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Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
An Aesthetic Lover's Guide To Morocco
Lobby of The Oberoi luxury hotel in Marrakech, Morocco. The Oberoi, Marrakech There's magic in Morocco everywhere you turn. The site, sounds, and smells captivate the heart and mind. 'Morocco offers a rare blend of authenticity, natural beauty, and cultural depth. With over a thousand years of history, it's a destination where ancient traditions meet modern creativity. From the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast, the landscapes are as diverse as the experiences. It's a country you can visit year-round, with each region offering something unique depending on the season. That said, spring and fall are generally the best times to visit, with ideal weather for exploring cities, coastlines, and the desert,' explains Siham Fettouhi, Executive Director of North America for the Moroccan National Tourist Office. For aesthetic lovers everywhere who relish in the beauty of their travels, here are ten of the best must-visit sights, sounds, and tastes you cannot miss out on. Imagine being greeted by this view every morning: this is the Grand Canal Morning lobby. The Oberoi, Marrakech The Oberoi Marrakech, Spa & Hammam This landmark and historic boutique property with 84 rooms and suites features design flourishes that echo the foundational heart of the country: think of ancient medina, souks, riads, palaces and perfectly groomed gardens. Marrying modernity with antiquity, every corner of this sprawling hotel is a sensual feast for the eyes. The spa in particular is where the true beauty resides. It is an oasis that spans over 21,000 square feet and whose site is hugged by 28 acres of fruit orchards and ancient olive groves. Featuring five treatment rooms and two Moroccan hammams, while relishing in their roster of signature treatments (that utilize local herbs, oils and clays to purify the body), the building itself is a majestic sight to behold: it's dotted with traditional Moroccan motifs, albeit reinterpreted through a modernist lens — think colors of the fabled 'Ochre City' — captured in bold, geometric patterns, and Berber tribal designs interspersed with rich marble tiling. The pinnacle of fine dining in Marrakech, Morocco. La Grande Table Marocaine of the Royal Mansour, Marrakech La Grande Table Marocaine of the Royal Mansour, Marrakech The country is known for its rich and intoxicating cuisine and respective flavors that stem from use of local spices and time-honored cooking techniques. Even more, this award-winning restaurant takes gastronomy to a whole new stratosphere. As proud culinary ambassadors, partake in their tasting menu (the Lixus Experience) with sumptuous creations like Méchoui (slow cooked lamb shoulder seasoned with cumin and salt) and Agadir caught pilpil prepared shrimp. The fare is bolstered by a convivial setting with the most opulent multilayered decor that includes Zellij mosaics, berber rugs, dramatic pendant light, and enriched silk and chenille furniture. Yves Saint Laurent: The Hamish Bowles Collection YSL Museum Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Running from now until January 2, 2026, the storied museum is showcasing Hamish Bowles's personal and curated couture collection. The English fashion historian and journalist takes visitors through his favorite bespoke items, with stories told through his point-of-view. The 53 vintage garments are one-of-a-kind and not on loan from a museum, but rather taken directly from his private collection — making the entire experience that much more tailored and sentimental. Woven into this sartorial journey are his nuggets of wisdom that span from fashion industry insights to garment construction. Aside from this limited-run exhibit, be sure to soak up the beauty of the museum itself, whose aesthetic vision was conceived by French architecture firm Studio KO. Erected in 2017 and composed of terracotta and Moroccan stone — the zen-inducing space feels like a soothing hug as it harmoniously blends in with the natural Moroccan landscape. What to experience in Agafay The White Camel is an exclusive Agafay Luxury Camp located a 30-minute drive outside of Marrakech. The White Camel The White Camel Lodge and Tents The eco-lodge is known for its Replenishment Packages, Wet Treatments, and self-care for families and children. The White Camel Lodge & Tents Situated in the Agafay Desert, the raw landscape features rocky dunes and starry-night skies. This luxury eco-hotelier boasts private tents and lodges to allow you to get in touch with nature. In additon to camel treks, stargazing, and immersion in Berber culture, here — the rest and relaxation is aplenty with the Agafay Desert serving as a serene backdrop to your spa/wellness journey. The property is known for their unique and customizable 'Wet Treatments': top recommendations include the tactile pleasures of the Berber Hammam; Royal Hammam Ceremony; and Scratching service that makes use of locally sourced Marigha Salt (a village situated in the mountainous High Atlas region in Marrakech). What to experience