Morocco is a Hot Destination this year and next year is beginning to fill up as well! We’ve contributed to the Morocco Mix with clients exploring the mesmerizing medinas, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara camps.
On my radar for fall, Tangier which is hitting its stride again as a Destination. One of the most free-spirited beach cities, Tangier has enticed boho artists, expat writers Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Paul Bowes, Tennessee Williams, and the Rolling Stones who called Tangier home for brief sojourns. Anthony Bourdain dipped his toe into Tangier life as well.
The Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier
The gateway to Africa, perched on the Atlantic, Tangier is an intoxicating hotbed of culture and balmy Mediterranean weather. Located about 8 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar from Spain.
Once known for its sordid reputation, from 1923 for thirty plus years, it was classified as an International Zone, which had been jointly administered by the European colonial powers and the U.S. since 1924. People of all character flooded Tangier with a mix of brilliant writers, criminal’s, exiles, and eccentrics – a melting pot of civilization relishing a culture of no rules and permissiveness.
The Kingdom has noticed the influx of tourists as have luxury five-star hotels: the Fairmont Tazi Palace is contributing to the buzz. Tangier has lacked luxury hotels, there are a few small guest houses, La Tangeriana, where I’ve stayed – it’s a delightful riad property, with stunning views. Hotel Josephine, a bit out of town, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is an old school traditional property.
The Fairmont Tazi Palace is a true luxury property in a magnificent location. Secluded high in the forested hills above the medina is Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, one of the finest 5-star hotels in Morocco. Built as the opulent residence of the king’s advisor, it has been meticulously restored to its 1920s splendor, lovingly recovering the original decorative elements, and enhancing them with the exquisite handwork of local artisans. This expanded sanctuary sits amid acres of a century-old eucalyptus forest and groves of palm, olive, citrus and fig trees, interspersed with Andalusian-style gardens.
A sea of tranquility amid a modern-day international city. The SPA extends over 27,000 square feet with 10 treatment rooms and outdoor spaces bathed in natural sunlight that leads to a vitality pool, private spa, solarium and hammam. Every treatment is personalized to your wishes, combining Moroccan-inspired techniques with products. Hammam will be on my schedule after I arrive!
The 133 rooms, suites and penthouses at Fairmont Tazi Palace are designed in homage to Moroccan high craftsmanship, with vibrant mosaics, rich fabrics and delicately handcrafted Arabic moucharabiehs showcasing the talent of skilled local artisans. Seamlessly integrated modern amenities ensure the utmost in comfort and convenience.
Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier
Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tan
Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier
Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier
All the rooms offer balconies or terraces, some looking out over a hillside lushly carpeted in eucalyptus forest, while others afford uninterrupted views over the Old City to the mountains beyond.
Andalusian-style gardens and tranquil spaces are interspersed between the various parts of the hotel, turning the palace into a luxury home. I can’t wait to visit!
Villa Mabrouka
Also opening in June is the long-awaited hotelier Jasper Conran’s Villa Mabrouka, the ‘House of Luck. Set high above the Bay of Tangier, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It was once the ornate home of iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. The former private residence, a 1940’s estate, will offer twelve rooms, originally designed by Jacques Grange, it will be a superlative draw for fashionistas and followers. Gardens designed by Madison Cox overflow with bright bougainvillea and lush citrus trees. Famed British designer, Jasper Conran, is the ideal host of this fashion legacy property.
Always was Morocco. And recently the country’s leadership seems to have embraced it in all its ill-reputed glory. The days of predatory poets in search of literary inspiration and young flesh are probably over for good. Hippies can just as easily get their bong riffs in Portland or Peoria. But the good stuff, the real good stuff, the sounds and smells and the look of Tangier — what you see and hear when you lean out the window and take it all in — that’s here to stay. Anthony Bourdain.
Chapter Two – Clairvoyant Staff. Some may tire of my perpetual praise of Four Seasons properties – I am not a FS Junkie- There are cities where I reserve other brands exclusively!
At Four Seasons Punta Mita, I’m convinced every staff member has memorized my face and my client bookings – everyone recognizes me and recites my clients and their preferred suites or villas, truly impressive!
I was unaware that Easter had such a long celebration period – the plane was full of kiddos, we had premium economy seats – if Alaska offered a first-class plane only, every flight would sell out. I had flexible dates – but premium economy was the best we could achieve – three ladies of a certain age with metal knees….Oye. Not enough canned Champers – who knew Champagne came in a can? I’m certain one row up, they deCANted it! It is always served in a glass up front!
Alaska Air Premium Economy Champers- in a CAN!
I am obsessed with stories related to Travel Experiences. After a too short week here in Paradise, I could fill a novella on amazing experiences!
My goal was to explore the new residences and Villas – much has transpired in the two years since my last visit. GM, Borja emailed me on the plane: You are almost here, we can’t wait to see you! My response: Kiddos galore on plane, we need icy Margaritas on arrival, por favor!
I have an outside team now offering VIP arrival and departure services. Mexico airports are infamously amusing with the push the button random chance game…push button – greenlight means you pass thorough with no bag inspection. Red light – drop bags on conveyor for Xray. VIP airport services are addictive once you’ve enjoyed – met at the wing and an airport expert navigates you out to a driver. Mexico is not quite CDG in VIP level, but having the team manage our luggage and get us past many of the stops was excellent – did I mention the kiddos on the plane? Parched & peckish travelers.
We were greeted by Borja and a small legion of the Four Seasons Welcome Committee! Gwen, instead of the Mezcal arrival drink, Ricardo, our Tequila Master, will accompany you to your residence for a Tequila & Mezcal Immersion and Tasting, we can check you in there as well. Muchas Gracias!
