Discover exotic Marrakesh, its mysteries, magic, culture, gastronomy and more!
Well-known for its grand palaces, souks, snake charmers and gastronomic delights, Marrakech, one of the jewels of Morocco, is waiting for you. Close to the Atlas Mountains and the sea, the city is rich in multicultural influence, from Spain, Portugal, France, the Berbers, and beyond.
Put on your babouches (local leather slippers) and take your senses out into a town that will lure and enchant them with the excitement of new sites, unusual sounds, enticing smells and delicious tastes. Touch the gold, silver, leather, ceramics, and fabrics as you decide what to take home. Experience the local culture, through the outstanding service at our villa, the ocre colored streets, the vendors you will meet along the way, the gastronomy complemented with well established Moroccan wines, and the sensuality of it all.
Joining forces once again, Chef Renee Schuler of Eat Well, caterer extraordinaire in Cincinnati, USA, and Sugar and Saffron, a cooking school based in Southern France, will focus our attention on delivering a most delicious and enriching experience. Together we have previously offered sold out, successful events in France, Italy, and Spain.
Open for booking now.
Music by TimTaj
Contact: Renee Schuler renee@eatwellonline.com (click to generate an email)
Accomodation
A luxury villa in a palm grove will be your home away from home. The 9 spacious, en-suite, air-conditioned double rooms, an in-house spa, and a fully stocked water and soft drink refrigerator available 24/7 reflect the Moroccan art of living turned towards confort. Beautiful gardens and a swimming pool provide a luscious backdrop for your stay. For photos click here.
Situated close to the Medina (the old walled town), it is a perfect location for daily outings without the shortcomings that come with the parking limitations of the old town. The town center is only a 20 minute walk away or a 5 minute taxi run. Transportation is provided for all scheduled activities.
Our group size is determined by your reservations. Maximum size 18 participants, minimum 9.
Features
- Gastronomy -
- Starting at the villa where cooking duties will be shared by local and visiting chefs. Culinary instruction will be provided 2-3 times during the week.
- Selection of restaurants, known for their traditionally inspired menus, exotic dishes, and locally sourced ingredients.
Photo ©2024 Timothy Fallen-Bailey
- Exploring Oils, Spices and Herbs - Visit to an organic certified herbalist shop.
- Use of spices and herbs in the kitchen.
- Cosmetic and medicinal applications (Argan and cactus pear oils).
- Spells and magic if of interest.
- Perfume Museum - A small space that explores Morocco's fascination with essential oils and scents.
- Create your own perfume: a workshop where the activity leader will guide you as you explore the multiple aromas from their fragrance palette to develop your own. (One small bottle included)
Photo courtesy of Le Musée du Parfum Marrakech
- The Secret Garden - An oasis of peace and beauty in the heart of Marrakech.
- A fascinating irrigation system.
- The perfect introduction to Moroccan tile work.
Photo courtesy of Le Jardin Secret Marrakech
- La Mamounia - La Grande Dame de Marrakech combines the beauty of ancestral Moroccan architectural features and the elegance of Art Déco. This unforgettable property surrounded by exuberant gardens is reputed to be Winston Churchill's favorite local hotel.
- One drink for apéritif at Churchill's bar. (Included)
Photo ©2024 Timothy Fallen-Bailey
- Koutoubia Mosque - An impressive building with a 77 meter tall minaret and a combination of Islamic and Andalousian architecture.
- Viist of the grounds except the prayer hall
- Dress conservatively
Photo courtesy of Jooinn.com
- Place Jmaa el Fnaa - A must see at nighttime when this central square comes to life. Pictures and video do no justice to the lively space that is occupied every night by performers, food vendors, market stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, monkeys, parrots, horses, and people of all origins, including you!
- A watchful eye and comfortable shoes are a must.
Photo courtesy of Visitmymorrocco.com
- Essaouira - Kown until the 1960s as Mogador, a name given by the Portuguese, this charming port city and UNESCO World Heritage site features an impressive clock tower and a combination of Portuguese, Arab and French architectural styles which can be discovered in your independent tour of the Medina.
- Optional road stop at Argan oil co-operative.
- Optional visit of La Kasbah art gallery - End visit by seeing Essaouira from the gallery's terrace.
