A trio of treats
01-Apr-08 Ben Lerwill
Luxury travellers can expect traditional hospitality of the highest quality in the varied upmarket resorts of North Africa. Its highlights are numerous - from the mazy souks of Marrakech to the momentous Pyramids of Cairo - but for the modern visitor, three destinations in particular have captured the attentions of the high-end market: Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. They might not have common borders, but they certainly share the ability to stir the senses. And while there's no shortage of cultural similarities, each provides travel experiences that are very much of their own making. Be it opulent riads, Red Sea diving, Pharaoh trails, camel trekking, spa cruises or even Star Wars tours, they're all here.
Security concerns remain a niggling factor for more nervous travellers, but in wider terms the region's product and accessibility have never been better. Visitor figures bear this out - Morocco reported more than 260,000 UK arrivals in the first half of 2007; Tunisia recorded its best year to date and Egypt showed a 5% increase in UK tourist nights.
"For clients it's a region of astonishing diversity," says Caroline Grayburn, sales and marketing at Tim Best Travel. "You've got everything from Roman ruins to music festivals, the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara. It's spectacularly beautiful - and just a few hours away from the UK."
Morocco's main luxury draw remains the area in and around Marrakech, although the likes of Fez and Essaouira - among many others - won't leave expectations unfulfilled. Egypt, meanwhile, has the most widely developed high-end infrastructure in the region, balancing the traditional Agatha Christie-era pull of its Cairo and Luxor properties with the modern sheen of Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna. The opening of the Port Ghalib development is a major investment in a five-star future.
Visitors to Tunisia are likely to find themselves based either out of capital city Tunis - giving easy access to the Roman remains at Carthage and the photo-friendly coastal village of Sidi Bou Said - or the island of Djerba, which recently topped an online list of the Top 10 World Destinations for 2008. "What appealed to us was Tunisia's culture," says Mark Stacey, Middle East product manager at Cox & Kings, which has introduced the country for 2008. "There's a lot of interesting architecture and UNESCO sites, and it fitted our client profile really well."
Air access to the region has increased greatly in the past few years, and further options continue to develop. Recent news includes British Airways' announcement that, from April, it will take over the GB Airways Gatwick to Tunis route, increasing the service to five times weekly. Within Tunisia itself, Sevenair has replaced Tuninter and now runs regular internal flights from Tunis to Tozeur, Djerba, Tabarka, Sfax and Gabes. Egyptair has announced an expansion of its fleet to include five new Airbus A330s, while Easyjet begins its Gatwick to Sharm el Sheikh service (formerly a GB Airways route) in April.
WHAT'S NEW TO DO
If you're looking to send clients somewhere that's hot in more than one sense, you could do worse than the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh. At the end of 2007, Gallivanter's Awards for Excellence named it the "Best Hotel & Resort in the Middle East & Africa". www.fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh/
Tunisia wears its traditions proudly, so the upcoming Falconry Festival in El Haouaria promises to be a spectacle worth the name. Live prey is used for the flying displays, which annually attract enthusiasts to the picturesque coastal village, located close to Tunis. The festival is due to take place between 23 and 25 June. Visitors can also expect markets and live music. www.tourismtunisia.com
There's no shortage of reasons to visit the sultry Moroccan port town of Essaouira, but its new-found status as a hotbed for retirement could well be of interest to mature clients looking to experience its charms. Cheekily dubbed "Costa del Couscous", the region has burgeoned in popularity with Europeans thanks to its climate and laid-back lifestyle. Naturally, there are a number of five-star hotels for those on prospective visits.
