Archive for December, 2011

The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Majorelle Gardens, Cactus Gardens

The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, Morocco previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. Jacques Majorelle was the son of the celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia, a five-star hotel with gardens and the place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote, “The Birds.”

Jacque Majorelle, Designer & Founder, Majorelle Gardens

Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy in 1901 and later in 1919 he went to Marrakech, Morocco to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years using special color of blue which he used extensively in the garden that is named after him, Majorelle Blue. Jacques Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents Jacque Majorelle left to Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flore and fauna of this era as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this originally French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco.

The power of the blue Majorelle is long lived and permeates the essence of what it means to live and see color in Marrakech.

When visiting it is important to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world.

Nenuphar Flower, Majorelle Gardens

The courageous use of color, the famous Majorelle blue paint used in his architectural design enlivens the garden and acts as a strong backdrop to his plant collection of over 1800 types of cacti, 400 species of palms and other rare varieties of the time. This bold action revolutionized the way in which gardens were to be viewed. The blue pavilion with a raised island set amidst water lilies is the most famous photographed section of the garden. An elaborate system of water canals connect the planted areas and infuse the garden with its sight and sound. The contrasting effects of light and shadow are repeatedly played against each other capturing the harsh sunlight and transforming it into a tamed element that defies any known example. Majorelle’s greatest work of art is his garden.

For information about the Majorelle Gardens or a Morocco Gardens Tour.

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Majorelle Gardens, Jacques Majorelle, Garden Tours Marrakech, Garden Tours Morocco, Morocco Garden Vacations, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Travel Exploration Morocco Now Offering Gardens of Morocco Tour, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Islamic Garden Morocco

Travel Exploration Morocco has a few new additions to our special tour offerings this 2012 season. The new tours are “Majestic Gardens of Morocco” and “Gardens of  Marrakech”, both offering extension options. The “Gardens of Morocco” tours offer an extension option to the Tarodaunt and Agadir region. What distinguishes Travel Exploration’s new tours from others is that it specifically caters to garden enthusiasts, botanists and gardeners because it takes a true look at the majestic gardens of the Maghreb.

The Gardens of Morocco tour takes visitors on a unique journey to the Imperial Cities of Morocco while giving them a taste of Islamic, Andalusian, Moorish, Art Deco and Sultans gardens. This tour also gives travelers a chance to connect with the local culture through discovering historic sites, museums, mosques, old cities and traditional cuisine.

The Majestic Gardens of Morocco offers guests 10 days and 9 glorious nights whereby they can explore the sites and sounds of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and Ouirgane region.

Agdal Gardens, Marrakech

The Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour begins in Casablanca at the stunning Hassan II Mosque which lies at the foot of the Atlantic ocean, then visitors continue the road to the exotic Sidi Bouknadal Garden outside of Rabat. Topped by afternoon sweets and mint tea at Cafe Maure. An evening at Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses and a welcome dinner by candlelight in the gardens offers travelers a great way to start off their gardening vacation to the Morocco.  Rabat holds its beauty with some of the most historic architecture in the country as well as gardens.

Travelers on the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour can also plan on visiting gardens in the medieval walled city (old medina) of Fes, a visit to the Imperial city of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, After taking in the living museum of Fes the next stop will be the “red hamra” city of Marrakech, home to artists, writers and the chic. Marrakech’s gardens are top notch and will be seen when light is at its best. Visits to the Majorelle Garden, La Mamounia Garden, the Koutoubia Gardens, the Bahia Palace and Gardens are just a few of the green spaces on this tour.

A charming ending to the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour includes a visit to Nectarome in the Ourika Valley, harmonizing foot baths, lunch at the Flower Power cafe and then an overnight at La Roseraie in Ouirgane.

Kelech Horse & Carriage, Marrakech

10 full days and 9 nights of beautiful 5 Star garden Riads and Hotels, luxury transport, airport transfers, 14 excellent meals with a variety of traditional and contemporary Moroccan cuisine (breakfast daily at your Riad or Hotel, welcome dinner, lunch at a palace restaurant in Fes and farewell dinner), 4 Guided Historical Tours in the Imperial Cities, 8 Guided Garden Tours by a Botanist, Nurserymen and Herbalist, Garden & Monument Entrances Fees, plus exquisite sights, shopping time in the souks and a kelech horse and carriage ride in Marrakech.

Visit http://gardentoursmorocco.wordpress.com/majestic-gardens-of-morocco-tour/ to see the complete itinerary.