- Waterfront lunch
Photo ©2024 Timothy Fallen-Bailey
- Majorelle Gardens, Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Art, Yves Saint Laurent Museum - Covering over 9000m2 and created over 40 years, the magnificent complex displays in the garden an opulent collection of exotic trees and plants while the Berber Art Museum holds a rich cluster of objets from a culture still living in the country. Not far, in the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, fashion lovers will find, among other artifacts, many of St. Laurent's iconic designs.
- Lunch in the garden café.
Photo courtesy of jardinmajorelle.com
- Culinary Arts Museum - Set in a beautiful 18th century palace ,the museum holds over 5000 magnificent square meters, artifacts that document the culinary history of Morocco from the kitchen to the table.
- Cooking instruction by traditional Dada in an ultra-modern cooking school.
- Lunch
- Moroccan tea service ritual
Photo ©2024 Timothy Fallen-Bailey
- Palace Bahia - From the late 19th century we get this palace, one of Marrakech most beautiful attractions and an excellent example of Moorish architecture that extends over 8,000m2.
- Intricate marquetry and carved cedar ceilings, gracefully worked stucco, decorative arabesques, mosaics, marble and tile.
- Dress conservatively
Photo courtesy of dardif.com
- Restaurant Dar Yacout - As exotic as it comes, this restaurant, set in an old palace, will provide our last and hopefully most memorable dinner in Marrakech. An army of waiters clad in white kaftans and red Fez hats ensures the dining pleasure of all guests.
Photo ©2024 Timothy Fallen-Bailey
Optional Spa Services at Villa (Not included)
- Hammam (Steam Bath)
- Body Scrub
- Hair
- Brushing
- Henna
- Hands
- Feet
- Massage
- Head, face and neck
- Feet
- Body
- Relaxing (Tradional from the region)
- Tonic (+Streching)
- Harmonic (Body and spirit)
Price
Individual Room: $4850
Couple Room: $4350 per person
Includes lodging, listed activities as described, round trip airport transfers, soft drinks and water on demand at the villa, all meals and transportation as required for scheduled program.
To prevent disappointment, reserve your spot now with a deposit of $1000. Deposits made by August 10 will get $100 towards Spa services. The balance is due in two installments, half by November 1/2024, final payment by January 31/2025
Dates: Thursday 27 March to Thursday 3 April 2025
Dates and activities are subject to change due to weather, transport, or the wishes of the group.
Marrakech trip 2025 |
Itinerary |
Thursday |
|
Airport Transfer |
Late afternoon/ evening arrival |
|
Welcome drink and hearty snacks |
Friday |
|
|
Introductions/Orientation and tour of the facilities |
Lunch |
At the villa Meze demonstration/instruction and lunch |
Bus |
Secret Garden Souk tour |
Dinner |
At the villa |
Saturday |
|
Bus |
Herbalist shop in Medina Presentation of herbs and spices used in local gastronomy - Tasting |
Lunch |
At the villa |
Bus |
La Mamounia hotel, garden and shops Apéritif at Churchill’s bar |
Dinner |
At the villa Cooking instruction |
Sunday |
|
Bus |
Majorelle Garden, Pierre Bergé Museum and Yves Saint-Laurent Museum |
Lunch |
Café at Majorelle Garden |
Bus |
Koutoubia mosque |
Dinner |
At the villa Cooking Instruction |
Bus |
Night visit to Place Jmaa El Fna |
Monday |
|
Bus (Early departure at 8:00) |
Essaouira - Stop at women’s coop |
Lunch |
Le chalet de la plage on the waterfront |
Bus (3:30 departure) |
Return to villa following independent town tour |
Dinner |
At the villa Moroccan wine tasting apéritif hour (19:00) Light Dinner |
Tuesday |
|
Bus |
Gastronomy Museum Tour and cooking class |
Lunch |
Student prepared foods Mint tea service with Moroccan sweets |
Short Walk |
Palace Bahia |
Dinner |
At the villa |
Wednesday |
|
Bus |
Perfume Museum Design your own fragrance |
Lunch |
At the villa |
Afternoon |
At the villa or last minute shopping for some Spa treatments Packing |
Bus (19:30) |
Dar Yacout - Farewell Dinner |
Thursday |
|
Airport Transfer- Early Morning |
Bon voyage!! |
|
V1 |