Questions about excursions around Marrakech (page 2 of 7)

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.)

Reading between the lines, it seems Bruno’s friends are more into "spa - massage - restaurant - villa" than roads and wild landscapes.

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’d initially suggested a multi-stop trip, but they quickly shot me down

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)

- Essaouira for the day, we'll leave at 6 AM... (I'd love the address of the fish restaurant)

Sam’s restaurant. And while I’m at it, my latest discovery in Marrakech: Chez Zaza. I really loved the place, and Zaza’s cooking is delicious.

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. 😮)

I’ll keep your address in mind for lunch. ;)

Which one are you talking about? Whenever I go to Morocco, I always take an alcohol break. ;)

I’ll respond to the collective by revisiting Catherine’s message—she really read between the lines... it’s a judgment, but it’s the right one! Spa, massage, and dining will be the keywords for the stay.

No, Bruno! 😛 Or else I’d be shooting myself in the foot, knowing that when I travel, I’m all about multi-programming. Apart from your villa rental—and I told you this privately—for me, Marrakech means a Riad. Traditional accommodation, prime location... The space just for you, the peace and quiet, the service, the terrace, the pool—you could’ve had all that in a Riad. For everything else, whatever you do, you’ll have a blast. Because you’re with friends, because it’s vacation, because it’s Morocco, because it’s exotic, because we only live once 😉

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.

I was talking about the one in Marrakech!

I can never resist local drinks, which is why I love drinking wine in Morocco!😛

It’s not me, who worked 15 years for a famous Bordeaux wine merchant—also the leading wine producer in Morocco—who’s gonna tell you otherwise. Morocco has some really great products (and some not-so-great ones too, but that’s everywhere, right?)

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.

Your place in Essaouira has a license and serves Israeli wine! (If I understood correctly) When did you go to this place? Some reviews mention a drop in quality since the change of address and the departure of the former owner.

I went there last September. It’s my friend’s usual spot—she lives in Essaouira. She knows the owner well; did he give us better service than other customers? We ate really well. I’ve seen the TA reviews—they’re mixed, as usual. But it was a great value for money, especially since prices in Essaouira are getting more and more "French," and tourists aren’t spared from scams.

Quick question: I saw there are dinner shows called "fantasia" (like at Ali's place).

Ask Perju—he knows all about shows in the Palmeraie hotels

Is it worth spending a bit of money on what you get there?

Watch out for scams in this area... Honestly, I’d rather eat at La Mamounia!

(if we want a travel journal, we’ve gotta have a laugh on VF from time to time 😛)

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

I saw the TA reviews—they’re mixed as usual.

3.5 is *super* mixed! 🤪

Either they’ve got enemies on the ground, or the quality varies wildly for one-time customers.

That rating’s gotta hurt. Personally, a 3.5 is a deal-breaker for me—I won’t even read the comments. 😮

Quick question: I saw there are dinner shows called “fantasia” (like at Ali’s place).

Ask Perju—he knows all about the shows in the Palmeraie hotels

Is there an inside joke here?

Is it worth spending a bit of money on what you get there?

Watch out for scams in this area... Honestly, I’d rather eat at La Mamounia!

Not the same budget, in my opinion…

(Yeah, yeah, if we want a travel journal, we’ve gotta have a laugh on VF from time to time :P)

Not even in my dreams!