in Casablanca Le Rooftop at the Royal Mansour Casablanca Royal Mansour Casablanca Royal Mansour Casablanca The style/fashionista themed suite inside Royal Mansour Casablanca Royal Mansour Casablanca/ Cyrille Robin The vibrancy and buzzing excitement of Casablanca and its populace of over 3 million people is felt within the walls of this hotel, albeit with a layer of luxe contemporary sentiments. The hotel features 149 rooms, suites, private apartments, and four restaurants spread out over its 23 floors. There's also a lavish spa/wellness area and Hammam that curates local Moroccan products like marocMaroc — whose ethos honors the ancient beauty rituals of its countrywomen. Additionally, a regal and most sartorial experience awaits inside their plush fashion-themed, two-bedroom 2368 suite. In addition to sweeping city visas from your private balcony and an art-deco aesthetic, you're greeted with a mannequin wearing vintage couture (donning the likes of Dior, Chanel, and more) and fashion magazines (think Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar) strewn about. Naturally, if it's kicked up a desire for retail therapy, the concierge team can organize a trip to popular spots like the Morocco Mall, the largest shopping venue in Africa with over 350 stores, 40 restaurants and its own souk (an artisan marketplace). Hassan II Mosque Pêcheur et Mosquée Hassan-II à Casablanca le 14 juillet 2021. (Photo by Francois LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images As the largest mosque in Africa and classified as the 7th largest in the world, it is stunning to behold. The structure is partially build over the Atlantic Ocean, making it appear like a pearly gem floating in azure waters. Whether you're capturing photos inside and out, its majestic features include a minaret tower that stretches over 650 ft. high into the heavens; an expansive library, an elaborate hammam in the basement; and much more. The architecture and design is exquisite and astonishing: it features intricate frescoes, zelliges tiles done in a signature geometric motif, wood carvings, ornate stuccos, and artistic calligraphy strewn throughout the space. There are guided tours all day with language interpreters. What to experience in Rabat Mausoleum of Mohammed V This shimmering monument is dedicated to the memory of the late monarch Mohammed V (a beloved Sultan and King of Morocco) Visit Rabat The capital city captivates with its harmonious blend of old and new worlds. And this glimmering structure is no exception. The memorial grounds pay tribute to this beloved Moroccan king through its mausoleum which holds the tombs of Mohammed V and his two sons — the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The interior and exterior architectural design features are some of the most entrancing and intricate structures you'll find (and that you're allowed to see up-close-and-personal). The use of white Marble, green tile roofing, moorish arches, Sebka motifs gives the building a sense of grandeur and elegance. Inside, you'll find hallmarks such as Zellij tile wood, carved ceedarwood, an onyx sarcophagus, all flanked by real Royal Guards. Au Grain de Sésame An artisan space that houses female-founded brands by local creators Au Grain de Sésame Founded in 2007 by Asmaa Benachir — her workshop has always been aimed at coupling sustainable development and respect for the environment with women's empowerment. In fact, in 2013 — she launched a training program with an emphasis on ecological and sustainable design to help women in need (especially those contending with challenging situations). These marginalized individuals acquire skills that not only foster cultural pride for Moroccan art but in the same vein, attain financial independence. As a result of this community building, visitors can explore this welcoming and beautiful space all while purchasing these exquisite handicrafts made by these strong ladies. What to experience in Tangier Cap Spartel Lighthouse at Cap Spartel. (Photo by: Carl Simon/United Archives/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images Soak up views of this picture-perfect seaside promenade whose historical lighthouse has ignited dreamscape visions of anyone wandering through this area. Lap up the natural beauty of views that feature the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. In addition to the 1800s lighthouse (a national monument that you can tour and learn about the history of how it provided visual salvation to sailors at sea), there's also gardens, a museum on-site, and artisan vendors selling local handicrafts that span from kaftans to darbukas. Laure Welfling Laure Welfling has an incredible sartorial pedigree which includes working in fashion design in New York at Lords & Taylor, then in Paris at Christian Dior. Laure Welfling Sartorial sumptuousness awaits as you walk through the doors of luxury designer atelier Laure Welfling. Dividing her time between Paris and Tangier, her couture shop offers reimagined capes, jackets, and kaftans for women and men. All garments are made in-house by her team and bespoke fittings are available by appointment.
