Travel Spotlight

Behind the Scenes with Indagare: Morocco and Mallorca

By Kira Reinke

At Indagare, we believe that each trip should be unforgettable and every single vacation is designed specifically for each member. Pairing our in-depth destination expertise with knowledge of our members’ needs, we match them with the best and most appropriate itinerary, hotels, guides and restaurants. Here, we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process for Indagare member Brian Moreno’s incredible trip to Morocco and Mallorca, Spain. We talk to Associate Bookings Manager, Rose Allen, who orchestrated the memorable journey, as well as Brian, who reflects on his favorite Indagare-planned experiences.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a trip to Morocco and Mallorca. Our specialists can book you at the hotels that are right for you, plan great meals and activities, arrange behind-the-scenes access and introduce you to our favorite guides.

The Request

"We talked through many different destinations, and we settled on Morocco, with time in both Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. However, Brian had a full two weeks available in his schedule, so he wanted to add on time at a relaxing beach destination that he could conveniently combine with Morocco. Brian asked about Marbella, but I warned him that in August it would be overrun with families and not very peaceful. Once I presented the Indagare-adored Cap Rocat, an exquisite, adults-only boutique resort on Mallorca, the decision was easy."

Related: Top Ten: Mallorca

The Indagare Advantage

"We reached out to our favorite guide and driver in Marrakech who took Brian and Brandon on a city overview tour as well as a souk tour. They were so thrilled with their guide and driver that they immediately set up another tour with them to go ATV-ing in the desert. Indagare's strong partnership with Kasbah Tamadot led to a room upgrade to a luxurious Berber tent with spectacular views. After an exciting few days in the mountains, Brian and Brandon returned to Marrakech for a pampering three-night stay at the opulent Royal Mansour (where they said they received the best service ever.)"

Related: The Shopping Guide: Marrakech

Member Testimonial

“We had a magical trip to Morocco. The country is beautiful and the people are so warm, welcoming and hospitable. I will definitely return. We started off the trip staying in Marrakech at La Mamounia, which I really enjoyed. Thanks to Indagare, we were upgraded to an executive suite, which was so spacious with two terraces overlooking the pool and gardens. Although La Mamounia is the place to see and be seen, the service is truly excellent. The location was perfect because it is within the medina, but also close to the new town, Gueliz.

"Afterwards, we headed to Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot, a gorgeous sanctuary perched in the Atlas Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Marrakech. The pristine property is set on a river and overlooks a 12^th-century Berber village. We were upgraded to a Berber tent that offered incredible views from its sprawling terrace. The tent was outfitted with typical Berber furnishings as well as the modern amenities you would expect at a luxury resort. It was very private and incredibly comfortable. The food was delicious, and all of the produce and herbs are grown on property at their organic garden. The entire environment was so relaxing, and we spent days going on walks, swimming in the infinity pool, playing ping pong and tennis and lounging on our terrace. The service is fantastic and the employees—many of them from the neighboring Berber village—are incredibly kind. In my opinion, a stay at Kasbah Tamadot is a must for anyone visiting Morocco.

"We then returned to Marrakech to the Royal Mansour, which was extraordinary. It's one of the top hotels I have ever visited. The interiors are so opulent and detailed, and the pool and gardens are gorgeous. Our riad was sheer perfection. The Moroccan King, who owns the property, made every effort to exhibit classic Moroccan décor, craftsmanship and art. Each riad has two floors with a master bedroom and living area as well as a private courtyard. Royal Mansour is extremely private and discreet, and the service was the best we have ever experienced. The hotel’s Moroccan restaurant, La Grande Table Marocaine, serves the best cuisine in the country. The menu offers traditional Moroccan dishes such as the seafood pastilla, which was out of this world. The whole experience was truly impeccable!

Related: Top Tables Marrakech

"While in Marrakech, we did a half-day city tour and a half-day souk tour. It was especially nice to have a local guide in the souk because the meandering lanes can be very confusing and overwhelming to navigate alone. Our guides were plugged-in and gave us excellent local recommendations.

"One afternoon, we embarked on a desert ATV excursion, which was such a cool experience. Our expert guide took us deep into the Agafay Desert, and we drove up huge dunes, traveled through remote villages and visited a beautiful oasis that resembled the Serengeti.

"We then went to Cap Rocat on Mallorca, and I'm so glad that Indagare advised us to stay there. The property is gorgeous, and our comfortable suite had a beautiful rooftop gazebo for watching the sun set. While the pool is stunning, I much preferred the small beach with its crystal-clear waters and scenic views. The spa was fantastic, and the staff was very attentive and helpful. The Sea Club at the hotel has a great location on a cliff that overlooks the water and lights of Palma. All of our dishes were fantastic and extremely fresh. Mallorca was the perfect end to an incredible trip. It gave us the chance to rest and relax before heading back to reality.” ~ Brian Moreno, Indagare member since 2014

Published onSeptember 14, 2017