Hôtel Awayou During our meander through the breathtaking Roses Valley, we stumbled upon the delightful oasis of Hôtel Awayou. This gem offered us not just a respite but an experience to remember. As we settled in for a lovely midday meal, the tantalizing aromas of traditional tajines wafted, setting the stage for a culinary journey that exceeded all expectations. The tajines, exquisitely prepared and bursting with flavour, were a testament to the culinary expertise in this hidden corner of the world. Each bite was a symphony of taste, a perfect fusion of spices and freshness that left us craving more. And oh, the value! Exceptional quality at a price that belied the richness of the experience – truly a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. As we dined on the terrace, soaking in the majestic views that stretched before us, we were enveloped in the beauty of Roses Valley. The rugged mountains, the vibrant hues of the valley, and the serene ambience created an idyllic backdrop for our meal, making it a feast for the senses in every sense of the word.

Lave Linge Boutique Laundry They provide excellent service and great value (70d for a whole bag) and are gentle on your clothes. We were looking for a laundry service in Rabat that would take our laundry bag, wash it, dry it, and fold it within a day. I dropped it off at 11 am and picked it up at 6 pm. All our clothes were nicely wrapped and neatly folded in a plastic bag, which made it very easy to pack for our next trip. Thank you to the lovely ladies for your speedy and high-quality service.

La Table d'à Côté We were back in Melbourne when we visited this beautiful cafe in Rabat. The decor was stunning, and the service was warm and welcoming. Even with a language barrier, we could still make jokes. We visited twice during our stay in Rabat and thoroughly enjoyed the coffee and Moroccan sweets. We also dined there for lunch and highly recommend the Cheese Burger and Croque Monsieur, which is mouthwatering.

Flat 51, Roof Top Terrace - Six nights The instant you enter, you feel you have arrived home; the apartment is everything you had hoped for and more. Coming to a local bottle of wine and fresh fruits was a pleasant surprise. Sunbeams in and provides a beautiful ambience, and you want to spend your days relaxing with a wine or coffee on the terrace. The terrace overlooks Rabat, and you are spoilt with sunrises, sunsets, and a view of Hassan mosque and St Peters Cathedral. After three months of travelling, my husband and I enjoyed six blissful nights in the apartment and were very impressed with a fully equipped kitchen to want home-cooked meals. We loved that the home had all the cooking essentials and much more; the pantry had all your staples. It's always a treat when you jump in the shower for the first time and feel intense pressure. It's a bonus when the water is extra hot. Quality linens and an abundance of towels. We work remotely while travelling and found the home a great work environment; you can even access a Mac desktop. The location was very convenient, and everything was close by, also a shop next door with a good selection of wine and spirits, we frequented the butcher nearby that had excellent quality meat. Sandy was a fantastic host, amiable and responsive, and happy to share all her local hotspots. Overall, the home is very functional and has everything you need for a short or long stay. We could have easily stayed for more nights, and there was more to experience. It was a great base as it was only a short taxi ride using Careem to Souissi, where we spent some afternoons enjoying more local food and wine. Maya Restaurant and Sofitel Bar are worth adding to your hotspots. The home doesn't have a washing machine, but we found excellent service, great value (70d for a whole bag), and gentleness on your clothes. Lave Linge Boutique is only a ten-minute walk away. We were looking for a laundry service to take our laundry bag, wash it, dry it, and fold it within a day. We were dropped off at 11 a.m. and picked up at 6 p.m. the same day. All our clothes were nicely wrapped and neatly packed in a plastic bag. I highly recommend this hidden treasure in the heart of Rabat.

Le Dhow Restaurant Lounge We were looking for a lazy lunch in Rabat, where we could enjoy a lovely bottle of wine, a water view, and great food. Le Dhow ticked off all three and more. The restaurant and bar are set on a boat just near the Medina. The boat is permanently docked in the inlet and offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic. You can watch the waves crashing in and off the Medina. The excellent wine list and food did not disappoint; we skipped the entree to enjoy the slow-cooked lamb for two, which was divine. Being Australian, we are privy to some delicious lamb of the highest quality. We managed to save room for dessert and were happy we did. The cheesecake and apple pie were a treat. The service was exceptional, and Luhcen was very attentive. It's a great spot if you are looking to treat yourself to a nice lunch or dinner in Rabat.

