Read Laura’s second blog about her Marrakech trip, highlights include a camel and mule ride finishing with a relaxing massage…
Sunday in Marrakech. We had an early start as we headed into the Agafay Rock Desert on a Jeep Safari, first stop – a traditional Berber house where we were treated to a yummy breakfast. As we stepped back out from the courtyard we were faced by 12 camels…..!
It was the first time I had ridden one and what great fun, a little nervy when you’re all attached to one another and one decides it needs a little lie down but a fantastic experience.
We headed for the High Atlas Mountains and had an unscheduled stop on route…a jeep from another tour was stuck in a pile of sand (that someone had tried to steal from the desert apparently, you couldn’t write this stuff) so we all got out to help dig and push. In the meantime, a farmer came along and while he gave his assistance all 300 of his sheep and goats made a run for it in different directions, not your usual traffic chaos on the M25.
We stopped at Imlil Village, 1800m high, and rode Mules for the last stretch up to the Kasbah Tubkal where we enjoyed a BBQ lunch and views of the surrounding mountain peaks. For an event with a difference there is a great terrace that is available to hire.
On route back, we stopped at Terres d’Amanar, a team building site with rope courses and the longest zip wire in Africa. It has accommodation on site with lodges and 4 bedroom tents and there is even a pool.
That evening, we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks at the contemporary and classy Bo & Zin, starters at the Dar Soukkar (a funky restaurant in a club-like environment) and mains and desserts in Le Comptoir Darna while enjoying the belly dancing and floor show taking place around us.
On Monday morning, we were given a tour by horse drawn carriage around Marrakech stopping off at some of it’s landmarks such as the Bahia Palace and Majorelle Botanical Gardens. Following this, we returned to the hotel for a spot of lunch in the sun.
We were then lucky enough to experience the spa, I thoroughly enjoyed a full body massage, what a perfect end to the trip.
On route back to the airport, we stopped off at the Beldi Country Club. Hidden within rose gardens this venue has 38 bedrooms, event space for up to 600, not to mention the beautiful outdoor space and swimming pools. We enjoyed a farewell drinks and canape reception in the tranquil conservatory before making our way.
Marrakech isn’t perhaps the first place event managers would consider for an event but experiencing it first hand, seeing how they can cater for all needs and feeling so safe, I would highly recommend it as a location to consider.
