Nadav tells us why you should visit Morocco.

OUTstanding's CEO & Founder, Nadav Peretz, tells us all about Morocco, the land of colors.

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Why is this destination so significant for you?

As an Israeli Jew of Moroccan descent, since a young age I’m quite familiar with the customs and traditions, the food, and the legendary hospitality,... but it’s different to go there and experience it first-hand, quite emotional.

Which parts did you visit?

Until now kind of the unmissables: Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains and Casablanca. It’s all very diverse. Every time you move from one region to another, it’s like entering a new universe, a new color palette. But I’d love to check out the Sahara, Tangier, the blue city of Chefchaouen, Ourzazate and more.

What are your 5 favourite experiences?

1. Waking up early to jump into a hot air balloon above Marrakech and have breakfast onboard. It’s quite something.
2. The culinary tour of the market in Fes is definitely worth the detour! The smells are just tantalizing.
3. Also in Fes, a Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art) and pottery-making workshop, super fun.
4. And as there’s always time for a glass of wine…a winery visiting on the way from the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira.
5. The great mosque in Casablanca, it has the world's second tallest minaret and is just in general so wow.

Any accommodations that blew your mind?

Many are pretty impressive, but Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains tops them all. Truly luxurious and peaceful while keeping a very authentic character.

What makes Morocco so special?

I’m afraid I’m not gonna be very original on that one: the colors! Some other destinations are quite peculiar in that aspect, like Greece for example, but Morocco has it on a whole different level. I’m talking about entire monochrome cities - the red city of Marrakech, the white city of Casablanca,... - the Green Madrases (Islamic schools), yellow turmeric and cumin shaping every single dish, the impressive Majorelle blue garden and villa of Yves Saint-Laurent in Marrakech, the typical elaborated painted doors, the colorful clothes and babouches,...
Also the people, of course, are warm and generous, super welcoming.

Any shopping tips?

If you’d like something more authentic, I would go for some locally hand-made potteries, leather goods or rugs in Fez. You can also find nice leather slippers or some very special hand-woven clothes at the souks. Bought this unique jacket in Essaouira for example.