The Residence at Tunis, part of the Leading Hotels of the World consortium, is due to open its 18-hole golf course in July this year. Keep-fit fans might also be interested in the property's 15,000sq m swimming pool. The hotel is situated in Gammarth on the upper Carthage Coast, 10 minutes from the Carthage ruins and 15 minutes from the centre of Tunis. www.theresidence.com
Late May sees the return of Tanjazz - the Tangier Jazz Festival - to Morocco's north coast. The five-day programme has already confirmed the appearance of dozens of reputed regional and international players. A number of the city's smarter hotels, among them the Movenpick Hotel & Casino and Hotel Rif & Spa, will be hosting lunch and dinner concerts as part of the schedule. www.tanjazz.com
Set up in late 2007, Bedouin Paths offers ethical hiking tours around some of the more remote areas of Egypt. Seven, 10 and 14-day walks are available, taking place either across mountain ranges or in the desert around Mount Sinai. Local co-operation and input has been fully encouraged, while a healthy percentage of profits go towards funding English classes for Bedouin children and the construction of mountain huts. www.bedouinpaths.com
A helicopter ride from Aswan to Abu Simbel to see the best sites in Egypt is available with Egyptian Express T: 202 3 376 8064.
HOTELS
- In Morocco, luxury investment is centred in and around Marrakech - there are currently more than 40 high-end construction projects under way in the city. The latest is the 10-villa Es Saadi Gardens & Resort (www.essaadi.com), unveiled in late 2007 and already boasting the likes of Matt Dillon, Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio in its guest book. Properties such as the Angsana portfolio (www.angsana.com/en/marrakech/index.html), Riad Meriem (www.riadmeriem.com) and L Mansion (www.lmansion.com) are also proving popular choices for exclusive guests, while the likes of Four Seasons, Rocco Forte and Banyan Tree are all in the process of offering fresh luxury product of their own. The W brand will debut in North Africa with a 150-room hotel, golf and residence property in Marrakech in mid 2010 (www.whotels.com). The six-suite Maison MK opened in February (www.maisonmk.com). An hour south of town, meanwhile, Oukaimeden ski resort is currently undergoing investment to the tune of $4bn.
- Meanwhile, Tunisia continues to strengthen its five-star product. The Hasdrubal Prestige is due to open on Djerba in April, as is sister property The Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Yasmine Hammamet (www.hasdrubal-hotel.com).The Iberostar Tabarka Beach (www.iberostar.com) has opened on the Coral Coas, and the boutique Tunisia Palace (www.goldenyasmin.com) has been inaugurated in the capital.
- The Port Ghalib Resort (www.discoverportghalib.com) opened in mid-November on Egypt's Red Sea Riviera, offering three five-star hotels: The Palace at Port Ghalib, the Sahara Sun Sands and the Sahara Sun Oasis.
- Located on the Nabq Bay beach, a 297-room Movenpick will open later this year. Movenpick Resort Um El Sied will also open in 2009, while an expansion project on the refurbished Movenpick Resort on Elephantine Island is due for completion in 2010 (www.moevenpick-hotels.com).
- Other openings include Le Meridien Dahab Resort (www.starwoodhotels.com) and the Coral Beach Diving Resort in Marsa Alam. Meanwhile, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria has opened a spa and wellness centre. The Egyptian market can ealso xpect more properties in the mould of the Siwa Oasis Ecolodge (www.adrereamellal.net). The Oberoi Zahra (www.oberoizahra.com) offers deluxe Nile cruises.
- Kempinski opens Soma Bay in July; Kempinski Hotel Royal Palace, Agadir, in mid-2009; Kempinski Hotel Sharm el Sheikh and Kempinski Hotel Marrakech in 2010 (www.kempinski.com).
BEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE
- Seaside Villa
Le Royal Hammamet, Tunisia
Client fit: Large groups.
Why: An airy hideaway for six, with private beach access and three bedrooms.
Price: From 1,500 Tunisian dinars (£625) per night.
Contact: www.leroyal-hammamet.com
- Corniche Suite
Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Egypt
Client fit: Long stayers in Cairo.
Why: Sumptuous river-view suite with a private terrace and marble bathroom.
Price: From £510 per night.
Contact: www.fourseasons.com/caironp
- Gary Player Suite
La Residence des Cascades, Egypt
Client fit: Fairway fanatics.
Why: 120sq m of luxury, giving sea views over the championship golf course.
Price: From £195 per night.
Contact: www.residencedescascades.com
- Berber Room
Dar Les Cigognes, Marrakech
Client fit: Arabian knights.
Why: An extraordinary room with painted ceiling panels, authentic local decor and a king-size bed with carved frame.
Price: From £140 per night.
