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: 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 High Atlas Mountains
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.
Where to stay in Rabat 2026
A guide on where to stay in Rabat, providing an overview of the cities neighborhoods and includes recommended riads and hotels in Morocco’s progressive capital.
Best Riads in Marrakech Medina Under £250 (Handpicked)
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.
Recommended family hotels Taghazout Bay
Family-friendly hotel and villa recommendations for Tamraght and Taghazout Morocco
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.