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.
13 Best Things to Do in Agadir: A Local's Honest Guide
The best things to do in Agadir, with current prices, local tips and honest verdicts from a British writer who has lived here since 2018.
Where to Stay in Agadir (and Nearby): 5 Unusual Places Beyond the Resorts
Where to stay in Agadir if you want something different: 5 unusual stays, from a hilltop kasbah to a luxury wildlife stay, picked by a local writer.
What to Wear in Marrakech: A Stylist’s Packing Guide
Wondering what to wear in Marrakech? Stylist Caroline Macleod-Smith shares the best fabrics, shoes, bags and accessories to pack and buy.
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.
15 Favourite Things to Do in Rabat, Morocco
Discover the best things to do in Rabat, from historic kasbahs and museums to river walks, surfing, and relaxed medina life in Morocco’s delightful capital city.
Review: Amsiln Studio coworking space Tamraght
A first-hand review of Amsiln Studio, Tamraght's coworking space. For fast wifi, calm focus, a rooftop with wave views, and a friendly business community.
What is a hammam, and where to go in Tamraght
A comprehensive and handy go-to what is a hammam, and how to experience in Agadir, Tamraght and Taghazout region.
Top things to do with kids in Tamraght, Taghazout
Round up of family-friendly activities in the Taghazout Bay region
Guide to Morocco’s festivals June 2026
All the info you need on Morocco’s summer festival highlights!
How to experience Paradise Valley
A guide for hiking, wild swimming and being in nature at Paradise Valley near Agadir
IZZA Marrakech Review: Boutique Art Hotel in the Medina
First-hand IZZA Hotel Marrakech review: a design-led boutique riad in the Medina
Best Yoga Surf Camps in Taghazout & Tamraght (2026 Guide)
Plan your Morocco yoga + surf trip with this guide to the best Taghazout and Tamraght stays that offer a dedicated yoga space.
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.
What to Do in Marrakech (2026): A Local Expert’s Guide
What to Do in Marrakech: A 2026 Guide to the Best Experiences
Where To Eat in Marrakech: Local Dining Guide (2026)
Looking for the best restaurants in Marrakech? Discover local favourites in the Medina, Gueliz and Kasbah, from rooftop dining, to delightful patisseries, to traditional Moroccan cuisine.