Contact: www.lescigognes.com
- Deluxe room
La Maison Bleue, Fez, Morocco
Client fit: Those who are searching for somewhere that offers traditional luxury.
Why: Elaborately furnished Moorish decadence.
Price: From 2500 Moroccan dirhams (£165) per night.
Contact: www.maisonbleue.com
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- Dar El Jeld
Tunis medina, Tunisia
Setting: A beautifully ornate restaurant, brimming with arches, mosaics and finely woven carpets. It also has a showroom of antique jewellery and other crafts.
Best dish: Lahma m'jamra (stuffed lamb's shoulder).
Best table: For candle-lit romance, request a part of the restaurant that affords privacy.
Contact: www.dareljeld.tourism.tn; T: 216 71 560916
- Il Frantoio
Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Setting: Polished parquet flooring, rich upholstery and a general air of upmarket indulgence.
Best dish: Hand-made ravioli filled with rocket and ricotta.
Best table: On the courtyard to benefit from the fountain, or on the terrace for views of the Red Sea.
Contact: www.fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh; T: +20 69 360 3555
- Al Fassia
Sofitel Palais Jamai, above Fez, Morocco
Setting: Dating from 1879, this traditional gem offers velvet banquettes, live Andalucian music and belly-dancing.
Best dish: Veal tagine with tomatoes, honey and onions.
Best table: If you're feeling brave, next to the central performance space.
Contact: www.sofitel.com; +212 35 634 331
- Al Rubbayat
The Mena House Oberoi, Egypt
Setting: High wooden ceilings, traditional brass lanterns and Arabesque arches, live entertainment and silver service. For a night cap, The Sultan Bar has pyramid views.
Best dish: It offers a mix of local and continental dishes.
Best table: Ask for somewhere away from the centre for a bit more intimacy.
Contact: www.oberoimenahouse.com; +20 23 377 3222
- Dar Yacout
Marrakech medina, Morocco
Setting: Uniformed waiters, rooftop terracing and a deeply atmospheric 1001-nights ambience make the setting as eye-popping as the prices.
Best dish: Lamb cooked with artichokes and green peas.
Best table: The mother-of-pearl and ebony banquet table - it's where the King gets seated.
Contact: +212 24 382 929
- The Grill
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Setting: Located on the third level of the hotel with spectacular views of the Nile, the restaurant features dramatic art by Karem Mahfouz and private dining rooms.
Best dish: Chef Eric Pellen's French menu includes beef fillet with duck liver.
Best table: Any window table.
Contact: www.ichotelsgroup.com
BUYER'S COMMENT - DAVID KEVAN, HEAD OF PRODUCT, HARLEQUIN LUXURY WORLDWIDE TRAVEL
North Africa is about four hours from Europe, but worlds apart. It's a wonderful experience that's unlike anything on the continent and easily accessible - that's the magic.
In Morocco, essentially we're talking about Marrakech. In the riads, clients will be staying in beautifully converted merchants' houses, although they have to be comfortable with the old part of town - it's not right for someone who's going to be intimidated by crowded streets of cars, bikes, donkeys and everything else. There's very high-class accommodation on offer. The bedrooms are beautifully lit, very atmospheric. The one I particularly like is La Sultana (www.lasultanamarrakech.com), which is fantastic. The Angsana group now has five or six very attractive riads too (www.angsana.com/en/marrakech/index.html), all with less than 12 rooms. (It's worth saying that riads aren't especially good for children.) I'm looking forward to the reopening of La Mamounia too (www.mamounia.com) - the gardens are magnificent and it's got a good location about five minutes from the medina.
There's a whole selection of excellent restaurants around the main square, but for more international cuisine you can head to New Marrakech, which is a 10-minute drive away. That's where you'll find Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and some very funky little bars too. The shopping's very good in Marrakech too, and we usually recommend a trip to the Atlas Mountains.