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Kasbah Ouadia & Andalusian Gardens, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Kasbah Ouadia Gardens Rabat

Kasbah Des Oudaia in Morocco also referred to as Kasbah Oudaya or Kasbah Udaya, is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river opposite of Salé. Kasbah Oudaia has been the citadel of the Alhmohads, Merinids and Andalusians in Rabat. Its location on a rocky outcrop high above the level of the river is an imposing site especially for the pirates of days gone by.

Kasbah Oudaia was built during the reign of the Almohads. When the Almohads had captured Rabat and destroyed the kasbah of the Almoravids in the town, they began reconstructing it in AH 544 / AD 1150. They added a palace and a mosque and named it al-Mahdiyya, after their ancestor al-Mahdi Ibn Tumart. After the death of Yaqub-al-Mansur (AH 595 / AD 1199) the kasbah was deserted.

Bab Oudaia is the principal gateway to the Kasbah – one of the most striking sights in Rabat and certainly one of the most beautiful external Moorish monuments. The gate was built by the Almohad Sultan, Yacoub al Mansour, in 1195. Its purpose was more ceremonial than defensive, designed for a grand entrance into the Kasbah and its souks and the nearby Sultan palace.

The gate, massive as though it may appear at first inception, is not unusual in its size for an Almohad monument. It is striking for its harmony and the sheer simplicity and beauty of its decoration. The basic feature is the arch, composed of three different designs: the basic horseshoe, a check-and-shoulder design and finally a band of geometric ornamentation.

Kasbah Ouadia Gate

After passing through the grand door, ,Bab Oudaia, one will immediately reach an  striking quarter, the Kasbah des Oudaias. The Kasbah is the original citadel of the Almohad, Merinid and subsequent Andalusian towns in Rabat. Here, you can see the Kasbah Mosque – the oldest mosque in the city, built around 1050 and subsequently rebuilt in the 18th century.

When you enter the grounds of Oudaia you immediately notice the Andalusian influence. Everything here reminds one of Spain, walls uniformly covered with lime, blue everywhere, the cobbled streets, the massive doors to colored moldings and wrought iron. The formal structured Andalusian style gardens are bordered with red hibiscus, hedges, morning glories, brugmansias, date palms and orange trees with a long harbored walkway covered in grape vines.

The Kasbah Oudaia stands out within a beautiful and quiet residential area surrounded by white and blue painted houses decorated with flowers. Kasbah Oudaia has become a haven for artists, attracted by the beauty of the site as much as by its soothing tranquility.

Kasbah Ouadaia Andalusian Gardens

South of Bab Ouadaia, is the Palace Museum and Andalusian Gardens. The Palace was built in the seventeenth-century by Moulay Ismail, the first Almohad sultan to unify the country. Today, it showcases exhibits of Moroccan art and culture. A vast central patio gives access to private quarters and reception rooms containing the exhibits. There is a hall containing oriental rugs made in Rabat, an exhibition hall for musical instruments and a salon reserved for customs and rituals.

The old palace grounds are occupied by the beautiful Andalusian Gardens. Although true to Andalusian traditions, with its flowering annuals and beds of shrubs, the gardens were actually constructed by the French in the twentieth-century. The gardens are a shady retreat, with a profusion of daturas, oleanders, orange, lemon and banana trees.

When visiting Kasbah Ouadia, make sure to have tea and pastries at Café Maure set on the grounds of the Kasbah Oudaia with a majestic view of the river.

For more information about Gardens Tours Morocco and Kasbah Oudaia Rabat Tours

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Kasbah Ouadia, Andalusian Gardens, Rabat Tours, Palace Museum Rabat, Morocco Garden Vacation, Garden Tours Morocco, Travel Exploration

The Jnane Sbil Garden in Fes, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Jnane Sbil Gardens, Fes

Created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, the Jnane Sbil Garden is a jewel of the Arab Andalusian tradition, extending over 7.5 hectares located in the heart of Fes. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious gardens in Fes, the ancient artistic and intellectual capital of Morocco. Because of its historical importance, great care was taken to restore this Fes garden to its original design and after four years of detailed restoration and renovation of the heirloom plants, the hydraulic systems and the famous waterwheel, the project was completed and re-opened in June 2010.

Jnane Sbil Gardens, Entrance, Fes

Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, continuing in the Foundation’s policy of historical park and garden preservation decided to rehabilitate Jnane Sbil in 2006. The park which surrounded by ramparts and the Borj has been faithfully restored to its origins with an update to its green space.

