Travel Notes
& Guides
From riads in Marrakech to safari lodges outside Johannesburg, this is where local know-how meets real experience. Expect honest hotel reviews, city and region guides, and practical tips on where to stay, eat, and explore in Morocco and South Africa, written by someone who lives there.
Hotel Review: Riad Alaaiun. A Quiet, Stylish Stay in Marrakech from €179.
Our honest Riad Alaaiun review: a stylish, adults-only riad in a quiet corner of Marrakech’s Medina. Rooms, breakfast, location and whether it’s worth it.
Top Luxury Hotels in Marrakech for 2026
Planning a luxury Marrakech stay? Read this roundup of the 8 best luxury hotels, from Royal Mansour to La Mamounia, with insider tips.
Best luxury hotels in Morocco in 2026
This guide to luxury hotels in Morocco covers my top picks by city and region, from Marrakech's palatial retreats to a wild Atlantic coastline and a Mediterranean beach resort. Use it to plan a short break or combine two or three stays into a longer itinerary.
Hotel Review: Riad Beij, Marrakech, new in Sep 2026
Reviewing a new riad opening in Marrakech Medina. Ideal for travellers looking for a calm, quiet, and stylish riad stay in a central location.
Where to stay in Rabat 2026
Where to stay in Rabat: a local travel writer’s guide with firsthand notes and recommendations by neighbourhood, from budget to top luxury hotels.
Best Riads in Fez: My Top 5 Picks in the Medina
Looking for where to stay in Fez? From budget-friendly to luxury, here are the 5 best riads in Fez Medina, tried and tested on the ground.
Hotel review: Africamps Waterberg, South Africa
Africamps Waterberg might be one of the best-value safari escapes in South Africa. My honest review is up now.
Top 6 Best Luxury Hotels in Johannesburg
From the Hyde in Rosebank to The Saxon in Sandhurst, discover five of Johannesburg's best hotels.
Hotel review: Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele, South Africa
Two nights felt like four at Marataba Safari Lodge, a private reserve offering family safaris in South Africa's malaria-free Waterberg. Warm staff, wildlife, and an unforgettable kids' club made this one of the best family trips we've ever taken.
Hotel Review: Rhino River Lodge, Manyoni Game Reserve, South Africa
A family-friendly safari lodge in South Africa's Manyoni Game Reserve — tested with a 4-year-old. Honest review of rooms, food, drives and value.
IZZA Marrakech Review: Boutique Art Hotel in the Medina
First-hand IZZA Hotel Marrakech review: a design-led boutique riad in the Medina
Where to Stay in Casablanca (2026): Best Areas Guide
Discover the best areas to stay in Casablanca, from Downtown and the Art Deco district to Ain Diab beach, plus hotel recommendations for 2026.
Best Luxury Riads in Marrakech (300–500 Euros Per Night)
A curated selection of character-filled luxury riads in Marrakech
Where to Stay in Tétouan, Morocco 2026
Discover the best riads and beach resorts in the medina and Tamuda Bay for 2026.
Where to stay in the Atlas Mountains in 2026
Planning a stay in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains? Discover the best hotels and guesthouses in Imlil, Ouirgane and the Ourika Valley — from luxury kasbahs to rustic mountain lodges.
Best Riads in Marrakech Medina Under £250 in 2026
Discover the best affordable riads in Marrakech Medina under £250. Tried + tested stays near Djemma el-Fna, Dar el Bacha and other areas of the Medina. Updated for 2026.
Best family hotels in Taghazout + Tamraght
Best family hotels in Tamraght and Taghazout, including surf camp, four + five-star hotels and private villas for rent.
Surf trip review: Ericeira
An intermediate surfers, first-hand review of a surf trip to Ericeira and Lisbon in Portugal
Finding our smile again at Kaliyoga in Spain
Sally Kirby reviews a yoga retreat in Andalucia and finds a flip-flopping lifestyle, inspiring chats and her mum’s spirit. Written for The Global Retreat Company.