mirage

escape | moroccan mirage
Surrounded by an extraordinary
ecosystem, this coastal village
offers a discreet getaway for an
adventurous twosome.
Moroccan
mirage
By A L S I O N R O T H
Need-to-Know Info
Getting There: Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s
flagship airline, has direct flights from New York to
Casablanca. As of press time, they will begin direct
flights from Washington D.C. to Casablanca in early 2013.
royalairmaroc.com
Languages: Arabic (Moroccan dialect), French
Weather: Oualidia is a temperate climate with pleasant
weather year-round. The city and surrounding area
experience about 320 days of sunshine per year.
Recommended Sites: lasultanaoualidia.com,
visitmorocco.com, morocco.com
dlmweddings.com
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escape | moroccan mirage
Forego Caribbean beaches and European B&Bs
for a honeymoon twist that you and your newlywed will always
remember. Wave goodbye to your wedding guests and hop on a
flight to Morocco—a cultural blend of African, Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean influences.
Wind-down in the quiet charm of Oualidia (pronounced
“Walidia”), a tiny seaside village on the Atlantic Ocean tucked
between El Jadida and Safi. La Sultana Oualidia, a member
of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, borders a rare, fragile
lagoon of sandbanks and oyster beds. The property’s limestone
cliffs, golden wheat fields and saltwater marshes are accented
by distant calls of flamingos; their pink feathers dotting the
lagoon’s quiet waters.
The 11 suites, named after traditional Moorish boats,
are designed with natural materials—carved tadelakt walls,
oleander branch ceilings and marble floors—and richly
colored with hand-woven rugs and textured furnishings. The
private terrace greets guests with flowering plants, a flowing
water-channel and total privacy. Oualidia’s unhurried pace is
reflected in the tranquil 147-foot infinity pool, which seemingly
blends into the lagoon’s cerulean waters.
Spend your time reading by the fishpond, sipping mint
tea in the lush garden or reclining on the lagoon’s crescent
beach under a straw parasol. La Sultana’s alfresco dining area
is veiled in ivory calico and serves fresh lobsters, crayfish,
spider crabs, clams and oysters. With a breakfast fit for a
king (His Majesty, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco recently
accommodated his family at La Sultana), savor Moroccan
crepes, homemade yogurt, cumin-topped eggs, rustic bread
and more. Enjoy cocktails in the rotunda bar or arrange a
private picnic for two on a nearby hideaway beach.
Devote an afternoon to La Sultana’s spa, in the heart of
the hotel, with a heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and
aromatherapy area, surrounded by intricate masonry, pools of
sunlight and shimmering lamps. Receive massage treatments
or rest in the hammam (steam room) after a cinnamon body
scrub and Argan oil wrap.
After you’ve indulged in La Sultana’s solitude, the staff
will gladly set you and your hubby up with popular local
activities, such as wind surfing, kayaking, boating and surfing.
Quad-bike to El Jadida, the home of an old Portuguese fort,
and sample fresh bread still warm from the local bakers’
stone ovens, or drive to Marrakech for a day of shopping
and sightseeing in the largest market in Morocco. For a
classic aphrodisiac, visit the nearby world-class oyster beds
(specifically Oyster Farm #7, one of the oldest and best-known
in the area).
Morocco’s rich history, sun-drenched sights, intricate
designs and aromatic dishes provide a sensory experience that
is irresistible to romance especially in a place like Oualidia.
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denver life weddings
escape | moroccan mirage
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By A lison R oth
what
to pack
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Packing for a Moroccan getaway can be tricky. Some areas of
the country are very modest while anything goes in others.
Play it stylishly safe and breezy with maxi dresses and caftans
in colorful prints. Of course, swimsuits and resort wear are the
norm at La Sultana. Dress for all occasions with day-to-night
accessories.
1. Claudia E Lucia Dress, $125. At Gracie’s (1511 S. Pearl St., Denver) and claudiae.com
2. Moscot Isobel Sunglasses, $275. At Barton Perreira
(525 E Copper Ave., Aspen) and moscot.com
3. Verano High Nantucket Retro Maillot, $230.
At veranohigh.com
4. Fodor’s Morocco, 5th Edition, $22.99. At Barnes & Noble
(500 16th St., Denver.) and fodors.com
5. Dooney & Bourke Tri-Bangle Bracelet, $65. At Dillard’s
(1 W Flatiron Crossing Dr., Broomfield.) and dooney.com
6. OSEA Normal to Dry Skin Travel Kit, $44.
At oseamalibu.com
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dlmweddings.com
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