Northwood Around The World: Morocco

In "Northwood Around the World", we showcase some of the captivating destinations visited by Northwood team members.

Featured Traveler: Bana Khoury

Location: Morocco

Morocco had been on my travel wish list for years, but planning a trip always felt overwhelming. With so much to explore and summer temperatures rising into the mid-40s, timing the visit outside peak season was key. Luckily, when my cousin decided to get married there earlier this year, the planning became easier. And so began a ten-day journey filled with more variety, colour, and warmth than I ever imagined.

Marrakech: Colour, Chaos, and Charm

We started our journey in Marrakech, a city that truly lives up to its reputation. The moment you land, you’re greeted by terracotta walls, palm trees, and the buzz of motorcycles weaving through the old medina. At the heart lies Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s main square and marketplace, and one of the most famous public spaces in Africa. As the sun sets, it transforms into a scene of organized chaos: food stalls sizzling with spices, musicians and storytellers captivating crowds, snake charmers and monkeys adding to the surreal scene, and rows of orange-juice stands serving the best I’ve ever had. The energy felt both chaotic and magnetic, unlike anywhere else. To top it off, we spent a night in the desert just outside the city beneath an endless sky of stars.

One of the most memorable stops was Jardin Majorelle, a garden and villa once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. The famous cobalt-blue walls, art-deco architecture, and mix of Moroccan and European design make it feel both calm and creative.

Northbound: Mountains, Coast, and Calm

After the wedding, we flew north to Tétouan, a city with strong Andalusian and Spanish influence that once served as the capital of Spanish Morocco. From there, we drove about 30 minutes to a peaceful coastal town near Fnideq, with views of Spain visible just across the Mediterranean. The change in scenery was striking, lush, mountainous terrain replacing the desert backdrop of Marrakech. Every morning, we enjoyed slow breakfasts featuring amlou — a spread of almonds, honey, and argan oil that became an instant favourite. One day we rented buggies and rode through mountain trails overlooking small villages and olive groves.

We continued south toward Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City. It was even more magical in person; narrow lanes painted in endless shades of blue, steep winding streets, and friendly locals inviting us into their shops for mint tea. The heat was intense (and so were the hills), but worth every step. We stopped for a quick lunch and noticed camel burger on the menu, curiosity won, but one try was definitely enough.

Tangier & Casablanca: Where Old Meets New

From there, we stopped in Tangier, a port city that has long been a cultural crossroads where Europe and Africa meet. The city still carries a cosmopolitan air, a blend of Moroccan tradition and Mediterranean charm. I found a beautiful hand-woven rug in the medina, made by artisans who proudly shared how their designs have been passed down through generations.

Our trip ended in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and financial capital. Though more modern and European in feel, it still holds deep cultural roots. Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was a highlight — it’s one of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the Atlantic with intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and the tallest minaret in Africa.

The Soul of Morocco

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery; it was the people. Everywhere we went, we were met with warmth, generosity, and genuine curiosity. Whether it was someone helping with directions, offering tea, or sharing stories about their craft, there was an unmistakable sense of welcome. The same Arab traditions of hospitality I grew up with felt deeply familiar — an open-heartedness that made me feel at home even thousands of kilometers away.

I usually prefer discovering new places over returning to the same destination twice, but Morocco changed that. Ten days were just enough to glimpse its beauty, and left me convinced that I’ll be back to explore even more: Fez, with its ancient medina; Essaouira, the relaxed coastal town known for its arts scene; and the Atlas Mountains, whose landscapes I only saw from afar.