Questions excursions autour de Marrakech

When you read between the lines, it seems Bruno’s friends are more into "spa - massage - restaurant - villa" than wild roads and landscapes. Not a judgment, though.
I also think the Morocco "experts" will give the right answer.
In the end, Bruno will follow the advice (or not )

So the best thing is not to leave Marrakech. (I'm not sure Ait Ben Haddou would work either. Essaouira, on the other hand, could be an option.)

I’ll respond collectively by picking up on Catherine’s message—she read between the lines well. It’s a judgment, but it’s spot-on!
Spa, massages, and restaurants will be the keywords for this trip. That’s why I’m looking for 2 or max 3 day trips, self-guided because we rented cars (at 150 € a week, we’re not holding back).I initially suggested a road trip, but that idea was quickly shot down So, it’ll be villa stays with day trips. Believe me, when I see your amazing posts, I tell myself I’ll go back my own way Anyway, thanks for all your advice—I’ll compile everything and get back to you for more details.For now, here’s what I’m keeping in mind:- At least 2 days to visit Marrakech. I’ll probably hire a guide to keep my group in check (don’t feel like playing babysitter!)
- Essaouira for the day—we’ll leave at 6 AM. (I’d love the address of that fish restaurant!)
- Imlil looks nice, but isn’t it redundant with Ouzoud?
- Agafay for an evening under a Berber tent with quad biking/camel rides. Not my thing at all, but I’ve got some Fram folks in the group… Unless you have another similar option (or a standout provider)I’ll look into the rest…PS: There won’t be any travel journals when we get back!

"Spa, massage, and restaurants will be the keywords for the trip."
Huh? No, I didn’t say anything...

Imlil has nothing to do with Ouzoud.Even with a, uhhh, Fram mindset, I don’t see the point of going to Ouzoud.Okay, you can buy peanuts to feed the monkeys, buy tons of tacky souvenirs, and walk between a thousand shops and restaurants blocking the view.
Plus, the waterfall can turn out to be really underwhelming...If you’re going to travel miles, I agree with Kate on Aït Ben Haddou.
Ouzoud is honestly the last place I’d go back to in Morocco...
I’d even prefer Merzouga!I think you could’ve managed a Essaouira/Marrakech combo.

And what about something like this? (The provider is just an example... I don’t know them)

I’ll keep your address in mind for lunch.
For dinner, it’s a bit too dry for me... (Non-alcoholic wine??? I’d never seen that on a menu before. )

When I said your judgment was right, it’s because I would’ve preferred 3 or 4 days in Marrakech and a loop trip somewhere—I don’t know where, but that’s the basis of a discovery trip…But that’s not the choice that was made, so we’re adapting. It’s even simpler for booking choices.Riad or villa—the choice was settled, but since we’re going as scouts with my best friends (there are five of us), I obviously booked a riad in the medina for the two extra nights! So I’ll compare once we’re there!For the rest, I’m not worried—we’ll have a blast!!Quick question: I saw there are "fantasia" dinner shows (like Chez Ali). Has anyone tried them? Is it worth spending a bit of money on what you get? Don’t talk to me about authenticity—I get the concept…
Just wondering if you’ve tried it and liked it.

I was talking about the one in Marrakech!I can never resist local drinks, which is why I enjoy drinking wine in Morocco! (Weirdly, the non-alcoholic ones are French... )Your address in Essaouira has a license and offers something unusual—Israeli wine! (Well, if I understood correctly.)
About this place, when did you go? Some comments mention a drop in quality since the change of address and the former owner leaving.

My ex had tried a fantasia, but it was a long time ago during a work dinner. The address had been chosen by Moroccans, so.
He liked it.

Maybe your old boss started a non-alcoholic wine business?
Still, it’s a great niche to develop among more conservative Muslims.For your friends, how about visiting a Moroccan winery?
Well, I don’t think that’s in the area.

The Mamounia, wow!
Oh yes, of course!
Good call!
Hee hee hee hee