Turning to Tunisia, for me there's only really one hotel in Tunis and that's The Residence (www.theresidence-tunis.com). It's just outside the city and it's a beach resort, owned by the same people who own The Residence in Mauritius. Tunis is nowhere near as instant as Marrakech, although it has potential - I know there are plans to build more five-star hotels. The nearby ruins at Carthage are quite a sight, but at the moment it's essentially somewhere you would go for a beach holiday.
www.harlequinholidays.com
CLIENT Q&A - JOHN AND HILD MOSS, COMPANY DIRECTOR & PHYSIOTHERAPIST
- Which parts of Egypt did you visit, when and why?
We flew to Cairo and had three nights there before transferring to Aswan and travelling up the Nile on the Oberoi Philae, as far as Luxor and Qena. It was a 10-day trip in early February. We'd wanted to go to Egypt for a long time and it seemed a good time of year.
- Where did you stay?
We stayed initially at the Oberoi Mena House, which is right next to the Pyramids - it was wonderful. Our night in Aswan was spent at The Sofitel Old Cataract, the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death On The Nile. It's being revamped. In Luxor, we stayed on the boat.
- How did you travel?
We flew out to Egypt with British Airways. Cox & Kings met us at Cairo Airport with a driver and representative and transferred us on to the hotel. The company also provided a private guide for our time in Cairo.
- What was the most luxurious aspect of your trip?
The Oberoi Philae - the service on board was fabulous and the food was delicious. The cabins were very good too - there's an old-fashioned feel to the interior, with lots of wood. It's a lovely boat, with a great sun deck on top.
- What did you enjoy most about the trip?
Probably the various temples we went to. The guides gave us real insight into the culture and ancient history, explaining the stories and beliefs behind the different gods.
- Would you go to Egypt again?
Yes, definitely. It worked very well having the three days in Cairo at the start of the itinerary - it acted as an introduction, through the museums and so on, and the trip then built from there.
- Where and when will you travel next?
We're planning to go skiing in Norway quite soon, but we like to do one big trip a year and we're looking at going to South America for the next one.
FACTS
- Morocco
Vaccinations: None required by law but Typhoid and Hepatitis A both recommended
Currency: Moroccan dirham (£1 = 15.25 MAD)
Flight time: London to Marrakech c. 3h 30m
Gateways: Flights from UK to Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Casablanca and Tangier
- Tunisia
Vaccinations: None
Currency: Tunisian dinar (£1 = 2.4 TND)
Flight time: London to Tunis approx 3h
Gateways: Direct flights from the UK to Tunis and Monastir.
- Egypt
Vaccinations: None required, although Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Diphtheria are advised in some areas.
Currency: Egyptian pound (£1 = 10.8 EGP)
Flight time: London to Cairo approx 5h
Gateways: Direct flights from UK to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Tabah
BUYER'S COMMENT - ANGELA CARTMELL, MARKETING EXECUTIVE, ARGO HOLIDAYS
Egypt's still extremely popular with the luxury market because the standard of hotels is quite exceptional and they offer a high level of customer service. It's a year-round destination with pretty much constant sunshine, so people don't have to travel long-haul to seek the sun. It also gives really good value for money.
I worked in Sharm el Sheikh for 14 months and the creme de la creme on the Red Sea Riviera is the Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh) - it's very pleasing to the eye and the service is impeccable. You've also got places such as the Hyatt Regency (www.sharmelsheikh.regency.hyatt.com) and the Grand Rotana (www.rotana.com), which are very polished too.
In the evenings, Na'ama Bay is the place to be. If you stroll along the promenade there's some very good restaurants down there. The Camel Dive Club (www.cameldive.com) has a roof-top terrace bar, with sofas and cushions and so on, and there's also a great Italian called Pomodoro in the same area. It's great for sitting outside and people-watching. There are all sorts of restaurants along there, from Indian to Lebanese.
Everyone who goes to Egypt should go to Cairo - it's an amazing place. It's so vibrant, with the old and the new all mixed in and there's a great ambience to it. Again I'd point to properties such as the Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com/cairofr) and Ritz Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com) as being among the best. Likewise, Luxor is like going back to biblical times. You've got all this incredible greenery along the Nile with camels and cows everywhere - it transports you back in time. The Sonesta St George (www.sonesta.com/luxor) is a very good property, and I like the Sofitel Winter Palace (www.sofitel.com) a lot too - it's a five-star experience.
www.argoholidays.com.
