocco’s cuisine is deliciously fragrant and exotic, a tagine in one of Marrakech’s many impressive restaurants (we especially love Le Tobsil for its romance and authenticity) should almost be a rite of passage. Fall in love with Morocco’s other imperial city, Fez. Less anarchic than Marrakech, Fez is the country’s artistic heartland and its UNESCO-protected medina is the largest living Islamic medieval city in the world. On the Atlantic coast, Essaouira’s piratical charm and wind-swept beaches (perfect for wind- and kite-surfing) are a magnet for outdoorsy sorts. Essaouira has a reputation as ‘the Woodstock of Morocco’, so if cultural pursuits are more your things, then make sure you’re in town in June for the Gnaoua Festival of World Music. Venture up into the Atlas Mountains to experience Morocco’s majestic landscape on treks through cedar forests, past rivers and waterfalls and cool down in crystal clear natural pools. Not up to the hike? Jump on the local transport instead: a mule and prepare to be transported into Berber heartland.

Why we love it

The colours. The sounds. Even the smells make Morocco a complete contrast to the ordered politeness that we’re used to – and that’s what makes it magical. From the enchanting mayhem of the souk’s spice markets and the melodic call of the muezzin, to dramatic mountain ranges and sweeping coastlines – Morocco has something to spellbind us all.

Medina madness

Start off at the Berber-lux La Maison Arabe in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, nestled in narrow streets with high clay walls. Settle in and enjoy the two swimming pools, complimentary breakfast (homemade Moroccan pancakes, anyone?) and fresh mint tea before hitting the streets. After a horse and carriage tour of the city, our local guides will show you the hidden parts of the souks which most visitors miss. Visit the wool-dyers and leather-makers, and hear the clink-clink of the metalworkers’ tools as they hand-make decorative lamps, plates and bowls.