The Arrival Always Sets The Stage for The Stay!
Please meet Poli, your dedicated butler, he’s here for all your needs. Poli delivers us to my glorious residence in style – bags follow.
Ricardo, the Four Seasons Tequila Master, is an on-property expert – the tasting setting in my residence included nine glasses for tasting, three styles each sipper! Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco, Código 1530 Anejo Tequila and the familiar artisan hand painted cobalt bottle Clase Azul Reposado.
One of our three doesn’t drink and within moments of tasting, I noticed her slipping into the sofa cushions – long travel day – not much food…out for the count! In the hazy review, I was surprised to learn Tequila and Mezcal were very popular during the early 1900s during Prohibition. U.S. laws prohibiting the making and selling alcohol, translated to tequila smuggled into the U.S. over the border. Prohibition also encouraged the opening of over 150 bars in the border town of Tijuana.
And yes, we can arrange for Ricardo to entertain, teach, and serve his favorites in your Residence or suite! Two toddled off to Milos for dinner – and guess who appeared to mix our Margaritas? Ricardo! Every night at cocktail hour, he appeared at each restaurant to prepare our Margaritas! We would look up from a menu and there’s Ricardo! He & Poli are a tight team!
My two bedroom Residence included the peripatetic Poli, our dedicated Concierge butler. Besides being funny and telepathic, knowing our whereabouts at every moment, he gently reminded us of our scheduled activities. I walked out the door for my tennis lesson and a buggy awaited me, soft nudge at the beach – buggy headed to you for spa appointment, dinner etc.! One of our travelers initially didn’t venture out as often and he gently reached out to her for food orders, check ins. Senor Poli, at our beck and call. And yes again, we can arrange for Poli as your VIP Butler Concierge. We’re certain Poli inserted Air tags into our beach bags, he would randomly turn up to check on us. Hotel Whisper training is a Four Seasons hallmark!
Bikes – big beach cruisers are scattered all over the property – if there isn’t a paper name tag, it’s yours for casual cruising. Black bikes for boys, white bikes for girls – high handlebars and coaster brakes, no gears. Drop the bike wherever you want, no rules!
We’re convinced a staff member called Poli when one of us took a spill on the beach cruiser, no names, and no injuries! Within moments three medics arrived in a buggy – at first, we couldn’t figure out who they were when they pulled up to us while we were sipping water on a shop terrace… Red bags with red medic cross- Oh, are you here for us? Yes- we had a report of a bike collision. I can hear the call to Poli: Women of a certain age bike riding in linen dresses and beach bags take a spill… send Medics! We declined care as they arrived without Margaritas! VIP Service at every level. This was a first for me!
Red bags with medic cross- Oh, are you here for us? Yes- we had a report of a bike collision.
Boats Catamaran and Kayaks. The sandy beach and gentle surf are safe here, the Sea of Cortez will not carry you out to sea like most of the rip tide beaches in Cabo. Kayaks, a catamaran, sand bikes, all methods of surf accessories are stacked every morning for complimentary guest use.
Tennis – Professional courts with lights and several pros with a selection of rackets, play at your own level. Highly Recommend Bruno! I took lessons with him on my last visit, he & Jonny are so much fun and will whip you around the court in competitive play or match your level. Overhead smash need a tune up, try a new racket, sign up early Bruno is in demand. He’s fun and his Argentinian accent commanding: Go Gwen, come on come on, encouragement is inspiring! After I departed, Bruno connected with my local tennis shop and instructed Julian on a new racket for me, Five Star Service!
Tee Time! There are more than a few reasons why the course at Four Seasons Costa Palmas is highly ranked. Designed to Delight, the world-class 18-hole championship golf course featuring desert and ocean views, dunescapes and fairways that unravel down hillsides. A masterpiece designed by Robert Trent Jones II that sets the golf experience apart in Baja´s East Cape.
Water Taxi – this is a new service. Right below my residence, the yacht slips also house an electric Water taxi to shuttle guests to the new Nancy Silverton restaurant Mozza Baja. Every ten minutes the little taxi escorts guests across the harbor to dine or dance in the new night club!
Water Taxi
Ruben, Cabana Beach Butler – the best! Wander the pools and find Ruben – if your favorite pool, like mine is the hard-to-find small pool near the residences. Entice him to be stationed there…another mind reader! He knows your orders, he sets up beach or pool loungers, saves loungers for you in the desired location, he knows what time you want to snack, he encourages you to drink water and hydrate! He remembers salt or no salt, up or on the rocks, lime, or lemon! Gracias Ruben, we will be back! When he gave us the secret Beach Butler Button we vowed not to depart! Hotel Whisperer Extraordinaire!
Nightclub at Costa Palmas Marina Village Chiki. Inspired by La Casa Azul in Mexico City, especially its architectural configurations, the nightclub’s interiors are eclectic in style yet retain a uniquely Mexican feel that plays to a fresh generation of cultural enthusiasts and modern-day travelers. The speakeasy aesthetic offers a variety of seating experiences, including intimate booths designed for relaxing before or after hitting the dance floor, and outdoor seating in a central courtyard area. And everywhere, there are murals and mosaics that bring walls to life in a deeply rooted Mexican way.
A brilliant color palette of reds, oranges, and greens lends drama and excitement while colored lighting help create a cantina vibe throughout the dining and bar areas.
Five Star Service, my friend who stayed in my Residence, surprised at every afternoon delectable delivery of drinks and snacks exclaimed: Is this your typical travel? Si SI, and it’s the same for our clients who are always treated as VIP at Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas.
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Gracias Borja and the exceptional team who delighted us every day! Hotel Whisperers.
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