The restoration of Jnane Sbil included the rehabilitation of heirloom plants and old hydraulic systems, fountains, water canals and windmills. The majestic central tree lined alley and the bamboo garden were also restored along with the Washington path being reconstructed. A fragrance garden in the southeast area, reminiscent of the Fes gardens that captivates visitors was also created. Buildings adjacent buildings to host the public, a refreshment area and restrooms were also included in the restoration.

This project reinforces this city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage sites’ cultural potential and its destiny as an international tourism destination, while benefitting the population.

For more information about Jnane Sbil Garden in Fes or a Fes Tour 

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

 

Feng Shui Your Way to Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Jayme Barrett, Feng Shui Expert

Feng Shui Your Way to Morocco for an eight-day retreat with best selling author Jayme Barrett. Experience how the laws of energy can be utilized to enhance your life.  A Feng Shui travel retreat is an ideal way to discover Morocco’s great spaces within the “red hamra” city of Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and seaside Essaouira.

Feng shui is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive energy. The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English. Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures—in an auspicious manner.

Feng Shui Workshop Morocco, Jayme Barrett

This Morocco retreat with Feng Shui expert Jayme Barrett pays homage to the practice of Feng Shui in culminating the wind-water intention through private group teachings and activities. Participants can anticipate enjoying two Feng Shui workshops, two energy/life-enhancement classes and one manifestation & meditatation class taught exclusively by Jayme.

Cooking Workshop, Feng Shui Retreat Marrakech

The retreat will take place in an 18th century Moroccan Riad courtyard in the heart of the Marrakech medina. Amenities and unique experiences include a daily yoga practice, walks in the Ourika Valley, shopping in the souks for Moroccan decor, a visit to the North African coastal town of Essaoauira, endless opportunities to dine on Moroccan delicacies plus a Moroccan cooking workshop and Spa treatments.

Yoga Workshop, Feng Shui Retreat Marrakech

The Feng Shui Morocco retreat also offers free time to explore on your own in Marrakech and its surrounding areas. A visit to the Marrakech Majorelle Gardens designed by Jacque Majorelle and its newly reopened Museum that showcases Berber jewelry and clothing traditions should be top on the list. Relish at sunset with Cocktails at La Mamounia Hotel & Gardens or take an extension trip to the Great South. An extension trip to the Great South includes an overnight camel trek in the Sahara Desert’s Erg Chebbi Dunes, bread baking, henna time and lunch with a Berber family plus a full day visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the regions old Ksars.

Feng Shui Your Life, By Jayme Barrett

Top 5 Feng Shui Morocco Travel Keepsakes Compliments of Jayme Barrett:

1.  Create an intention for your voyage. This means not only earmarking a guidebook for the best museums or restaurants, but also envisioning what you want to experience and explore and bring home, spiritually, from the trip.

2.  Buy from local craftsman and artisans. Supporting their creativity and offering a fare price is good karma. Also, it’s better to own hand-made objects such as woven baskets and rugs. They contain life force energy, as opposed to machine-made objects.

3.  Remember what you want to manifest in your life, and find mementos that represent your passions and desires. For example, to boost romance, buy in pairs, such as two candlesticks, pictures or figurines. To encourage fertility and pregnancy, find a hand-made doll crafted by a loving mother. To increase spirituality, bring home a religious relic or statue. To boost wealth, buy a special gold box to house your written intentions. Before you can apply good feng shui you must know what you want to manifest in your life.

4.  Look for stones and shells that contain nature’s healing energy.

5.  Choose items you absolutely love. Don’t buy something because you think you “should.”

Jayme Barrett

About Author, Jayme Barrett:

As seen on “The Today Show, best-selling author Jayme Barrett is a leading authority on Feng Shui living and personal fulfillment.  Jayme empowers individuals to design their lives for increased balance, energy and motivation. Jayme’s book, “Feng Shui Your Life” is the #1 most popular feng shui book. Barett’s clients include Hollywood actors, TV directors, successful fashion designers and movie executives, attorneys, hotels and spa owners. Barrett has been featured in magazines including Body + Soul, Self Magazine, Health, ELLE, Woman’s World, Redbook, First for Women, Parents, Healing Lifestyles and Spas, Delicious Living, The Nest, Every Day with Rachael Ray, American Spa and Healthy Living Magazine.  Jayme Barrett resides with her husband in Los Angeles, California.

Feng Shui Your Way to Marrakech, Morocco Retreat Information can be found at http://jaymebarrett.com/blog

For more information on how to Feng shui Your Way to Morocco
Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (212)618-8861 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. 

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