China
Escaping the Crowds in Tourist Hot Spots
To go off the beaten track, even in a massively popular tourist destination, often all you have to do is walk a short distance away from the crowds. […]
Marrakech
Africa
In the Midst of Arab Uprisings, How Safe Does Marrakech Feel?
Less than four flying hours and a sun filled universe away from the bleak UK winter, Marrakech has long presented an exotic short break getaway option, until that is, a bomb exploded in the Café Argana in April 2012 killing 17 people, many of them foreign tourists. […]
Food & drink
Favourite World Recipes, Spicy Moroccan Potato & Tomato Stew
This is a killer of a dish. Its combination of spices mixed with the humble potato performs such an addictive belly dance on the tongue that once enjoyed you have to come back for more. […]
Marrakech
The Marvellous and Maddening Medina in Marrakech
Fascinating but frustrating, the Marrakech Medina is full of wonders for sure but the level of mithering in certain areas can be overwhelming and exhausting. […]
Hotels
Why A Riad House Manager is Your Best Friend in Marrakech
“When you see the Crazy Boys you know you’re okay,” advised a grinning Rachid.
Almost anywhere else in the world, advice that included trying to find the ‘Crazy Boys’ would have had me grabbing an overpriced taxi back to the departure lounge. […]
Marrakech
Is Jemaa el Fna Square in Marrakech Too Touristy?
Basically the musicians, storytellers, poets and dancers were there before the mainstream tourists arrived. I think a lot of people forget that… or don’t know it. […]
Atlas Mountains
Ten Tips for Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains
Whatever your personal goals or hiking experience, here are a few essential pieces of advice to help you get over the peaks and troughs of trekking in Morocco’s mountains. […]
Food & drink
The Insiders’ Guide to Marrakech
Alan and Kate Elliott have spent much of the last 10 years experiencing the ins and outs of living and working in Marrakech whilst restoring the beautiful and tranquil Riad Merstane…Here are their essential tips for getting the best out of a trip to Marrakech. […]
Food & drink
Nightlife & Bars in Marrakech
Your first dusk walk through the Medina in Marrakech and it soon becomes apparent that nightlife in Marrakech, the old part anyway, isn’t going to be a case of boisterous bars and lively lounges. […]
Food & drink
Food & Restaurants in Marrakech
Moroccan cuisine is often described as being a diverse mix of Berber, Arab and even Mediterranean influences with much use of the exotic spices… […]
Food & drink
What is a Moroccan Tajine?
The name actually refers to the container the meal is cooked in as well as the dish itself. This is a two piece earthenware affair, usually called a beldi tajine, which consists of a circular base in which the ingredients are cooked… […]
Africa
Riad Merstane, Marrakech
A stunning 200 year old riad, beautifully restored and impeccably maintained in the residential area of the Marrakech medina, a ten minute walk to the souks and 25 minutes to the famous Jemaa El F’na square. Riad Merstane is hidden away in a maze of alleys and entering from the medina is like walking into a perfumed and tranquil oasis. […]
Marrakech
First Impressions of the Red City of Marrakech in Photos
A wacky races of mopeds and bicycles weave around pedestrians in narrow alleys. The trick to negotiating them is not to move out of the way of the traffic; let the bikes do all the work. In some ways these are more interesting than the trinket and treasure laden souks […]