One of the first thing that catches a visitor’s eye when looking at the villas in Morocco is their accompanying gardens. Native Moroccans take great care in tending to their gardening and landscaping within their own property.
It is a source of pride to them, as even the poorer villas have well maintained gardens. Thus, if you intend to purchase a villa in Morocco no doubt you will want to have a similar garden area yourself.

Depending on the type of villa you purchase in Morocco, the more expensive luxury villas even have courtyards filled with an abundance of wildlife in the center of the villa’s structure. If you either stayed in a luxury villa or a hotel villa that was shaped around a courtyard no doubt it resembled a little paradise in the middle of a large paradise.

Morocco is already such a beautiful place to live with its untainted clean air, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Therefore, it is only logical that Moroccans take explicit pleasure in their villa gardens as natural beauty is very important to the Moroccan culture. Villa gardens in Morocco often serve as showcases and signs of appreciation of art, culture, and tranquility. Thus, it is quite common to find statues and waterfalls surrounded by carefully placed shrubs and ferns to create this open and inviting sense of admiration of the natural surroundings. Each garden is arranged to display the individuality both of the resident and the nation of Morocco in general.

Interestingly enough, in the US and UK many retirement homes are named villa gardens after this beauty in a symbolic gesture to create a peaceful respectful community for a generation that has earned it. This principle is shown throughout the villa gardens in Morocco as a country that pays its homage to the beautiful land that encapsulates the spirit of its people. This should come as no surprise since the people of Morocco are so open and loving to tourists and people of all races. In fact, if you stop to talk to a native Moroccan while visiting Morocco, chances are it will take you some time to get away as despite the nation’s economic hardships they truly appreciate the beauty of life and community. This is why if you move to Morocco you want to keep your villa’s garden well maintained otherwise you are disrespecting the value the Moroccans hold toward the land and its abundance of beauty.

It is a guarantee you will never see gardening anywhere else as you do at Morocco’s villas. If you are just visiting as a tourist be sure to see some of the more famous villas and structural pieces of history. These gardens are the most astounding and will leave a permanent imprint on your mind. A villa’s garden says a lot about the individual who resides in the residence, and if it is your residence it is your job to pay homage to the values that exist in present day Morocco.

I am building my own villa in Morocco right by the beach if you would like to see how I’m progressing, or if you would like to build or buy your own villa in Morocco. You can find a lot more information on my Blog at http://www.moroccowith.me

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Hogg
http://EzineArticles.com/?Villa-Gardens-in-Morocco&id=2361049

By Kieron Sellens

Morocco is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit on a holiday to North Africa. Culturally, it is a heady mixture of Arabic, North African, Berber and French Colonial influences, and haggling in souks, enjoying fine French cuisine, wandering through medieval medinas, camel trips to the desert, and trekking through the High Atlas Mountains are just some of the experiences on offer. There’s so much to see and do in the cities and the countryside that it can be hard to narrow down the choices for your trip, but if you are after the very essential sights to see on a holiday to Morocco, look no further than these five…

The Fez Medina
The medina, or “Old Town”, of Fez is perhaps the best preserved medieval city in the world. It was built in the 14th century, and aside from the introduction of electric lighting, little seems to have changed in the six hundred years. Traditional craftsmen still make and ply their wares in one room workshops, and overburdened donkeys are still the only form of transport that can be used in the Medina. The narrow winding streets are a maze for the unwary, and taking a half or full day guided tour may be the best way to see all the sights the Fez medina has to offer on your holiday in Morocco.

Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a series of old Kasbahs located near Ouarzazate, and this fort town is in a stunning position amidst rocky hills and palm trees. Ait Benhaddou has been the backdrop for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, and the nearby film studio in Ouarzazate is now one of the largest studios in the world. It is one of the most popular sights to see while on holiday in Morocco, and it is definitely worth making the time and taking a day trip here.

The Djemma el Fna in Marrakech
Translated variously as “The Mosque of Nothing” and “The Assembly of the Dead”, the central square in Marrakech is perhaps the most unforgettable sight to see while on holiday in Morocco. By day it is a market, with fruit sellers, fortune tellers, henna painters and snake charmers, but it is by night that it really comes to life. Crowds of Moroccans surge around the storytellers and musicians on the south side of the square, while the traditional medicine men and dentists who populate the north side continue to serve the needs of the locals; it is one of the most remarkable sights in the country.

The Town of Chefchaouen
This delightful blue-walled town is one of the most beautiful small towns in North Africa. A holiday here offers perfect relaxation – hiking in the Rif Mountains that surround the city, haggling in the little market at the centre of town, sipping mint tea in the many little cafes, or simply wandering through the streets and enjoying the unusual sky blue buildings.

