The Jardin des Douars, Essaouira and the Palais Amani in Fez, Morocco

The North African country of Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea and has Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Morocco has been included in the EU ‘safe travel’ list which includes just 15 third countries outside the EU. Morocco asks all to wear masks and restaurants are open operating at 50% capacity to ensure social distancing. 

Essaouira 

Essaouira is a port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, which were designed by European engineers.

Fez 

Fez is a northeastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital and with the Fes El Bali walled medina, with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere.

Essaouira 
Essaouira enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year making it a fine year-round destination. This is a free-spirited coastal town with beach, UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cosmopolitan medina. Essaouira's medina is smaller than those in other Moroccan cities meaning guests can explore and shop without getting lost and with few people around. Close to the medina is the port where Essaouira's outdoor fish grill stands offering a unique dining experience. Visitors select from a selection of freshly caught fish, this is then cooked on the grill and served with salad and bread. 

Jardin des Douars 

Located in a botanical garden overlooking the Ksob River, the independently owned Le Jardin des Douars is Essaouira’s leading hotel. The ‘boutique’ hotel is situated in the heart of the Essaouira hills and 12 minutes by shuttle to the medina. There are 19 bedrooms and six suites in total and six luxury villas. The lush gardens have many varieties of tropical trees and plants along with resident tortoises and peacocks. The hotel's facilities include two outdoor heated pools, three dining areas including a large open plan restaurant, a ‘couples’ dining room and alfresco dining on the terrace. Other facilities include a hammam and spa where treatments are offered using Argan oils.

A new outdoor bar has also been unveiled allowing for all meals to be taken alfresco with plenty of social distancing. Essaouira airport is 15 minutes from Le Jardin des Douars with a shuttle service available. www.jardindesdouars.com 

Palais Amani, Fez 

Palais Amani, the leading hotel in Fez, is spread over several floors including a roof terrace with 360’ views of the city. This summer the hotel is offering exclusive use following a through to late September. The Eden Restaurant at Palais Amani offers 'Market Moroccan' local produce Each of the 18 bedrooms and suites is completely different both in design and layout. A large garden is at the centre of the hotel has orange trees and birdsong. www.palaisamani.com

Website: www.visitmorocco.com/en