New paths to exclusive luxury: chic Morocco unlocks the authentic side of North Africa

ByTravelling For Business

December 4, 2024
For the discerning business traveller looking to unwind after a week of negotiations, or for those seeking to combine work with culture-rich leisure, there’s a new name poised to capture the imagination of the UK’s corporate jet set: Chic Morocco.

For the discerning business traveller looking to unwind after a week of negotiations, or for those seeking to combine work with culture-rich leisure, there’s a new name poised to capture the imagination of the UK’s corporate jet set: Chic Morocco.

This dedicated brand, under the well-established Mandala Tours umbrella, specialises in expertly crafted journeys throughout the Kingdom of Morocco. Here, the ethos revolves around authenticity, exclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the local communities and environments that make this storied land so unique.

The world of luxury travel continues to evolve, becoming increasingly about personalised experiences rather than off-the-shelf itineraries. Chic Morocco embodies this shift with great finesse. Far from the traditional tourist trail, this specialist brand weaves together the country’s ancient traditions, modern hospitality, and vibrant landscapes into bespoke adventures that accommodate the specific interests and schedules of each guest. Whether it is an executive team-building retreat, a high-level incentive programme, or a personal leisure trip after concluding business in Casablanca, Chic Morocco ensures you witness the nation’s cultural tapestry through a carefully chosen, refined lens.

Custom-built itineraries that celebrate authenticity

At the heart of Chic Morocco’s philosophy lies the notion of customisation. Their private Morocco tours are not simply about ferrying guests from one photo opportunity to the next. Instead, the planning involves a close dialogue with each traveller, discerning preferences, accommodating special requests, and curating a journey that encapsulates the best of Moroccan heritage and modern flair. Itineraries can include anything from a weekend escape in Fès—delving into centuries-old medinas and exploring intricately tiled madrasas—to a week-long voyage across the High Atlas Mountains, the shimmering dunes of the Sahara, and the coastal charm of Essaouira.

Central to this approach is a handpicked network of local guides, expert drivers, and specialist insiders who can open doors to experiences that remain concealed from the casual visitor. Chic Morocco’s philosophy rests on providing meaningful encounters that feel intimate, rather than staged. The idea is to enable guests to engage with Morocco on a personal level: to learn about the intricacies of local pottery from an artisan at his workshop; to discover how a desert nomad community sustains itself in one of Earth’s most challenging environments; or to enjoy a private dinner that melds haute gastronomy with the gentle glow of lanterns lighting a riad’s hidden courtyard.

From boutique riads to exclusive desert camps

Accommodation is always a critical component of an unforgettable journey. Chic Morocco eschews mass-market hotels in favour of more intimate and character-filled venues. Drawing upon Mandala Tours’ extensive network of carefully vetted partners, the company has curated a selection of riads, boutique hotels, and exclusive hideaways that fuse Moroccan décor, modern comfort, and world-class service. These accommodations are more than places to rest your head; they are statements of style and authenticity, designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Picture yourself lingering over a delicate mint tea on a rooftop overlooking Marrakech’s historic skyline, or waking to the scent of jasmine in a meticulously restored riad. For those craving an even more immersive encounter, Chic Morocco also arranges nights beneath star-strewn desert skies. Here, luxury takes on a different form: a private desert camp furnished with plush Berber carpets and softly flickering lanterns, a sumptuous meal prepared from local ingredients, and the quiet hum of nature as your nightly lullaby.

Immersive experiences that reveal hidden Morocco

What sets Chic Morocco apart is its line-up of unique, hands-on experiences designed to give travellers a privileged perspective on this multifaceted land. From a bird’s-eye view of the buzzing souks and stately minarets of Marrakech—best admired from one of the city’s chic rooftops—to the rolling dunes of the Sahara, where desert picnics and sunset camel rides evoke the romance of old-world exploration, every activity is carefully selected for its authenticity and exclusivity.

Guests can delve into the hearts of artisan cooperatives, witnessing first-hand how intricate carpets are woven or how fragrant argan oil is pressed. Such opportunities not only enrich the traveller’s understanding, but also support local craftspeople and preserve ancient traditions. Indeed, the company’s commitment to responsible tourism is no mere afterthought. Chic Morocco works closely with local communities to ensure that development is sustainable and inclusive, channelling the benefits of tourism into meaningful, long-term growth.

For culinary enthusiasts, private dinners at renowned restaurants, cooking classes with expert chefs, and guided tastings of local delicacies are all part of the immersive package. There is an emphasis on seasonality, biodiversity, and traditional agricultural methods, allowing guests to appreciate the subtle flavours and culinary heritage that run through Morocco’s varied regions. Such encounters are about slowing down and savouring the moment—a luxury all too often absent from the hectic pace of a business traveller’s life.

Local advisors and personal connections

A crucial element of Chic Morocco’s approach is its reliance on expert local advisors. These individuals, be they cultural historians, wildlife experts, or wine connoisseurs, bring a unique perspective that elevates each journey from pleasant excursion to transformative experience. Their knowledge is not gleaned from guidebooks; it is earned from years of living, working, and engaging with Morocco’s varied landscapes and peoples.

This sense of personal connection extends beyond the guides. Communication is key. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, the Chic Morocco team maintains a dialogue that ensures any adjustments, be they itinerary tweaks or last-minute additions, can be accommodated. Flexibility is prized, and the ultimate goal is to deliver a travel experience that mirrors the client’s vision, underpinned by Chic Morocco’s refined curation and local expertise.

Why choose chic morocco for your next corporate or personal escape?

For time-pressed executives, quality matters more than quantity. With Chic Morocco’s expert local guides, handpicked accommodations, and exclusive experiences, travellers gain access to a richer, deeper dimension of Moroccan life. You will enjoy the privilege of camel rides in the dunes without the crowds, private dinners in hushed garden courtyards, and meticulously planned itineraries that reflect your interests, from architectural wonders to artisanal crafts.

By choosing Chic Morocco, you align with a brand that is dedicated to sustainable, responsible tourism. These journeys champion local enterprise, protecting cultural legacies and natural landscapes while ensuring that your trip, whether for business or leisure, contributes positively to the region’s well-being.

In a marketplace saturated by homogenised offerings, Chic Morocco stands as a beacon of exclusivity, charm, and authenticity. With them, the Kingdom of Morocco emerges as an intricate mosaic of vivid colours, ancient traditions, and modern luxuries—waiting to be discovered by those who seek more than a mere holiday, but a journey to savour and remember.