Ramparts of Essaouira
The port city of Essaouira, located a few hours from Marrakech, is fast becoming one of the holiday highlights of Morocco. The relaxed coastal atmosphere, beautiful old medina and dramatic coastline are all attractions of the city, but the real highlight is the set of old ramparts that run along the seafront. Walking the old fortifications, complete with 17th century cannons, is like talking a walk in time through the city’s colonial history – the architecture is a beguiling mixture of Portuguese, French and Berber styles, and the views are simply spectacular.

About the Author: Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With Morocco holidays from AITO, you can tailor-make the dream trip abroad.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=351770&ca=Travel

For those who want a truly relaxing luxury holiday abroad, a stay at a spa hotel can be the perfect choice. Every good spa hotel prides itself on the quality of its facilities and service, but there are some places that are truly a cut above the rest.

I’ve put together a list of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in the world. Some of them are remarkable because of their outstanding facilities or a special location, while others offer some of the most advanced and inventive health and beauty treatments available. Whatever their strong suit is, each one of these luxury spa hotels guarantees the ultimate in comfort and relaxation…

Evian Royal Resort, France

Located in the shadow of the French Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva, this luxury spa hotel is built on a grand scale; it won’t suit those who are looking for a small, secluded getaway, but if you are looking to enjoy the superb facilities of a larger hotel, the Evian Royal Resort will be just right. It features a golf course, casino, and a number of sports facilities, but it is the spa that is the star attraction. Its Eastern inspired course of treatments emphasises synergetic cuisine, with a personalised diet working with the treatments you undertake. The spa also offers a unique range of programmes for pregnant women and new mothers.

Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

The location of the Sultana Oualidia is simply unbeatable. Positioned on the Atlantic coast just south of Casablanca, this boutique hotel looks out over a turquoise blue lagoon and is surrounded by a dramatic series of cliffs. It has only eleven rooms and suites, giving it a small and personalised feel, and the beautiful design emphasises materials (oleander, stone and marble) that perfectly complement the natural surroundings. At the centre of the hotel is a luxury spa, with a hammam, sauna and a marble indoor swimming pool. The Sultana Oualidia offers a superb combination of great location, design and facilities.

Le Mas Candille, France

This luxury spa hotel, located just fifteen minutes away from Cannes, is home to the very Shisedo spa to be opened in Europe. Shisedo, a famous Japanese cosmetics company, specialises in advanced products for the body and hair, so this is the place to come to for the very best hair and skin treatments in the world. The rest of the hotel doesn’t disappoint either, with elegant design, outstanding service, and a peaceful location in the quiet village of Mougins.

Capri Palace, Capri

The Capri Palace is perhaps the most famous luxury spa hotel in the world, with celebrities flocking to this hotel every year for their own personalised treatments. Located in a striking cliff top location high above the ocean in Capri, this spa hotel centres around the Capri Beauty Farm overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, a renowned expert in advanced health treatments. There are over 60 available, including advanced treatments such as coffee peels and medicated mud applications. If you want to experience the very latest developments in health and beauty, a stay at this luxury spa hotel is just what the “Professor” ordered!

Chateau de Mirambeau, France

Out of all the spa hotels on this list, the Chateau de Mirambeau offers perhaps the most luxurious design and décor – it is a spectacular French Chateau situated at the centre of its own eight hectare park near Bordeaux. This luxury spa hotel has an exquisitely restored interior with carefully chosen antiques and the finest materials, and the Well Being Centre attached to the Chateau de Mirambeau is superbly equipped and offers massage facilities, a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and swimming pool. This spa hotel is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the body.

About the Author: Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=339857&ca=Travel

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Morocco’s famed Marrakech city is by far one of the most unforgettable and captivating Northern African towns that I have visited and explored. If you are an adventurous traveler who enjoys scouting madrasas, palaces, markets and mosques of exotic countries or if you are a curious wanderer who is keen in observing the aromas, sounds, cuisines, and people of Middle Eastern states, I’m sure that you will find Marrakech a city worth exploring. Of course, you need to find a place to stay if you are planning a vacation in Marrakech. Fortunately, this is not going to be a problem, for there are a lot of accommodation preferences for travelers like us to choose from. The medina is crammed with affordable accommodations for budget travelers, and exclusive hotels are also found inside the old Marrakech.

Now, if you like to experience a better feel of the city, Riads in Marakech are a wonderful accommodation alternative. As I have said earlier, the medina features varied lines of accommodation options, and the authentic Riads are one of them. Riad accommodations in Marrakech are traditionally Morrocan palaces or enormous houses that have interior gardens. Renovated and finely furnished to be used as hotels or inns, Riads in Marrakech city are among the finest choices of accommodation for you to check out. The following are three of the most popular Riads in Marrakech:

1. Riad Zina

An authentic 350 year-old Riad accommodation in Marrakech, Riad Zina is a charming ancient palace located at the heart of city. In this Riad, you will surely experience elegance and serenity like no other. You are also bound to appreciate the accommodating and attentive staff of this relaxing Marrakech guest house. From small yet very comfortable rooms to romantic and wide suites, Riad Zina’s rooms, featuring a combined taste of modern and traditional Morrocan artifacts, will definitely take your breath away. Since Riad room rates are notably higher than what exclusive hotels in the city offer, be ready to spend 2,200 to 5800 Dirhams if you plan to stay at Riad Zina.

