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tripstations · 5 years ago

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Like a Local City Guide: Marrakech Musts

where behind every Medina wall the winding alleyways give way to bustling souks filled with cotton, hammered brass, carpets, pottery, and outstanding leather choices, enveloping the visitor with a wonderful sensory overload. Explore the usual and unusual in Marrakech with Virginie Vaillant, the Public Relations Manager at the Four Seasons Resorts Marrakech who shares her personal things to do in Marrakech and Marrakech Musts in our ‘Like a Local’ City Guide: Marrakech.

Marrakech Must Stay: Virginie offers luxurious city, ‘glamping’ and mountain view options to lay your head:

“The Four Seasons Resort Marrakech (of course!) offering a peaceful resort oasis within the city and just minutes from the Medina and on the edge of Hivernage and overlooking the Royal Menara Gardens.” Kasbah Tamadot: “Richard Branson’s sumptuous hotel in Morocco is ideal for those looking for secluded luxury near Marrakech. Many of our Four Seasons guests travel there to experience the Atlas Mountains for one or two nights and then return to the Resort and the city. Many desert camps are offering an evening under the stars in the middle of the Agafay Desert with Terre des Etoiles a must on your list.” La Pause: “very stylish luxury retreat outside of Marrakech in the Agafay Desert.” “Any of the Riads in the Medina: if you want to experience the real Marrakech and indeed true Morrocan life, book a room at any of the traditional riads. From luxury to budget options, the city offers many, many choices of these traditional family homes turned hotels.”

Marrakech Must Eat: Virginie serves up her favourite establishments for both traditional and trendy Moroccan food in Marrakech:

Al Fassia: “there are two locations, Gueliz and Aguedal, but I prefer the atmosphere of the Aguedal location. These two restaurants are very iconic and as per Morrocan tradition, run only by women. A Moroccan a la carte menu item: You must try the ‘leg of lamb with almonds’… Delicious!” Dar Yacout: “very romantic setting in the Medina: a unique menu: portions are very generous so do not eat too much for lunch!” Jad Mahal: “a great place to have a late dinner or just drinks. Locals and tourists alike meet here for a fun night and to listen to live music.” Restaurant Naima: “a little place in the Medina, nothing fancy but one of the best couscous of Marrakech. You feel like you are in someone’s home and during your dinner the chef shares her

personal techniques and tips so that you also can make the best couscous at home!” Studio: “a delicious French bistro for when I am missing the flavours of French cuisine.” O’Mammy Burger: “the best burger in town, great terrace overlooking the Montgomerie Golf Course.”

Marrakech Must Enjoy Café Culture: Here are Virginie’s favourites to ‘prends un verre’ or ‘Nous Nous’, enjoy the views from a terrace or simply slow down and people watch:

Le Grand Café de la Poste: “perfect for coffee in the morning.” Café de France: “iconic stop while wandering the souk, enjoy the panoramic view of the place Jemma El Fna.” Point Bar: “perfect for an aperitif and a lovely post shopping and sight-seeing spot to gather with friends of friends.” Royal Mansour: “Offering 2 bars, very private – lovely champagne cocktails.” Zest at Four Seasons: “best cocktails and the best view of Marrakech!”

Marrakech Must Shop: What are Virginie’s favourites? The Grand Bazaar? Specific souks?

Atika shoe shop: “my favourite for soft leather moccasins.” 33 Rue Majorelle: “a new concept store opposite Majorelle Gardens specializing in housewares and clothes and pushing Morrocco’s old design traditions into the 21st century.” The Souks: “I love to spend a morning in the souks and creating individual relationships with the storekeepers.” Karim Tassi showroom: “a brilliant designer offering both traditional and modern collections.”

Marrakech Must Visit: Virginie shares her typical tourist spots and her favourite, hidden away secrets:

Majorelle Gardens: “a walk along the shady lanes and ancient streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers. A place of beauty and colour and perhaps one of the most visited gardens in all of Morrocco.” The Tanneries: “the experience is as fascinating as the smell is pungent. They offer you a bouquet of mint when you arrive, you will quickly understand why but worth the visit! An ancient process that hasn’t changed since biblical times.” Les Bains de Marrakech: “you can not leave Marrakech before enjoying a traditional Hammam.”

Marrakech Must Explore: neighbourhood? Mosque, Gallery?

