Flavours of Morocco

La Maison Arabe was first established as a restaurant in the 1940s and over the years has gained international recognition for offering the very best of Moroccan cuisine attracting the likes of Winston Churchill and Queen Ingrid of Denmark. In 1998, this world-famous restaurant was expanded into a boutique hotel and cookery school which is now recognised for its sophisticated architecture and elegant décor.

Set around a peaceful courtyard - a world away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby souks, guests can sample a selection of traditional Moroccan dishes; colourful salades Morocaines, tangy and fragrant tagines and pastilla made from layers of flaky paper thin pastry, almonds, sugar and creamy milk.

Those keen to learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine will be taught by the dada to create a mouth watering plat du jour comprising a starter, main course and dessert. A sample menu might include a tasty hot Taktouka salad made with grilled peppers, tomatoes, garlic, paprika and cumin, a sweet prune and lamb tagine– tenderly cooked and popular with the locals, and for dessert, oranges thinly sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon and golden sugar.

Whilst preparing the dishes using vegetables and herbs from the jardin potager (kitchen garden), the dada will reveal secrets of spices, herbs and cooking methods that have been passed through the ages. After a few hours in the kitchen, an inviting swimming pool offers the chance to cool down, laze in the sun or work up an appetite ready for the sumptuous feast.

Three nights at La Maison Arabe including flights, accommodation on a B&B basis and private transfers costs from £495 per person based on two people sharing a standard patio room. Cookery classes cost from £65 per person.

Feasting in the Atlas Mountains

Friendly retreat La Bergerie is located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains just over an hour from Marrakech. This welcoming auberge is the idyllic place to unwind and relax and a great base for nature lovers and ramblers who are keen to explore the breathtaking surroundings.

The cosy bedrooms are distributed among several low red pisé buildings to offer complete privacy and come equipped with either an open fireplace or wooden stove, great for snuggling up in the winter months. After a comfortable night’s sleep, guests can savour the silence and tranquillity of the remote setting before being treated to a hearty breakfast of fresh coffee, fruit juice, crusty bread, pancakes and home made jam.

After breakfast, Simpson Travel can arrange guided walks and mule treks for walkers of all abilities. These walks take in streams and waterfalls, valleys and mountains, pine and juniper woods and traditional Berber houses that cling precariously to mountain slopes. With a knowledgeable local guide, guests can wander through mountain hamlets and villages and find out about Berber culture and tradition that has remained unchanged for generation after generation.

In the evening, La Bergerie has a traditional stone restaurant with a roaring open fire that offers a daily selection of traditional Moroccan and French cuisine including tasty quiches and tarts, goat’s cheese salad, spicy tagines with eggs and a daily selection of meat and fish. For dessert, guests can sample the crepes à L’orange, apple tart or the devilishly delicious chocolate brownies. After an energetic day, and a more than sufficient dose of fresh air, what better than to relax next to the fire with some delicious homemade cuisine and a glass of traditional Ksar (Moroccan red wine).

Three nights in La Bergerie costs from £490 per person based on two people sharing on a half board basis including flights, accommodation, private transfers and a trek through the traditional Berber villages with a local bilingual guide.

Relax in Essaouira

Set on the Atlantic coast, this breezy whitewashed town is buzzing with a unique coastal atmosphere where fishermen, tradesman and weather worn artists rise early in the morning to go about their daily work and locals stay up until midnight playing chess perched on the back of donkey carts.

The magic of the city is partly down to the 18th century medina and the surrounding fairytale fortress that blocks out the Atlantic waves. With narrow streets, stunning architecture and a chilled out coastal vibe, it is of little surprise that in the 50’s and 60’s Essaouira became a favourite refuge for rock stars including Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens.

Today, Essaouira has maintained its charm and continues to attract the independent traveller looking for a place to unwind, enjoy great seafood and watch the world go by.

Dar I’Oussia is a comfortable riad set just 50 metres away from the horseshoe bay and a perfect location to absorb the spirit of the town. The most appealing aspect of this handsome old building is the views from the rooftop terrace scattered with terracotta plant pots and equipped with parasols, wooden sun loungers and wicker chairs. Here guests can find the ideal spot to relax with a good book to the sound of the Atlantic waves and the odd seagull cry.

The nearby Mechouar Restauarant is quite a contrast to the laid back flip-flop style of the town. Sophisticated and trendy with high ceilings decorated with drapes and low lighting to create a relaxing but sophisticated ambience. This castle-like restaurant could fool diners into thinking they weren’t in a North African country if it wasn’t for the distinctly Moroccan menu including delicious fish soup for 60drh (£4.80) and lamb tagine with tomatoes, onions and spices for 90 drh (£7.20).

Three nights at the Dar I’Oussia costs from £535 per person based on two people sharing on a half board basis including flights, accommodation and private transfers.

Simpson Travel can offer tailor-made itineraries to two or more destinations to suit individual tastes and requirements. Seven nights in Morocco combining La Maison Arabe in Marrakech, La Bergerie in the Atlas Mountains and the Dar l'Oussia in Essaouira costs from £950 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis, a 1/2 day cookery class, return flights and private transfers.

To book these or any other Simpson Travel Moroccan holidays, log on to Simpsontravel.com.