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Florida's attorney general targets a restaurant over an LGBTQ Pride event
Florida 's statewide prosecutor has subpoenaed records of a popular restaurant after it hosted an LGBTQ Pride event last month that the prosecutor's office says was open to all ages, even though a recent state law that restricts venues from admitting children to 'adult' performances has been blocked by courts. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claimed in a statement Tuesday that the event at the Kilted Mermaid in Vero Beach had 'adult, sexualized performers in front of children." His office on Tuesday did not respond to repeated inquiries asking which laws may have been violated. The subpoena issued earlier this month asks for copies of guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance video and contracts identifying performers. The owner of the Kilted Mermaid, Linda Moore, is vice mayor of Vero Beach, which is located on the Atlantic Coast, more than 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach. Moore did not immediately respond to an email and phone call seeking comment. Florida's Protection of Children Act, also known as 'the drag show ban,' was championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. It sought to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime. The law was challenged in 2023 by the Hamburger Mary's restaurant in Orlando which regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances. The restaurant claimed the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. In May, a three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court's preliminary injunction that described Florida's law as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida for trial.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Florida's attorney general targets a restaurant over an LGBTQ Pride event
VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida's statewide prosecutor has subpoenaed records of a popular restaurant after it hosted an LGBTQ Pride event last month that the prosecutor's office says was open to all ages, even though a recent state law that restricts venues from admitting children to 'adult' performances has been blocked by courts. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claimed in a statement Tuesday that the event at the Kilted Mermaid in Vero Beach had 'adult, sexualized performers in front of children.' His office on Tuesday did not respond to repeated inquiries asking which laws may have been violated. The subpoena issued earlier this month asks for copies of guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance video and contracts identifying performers. The owner of the Kilted Mermaid, Linda Moore, is vice mayor of Vero Beach, which is located on the Atlantic Coast, more than 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach. Moore did not immediately respond to an email and phone call seeking comment. Florida's Protection of Children Act, also known as 'the drag show ban,' was championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. It sought to punish venues for allowing children into what it called 'adult live performances.' Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances. Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime. The law was challenged in 2023 by the Hamburger Mary's restaurant in Orlando which regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances. The restaurant claimed the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech. In May, a three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court's preliminary injunction that described Florida's law as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida for trial.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's uplifting final message in last Instagram video before his death
Malcolm-Jamal Warner gave fans an uplifting message that "there's always a reason to smile" in his final Instagram video before his death aged 54. The actor, who starred in The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, posted a video with a flower in his hair on 15 May, describing how he'd been celebrating his daughter's birthday. "Have a smile for yourself and be a reason for someone else to smile," Warner said. His official cause of death was asphyxia, after he was caught by a strong current while swimming off Cocles, a beach in Limon, on Costa Rica 's Atlantic coast. A representative for Warner confirmed the news to The Independent.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Used oyster shells dumped into water off Connecticut to help restore ecosystem
Fishermen have taken oysters out of the Long Island Sound off Connecticut for generations. But Todd Koehnke and Tim Macklin have made it their mission to dump millions of old shells back in. Oyster beds are critical to a healthy ocean, because they filter water, prevent erosion and provide a home for an estimated 300 different species. In an aquatic circle of life, old shells also provide the ideal surface for baby oysters to latch on and grow — sometimes several to a shell. Koehnke and Macklin's two-person nonprofit, Collective Oyster Recycling and Restoration, is working to help restore the health of Connecticut's overfished oyster beds. In two years, they've put back over 700,000 pounds of oyster shells, Macklin said. "We've been taking it out of the sound for however many, over 100 years, and nobody's really putting it back in," Koehnke said. Their efforts, funded by state grants, are the newest addition to a list of existing restoration programs in most states along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf. It starts with collecting shells from over 50 Connecticut seafood restaurants that leave them in buckets out back. After that, the shells cure for a year, giving them enough time to kill invasive species so as not to contaminate the Sound. "We just move the shell, really, is what we do, and nature does all of the work," Macklin said. One of the restaurants they collect from is the Oyster Club in Mystic, Connecticut. Chef Renee Toupounce says they serve 4,000 to 6,000 oysters per week — some of the 2 billion oysters that Americans eat every year. "It's important to make sure that you know we are doing our part to help make the world better, make our ecosystem stronger," Toupounce said.
