It is here in Morocco where the colors and scents of this cultural hub awaken your senses. There are treasures that await to be discovered around every corner. It all starts when you touch down at their world class airport, Fez-Saiss, that has a new terminal with great amenities for travelers. So, as you step out of the terminal and begin your journey remember to embrace the moment and cultural treasures you discover!
Marrakech Welcomes Yves St Laurent Museum
Marrakech welcomes the Yves St Laurent museum that celebrates the life of the internationally renowned fashion designer. It was in the sixties when St Laurent first visited Morocco and swiftly fell in love with the Red City, so much so that he bought a house there in 1966 with his then-partner Pierre Bergé. As his fame grew, the pair bought Villa House, a large house connected to the Jardin Majorelle.
Saint Laurent died in 2008, and in the intervening years Bergé has dedicated himself to ensuring the designer’s legacy. In what was his last act before he died in September, he oversaw the construction of the museum that is located on Rue Yves St Laurent.
The museum is 4,000 square metres and has been architecturally designed to reflect the curves of the designer’s work. It is sure to draw fashion fans to Marrakech from across the globe.
Morocco Named Among Lonely Planet's Best Destinations
Essaouira has recently been chosen by Lonely Planet as one of its Best Destinations for 2018. The respected travel guide company chose this walled city on the Atlantic coast as its 'narrow alleyways, traditional hammams and medina pile on the sensory delight'. They also mention the superb windsurfing and the sensational food that is on offer every day.
Numerous world-class greens around Essaouira have also contributed to Morocco’s nomination for Africa’s Best Golf Destination in the World Golf Awards 2017. The Golf de Mogador is a spectacular course, with splendid views across the Atlantic. Designer Gary Player,has mixed British links with American desert style to create a playing surface that is challenging and rewarding.
Easyjet flies direct to Essaouira from London Luton twice weekly – ideal for a spot of winter sun. Alternatively, the coastal city provides the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech - the three-hour journey by road linking the two also offers the ideal opportunity to visit an argan oil cooperative, or even see goats in trees - it's a surprising site to see.
Create Your Casablanca Moment
Can you believe it's been 75 years since the iconic 1942 film Casablanca hit the silver screen for the first time, and it’s virtually impossible to talk about Morocco’s largest city without (mis)quoting the movie - despite it being exclusively filmed almost 5,700 miles away in the US.
Casablanca today is a living, breathing multicultural city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, full of unmissable sights including the Hassan II Mosque, the Royal Palace and the largest shopping mall in Africa. And yes, it is actually possible to eat in Rick’s Café, or at least a replica, and it’s a great place to indulge in a Negroni while listening to the pianist play As Time Goes By.
Touch Down At Fez-Saiss and Let Your Adventure Begin
Fez-Saiss welcomes travelers from around the world each day. And, with their new terminal they have increased annual capacity to 2.5 million passengers from 500,000 previously.
The world-class airport includes a new 28,000 m2 terminal building with arrival and departure halls, duty-free shops, children’s playground and food court. Significant investment in systems and infrastructure has also been included to ensure full compliance with international standards for air traffic flow, aviation and airport security and quality of services.
New direct Air Arabia flights from Gatwick twice-weekly in addition to direct flights from Stansted with Ryanair make Fez easier to reach than ever for UK visitors. The addition of thrice-weekly internal connections from Marrakech reduces journey time between the two cities to just one hour. This is much better than the over seven hours it take by road or train.
High Speed Rail Coming To Morocco
Morocco’s new high speed rail link, the TGV line, will run between Tangier and Casablanca in 2018. It will be the first high-speed TGV train on the continent and passengers will be able to travel at up to 200 mph between the two cities, halving current journey times and allowing travellers to explore the northern part of the kingdom with greater ease than ever before.
Plan Your Trip To Morocco