El Fenn | Marrakech

Just a few minutes walk from the labyrinth of streets of the souk in Marrakech is this little jewel of a hotel. Once a private home, this riad has been converted into a truly unique hotel. It now has over 25 rooms, each designed completely different. My room was all black, from the walls to the floor, the bathroom tub and tile. There are so many places to explore, you can easily get lost inside.

You can see why El Fenn is one of the most instagrammed hotels in Marrakech. To read more about El Fenn, click here.

Fes | Morocco

The Red Room at the Riad Fes

Fes is a maze of over 9,000 little streets which is impossible to not get lost in. We tried, we really did, but within 10 minutes we made it back to our hotel and hired a guide to pave our way. We traversed the tiny streets of the medina, each area defined by its specialty. Areas for shoes, woodmaking, metal, clothes and food. Watch out as a cart with a mule will be coming with a load of water and you plaster yourself against the wall. It is exotic and theatre all at once.

My short list:

Riad Fes. What a jewel this is.

Nur Restaurant

Desert Luxury Camp | Merzouga, Morocco

After a beautiful 8 hour drive from Fes, through the Middle Atlas Mountains, we arrive in Merzouga. Along the way we shared some nuts with the Barbary apes and stopped for a herd of goats. Upon arrival, we hop in a 4 x 4 and head through the dunes to the camp where we are greeted with mint tea. As sunset approaches we climb the dunes for an amazing view of the Sahara.

Once again, this is another "dry" area, so we brought our own wine. Dinner was one of the best we had in Morocco. Semolina soup, what I call a "Moroccan Eggpant Parmesan" with Edam cheese, rice pilaf, and a tagine filled with beef. After dinner, dancing to the drums outside under the stars.

You can read more about Desert Luxury Camp here.

L'Ma Lodge | Skoura - Quarzazate, Morocco

After leaving the Sahara and traveling through the Atlas mountains, we descend into the town of Skoura. Driving down a dusty dirt road in what seems like the middle of nowhere, one comes upon a true oasis, L'Ma Lodge. Every detail of this guest house is perfection. Vanessa, the owner, designed the property herself, sourcing pieces from local artisans. The food was amazing, the rooms were beautifully decorated. I could have stayed forever.

The Blue City of Morocco | Chefchaouen

Last month I went on a road trip through Morocco. This trip was suppose to include the seaside port of Tangiers but due to bad weather and cancelled flights we went straight to Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco. It is in the Rif Mountains in Northwest Morocco and about a 2 and a half hour drive from Tangiers. The buildings that make up Chefchaouen are painted the most beautiful shade of blue. Some say to repel mosquitos though others believe that Jewish refugees from Spain in the 15th century painted it blue as they escaped Europe. Blue represents divinity.

                                        

These pigments are mixed with water to create the colorful hues of the city.

Chefchaouen is also famous for their goat cheese (top of image). But if you want to have cheese and wine you had better bring your own. Chefchaouen is a dry city.

        

      My short list:

1.  Riad Hicham Restaurant  riadhicham.com   Had an amazing dinner here of chicken kabobs and a vegetable tagine. They do not supply wine. You can bring your own. 
2. Oomm Rabie Restaurant   http://benhmamou.ma/FR/   does have liquor.
3. Pizzeria Mandala  http://www.pizzeriamandala.com/  

February in Manhattan