Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco

An otherworldly escape sits high up in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. Surrounded by striking green valleys which are a vibrant contrast to the beautiful blue and white houses and mosques.

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Chefchaouen, Morocco

A typical path to reach the ancient blue city known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of its old town; wake up in Tangier, enjoy a short two-hour drive southeast to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Leather and weaving workshops line its steep cobbled lanes. In the shady main square of Place Outa el Hammam the red-walled Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress and dungeon.

There are endless opportunities for scenic hikes and walks in the Rif Mountains that surround Chefchaouen. Artisan shops offer traditional hand-made goods including handwoven rugs, Moroccan lamps, Berber textiles and ironwork, jewelry, caftans, and woven baskets.

Known for its weaving culture, and given its cool winter climate, the ponchos, blankets, and djellabas produced in Chefchaouen are exceptional quality, my December visit, although the weather was pleasant, motivated a purchase of a snuggly wool djellaba! Its old medina is filled with local artisans who create hand-made goods ranging from woodwork to colorful woven carpets, blankets and scarves, impressive earthen round pottery and hand-painted furniture.

My stay at Lina Riad and spa – close enough to the village to walk down the stairs to the village, but above the noise and crowds. A tranquil oasis with an indoor pool, reserved privately for guests. One of the best Chicken Tajine dinners in Morocco, from my window balcony! Enjoy breathtaking views of Chefchaouen from the expansive roof terrace, perfect for relaxation.

Its heritage is rich, the inescapable Medina with its famous narrow winding alleys, is an opportunity to mingle with the local population, and to smell and taste delights: from freshly baked bread to skillfully prepared tagines. This is one of the few towns with an original public oven and an old public water fountain. There is also the Kasbah which stands in the middle of the old quarter: its lush gardens, located in the center of the city.

The essentials of Chefchaouen: crafts, the ethnographic museum, Ras Elma. The museum offers visitors an insight into the culture and history of the region through a collection of ethnographic objects. You’ll find exhibits featuring traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, ancient weapons, craft tools and other artifacts that reflect daily life and local traditions.

As you explore the museum, discover the different facets of Berber, Arab and Andalusian culture that have influenced the region over the centuries. It’s a great way to learn more about the rich and diverse history of the area and its people.

Ras El Maa Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and prominent natural landmarks in the charming city. This waterfall is extremely popular with visitors and tourists from all over the world, thanks to its unique beauty and captivating natural charm.

Top Destinations for Adventurous Travelers – Follow Us!

Where have they Been and Where Are They Going? Intrepid east Coast clients who never flinch at long flights with multiple airport changes, I so admire this adorable couple!  She sends snapshots, amusing photos from the Cat Café in Seoul!

Our go to favorite hotels: Seoul: Four Seasons and Bali: Amankila – where the suites are set atop stilts amid the treetops, the free-standing Suites have been fashioned as Balinese beach houses with private outdoor terraces…

Amankila, Bali

Several multi-generation families are plotting 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival the ONLY place to stay is our favorite Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Property. With the Finale at Fife Arms – one of my favorite hotels in the world.

Again & Still: Mexico City – when your 93 your old mother travels with her kids and grandkids, all I can say is Brava – and Feliz Navidad  Christmas in Mexico City at our favorite Casa Polanco – we deserve a small plaque for all of our bookings this year! When the gracious GM sends us gifts, you know they appreciate our clients.

Santiago – Skip the snow and follow the sun to Latin America -Still one of my favorite properties is Vina Vik- trading cold for sunshine is always appealing to me. The road less traveled, and well worth the two-hour drive south of the capital city of Santiago; the road delivers one to the rambling mountainous Millahue Valley. Once you turn off the highway to the single lane dirt road, the scenery and traffic change – cars and old ranch trucks are interspersed with huaso’s on horseback herding cows down the dusty road. VIK Chile, the most luxurious hotel in Chile, will inspire you to switch off and unwind. Located at the top of a hill in the middle of the valley, very close to the Andes Mountain Range, Vik Chile boasts 360º panoramic views of the vineyards, the striking VIK Winery, is a unique destination in Chile. The luxurious, original rooms invite you to rest and indulge all your senses in a one-of-a kind experience.

An easy flight from Santiago to Mexico, trek onward to one of our personal favorite hotels, Four Seasons Tamarindo – cliffside suites with infinity pools dangling over the sea! Cooking classes, golf if you must…Tamarindo is a showcase of five of the most well-respected architecture and design firms in Mexico, who came together to create a resort that blends seamlessly with the peninsula’s topography, supports re-wilding and blurs boundaries between indoors and out. Their commitment to authentically Mexican architecture results in a mosaic of pre-Hispanic culture, colonial heritage, and contemporary architecture.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

More Morocco! My second home, darling couple returned from celebrating a Birthday and a 50th Wedding Anniversary – 2 weeks of the grand tour from Marrakech to the Sahara, including Dar Ahlam, Kasbah Tamadot, and a finale at La Mamounia! Reporting: Everything Perfect, thank you, Gwen

November, we again shared More Morocco – an Arts discovery tour departing from Marrakech – combined with saffron gardens and many cooking experiences offered by private chefs! Olinto in the Atlas Mountains has become a client favorite!

Olinto, Morocco
Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco

Japan– with our most exclusive team – they continue to amuse and delight and discover the cocktail bars on everyone’s list, the secret artist studio’s ..the long list continues to evolve!

“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta.