HAND WOVEN TEXTILES IN MOROCCO
For textile aficionados, there are not many places as rewarding as Morocco in the world. The country has a long tradition of welcoming not only travelers interested in this craft, but also the best reputed textile and fashion designers, who come over to draw inspiration from the work and expertise of the local master weavers, especially in Fes – one of the few places worldwide where the drawloom, a traditional weaving artifact which disappeared in the Western world in the early 19th century as a result of mechanization, is still being used. Add to this the Moroccan taste for extricate patterns, and the incredible variety of styles that the country displays – no wonder that fashion designers such as Yves Saint Laurent turned Morocco into their second home!
- Beautiful & Complex: the nearly extinct drawloom -
As more and more men and – to a lesser extent – women adopted Western clothing in Morocco, and synthetic fabrics – which wash better and are more resistant – started to replace traditional ones, the viability of hand woven textiles in Morocco became under threat, a situation made the more alarming by the lack of young apprentices. Irresponsible tourism had its share of blame in this as well; whilst Moroccans know and appreciate the skills, time, and expertise involved in the hand weaving of clothing, and are ready to pay, if able, fabulous amounts for a finely made piece, tourists, who are generally unaware of the implications, created a trend to lower the prices, causing traditional weavers to abandon the centenary secrets of their trade, and resort to machines and low quality fabrics in order to survive. By the end of the 80’s of 20th century, only two traditional drawlooms were still in use in Fes. Ever since, there has been a revival of the interest towards traditional techniques, and a new generation of young artists and designers has become fascinated by these, and are using them for their creations. The situation thus is not as bad as it used to be but nevertheless, and specially with regards to the drawloom, the survival of tradition is far from being safe.
- Hand woven fabrics -
We are talking of techniques, patterns and styles that can be traced back to the Moorish of Al Andalous, who seek refuge in Fez after being expelled from Spain by the Christians, in 1492, bringing with them the secrets of their trades, and that have changed very little over the course of the centuries. When travel writers talk about Fes being still largely medieval they are not just being rhetorical, or referring to its architectural jewels, only.
Some of the best weavers’ workshops in Fes and Marrakech are happy to open their doors to Montain Voyage’s travelers interested in their craft. You’ll have the chance to interact with the artisans and share with them their hopes, and the challenges their lives and trade are facing. You’ll witness the use of the drawloom, and the vertical and horizontal looms, learning their basics. Embroidery and passementerie, a trim still widely used in Morocco, will be explained to you.
For textile and fashion professionals, we can arrange a comprehensive tour around the country, with visits to the best reputed artisans and shops in every place, and without neglecting the exciting new scene of young and talented Moroccan designers and artists that grows in the big cities, specially Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. Inspiration is guaranteed! Get in touch to know more…
LES JARDINS DE LA MEDINA
Once a princely resort in the heart of the Kasbah – the Sultan’s quarters in the ancient medina of Marrakech – Les Jardins de la Medina is one of the most perfect (and biggest in size) examples of a typical Riad to be found in the red city. The word Riad means simply ‘gardens’ in Arabic; and, indeed, a Riad is nothing but a garden enclosed within rows of rooms, the garden being the most important part of the complex; the place where travelers would be able to enjoy water in abundance under the refreshing shade of the trees, after a perilous journey crossing deserts and mountains. For this, the Riad had a symbolic value for Arabs, it is an earthly image of Paradise – the place of eternal happiness and rest after the hard journey through the deserts and mountains of life…
- A view of the garden pool at night -
Loyal to this spirit, Les Jardins de la Medina’s owner was able to preserve the original structure of this palatial 18th century winter residence, whilst at the same time opening its doors to contemporary life, values and conveniences. The gardens of this property are truly magnificent and, in the midst of them, one would never think that one is in one of the most popular quarters of the ever-busy medina.
- Chambre Coté Jardin -
Les Jardins de la Medina boasts 36 well equipped and luxurious rooms and suites, most of them overlooking the gardens. Personalization and attention to detail are a priority, and guests can even choose the perfume of their pillows. A lovely restaurant, a bar, library lounge, wellness centre and hammam, and one of the biggest swimming pools in the medina (and heated in winter!) are also amongst the facilities available.
- Chambre Privilege Sultane -
Les Jardins de la Medina is a member of Châteaux et Hôtels Collection and clients of Mountain Voyage staying at the hotel between now and 26th September 2014 for 3 nights or more will enjoy a nice massage at their spa complimentary…
One of the emblematic properties in Marrakech, Les Jardins de la Medina is specially suited for large groups wishing to experience the ambience and atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Contact us to know more!
FANCY A HOLIDAY IN SWITZERLAND? STAY AT MITCHLIFEN'S HOTEL IN IFRANE, MOROCCO!
Believe or not, this is not a picture of a Swiss village in the Alps but one of the town of Ifrane, just 65 km away from Fes into the impressive cedar-wooded landscapes of the Middle Atlas.
1665 metres (5,460 ft) in elevation, Ifrane was built in the 20s of last century, during the French protectorate in Morocco, as an administrative centre and summer resort for colonial families. Houses were erected after the style of the Alps; the fertile valleys, lush forests, and mountainous lands around did the rest to reinforce the resemblance. Nowadays an ‘Imperial City’, as it boasts a Royal Palace, Ifrane is very popular as a holiday destination amongst locals; but it is still little known by foreign travelers. The surroundings are a National Park, with immense centenary cedar forests where the endangered Barbary Ape can still be spotted, no less than 12 natural lakes, and a ski station nearby.
- Alpine nature at its best... in the Middle Atlas mountains! -
Founded in 1973, and completely renovated just a few years ago, Michlifen Ifrane Suites & Spa stands majestically in the heart of these generous landscapes. This property is perfect for those who wish to spend time in nature whilst at the same time being able to enjoy the city of Fes (the hotel is located at less than one hour’s drive from the city).
- Mitchlifen: a treat for lovers of Nature. -
No doubt the best property in the area, Michlifen Ifrane Suites & Spa boast 71 really spacious and cozy units (the smallest room is 30 sq m), 3 restaurants and a British bar, spa, swimming pool, gym, and conference rooms, amongst other facilities.
- Michlifen's Spa. -
Packages with special conditions that will allow your clients to explore the region's wonders are available specially for Mountain Voyage Morocco - just get in touch if you would like to know more...
STAR GAZING IN THE SAHARA DESERT
Astronomers have predicted that, on the nights of 21st and 22nd October 2014, meteorite showers from Halley’s comet’s debris will take place. And, with its zero light pollution, the Sahara desert offers astronomy aficionados excellent conditions to watch them.
Our partners at Nick’s luxurious encampment in the wild dunes of Erg Chigaga are organising a star gazing event for these dates which will include a presentation by astronomer Ken Campbell, a regular contributor in several international newspapers, magazines and TV channels, and whose infectious enthusiasm about Astronomy, and his huge knowledge of night sky, would turn even the most reluctant of your clients into a devoted lover of this fascinating discipline.
- Zero light pollution - a rarity nowadays! -
After sunset, each night, Ken will make a presentation of about one hour focusing on our place in the universe and the birth of stars. He will provide one on one ‘tutoring’, guiding guests around the constellations. Using the encampment’s telescope they will be able to see the planet Mars as well as the rings of Saturn. Deep sky objects will be seen such as the Orion Nebula, the mysterious Ring Nebula and the stunning Pleiades star cluster. The dark sky environment will allow you to see fainter objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away.
And, on the night of 22nd October the Earth will pass through the debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, producing an impressive meteor shower of possibly up to 50 meteors an hour streaking across the sky.
- Nick's encampment in style. -
Normal desert activities such as camel riding, hiking, or sand boarding, will remain available. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy both a rare astronomy phenomenon at its best, and one of the weirdest and most beautiful landscapes on earth, all in one go!
The places available are very limited, and bound to be sold out very soon…
To see an example of how Mountain Voyage can integrate this unique event into an insightful Moroccan itinerary, open here and do not hesitate to write here if you would like to know more!
FOOD TASTING TOUR OF FES & MARRAKECH
Behind its most obvious charm as one of the very few cities in the world that remains, to this day, largely medieval, Fes has also a well grounded reputation for being the temple of the best cuisine in the kingdom of Morocco. Moroccans regard having a wife from Fes as a blessing, because of the culinary marvels that she is supposed to – and she will – deliver.
The sophistication and sensuality of the Fassis, and the fertile lands of the region, which grow an array of first-quality organic products of an amazing variety, are the two pillars that have turned the culinary traditions of Fes into one of these highlights of the country one should not miss.
- A view of the ancient Medina of Fes. -
Our private food-tasting tour is designed to provide an insight into the everyday life of the inhabitants of Fes by tasting the food they normally eat, and in the places they frequent; and in doing so, one can learn also some curious facts about Morocco and its social structure, and the traces left in Moroccan food and customs by the several cultures that have permeated the country’s identity through the centuries.
Our tour starts at Bab Boujeloud, the most beautiful entry gate into the ancient medina, always lively with a constant movement of people, donkeys, mules and bikes. There are a number of cafés and small restaurants in the neighbourhood which afford some quality viewing of the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.
- Bab Boujeloud. -
Another stop is at Bab Semsla, one of the busiest markets in Fes, whose honey cakes are famous in the whole country. Fassi housewives prepare them at home and come to Bab Semsla to sell them, especially during Ramadan. Griwesh, Chebbakia, Sellou, Briouaet… try them all, and learn about the different varieties.
Visit a honey cooperative, and some popular food souks, to taste simple Moroccan street dishes, always delicious and healthy, and wander at the variety and quality of vegetables on offer. Taste the different kinds of crêpes (Malwi, Harsha, Msamen, etc.), the various sorts of olives, and learn about the art of seasoning in the spices’ souk.
- The delicious bastilla. This cake stuffed with pigeon is served as starter in Moroccan traditional banquets.-
You will learn also about some traditional cooking methods like furnatchi, and you will visit an ancient bakery.
The tour finishes at Tlaa Kbira, one of the most popular meeting places in the medina, where you will enjoy lunch in one of its small restaurants for locals.
A similar tour, conducted by our star chef Tarik, can also be arranged in Marrakech –
Get in touch to know more… here
CALLIGRAPHY CLASS IN MARRAKECH WITH THE CALLIGRAPHER OF THE KING.
In the Islamic world, calligraphy is an art which deserves special attention and reverence, since it guarantees the preservation of the holy Qu’ran. There are other philosophical reasons for the respect it commands; if, as the ancient Arab philosophers suspected, a rose and its name are essentially the same thing, then the art of writing the sounds we utter – of trapping them in a physical form – acquires a mystical, almost magical quality.
Writing Becomes an Art.
Prior to the invention of print, Arab calligraphy was instrumental in the effective transmission of knowledge during the Middle Ages. Sinuous and dynamic, with its technique to link letters one to another in a seemingly effortless way, it allowed scribes to copy their texts at much greater speed than their Christian counterparts; for this reason, whilst European monasteries usually treasured a few dozen books, libraries in the Arab world would keep hundreds or even thousands of them. This is true to the point that a vast majority of the classical texts that have reached us, did so through the Arabs.
Calligraphy also has a figurative side, and it is used to decorate buildings and mosques, where the words written combine to form arabesques and geometric patterns in order to embellish walls, ceilings, furniture, and even jewellery and cloths.
Our calligraphy lesson takes place in the garden of your hotel, or else in the studio that our calligraphist, Hamza Abderrahim, has in the Menara Gardens.
Hamza at Work in His Studio.
Despite his youth, Hamza Abderrahim is one of the greatest masters of this art nowadays, and an appointed calligraphist to the King of Morocco. With Hamza, you will learn about the many different styles of writing that have developed through the centuries, and the basic principles of Arab’s alphabet, before trying your skills at the use of the qalam, the dried piece of reed or bamboo with which Arabs traditionally write. Get in touch if you would like to know more about this fascinating activity.
FES WORLD SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL
This 20th edition of the Fes World Sacred Music Festival confirms that what started as a small local celebration is now one of the leading events of its kind in the world, and accommodation in Fes must be booked well in advance for those dates. This year, the subject of the Festival will be the Sufi tale of The Conference of the Birds, written by a Persian mystic poet in the 12th century.
Artists From All Over the World Gather at Fes Festival.
In this allegory, the birds of the world (each species representing a human fault, passion or vice that prevents man from reaching enlightenment) decide to embark on a journey to find their king; after many adventures and vicissitudes, which cause several of them to abandon their quest, they cross seven valleys, until only thirty birds arrive to the land where their king, called Simorgh, is said to live; there they find nothing but a lake and their own reflection on the waters of it, and understand that the king they are looking for is no one but each one of them, and their transcendent totality – Simorgh, in Persian, is the name of a mythical bird similar to the Phoenix, but it also means ‘thirty birds’.
This allegory is central to Sufism and points at the Sufi conception of God as an entity that is not external to the universe, but rather the totality of it. The various performances scheduled during the Fes festival will include groups and artists from Northern Europe, Mali, Spain, Israel, Morocco, India, France and US amongst others, displaying a great variety of styles (from flamenco to jazz, from ancient Andalousian Jewish music to rock) with the aim to prove the universality of the spiritual experience, and promote a sense of brotherhood between all races and peoples.
Artists Perform in The Most Emblematic Highlights of Fes.
Mountain Voyage Morocco can help you with all your clients’ arrangements including tickets if they wish to integrate this wonderful event as part of their itinerary. A great opportunity to experience Fes at its best!
A NEW DESTINATION HOTEL IN TOWN: ROYAL PALM MARRAKECH OPENS ITS DOORS
Located just 12 km away from Marrakech’s ancient medina, in the heart of a 231-hectares estate planted with olive trees, Royal Palm Marrakech features 135 luxurious suites and villas successfully combining contemporary style with Moroccan savoir-faire, all of them affording incredible views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Royal Palm's Lobby...
It also boasts 4 restaurants, led by multiple-starred Michelin chef Philippe Jourdin; a truly outstanding British bar; a 4,200 sqm Clarins Spa, a Sport Centre, and a Kids Club, amongst many other facilities – not to mention their 2,000 sqm heated pool, or their astounding 183 acres private golf course designed by renowned landscapist Cabell B. Robinson, a course which is bound to become an international reference for lovers of that sport.
The Hotel's Fantastic Golf Course.
Royal Palm Marrakech will be on a soft opening until the end of March 2014, and it is already welcoming guests with excellent reviews. Mountain Voyage Morocco has been granted very advantageous deals for any stays at the hotel between now and September, which we can partake with you and your clients – please do not hesitate toget in touch if you would like to know more…
One of Royal Palm's Lovely Suites
MOROCCAN JEWISH COOKING LESSON.
The presence of Jews in Morocco is documented from as early as the 1st century of our Christian era, and their importance in the shaping of Morocco’s national identity, culture and traditions cannot be underestimated, especially after the arrival of the Jews expelled from Spain following the fall of Al Andalous in 1492, who settled in Morocco under the personal protection of the Sultans. It’s been estimated that there were as many as 250,000 Moroccan Jews, in the 40s of last century. With the creation of the modern state of Israel, most of them left, though, and their current population amounts to approximately 10,000.
Moroccan Jews cook dishes and use ingredients that are popular in the country, but adding some foreign touches picked up from the other different cultures they’d been influenced by, and adapting them to kosher limitations and Jewish dietary laws. As its Arab counterpart, Moroccan Jewish cuisine is rich in salads and gives great importance to spices and herbs.
It was during his work as a chef at Hotel Intercontinental in Aqaba, Jordan, that prestigious Chef Tarik became interested in Jewish food and gastronomy traditions. In returning to Morocco, he opened his eco-farm in which he has been running Moroccan cooking lessons with an ever-increasing success ever since.
Chef Tarik in Action.
‘The thing is’, he says, ‘I had many Jewish people from US, Israel, Latin America and other countries who would attend my lessons during their trips around Morocco. They were surprised that, whilst it is relatively easy to find kosher food in big cities, no specific tuition on the subject of Moroccan Jewish cuisine seemed to be available anywhere. So I decided to talk to my Jewish friends in Fes and Casablanca, and do a bit of research on the matter… and I ended up cooking with them as a disciple in their kitchens!’
‘The most important thing’, he continues, ‘is to understand what ingredients and food are permitted, and in what way the dish must be prepared in order to not contradict dietary or religious regulations. The contribution of Jews to the history, sciences, politics and arts of Morocco is so outstanding, that it’s just fair that, as a chef, I do my best to promote and popularise these wonderful Moroccan recipes of them. .. Eggplant caviar, tomato and cucumber salad with mint, salmon with lemon and mint, Jewish-style vegetable tajine… they created really wonderful dishes, and food is as good a way to get immersed in a culture as any other!’.
Teaching the Virtues of Spices.
Chef Tarek’s Moroccan Jewish Cooking lesson is probably the first of its kind in Morocco. Totally private, it takes place amongst hectares of olive groves and vegetable gardens in the verdant Amizmiz Valley, providing a true insight into this not so well-known aspect of Moroccan Jewish Heritage, in an utterly charming and pleasant environment. All ingredients and utensils employed during the lessons are organic and in accordance to Jewish dietary laws and kosher. Get in touch if you would like to know more!
Good Vibes and Good Food with Chef Tarik.
