Perfect Pairings: Marrakech & Atlas Mountains

Your unique adventure begins with a stay at the authentic and  luxury riad, La Saltuna, an oasis of calm in the heart of old Marrakech. Five riads have been combined to create this boutique hotel, with extraordinary rooms and panoramic views from the expansive roof terraces over the Royal Palaces. Spend your afternoon either relaxing in the hotel or exploring the nearby souks on foot. Marrakech offers a myriad of options for a delicious dinner; Kabana Rooftop food and cocktails has the perfect setting overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque.  

Beat the heat of the day and set off for an early morning run round the ramparts with your personal trainer, soaking up the hustle and bustle of this ancient city. Stretch-out in the gardens of Royal Mansour before a well-deserved breakfast of kings. After breakfast take a leisurely tour through the main sights inside the ramparts with your very own private guide, browse the medina treasure trove knowing you can’t get lost! In the afternoon you can take a ride in a vintage side car through the lively alleys of the medina. Venture across the mythic palm grove and encounter small villages or rally the ville nouveau, a really fun way to explore a secret Marrakech not normally accessible on foot. 

Prepare for an evening of local gastronomy. Indulge in a tailor-made food experience in the famous Jamaa el-Fna square. Dine with the locals while sampling regional specialities in the lesser-known foodie spots, soaking up the ambiance. 

Let the excitement build as the following afternoon you will head to the stony desert of Marrakech to explore the rocky dunes and beautiful landscapes on quad-bikes. Stop in the marvellous Jbilet area to soak up the landscape before continuing to the Agafay Camp for a sublime dinner. Sink into a beautiful private nomadic tent and feel the tranquillity of the vast desert wash over you whilst relishing the delicious feast prepared freshly just for you, gazing at the never-ending stars in the night sky.

Say goodbye to the vibrant red city and head for the tranquillity and nature of the Atlas Mountains. On the way you will stop for refreshments at a local farm located in the Kik Plateau, populated by Berbers, offering an amazing opportunity to see traditional day to day life. Admire the marvellous work of the Eve Branson Foundation, spearheaded by the late mum of Sir Richard Branson. Continuing through the beautiful Asni Valley arriving at the gorgeous Kasbah Tamadot, your luxury boutique retreat for the next three nights. Combining relaxation with adventure in a stylish, indulgent and authentic setting, the image of the hotel's infinity pool is iconic with views across the valley below. Take a dip in the pools and rejuvenate with a special treatment in the spa and savour the chef's freshly prepared Moroccan and international dishes. 

The next morning head off for a hike in the majestic high Atlas Mountains. You will get to visit the Berber villages and their working co-operatives, allowing the women of the region to support themselves and be sustainably independent. Journey to the Ouirgane Valley, to begin your trek to Tiziane. Taking you through the juniper and redwood forests of the Tassa National Park and along the beautiful red-soiled Azzadene Valley. Stop for a picnic lunch in the vastness of nature, bursting with traditional fare with seasonal produce of the region. Rest your legs back at the hotel, and treat yourself to a relaxing time at the spa leaving you feeling renewed and your lungs full of fresh mountain air.  

Devour a hearty breakfast and head out for an exhilarating 4x4 ride through the Atlas Valleys. Explore the hidden gems of Asni with its terraced fields, hillsides, and cascading waterfalls. Arriving in Ourika, saddle-up for a mule ride through the Berber Villages exploring their tribes and traditions. Stop at a Saffron farm for a delicious lunch soaking up the beautiful gardens of the farm and tour the bio gardens to understand more about the herbs grown there.