Morocco … Need I Say More?

I was POSITIVE that Brent Massey had a section on Morocco in his book “Where in the World Do I Belong??” But I was wrong. What can I say, I’m 9 months pregnant and not operating on all cylinders. Ordinarily, I’d move on to a different country but I have these amazing travel tips from my Smart Structure (NT) friend Joe and if you read his Italy tips last week you’ll know why I felt compelled to share them with you.

I wonder if formerly colonized countries are impacted by who was their colonial overlord—like how the US has the same cultural personality type as England, extroverted Classic Structures (ESTJ). Perhaps Morocco is extroverted Smart Structure (NTJ) like France? But interestingly with Morocco, it was an independent country up until 1912—having never fallen to the Ottoman Empire—when it became a French protectorate until 1956 when independence returned. Their special relationship was actually with Spain because of its proximity. So perhaps Morocco is more Organic Freedom like Southern Spain. It’s all conjecture on my part though!

Joe’s Smart Travel Tips: Morocco

Fes

This is the theological/cultural capital of Morocco. Stay in the Medina which is an amazing medieval labyrinth of foreign sights, sounds, smells—talk about cultural immersion. Hearing the haunting sound of the call-to-prayer is an experience in itself.  Staying in a riad (small traditional hotel walled off from the bustling alleys featuring a courtyard / possibly a pool) in the Medina is a must at least for a couple days. It’s an oasis from the sensual overload of the city. 
 

Hotels
Riad La Roussa: Great traditional inn of high standard with beautiful rooms and very gracious, personal service. Andrew Zimmern was here not long ago shooting Bizarre Foods (Travel Channel). The owner is a Parisian guy who visited Morocco and decided never to leave. He was a headhunter in Paris—interesting guy—also owns a houseboat on the Seine which he rents out.
 
Riad Fes: Not far from Riad La Roussa in the Medina—beautiful, tranquil property with a pool on the roof and indoor reflection pools. It’s more luxurious than La Roussa with upscale dining. I didn’t stay here, but dined here a few times, had drinks and it was very good. An excellent choice if you’re vacationing with folks who may not be as comfortable outside their Western element.  It’s a Relais & Chateaux property.
 
Palais Jamai: If you need to get out of the Medina and take a respite from Morocco you can hop over to Palais Jamai, which is just outside the Medina. It’s a large, luxurious, more wester-feel hotel with a nice pool, etc.  It’s likely where dignitaries would stay, etc.  Good to take a breather and get back in your “comfort zone”, if necessary (although Riad Fes does a great job here, too).

Marrakesh

Place to Stay: Riad El Fenn. It’s just inside the Medina—a beautiful, quirky, but traditional small hotel with fantastic rooms and excellent service plus a small, but nice pool. Splurge for the suites. It’s Richard Branson’s sister’s place. I enjoyed the many turtles that live in the courtyard
 
Hot Air Balloon: My family did it at sunrise and really enjoyed the views onto the high Atlas.
 
Dinner: dar Yacout and Le Tobsil. I would go w/ dar Youcout first – great “arabian nights” atmosphere w/ excellent food in the medina. Le Tobsil also very good, more family-style, but in a fantastic setting (drinks prior on a deck overlooking Marrakech.
 
Outside Marrakech: Marrakech can be hectic, hot and sticky. When you’ve had enough, drive 1 hour into the high Atlas and relax with a great pool and incredible mountain views at Branson’s home in Morroco—Kasbah Tamadot— with a family/large group, rent the Master Suite which is a beautiful standalone building with 3 bedrooms and your own pool. We loved it. [Kelly: I’ve long suspected Richard Branson of being an extroverted Smart Freedom (ENTP) and I’m betting he’d enjoy an Organic Freedom culture or maybe I’m wrong and Morocco is Smart Freedom!]