the travel stylist

Zen Out: Beldi Country Club

I keep hearing about the trend on rural eco-escapes in Morocco that have popped up in the past few years, so I had to do a little research and share a really special place with you. Located only 6km from Marrakech, Beldi Country Club feels like a million miles away from the dusty chaos of the medina. And while some holidays just aren't as peaceful and unwinding as we might hope for, this sanctuary reminds me of what good old-fashioned holidays should be made of - perfecting the true art of blissing out. 

Everything about Beldi is exquisite (tour the property here). Among a botanical wonderland of fragrant rose gardens, the harmonious sound of olive leaves and tall grass fluttering in the breeze, sweet citrus trees, fresh vegetable patches, an oasis of desert cacti and towering palms, hides a discreet ethno-chic 27-room hotel with two great restaurants, three gorgeous pools, tennis courts, a delicious spa for rigorous hammam gommages, and a handful of lovely artisan boutiques, one owned by French interior stylist extraordinaire Corinne Bensimon. I bought some awesome fringe towels for my new apartment from her shop, and a cheery printed nightshirt too cute to pass up. 

If I hadn't somehow broken my camera at the farewell dinner at Peacock Pavilions, I would've been able to snap some detailed photos of Beldi. Sadly, these three pictures can hardly do a place this breathtaking any justice, but if you can imagine, if you can squint your eyes just a little and picture it, you might be able to see it, to envision yourself there. Perhaps, I could guide you through it.

The pool (hands down, it's simply the greatest pool I've swum in) is tucked away in an olive grove. It feels remote, organic, but elegant. Then there are the secret gardens to explore; serpentine walkways lend themselves through lush landscape (guaranteed to make any landscape artist drool) and intimate pockets for nice aperitifs and cosy conversation. One pathway leads you to a small cluster of curated showrooms if you're in the mood to buy a little something. But it's the poolside lunches at Beldi's Le Badya that also draw a crowd. By 2 o'clock, dog-ear the juicy novel you can't put down and join the congregation, shuffling their way to the restaurant. If you fancy, order a glass of refreshing vin gris, and watch the waiters dole out the daily specials of grilled sardines or spiced quail with herbs from the garden. It's just so darn delightful, you'll be hard pressed to unclench your newly tanned paws from the lawn chair at closing. 

Gold stars across the board, Beldi. You're a keeper.

Beldi Country Club

Km 6, Route du Barrage, "Cherifia" Marrakech Morocco

Tel: 212.(0)524.383.950

beldicountryclub.com

(images: linked to its source) 

Just My Cup of Mint Tea

Moroccan mint tea, playfully referred to as Moroccan whiskey. Yes, Moroccan whiskey. Now, between the tasty watermelon margaritas that packed a punch (cough) and Moroccan wine tasting with Maryam's hubby Chris, accompanied by gorgeous gourmet canapes made by kitchen prodigy Chantal, there's always a silvered pot of fresh mint tea brewing on the stove at Peacock Pavilions. Served all day long, after every meal, and with every conversation. 

Et voila, a traditional recipe, made the old-fashioned way with gunpowder green tea, a fresh bundle of  mint + their sprigs, with a hefty lump of sugar. 

Imbibe and enjoy. 

Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe

1 large handful fresh mint leaves

6 tablespoons of loose gunpowder green tea (if you're ever in Morocco, locals swear by the brand Sultan - be sure to stock up)

1 liter of hot water

1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar (they don't skimp on the sugar here)

After you bring your water to a boil, pour a splash of your boiled water into a clean teapot. Give it a good swirl, rinse and toss out the water. You're essentially clean and heating the pot simultaneously. 

Add 1 teaspoon of loose tea for every 6 ounces of hot water you use (just like coffee!), and then add your 6 ounces of boiled water to every cup of tea. Let your loose tea and your boiled water steep for a 1-2 minutes.

Swish the pot to wash and rinse the loose tea and then pour out only the water. Add your bundle of mint leaves. Add your lump of sugar. Fill your teapot with 2-3 cups of boiling water. Leave the tea to steep 5 minutes or more. [If you have a Moroccan teapot or a heatproof teapot, set the pot over low heat and bring to a low simmer. Remove from heat so it doesn't boil over, and a few more minutes.]

Pour one glass of tea into a your teacup or Moroccan tea glass, and then pour it back into the teapot. Do this several times. It helps dissolve the sugar. 

Now, here's where some finesse comes in. Carefully pour the tea from a high distance. Doing this will help create that thin layer of foam on top. That's what you're looking for here - that effervescent foam. Make sure the tea pellet stay inside the teapot, pour the tea 2/3 full in the glass to help the aroma fully kick in. It's undeniably intoxicating.

(image: natalie for thetravelstylist)

Shopping with a Montague in Marrakech

The ACE Camp girls were so excited for Maryam to share her expansive knowledge of the city she calls home. You may know her from the fab award-winning blog My Marrakesh, or perhaps you've heard of the stunning eco-oasis/boutique hotel that she and her architect husband built, Peacock Pavilions, that officially opened last year. 

So, let me begin and share with you some snippets from a day out discovering the nooks of the city. I'll pull together a new-and-improved round-up on of some beautiful shops I really loved (and where I burned most of my dirhams!)

It's a luxury to shop with Maryam because not only does she have impeccable taste but also she speaks fluent Arabic and French, so whenever we ran into a language barrier or if we were struggling with our amateur haggling skills, she came to the rescue. 

Here's a glimpse of some genuine, vintage Moroccan wedding blankets, each sewn with painstaking love.  I think they're really magical, don't you? I bought one on my last visit to Marrakech. It's embellished with oodles of sequins, which are known to provide extra protection to fight off evil genies in Morocco, who love to prey on brides-to-be.

Maryam let us in on her hidden gems in the Old City, some loaded with shimmering wedding quilts and gorgeous Moroccan rugs in every shape, texture and pattern. If you like them, you can see more here and purchase your very own Moroccan treasure through Maryam's shop, Red Thread Souk. 

In the souks, almost everything is negotiable. Just remember that your first price should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price. From there, you work your way upwards to a fair medium. Expect some minor quibbling, some major finagling, even some downright begging, then walk away and come back again. It's all part of the bartering process, so don't take it too seriously and enjoy yourself. 

(photos: natalie for thetravelstylist)