T·MORROCO
a wonderfully surreal experience. Classic Italian dishes are served by waiters in black tie, on a 1950s terrace surrounded by the Islamic craftsmanship and exotic palms of this staggering ancient Sultan’s palace!
Labyrinthine Chefchaouen Just a few hours’drive south east of Tangier, is the striking azure mountain village of Chefchaouen.
This ancient Berber community is recognised for its extraordinary sixteenth century labyrinthine old town that appears lost in time, painted in shades of blue, mauve and aquamarine.
Walking its narrow streets becomes mesmerising, as if in an underwater Atlantis, where subtle pastel shades blend to create an unexpected experience. The maze of mauve and turquoise alleys of Chefchaouen is full of aroma and colour, punctuated by Lilliputian doorways, as if from a fairytale. Access to this wonderful ancient medina is impossible by car, so park by the city walls and walk to one of the elegant yet simple boutique Riad hotels. Many of the old town’s distinctive courtyard properties or ‘Dar’ that have been converted into boutique guest houses and hotels that offer comfort and even luxury yet with plenty of authentic touches.
Tagines & Couscous The food here is astonishingly good. One of the best known is ‘Restaurant Tissemlal’ in the Casa Hassan Hotel. It offers authentic dishes, including ubiquitous couscous and tagines. Be-
ing a vegetarian here is a joy, as there is a wide choice of non meat dishes, whilst the carnivores can tuck into richly-spiced, slowed-cooked stews with dried fruits and nuts served in iconic tagine plates topped with heavy conical clay lids.
This is perfect hearty food that tastes even better after a day’s trekking in the Rif Mountains; or exploring the village’s artisan stalls; or following a robust massage in one of the local Hammam baths.
Northern Morocco is one of the world’s great frontiers, where Europe meets Africa, Christian meets Muslim, and the developed world directly touches the developing. It’s a place where you don’t feel like a tourist, you feel like a traveller, truly immersed in a rich and fascinating culture that feels worlds away from home