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Mazagan Beach Resort It's a giant casino resort; it would be perfect in summer, but it was very empty in the winter. Unfortunately, the food in the steak restaurant let us down, especially considering it was Australian pricing. The meat was well done and, when served again, replaced with a lower grade, even though we ended up paying for the higher grade meat. We did complain; however, the staff ignored our complaint.

Maison Eric I always make it a point to explore the local cafes in the places I visit. Recently, I stumbled upon a charming little restaurant in El Jadida, a coastal city in Morocco, that I had to share with everyone. The cafe, called Dar Al Houda, is located in the heart of the town and has a cozy and serene atmosphere that provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm smiles and a friendly welcome from the staff. The decor blends traditional Moroccan and modern aesthetics, creating a unique and inviting ambience. The menu offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, including a selection of teas and coffees and a range of sweet and savoury pastries. I ordered a mint tea and a delicious almond croissant, one of the best. The food and drink were prepared with care and attention to detail, and the flavours were exquisite. What I loved most about Dar Al Houda was the personal touch that the staff provided. They took the time to chat with me, recommend other places to visit in the city, and ensure I was comfortable throughout my visit. They truly cared about their customers and wanted to create a memorable experience. Overall, I highly recommend Dar Al Houda to anyone visiting El Jadida. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or study, a cozy place to catch up with friends, or simply a place to relax and unwind, this cafe has it all. With its warm atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and friendly staff, it's no wonder it's become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Le Chester's - Three Visits. We stumbled across Le Chester's during our first day in Casablanca and were so impressed with the warm welcome; as we walked past, we couldn't wait to return for our afternoon wine. Our walk shortly finished, and we returned to say hello and enjoy a bottle of fine fresh wine and a beautiful cheese platter, followed by excellent cocktails; why stop at the wine? Open from lunch onwards, it is a great place to meet locals and chat with the staff perched up at the bar. It is also an excellent establishment for solo travellers—an institution of Casablanca. The restaurant is authentic, and you feel you are sitting in France, especially as everyone speaks French; it is a beautiful experience. We visited Chez Gaby three times during our short stay in Casablanca; we loved the team, the fabulous local French vibe, and the beautiful wines and food. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to have dinner here, but I can guarantee you will be in for a fun and excellent food night. Note: Previously known as Chez Gaby.

Walking along a beach and picking up other people's garbage is probably not considered winning. To me, it is. It's about the mindset. It is amazing. Every day, I try to pick up as much rubbish on my daily walk as possible.

L’italien Gammarth da Davide - One Visit There was a great view, just average food, and below-average service; the team seemed unhappy, but we tried our best to interact. Look over the glass railing, and you will find a beach covered in rubbish.

Sidi Bou Said is a town in northern Tunisia, about 20 km from Tunis's capital. Named for a religious figure who lived there, Abu Said al-Baji, it was previously called Jabal el-Menar. The town is a tourist attraction known for its extensive use of blue and white; you'll feel like you are in Santorini. It is a must-visit location, and some fabulous restaurants serve quality food and wine.

Billionaire Restuarant A great find in Gammarth! Billionaire Club is a beautiful lounge restaurant that exudes sophistication and class. The venue spreads across two floors, with the upper level being a great spot to lounge and enjoy an evening beverage with great food. There is a restaurant with a great view too. We enjoyed the tapas and were very impressed with the quality of food and very affordable drink prices. There is great music in the background, along with a DJ who knows the crowd. The staff were all very personable and great fun too. Service was exceptional, and they were always there to fill your glass. If you arrive early, you will enjoy the beautiful sunsets, although the club starts to get busy after 10 pm; if you are looking for a beautiful place to relax, arrive at 6 pm, and it's all yours. A local hotspot and ensure you dress to impress, as the venue is also impressive. I definitely would visit again when travelling through Tunisia. I would also love to experience it in summer as it has a great beach and pool section, but in winter, you will find it very cosy.

Amarante Parfums - Three Visits Quality at its best. Incredible products! Everything is made in Italy and France, from the leather to the bottles. Stylish and unique pieces. All are handmade from the best quality products. The Perfumes are all-natural and have divine lingering scents; they are universal for both males and females. I fell in love with the shower gels and body lotions. Your skin is incredibly soft and smooth; you can use it as part of your facial regime. We fall asleep each night with the beautiful pillow spray, which helps us sleep all night. Anne and Mario, thank you for introducing us to your spectacular products and business. We are fans for life.

