For Morocco: Amazing Riads, Hotels & People
On the 8th September a catastrophic earthquake struck the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
Thousands of people lost their lives. In mountain communities entire villages were wiped out. Relief is urgently needed for those most affected, suggested charities for donations are included below to support the country and communities as they begin to rebuild.
However, tourism drives many Moroccans livelihoods and employs 5% of the countries workforce. Think before you cancel a booked trip and if you have some holiday left, consider booking one to Morocco. Yes, the earth shook but Morocco is standing.
local and global relief charities providing emergency services
Choose Love
A dedicated appeal providing support to its long-term local NGO partner
Moroccan Red Crescent Society
Fund the rescue teams on the ground with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, providing search and rescue support through their Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
High Atlas Foundation
With years of experience transporting supplies to these remote villages, they are uniquely equipped to transport and distribute essential supplies for disaster relief.
Morocco is colour and character in abundance so it is little wonder the country is loved by travellers; surfers, sun seekers and souk snoopers. Fuelled by tagine, hydrated by mint tea and hosted by beaming locals.
Riad Rosemary
The newly opened hotel is located in one of the medinas oldest streets, a traditional courtyard house believed to have been designed by Belgian architect Quentin Wilbaux. He was famously obsessed with the riads of Marrakech and made a life’s work of sketching, photographing, and restoring nearly 150 of them.
An intimate guesthouse designed by LRNCE and so filled with bold and brilliant textiles that celebrate local craftsmanship, art and design.
Cost: From €210 a night Bed & Breakfast
Riad Secret Jardin
‘An urban oasis’ is over used to describe city hotels but this one really does offer peace and calm away from the hustle and bustle of souks and everyday Marrakech life. An artists retreat, this seven bedroom riad draws creatives with its intimate and artful atmosphere. Magpie finds from the markets cover the place and zellij (mosaics) climb the bathroom walls.
Breakfasts (my favourite part of any hotel stay) are a fabulous feast of organic, seasonal fruit from the farmers market, nuts, cereals, yogurt and pancakes.
Amal Restaurant & Cooking Classes
About
A non profit restaurant dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women through culinary training.
Address: Rue Allal Ben Ahmed, Marrakesh 40000
P’tit Habibi
The holiday home of a Norwegian architect this little hotel feels more like a peaceful private homestay. Fatima, the dada (home cook) often sits grilling kebabs over a charcoal fire in the marble courtyard. On the roof, you are free to help yourself to drinks from the fridge and make yourself comfortable beside the plunge pool.
Cost: From €130 a night Bed & Breakfast
Berber Lodge
Escape the city to this elegant resort in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Externally the hotel resembles a traditional Berber village surrouned by ancient olive trees and cacti.
Berber Lodge is a marriage of authenticity and low-key luxe. Freshly picked jasmine scents your vast bedroom and peaches from the organic garden are served at breakfast. Little nooks are all around and the pool is a peaceful place to lounge a while.
Cost: From €250 a night Bed & Breakfast
Kasbah Bab Ourika
A beautiful country house where tortoises patter across the mature terraced gardens. A walled garden houses the pool and the hotel boasts one of Moroccos best veg patches. Look up and The Atlas Mountains frame all views from the hotels vantage point above the Ourika Valley.
Local Berbers from the surrounding villages make up the courteous staff. Their focus is entirely on the comfort of the guests, from guided walks, to the preparation of a guest’s market-bought leg of goat for dinner.
Cost: From €180 a night Bed & Breakfast
Musée Tiskiwin Marrakech
About
This is a private little museum dedicated to the culture and life of indigenous Berber people. It's housed in a charming and typically Moroccan Riad
Address: 8 Rue de la Bahia, Marrakech 40000
