Riad Farnatchi … our Oasis in the madness

Riad Farnatchi, an Oasis of peace and luxury in the madness of the Medina.
Stepping into the warm hospitality of our Riad, I’m speechless [which as many of you know is a miracle in of itself] by the tranquility, infusion of delicious scents and beauty that engulf us. Who would have imagined this jewel hidden behind the chaos and simple exterior of the medina’s pink walls!
Mint tea drenched with sugar, is served in small beautiful glasses to refresh our weary souls, or possibly rot our teeth if we drink too much,as we enter the first courtyard in this myriad of luxury. Original Moroccan arts and crafts from Berber tribes and Moroccan Royalty adorn the walls, while Roses cascade from the courtyard balconies creating an intoxicating cocktail to nourish our senses.
A collection of historic private homes each built around it’s own open courtyard,now connected to create an exclusive maze of stairways and passageways to 9 suites, rooftop dining and relaxation and intimate alcoves.All creating an authentic Moroccan experience.

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Anticipating our every desire our impeccable hosts have prepared a private feast for us to the savor our first bites of Moroccan cuisine and to my surprise wine…dare I say,what a fine French contribution. A feast in a tiny restaurant of pure artistry where craftsmen have carved patterns within the stone walls and multi colored lanterns light our evening.The perfect ambiance for a romantic meal… Next time maybe.
We’ve truly landed in Aladdin’s cave…our sanctuary,with all it’s hidden treasures.
This is only day one!!

England, Coworth park and all that is British

Two nights at the beautiful Coworth Park is an indulgence every traveler should enjoy. ..however one has to admit it really is a special choice for an expat on a quick stopover in the motherland with an objective to relax and live in a bygone era.

A place west of London, where family and friends are happy to visit you and luxuriate in the perfect country hotel where the very pleasant, polite staff wear a smile,know your name and in true old fashioned tradition open the for you.Nothing is to much ..except maybe the cost of a glass of champagne ..but other than that the food is first class along with the surroundings ..a country manor that has been refurbished in a modern style of exceptional taste and quality, an estate with its own stables, barns and everything equestrian.We are luxuriating in the English countryside where wild animals roam (well as wild as they can be in England )which if didn’t know better I’d think had been to finishing school too! Where do you see one person trotting along or riding three or four perfectly behaved horses to the paddocks or polo fields.A place where ducks and Swans pumped up on steroids actually flap there expansive wings in the pond and graze like a herd of sheep on the green pastures.I have finally discovered something that is bigger in England than America…Swans …they are a fierce force to be reckoned with,as well as the property of the Queen ..maybe they’re a secret military force?Pictures to follow folks!!

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