2. Riad Zara

Also among the fine Riads in Marrakech, Riad Zara is a unique and elegant guest house, situated at the center of the city. In this excellent Riad house, be ready to experience a different approach to Marrakech lifestyle as you will be welcomed to a refined and relaxing environment. You’ll definitely enjoy the place’s well-decorated suites and soothing Moroccan ambiance. Reservations for Riads in Marrakech can be quite difficult during the peak season so book for a suite at least six months before your vacation if you decide to stay at Riad Zara.

3. Riad Omar

If you prefer to stay in a Riad which is near the bazaar district of Marrakech, you might want to check out Riad Omar that is located at the center of the city and just a stone’s throw away from the famous souks. Known for being among the foremost Riads in Marrakech city, Riad Omar will offer you a combined modern and traditional accommodation experience with its pleasant and finely decorated suites and stately Morrocan artifacts. Apart from the excellent rooms, Riad Omar’s Hamman therapeutic massages and scrumptious local and international cuisines will surely ensure you of a memorable and relaxing stay in Marrakech.

Rcon Franchesca Pascua is an in-house writer for the online media company Intelligraph Corporation. She enjoys traveling and exploring exotic and historic locales like Morroco. For more information on picking the right Marrakech Riad, visit http://en.maroc-emotions.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rcon_Franchesca_Pascua
http://EzineArticles.com/?Renowned-Riads-in-Marrakech&id=504296

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For those who want a truly relaxing luxury holiday abroad, a stay at a spa hotel can be the perfect choice. Every good spa hotel prides itself on the quality of its facilities and service, but there are some places that are truly a cut above the rest.

I’ve put together a list of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in the world. Some of them are remarkable because of their outstanding facilities or a special location, while others offer some of the most advanced and inventive health and beauty treatments available. Whatever their strong suit is, each one of these luxury spa hotels guarantees the ultimate in comfort and relaxation…

Evian Royal Resort, France

Located in the shadow of the French Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva, this luxury spa hotel is built on a grand scale; it won’t suit those who are looking for a small, secluded getaway, but if you are looking to enjoy the superb facilities of a larger hotel, the Evian Royal Resort will be just right. It features a golf course, casino, and a number of sports facilities, but it is the spa that is the star attraction. Its Eastern inspired course of treatments emphasises synergetic cuisine, with a personalised diet working with the treatments you undertake. The spa also offers a unique range of programmes for pregnant women and new mothers.

Sultana Oualidia, Morocco

The location of the Sultana Oualidia is simply unbeatable. Positioned on the Atlantic coast just south of Casablanca, this boutique hotel looks out over a turquoise blue lagoon and is surrounded by a dramatic series of cliffs. It has only eleven rooms and suites, giving it a small and personalised feel, and the beautiful design emphasises materials (oleander, stone and marble) that perfectly complement the natural surroundings. At the centre of the hotel is a luxury spa, with a hammam, sauna and a marble indoor swimming pool. The Sultana Oualidia offers a superb combination of great location, design and facilities.

Le Mas Candille, France

This luxury spa hotel, located just fifteen minutes away from Cannes, is home to the very Shisedo spa to be opened in Europe. Shisedo, a famous Japanese cosmetics company, specialises in advanced products for the body and hair, so this is the place to come to for the very best hair and skin treatments in the world. The rest of the hotel doesn’t disappoint either, with elegant design, outstanding service, and a peaceful location in the quiet village of Mougins.

Capri Palace, Capri

The Capri Palace is perhaps the most famous luxury spa hotel in the world, with celebrities flocking to this hotel every year for their own personalised treatments. Located in a striking cliff top location high above the ocean in Capri, this spa hotel centres around the Capri Beauty Farm overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, a renowned expert in advanced health treatments. There are over 60 available, including advanced treatments such as coffee peels and medicated mud applications. If you want to experience the very latest developments in health and beauty, a stay at this luxury spa hotel is just what the “Professor” ordered!

Chateau de Mirambeau, France

Out of all the spa hotels on this list, the Chateau de Mirambeau offers perhaps the most luxurious design and décor – it is a spectacular French Chateau situated at the centre of its own eight hectare park near Bordeaux. This luxury spa hotel has an exquisitely restored interior with carefully chosen antiques and the finest materials, and the Well Being Centre attached to the Chateau de Mirambeau is superbly equipped and offers massage facilities, a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and swimming pool. This spa hotel is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the body.

Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury spa hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve “Beyond Special”. For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Clarke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-of-the-Best-Luxury-Spa-Hotels&id=1858518

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