“In the Medina: “get lost exploring the souks. You never know what you may find!” Sidi Ghanem: “Marrakech’s industrial district where you can find handicrafts and decorative arts of all kinds.” Palmeraie: ” you can explore this neighbourhood by camel or ATV” Koutoubia: “the famous mosque of Marrakech with a fantastic, mystic atmosphere, especially during Ramadan.”

Marrakech Must See View: What are Virginie’s favourites? Anything secret or hidden away?

Atlas Mountains: “always an incredible view, whichever time of year.” Cascade d’Ouzoud: “A travel day to the Cascades D’Ouzoud Waterfalls high in the Middle Atlas is just a few hours drive from the city and one of the most photographed in this lush, green oasis.

Our own followsummer ‘Marrakech Must’ is to grab a drink or lunch around one of the pools at Virginie’s very own Four Seasons. We indulged our luxuriant side over drinks in one of their opulent public spaces, enjoyed their renowned service, splendid surroundings, and white glove attention.

Our visit to the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is also featured in tripstations’s A Thousand and One Nights of Luxury in Marrakech

World Traveler, Writer, and Blogger, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the tripstations.com travel blog. A former Actor, current shower-singer, and non-hipster foodie. Loves his week-end house in St Marys, Ontario. Dad to Sophia, Ariel, and Hastings three of the best cats in the world.

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lavotha · 7 years ago

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The Salle des Etoiles transformed into a Venetian Palace

Members of the media gathered in the American Bar of the Hotel de Paris at the invitation of Delia Grace Noble for a very special Press Conference with artists dressed in 18th century costumes, a ballet performance and opera arias! The renowned opera singer, unveiled the plans to host the second edition of The Grand Masked Ball – Venice in Monte-Carlo.

An elaborate Venetian mask @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Performers at the Press Conference of The Grand Masked Ball, Venice in Monaco @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Dressed like a Princess for the Press Conference of The Grand Masked Ball, Venice in Monaco @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Classic dancers performing at Press Conference @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

This splendid ball will open the international Carnival season on Saturday, February 17, 2018, in the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Monte-Carlo, under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Monaco, and the support of the Town Hall and the Tourist Office of Monaco.

H.E. Cristiano Gallo, Ambassdor of Italy in Monaco with Delia Grace Noble @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Georges Marson, Mayor of Monaco with men an women in fastuous Venetian carnaval costumes @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Delia Grace Noble was accompanied by principal partner Kenneth J. McLachlan of Distinction Fine Armagnac, Stefano Nicolao from the legendary Atelier Nicolao in Venice, Mihaela Schwartzenberg (Radulescu) a Romanian socialite, TV presenter, model and businesswoman, Maurizio Di Maggio from Radio Monte-Carlo also partner of the event, and famous Baritone Jean-Philippe Lafont who also delighted the participants with an impromptu opera performance. Italian TV presenter, model and actress Adriana Volpe gave a brief representation as representative of the perfume Precious Me, also partner of the Ball. Veronique Alexandre owner of the Boutique YOUR’S Monaco also expressed her satisfaction for being a partner of this event. Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco, and H.E. Cristiano Gallo, Ambassador of Italy in Monaco, both addressed the media expressing their firm support for this high quality event organized in the Principality.

(L to R) Michaela Swartzenberg, Maurizio Di Maggio, Delia Grace Noble, Kenneth J. McLachlan, Stefano Nicolao, baritone Jean-Phillippe Laffont @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Adriana Volpe, Italian TV presenter, model and actress, and Maurizio Di Maggio of Radio Monte-Carlo @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha, http://www.monacoreporter.com

Giovanna Bima Dalmasso, H.E. Cristiano Gallo and Adriana Volpe @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha, http://www.monacoreporter.com

Delia Grace Noble, founder and Artistic Director of The Grand Masked Ball, Venice in Monaco @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Created by opera singer Delia Grace Noble, who is also responsible for the artistic direction, The Grand Masked Ball counts with the main sponsorship since its inception of “Distinction Fine Armagnac”, represented by Scottish Kenneth J. McLachlan. Other partners are: Orlov Monte-Carlo, Your’s Monaco, Precious Me, Radio Monte-Carlo, Monaco Art Gallery Show, Groupe Segond, World Class Fitness Club, Bisanzio Gallery, Bizanzio Gallery, Multiprint Monaco, Borgo La Caccia, and a growing number of supporters.

Masquerade balls through the centuries

As early as the 15th century masquerade balls were a feature of the Carnival season, involving elaborate allegorical Royal Entries, pageants, and triumphal processions celebrating weddings and other ancestry events, part of the late medieval court life.

