Secretplaces – Guide to auThentic and romantic Morocco hotels

Morocco

Romantic Riads, charming Moroccan accommodation and Morocco hotels

Welcome to Secretplaces Morocco. Stay in small, romantic Riads luxury hotels and accommodations combining the sea and dessert. Specially selected holiday accommodations from which to get to know this exotic country. Whatever your reasons to visit Morocco, be it a romantic getaway, a cultural tour, or the thrill of staying at a small luxury hotel, Secretplaces will you help you find the perfect spot.

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II	Important places

To search hotels, click on region on map or choose from list below:

»	Essaouira Hotels
»	Fez-Boulemane Hotels
»	Marrakech Hotels

»	Oualidia Hotels
»	Ouarzazate Hotels

Morocco

Morocco is at once a world away but strangely familiar. Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier slip off the tongue as places we’ve all heard of, yet the country still retains an aura of the exotic even to this day – that colourful one thousand and one nights feel and atmosphere. The fact of the matter remains that Morocco is an intrinsically beautiful land, one that abounds in a heritage and culture. As soon as you set foot on its shores you will be transported to another time and place totally different from what you will leave at home, but at your disposal there lie fascinating cities and landscapes that vary from snow-laden slopes to the highest mountain ranges in Africa and pristine deserts.

Below we outline some useful information when planning your trip to Morocco:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Anyone visiting Morocco requires a passport. EU, US, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need VISAS.

LANGUAGE:
The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but French is widely spoken, whilst English is becoming an increasingly popular language, particularly in the major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat.

WEATHER / WHEN TO GO:
Pretty much all year round is the simple answer, especially on the southern coast where the weather is generally pleasant for the 12 months of the year. In the lowlands cool months last from October to April, but even so, we’re talking pleasantly warm days and night time temperatures of 15º. However, winter in the north and the mountain regions is much cooler and wetter. The skiing season lasts from December to March.

LOCAL CUSTOMS:
The Moroccans are an extremely hospitable people. Following some basic guidelines will further enhance your enjoyment of Morocco:

- Avoid provocative clothing.

- Accept mint tea when offered, this a sign of hospitality.

- Avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public in daytime during the period of Ramadan.

- It is not unusual to be invited by a Moroccan family for a meal. In this case wash your hands, as a symbolic gesture and wait for the master of the house to intone the bismillah (in praise of God).

- Access to mosques and holy places is forbidden to non Muslims (exceptions include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, the Moulay Ismaïl mausoleum at Meknes and the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum at Rissani).

ACCOMMODATION:
You will notice that many of our accommodations in Morocco have the title of Riad. What is a Riad? Simply put, it is a traditional town house with a central garden courtyard from whence it gets its name. Peaceful and Zen like, they are usually located in the old part of town or Medina, where they act as an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A good number are owned by European ex-pats.

RELIGION:
Islam, the official religion of Morocco, has coexisted peacefully with other religions for many years and there is a sizeable community of foreigners in the country, including French, Italian and American. As with other Muslim countries Ramadan is the most important religious festival and is observed by the vast majority of people. During the month-long festival Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and smoking from sunrise to sunset.

HEALTH:
There are no compulsory vaccinations for visitors to Morocco although doctors may recommend protection. Anti-malarial tablets are NOT necessary.
Avoid drinking water from rivers and streams.

- When buying bottled water, always ensure the seal is unbroken.
- It is always wise to wash and peel fresh fruit.
- The summer sun in Morocco can be very harsh. Take precautions against sunburn by packing plenty of suntan oil and sun block
- Only swim in hotel pools and safe stretches of coastline.

MONEY:
The official Moroccan currency is the dirham, denominational in 20, 50, 100 and 200. Please note the following:
It is illegal to change Money in the street. The best places to do so are banks, bureaux de change (indicated with a gold sign) and hotel cashiers. No commission is charged and you will receive a slip allowing any unspent currency to be changed back at the end of the trip. Cash dispensers can be found in most large towns and cities. Credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels, shops and restaurants and sometimes even in the souks

ll	Romantic Towns

Agadir
Southern Morocco's most popular city and a sought after tourist destination. Agadir is also a good base from which to visit the numerous interesting places to see that within driving distance.

Casablanca
Also known as Dar el Baida, Casablanca is essentially the capital of Morocco and in many respects resembles a Southern European city. European travellers should find it easy to feel at home here and enjoy its lifestyle.

Fez
Much of Fez still holds on to its French roots and you will no doubt be hooked by its Francophile sights, sounds and colourful smells. It has enough attractions too keep you busy for a few days.

Erfoud
Erfoud is located right on the border of the Sahara Desert. Unsurprisingly, it makes for an excellent base for exploring the desert, 4x4 tours and camel trips. Home of the Moroccan specialty 'kalia',

Marrakech
Marrakech is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in North Africa, not to mention Morocco itself. The bustle of the Medina, palm-lined streets and red-earth walls all make for a memorable stay.

Tangier
Tangier, also known as the White City, Tangier revolves around its port where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. There are beautiful beaches to enjoy and it is a lively city in its own right

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Mountains

The High Atlas is the biggest mountain range in North Africa and offers an impressive range of activities, including, mountain biking, hiking trails and mountain photography. Its high peaks (over 4000 metres) provoke a high level of rainfall and so it boasts many fertile valleys surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. It all makes for some breathtaking sights that should not be missed and which cover some of the most beautiful regions of Morocco. The villages in the High Atlas are small but thriving and home to the Berbers - enduring, hospitable and very friendly people.

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