THE VALLEY OF THE ROSES
2009-01-12It is the ultimate travel fantasy to be out in the desert wilderness, witnessing a local festival where it feels like a privilege to be there. The Valley of the Roses (14 – 27th May) is just such a festival. It is set in the Dades Valley area of Morocco where every year there is a vibrant celebration to mark the completion of the year’s rose harvest. A divine smelling souk springs up along the main street in El Kelaa with music, chariots processions, folk dancing – all carpeted in thick layer of rose petals. And the surrounding landscape is extreme to say the least, with snow and ice on one side of the valley and desert on the other; the Dades River slicing through the valley’s spectacular rock formations. It’s no wonder the area is becoming known as the insider’s Grand Canyon. We’ve caught wind of an incredible new resort due to open in February called Kasbah Bab Ourika, offering supremely chic digs at a remote spot at the gateway to the Atlas Mountains. Constructed with rammed earth, it’s Morocco at its best: understated design, 360-degree views and Berber villages to explore on foot.
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