Maya Restaurant & Lounge Visit Maya for a lovely lazy lunch or dinner spot in Rabat with great food and wines. Maya was highly recommended by a local, and it didn't disappoint. The food was delicious, with a great selection of small bites to larger ones. We enjoyed a cheese platter (with a twist, chocolate too) to compliment our champagne, followed by delicious brochettes, which were very tasty indeed. The service was impeccable, and the team was at your beck and call to ensure you were never waiting. The atmosphere and decor are beautiful. The building has a great design and a lovely courtyard where you can bask in the afternoon sun with a bottle of local Moroccan wine. The venue is also great for evenings and is a local hotspot with beers, cocktails, and live music.

Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses - One Visit This bar is nestled deep inside the Sofitel, a hidden treasure in Rabat. The surroundings are very picturesque, and the bar's design is beautiful. The team at Sofitel were terrific, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting them, especially Mohamed Reda, who had all the time in the world for you and made every customer feel at home. Being a Sofitel, it has a great selection of wine and spirits and extra thoughtful touches to keep your appetite going throughout the evening. Perfect for an afternoon beverage and hide away from the hustle and bustle of the city. During the evening, to be spoilt with cocktails and great entertainment with the live band. This bar is also a hotspot for meeting Rabat's locals; everyone is amiable and welcoming, as are all Moroccans.

Café Sousi Café Sousi in Boumalne Dades is a cozy spot with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The cafe boasts stunning views of the Dades Valley, which add a special touch to the dining experience. The menu features traditional Moroccan dishes, with highlights including the flavorful tagines and freshly baked bread. Mint tea is a perfect accompaniment; it is refreshing and aromatic. The friendly staff provide excellent service, making you feel right at home. Café Sousi is a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Vogue Restaurant & Bar - One visit Let me regale you with our dining experience with Vogue Restaurant & Bar in Istanbul. As we stepped into the realm of culinary delights, we found ourselves in a whirlwind of mixed signals that left us craving more than just a dish to savour. Imagine this: the ambience was set, the air filled with promises of gastronomic adventures, yet the siren call of the phone seemed to outshine our arrival. A melodic ring echoed through the space, and alas, the hostess danced to its tune, leaving us feeling like mere bystanders in a bustling symphony of modern distractions. While the views promised captivating beauty, the service seemed to fail to match the grandeur of the setting. More style than substance, we yearned for a touch of warmth and care from the servers, a connection that goes beyond the surface and delves into the heart of hospitality. And oh, the balcony! A promise unfulfilled as we had to remind the establishment of its allure, a subtle reminder that sometimes the advertised dreams fall short of reality. We had to ask for a table to be dressed on the balcony, which wasn't too much to ask, considering they promote you can dine on the balcony. Amid it all, a warning whispered in the wind: Do yourself a favour and venture onwards to Turk Fatih Tutak or Glens Restaurant for a dining experience of true magnificence. Vogue may dazzle with its views and affiliation with Conde Naste, but don't be fooled. For those seeking the whole culinary experience, it may be best to bid farewell and seek solace elsewhere. So, if you seek to be treated like a respected customer, perhaps Vogue is not the destination for you. Every journey holds its lessons, and in this culinary saga, we learn that even amidst disappointments, brighter horizons are always waiting to be explored. Here's to dining adventures yet to come and to find the true gems in unexpected places!

Sahara Atlas Tours The joy of when your host invites you home to get henna. Henna, also known as Mailanchi in Malayalam, mehndi in Hindi-Urdu, and hinah in Hebrew, is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as hina, the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet, the sole species of the genus Lawsonia.