Morocco and the travel community - let's come together 🙏
Thinking of the Moroccan people and counting my blessings #60
I had planned to talk to you about the challenges of having lots of work during a heatwave week that makes you want to go back to the beach instead. But the terrible news about Morocco yesterday and today made all of this so irrelevant.
Marrakech is also where the travel industry was about to gather for one of their events yesterday and the days to come. It’s called PURE and is an ‘experiental travel show’. Of course they’ve now cancelled it but it’s been interesting to see how this travel community, more used to hedonism, is trying hard to help the local Moroccan community. Those who hadn’t arrived yet were trying to donate their flight to family members who would want to travel there. Those on their way were bringing cash in local currency or supplies. Others already here were trying to help schools…
Morocco is a beautiful country which I visited three times. I had an adventure trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate in a caravan of four 4L (a French old car) camping in valleys, staying in villages, walking on sand dunes on the edge of the Sahara desert which was fantastic. I returned with a friend for a trek in the Atlas and a visit to Essaouira and I had a few relaxing nights in Marrakech. I don’t currently cover much outside of Europe, hence why you don’t see many hotels recommendations there from me. Although I had just highlighted a beautiful new Riad there, Rosemary Marrakech, on Instagram the day before the earthquake.
I truly hope that the country and its people will recover from this terrible tragedy. When they do, visiting them will be a great show of support. I donated to the British Red Cross today .
I had started to prep the extra finds for this week so I list them below still.
This coming week, I certainly will appreciate the extreme luck I have to be able to go to work, even if it’s crazy at the moment, to have a roof over my head but most importantly to have my loved ones with me.
Have a safe and happy week, count your blessings.
Extra finds
The Bear Inn,
From £175- Check latest prices and availability
A former 16th century coaching inn, The Bear Inn offers seasonal food, local ales and lovely accommodation. The Bear has 12 individually-designed guest rooms with cosy, colourful, folk-inspired interiors - exposed beams above bright upholstery, heavyweight curtains, original artwork, luxurious woollen blankets, and crisp white cotton sheets. Several rooms are pet friendly.
Bastide du Mourre, Provence
From 250 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
Bastide du Mourre is a members-reserved house. You need to pay an annual membership. In a lovely 17th century bastide on a hill facing Oppède-le-Vieux, 17 rooms, a room dedicated to yoga (from hatha to kundalini via natha and ashtanga), breathwork, sound therapy, 5 treatment cabins, including 3 LumiPods and 2 nestled inside the sheepfold, 1 sauna, 1 swimming pool, 1 tennis court. Looks like it's only for adults
Amagatay Menorca
Double rooms from £338.34 (€396) - Check latest prices and availability
Located in Alaoir, the Amagatay Menorca agrotourism is a farm with more than 30 hectares, surrounded by olive trees. It has a large outdoor pool, a bar and a restaurant. New owners have updated the look and brought style to the property. The pool overlooks the olive groves
Brindos, Lac et Château, Anglet
From 175 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
In the heart of the Basque coast, in Anglet, Brindos Lac & Château sprawls across the shores of one of the largest private lakes in France. 39 rooms and suites and the unusual choice of ten floating lodges on the lake reached via electric boats. The spa features Gemology products and treatments, a hammam and a wellness area. And to to top it all a "chocolaterie"! The spa has four lake-view hot tubs. In summer the huge outdoor heated pool opens from 7am to 9pm.