Morocco Newsletter

ICICI Bank introduces VACATIONS – your monthly Travel Newsletter! 

Month’s theme Introduction: Magic is in the air

There are some places that feel like stories. You arrive and something shifts. The light feels softer, the air carries a secret and the days move to a different rhythm. Morocco is that kind of a place.

Spring is a season of awakening. In many corners of the world, flowers bloom, markets come alive and the sun lingers just a little longer. This time of the year holds a quiet kind of magic — not loud or flashy but deeply felt. It’s in the scent of orange blossoms, the hush of a desert evening, the echo of music down a narrow lane.

This month, we are drawn to Morocco where the ordinary feels enchanted. Where contrasts live in harmony—old and new, silence and celebration, stillness and movement. You never know what’s coming next and that’s part of the wonder.

The magic of travel isn't always in what you see. Sometimes, it’s in how a place makes you feel. A whisper of the unfamiliar, a spark of curiosity, a sense that you’ve stepped into a living, breathing tale.

Our chosen destination in this issue is Morocco where you will actually feel that magic is in the air. All you have to do is follow it.

Soul Trip: A Moving Experience

To get a sample itinerary for Morocco, Click here

Travel has a way of returning you to yourself.

It asks you to let go — of plans, of pace, of the familiar and in that space, something opens up. A quiet curiosity. A lightness in your step. A willingness to be surprised.

You begin to see things not just with your eyes but with your whole being. A new street becomes a story. A shared smile becomes a memory. The world starts to feel less like something outside you — and more like something you are a part of.

The magic of travel isn’t just in the places you visit. It’s in how you feel when you are there. Unfiltered. Awake. Alive.

We travel to remember that the world is wide and full of wonder. That there is beauty in uncertainty. That connection can happen in an instant.

No matter where you go or how far — the journey always leads somewhere meaningful.

And while it seems as if it is going to a new place somewhere but most of the times, that somewhere is within.

Destination of the Month: Morocco

Morocco is a place of rhythm. Not just music or movement but something deeper. A rhythm in how the day flows, in how people greet you, in the way the landscape shifts — city to desert, mountain to sea. It’s a country that moves slowly yet feels alive in every moment.

April and May are among the most beautiful months to experience it. Spring softens the heat, brings colour to the valleys and breathes energy into the cities. It’s the kind of season that invites you to pause, to take it all in.

This is not a place that rushes. You are meant to wander here.

Morocco was under the French control from 1912 to 1956 and traces of that era still linger. You’ll find it in the language, the architecture and even the café culture. It’s a blend that gives Morocco a unique rhythm — where Arabic roots meet a French flair. By day, Morocco shines — terracotta cities, snow-dusted peaks, blooming rose gardens and markets that burst with colours and scents. By night, there’s a hush that settles in, broken only by distant drums or the flicker of firelight in the desert.

But Morocco is not just one thing. It's many worlds within one country. Here’s how you can experience its magic — your way.

For the Culture Seekers

Start with the ancient city of Fes, where history isn’t kept behind the glass — it lives in the streets. The medina is a maze of artisans, spice shops and centuries-old schools. You might stumble upon an open doorway and find yourself inside a mosaic-covered courtyard or watching leather being dyed in vivid shades under the sun.

Marrakech is a different kind of rhythm — faster, more vibrant but just as rich. Its famous square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes alive at dusk with storytellers, snake charmers and food stalls. Step away from the crowd and into a quiet riad and you’ll hear the call to prayer echoing through the old city walls.

Then there’s Chefchaouen, a town washed in blue and tucked into the Rif Mountains. It feels like a dream — calm, cool and full of quiet charm.

In Morocco, culture isn’t a performance. It’s simply how life is lived.

For the Nature Lovers

Spring brings Morocco’s landscapes to life. The snow starts to melt in the High Atlas Mountains, feeding green valleys and cascading waterfalls. In villages like Imlil, you can hike through the walnut groves, meet Berber families and share a tagine with mountain views.

The Dades Valley is a palette of red cliffs and soft lights. Terraced fields bloom in pink and green. As you move further east, the terrain shifts again — into the golden curves of the Sahara Desert.

One of the season’s most enchanting experiences happens here in El Kelaa M’Gouna, the heart of the Valley of Roses. Each May, this quiet town transforms for the Festival of Roses. Petals are scattered like confetti, the air smells sweet and the streets fill with music, dance and celebration. It’s a rare, beautiful glimpse into local joy — fleeting but unforgettable.

For the Adventure Seekers

Morocco rewards curiosity. It’s a country best explored with a sense of openness and a little courage.

Take a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga and sleep under the stars in a desert camp. The silence out there is unlike anything else — vast and humbling. Wake up before dawn and climb a dune to watch the sunrise paint the sand in gold.

