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escape | moroccan mirage

Moroccanmirage

Surrounded by an extraordinary ecosystem, this coastal village offers a discreet getaway for an adventurous twosome.

Need-to-Know InfoGettinG 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

BY A L S I O N R OT H

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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.

escape | moroccan mirage

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escape | moroccan mirage

to packBY A L I S O N R OT H

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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