Private Chalet in Unique Nature - Two weeks This magical getaway Bizecco is a destination Airbnb. As soon as you arrive, you will immediately want to sit in front of the log fire enjoying the spectacular views with a glass of vino (or coffee/tea should you desire), and within minutes you have booked another week. The brand new, fully equipped cottage (and I mean new - we are the first guests) is tucked away in the mountains. You are entirely engulfed by rugged terrain, nearly four hours southeast of Cappadoccia. You need to pinch yourself to make sure you are here. Located in an undiscovered area of Turkey, just five minutes from Feke, a traditional Turkish village full of warm and welcoming locals, with all your essentials and more (including your basic spirits and wines). This place allows you to experience the authentic Turkish rural way of life. The cottage is set high on a ridgeline, looking down the valley surrounded by beautiful green alpine covered mountains. Perfect for lounging outside with the sun beaming down whilst listening to call to prayer is peaceful and unforgettable. It is also perfectly positioned to capture the full day of sunshine from sunrise to sunset. Suppose you are looking for a peaceful nature hideaway for home-cooked meals and relaxation, or maybe you need to get through some work remotely, escape the intensity of Istanbul or take a break from the tourism of Cappadocia. In that case, this is your ideal place. It is perfect for short and long stays, wifi speed is excellent, and the home is fully set up to self-cater. Perfect place to slow time, the most relaxing and cosy home, you can enjoy the warmth of a log fire whilst watching the sunset across the valley. It is truly magical. After staying in over 50 Airbnbs, this has to be the most thoughtful of them all. Gürkan (the owner) has left no detail unturned, and it is immaculately furnished, equipped and built. A brand new home designed for your comfort. All at your disposal are complimentary fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, firewood, cleaning products, bathroom amenities, coffee, tea, and cooking essentials. Your only concern is to worry about your food. You will sleep soundly in the heavenly bed with high-quality linen. You have a fireplace in the bedroom to keep you snug and warm during the colder evenings. You are extra spoilt with the firepit, outdoor BBQ with a kitchen sink and outdoor fireplace. In addition to this, you have an outdoor hot tub with valley and mountain views and manicured garden. Your host Gürkan is an absolute delight, full of enthusiasm to ensure your stay will be perfect, and his energy is infectious. Easy and fast communication and excellent English. Gürkan is one of the kindest and most generous hosts we have had the pleasure of connecting with. For those who enjoy the adventure getaway, you have an abundance of options on your doorstep, from hiking to nature walks and mountain bike riding (a bike comes with the home). Expect local hospitality as you explore the magnificent rugged scenery; you are frequently invited in for tea by the amiable locals as you pass by. Within 10 mins drive, you are on top of the world (or Turkey), exploring Feke Kalesi, a stunning hidden fortress/castle at 1270 metres and surrounded by untouched nature and 360 views. No entry fee, nor is it a tourist attraction, and you will find you are exploring solo. The view is spectacular, absolutely breathtaking! We were incredibly grateful to have found this stunning Airbnb, and thank you, Gürkan, for providing this fantastic opportunity to experience this hidden treasure in Turkey. Owners photos of the property views and region during other seasons.

Feke Kalesi - One visit Finally, a place where Game of Thrones wasn't filmed has remained off the tourist map and no tacky souvenir shops! This is a must-see; you won't get the same experience in another five years. I recommend parking near the wooden sign pointing to the castle (space for two or three cars). We had the entire ruins to ourselves. The castle is perched high up on a mountain and truly is imposing, especially considering that what is left is only ruins. (Aerial image below was provided by our host, a great representation of where we were). This is entirely natural, so no steps, no signs, no rubbish or pollution (yet), you'll need to scramble up a steep embankment to find the path leading into the entrance (currently unlocked). It was initially built in the 12th century to control the caravan route, built for the first time by the Byzantines and then used by the Seljuks. It shows a rectangular plan. It has eight bastions and a watchtower. Today, more than half of these bastions are buried in the ground. Traces of building remains inside the castle. We explored the ruins currently being repaired (currently on hold due to Covid). The views from this are simply awe-inspiring, and photos/videos don't capture that feeling you'll experience. The silence and solitude with magnificent 360-degree views ensure this will be a highlight of our adventures in Turkey. Please don't bring children unless you're prepared to lose one, as there are no safety barriers, and the rocks underfoot make walking a true adventure. You rarely get to experience such beauty alone in a country with high tourism.