If mountains call to you more than dunes, trek up Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Spring offers the perfect balance — cool enough to climb, warm enough to enjoy the journey.

Even within the cities, there’s adventure. Lose the map. Let the traditional markets pull you in. Try food you don’t recognise. Follow music down a side street. Morocco invites you to get a little lost — because that’s often where the best stories begin.

For the Food Lovers

Moroccan food is a slow, layered affair. It’s not meant to be rushed. Meals are cooked with care and eaten with your hands. Flavours are warm — cinnamon, cumin, saffron, preserved lemon. There’s comfort in every bite.

You’ll find tagines bubbling away in clay pots — with lamb and prunes, chicken and olives or fresh vegetables from a morning market. Couscous is light but filling, often topped with tender meat and sweet caramelised onions. And street food? A treat. Grilled brochettes, warm msemen (a flaky flatbread) or a cup of freshly pressed orange juice on a hot day.

And always — mint tea. Poured high, sweetened just right and shared with a smile. It’s not just a drink. It’s a welcome.

For the Slow Travellers

Morocco doesn't reward those who rush. The best experiences happen when you give them time.

Spend a morning watching the city wake up from a rooftop. Take a train between cities and watch the landscape change. Sit in a courtyard as the sun moves across the tiles. Talk to the people — a shopkeeper, a guide, someone pouring tea on the roadside. Everyone has a story. Many will share it, if you’re willing to listen.

Visit the hammam for a traditional spa ritual — slow, purifying and deeply relaxing. Or sip coffee in the Kasbah of a quiet town and let the day unfold around you.

Here, travel isn't just about what you see. It’s about how you feel while seeing it.

Morocco is layered and wide and full of wonder. Don’t try to check every box. Instead, let one or two regions show you their soul. Follow what moves you — the silence of the desert, the laughter of a busy street, the glow of a lantern at dusk. There’s more to Morocco – Casablanca, Rabat and more.

Whether you’re drawn to the colour or calm, history or hospitality, roses or rock canyons — Morocco has something for you and in spring, it shows its gentlest, richest side.

So, breathe in the scent of spices and wildflowers. Walk slowly. Stay curious and let Morocco unfold, one magical moment at a time.

Travel Smart

Capturing the Magic

Morocco is a dream for photographers — whether you're shooting with a DSLR or just your phone. The light is warm, the colours are rich and every corner holds a little story. From the deep blues of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara, this country almost frames itself.

But there’s more to capturing Morocco than just pointing and clicking. The magic is in the details — in the faces, the textures, the unexpected moments that unfold when you're paying attention.

Here are some tips to help you photograph Morocco beautifully and respectfully:

• Chase the morning and evening lights: Golden hour works its magic in Morocco. Shoot early or late in the day for soft, warm tones and dramatic shadows.

• Ask before photographing people: It’s always best to get permission — especially in rural areas or traditional markets. A smile and a polite request can go a long way.

• Look for contrast: Morocco is full of visual opposites — light and shadow, colour and earth, ancient and modern. Frame these contrasts for striking images.

• Zoom in on the details: Tiles, doors, spices, textiles — Morocco’s textures tell a story. Don’t just capture the big picture; get close.

• Use reflections and doorways: Arched entrances, mirrors and still water offer great creative frames.

• Respect sacred spaces: Some mosques and religious sites may not allow photos. Always follow local guidance.

Finally, put the camera down sometimes: The best way to capture the magic is to feel it. Let your memories live outside the lens, too. That is more fulfilling any day.

 Sustainable Travel Tip of the Month

Responsible Travel in Resource-Challenged Destinations

Morocco is a land of beauty — not just in its landscapes but in its traditions, craftsmanship and ways of life. As travellers, we have the chance to not only enjoy this richness but also help protect it.

Being a responsible traveller here isn’t difficult. It just means slowing down, staying aware and making choices that support the places and people we visit.

Here’s how to travel more consciously in Morocco:

• Support local things: Choose locally-owned riads, family-run cafés and markets where artisans sell their handmade goods. It keeps traditions alive and helps communities thrive.

• Be mindful of water: Morocco faces water scarcity, especially in desert areas. Short showers and refilling a reusable bottle instead of buying plastic can make a real difference.

• Dress with respect: While Morocco is warm and welcoming, modest clothing is appreciated — especially in rural areas and at religious sites.

• Leave no trace in the desert: If you camp in the Sahara, make sure your tour operator follows eco-friendly practices. Don’t leave behind waste and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

• Learn a little: A few words in Arabic or French or understanding local customs, shows respect and builds bridges. It’s a small effort with a big impact.

Sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful. When you travel with intention, the places you visit stay beautiful — for the next travellers and for those who call it home.

Which two languages are common in Morocco?

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