Marrakech, Essaouira and the Atlas Mountains

11 to  18 of November, 2023

Our trips are lightly scheduled. Plenty of freedom for you to explore, making your own way through these remarkable places and returning to the warmth of dinner and good wine with friends. Together, like family.

Our first Family Gathering took place right here, in Morocco in 2018. We’ve returned many times since, and the mystery of this dynamic country grows with each new visit, and with each new person we meet. We will rejoin our friends and consummate hosts in their sweet oasis of a riad in the bustling medina of Marrakech. We’ll explore the alleyways and walk those winding streets, then return to the peace of the birds and the fountain singing together in the leafy courtyard. We’ll gather around the table for some inspired food and conversation, inviting some local friends to join us. A short trip out of town will take us to an organic olive farm where we’ll learn some of the cooking techniques that make Moroccan cuisine world-famous. We’ll visit a Berber village famous for its local pottery and have lunch at a storied Kasbah, a luxurious retreat at the gateway to the Atlas Mountains.

From Marrakech we’ll head to the coast. We’ll stay three nights in a candlelight-only boutique hotel in a tiny surfing village, a short taxi ride from Essaouira, Morocco’s most charming port city. We’ll explore the ancient city with an old friend, surf the waves and ride horses on the beach. We’ll visit a local market and pick up some things to prepare a traditional Moroccan dinner with local women. From there we’ll say our farewells. Transport back to Marrakech or to the airport is included.

 

 

LODGING: We’ll stay four nights in the riad of our dear friends in Marrakech, one of the medina’s best kept secrets, plus three nights at a charming boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki. 

HIGHLIGHTS MAY INCLUDE: Longtable dinners, guided exploration of the labyrinthine souks of the medina, a visit to the local neighborhood hammam (a truly exotic and unforgettable experience), a cocktail party with our friend and Marrakech’s most enigmatic fashion designer in his thread-to-garment atelier, an evening of film under the stars. We’ll spend a day in the studio of a friend and one of Marrakech’s most-loved ceramicists. We’ll travel from Marrakech to the historic port town of  Essaouira and spend three nights in a nearby surfing village. We’ll wander the walled city, visit local markets and spend a day relaxing at the beach. 

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?: Our families come from all over, with all kinds of backgrounds, but they share a few important features: curiosity, open hearts, gratefulness as a practice, respect for the culture and the landscape in the places we visit, deliberate and thoughtful parenting. 

DATES:           11 to 18 of November

COSTS:          3100€ per adult. 1900€ per child. Ages 4 and under are no charge.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: All lodging, breakfast plus a grand lunch or dinner each day, transport in-country including airport transfers, all experiences and moments. 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Alcohol (will be available for purchase), travel insurance, personal shopping, visits to hammams and spas, gratuities.

To register please email martin@quartiercollective.com with queries.

MORE QUESTIONS? Visit our FAQ page HERE.

See you soon in Morocco!