In the 16th century renaissance the masked balls became part of the public festivities in Italy, consisting of elaborate dances mainly for members of the upper classes, particularly popular in Venice. The use and tradition of masks suffered a decline with the fall of the Venetian Republic. But the masked balls began to gain popularity in mainland Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, often with fatal results, like the assassination of Gustav III of Sweden at a masquerade ball that was immortalized in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera A Masked Ball.

Masquerade dances became popular in Colonial America, but some considered them to encourage immorality and foreign influence, as hiding one’s identity behind the masks, people could express their freedom of speech, and voice their emotions without judgment. And so masquerade balls continued but in a semi-private way.

The theme of the ball is love

Delia Grace Noble, was very enthusiastic and highly emotional when discussing the components of The Grand Masked Ball, which theme is Love. Delia is putting all her passion in re-introducing the masquerade balls in the Principality with a series of events representing the spirit and tradition of the legendary Carnival in Venice. The first edition was quite successful and the second promises to surpass all expectations. The Salle des Etoiles, the legendary venue on the Côte d’Azur, will be transformed again into a Venetian Palace becoming the perfect setting for an exclusive magical evening.

On arrival, pageants in period costumes will flank the entrance sounding their trumpets and drums making everybody feel like royalty. Upon accessing the Salle des Etoiles everybody will be able to admire the beautiful decorations on the stage, taking you back to another ear, taking in the ambiance where guests were dressed in richly decorated and flamboyant period costumes from the famous Nicolao Atelier in Venice, and wearing wonderful masks adorned with gems, ribbons and feathers, hiding their true identity, feeling mysterious and part of a guessing game where no one would reveal who they are until well after midnight! You felt actually transported back in time to mysterious Venice in the middle of the Carnival Celebrations, where masked revelers enjoy music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning!

Guests will be able to rent wonderful period costumes from the Nicolao Atelier tailor’s shop dating from 1980, a label of excellence whose creations have been exported all over the world, exhibited in Opera houses, Theaters, Ballet, movies and TV. The atelier represents the true Made-in-Italy employing expert artisans, using precious fabrics with authentic cuts and styles adding a touch of class to the magnificent suits and dresses.

To give you an idea of the splendor and glamour of the ball, you will find below a few photos of the first edition of The Grand Masked Ball – Venice in Monte-Carlo, February 2017:

Lavish decorations at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo 2017 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Table setting at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Beautifully decorated tables at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo 2017 @Iulian Giurca

Guests on the dance floor at midnight at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo 2017 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

impressive-acrobats-at-the-grand-masked-ball-of-venice-in-monte-carlo-2017-celinalafuentedelavotha

Over 300 guests all dressed up in period costumes at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo 2017 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Opera singer Delia Grace Noble founder of the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo with Casanova @Iulian Giurca

A wonderful performance on stage at the Grand Masked Ball of Venice in Monte-Carlo 2017 @Iulian Giurca

Proceeds will benefit Princesse Charlene Home for Children

As it is customary with this kind of social gatherings in the Principality, there will be a raffle of attractive items offered by generous donors, where the profits raised will benefit the Foyer de l’Enfance Princess Charlene (Princess Charlene Home for Children) whose mission is the protection of minors in difficulties.

The evening will culminate at midnight, when the Doge of Venice and his cohort will make an allegoric Royal Entry, and the Ball founder Delia Grace Noble will delight the guests singing Opera tunes dressed in a magnificent costume and wearing a beautiful mask, with Casanova inviting guests to join them at the dance floor. Just sublime and truly memorable!

This splendid Ball has definitely become part of the Principality’s social calendar, a spectacular event worth attending! Book your places now: www.venetianball.mc

Today’s Quote

“Masks reveal. They don’t conceal. Masks reveal your cravings, your passion, your deepest most secret desires.” Chloe Thurlow

Delia Grace Noble announced second edition of The Grand Masked Ball Venice in Monte-Carlo, February 17, 2018 The Salle des Etoiles transformed into a Venetian Palace Members of the media gathered in the American Bar of the Hotel de Paris at the invitation of…

#Adriana Volpe #Delia Grace Noble #Distinction Fine Armagnac #Georges Marsan #H.E. Cristiano Gallo Ambassador of Italy in Monaco #Jean-Philippe Lafont #Kenneth J. McLachlan #masks #masquerade #Maurizio Di Maggio #Mihaela Schwartzenberg (Radulescu)#Monte-Carlo #Radio Monte-Carlo #The grand masked ball - Venice in Monte-Carlo #Venetian ball

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