Desert Oasis! The Mediterranean Mystique of Marrakesh

An AUPACK Experience Guide to Morocco

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO?

A Scenic Overlook

In this week’s AUPACK Experience Guide, the resplendent beauty of Marrakesh is no mirage!

Our Marvelous Marrakesh package offers luxurious private villa serenity among the sands for donors looking to discover Morocco’s dazzling desert days and arresting Arabian nights. With mystical marketplaces, alluring architecture, and a kaleidoscope of culture, this North African gem offers visitors a lavish landscape for exploration and relaxation beneath the palms.

Read on and find out how this spellbinding auction package will have your supporters charmed at your next fundraising event!

Morocco: Royal African Radiance

Officially called the Kingdom of Morocco, this majestic country in North Africa is the crown prince of picturesque Mediterranean masterpieces!

Known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, this vibrant and exotic country offers everything from the bustling markets and palaces of Marrakesh to the serene beaches and blue-hued cities of Chefchaouen. Whether staying in a traditional riad guesthouse or desert camping under the stars, visitors often find themselves treated like honored guests during their stay in Morocco.

Travel to Morocco also offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. From the towering Atlas Mountains to the sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert, visitors can embark on wide-ranging adventures such as hiking, camel trekking, or even skiing in the winter months. The country is home to stunning beaches along the Atlantic coast, where visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the turquoise waters, or try their hand at water sports like windsurfing and parasailing.

Morocco is also home to the oldest existing educational institution in the world. Morocco's University of Al-Karaouine was founded in 859 CE.

Location, Location, Location!

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO | 31.6225° N, 7.9898° W

Nicknamed “The Red City” thanks to the pinkish-red hue of its sweeping clay walls, Marrakesh is a pop of color nestled atop the dunes of western Morocco. This lively city serves as one of the most visited cities in North Africa, recently voted a Top 10 Best Destinations for International Tourists by TripAdvisor with over 13 million visitors each year. It was also famously a favorite travel destination of Winston Churchill, who notably told US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “You cannot come all the way to North Africa without seeing Marrakesh.”

Its location among the foothills of the Atlas Mountains provides easy access to various natural attractions such as the valleys, waterfalls, and desert landscapes that surround the city. Additionally, Marrakesh is viewed as a cultural and trade gateway between Africa and Europe, resulting in a unique urban history and wildly diverse artistic influences that can be seen throughout the city. Marrakesh’s energetic atmosphere, luxe spas, and welcoming locals make for an unmissable global getaway.

Marrakesh is one of Morocco's four imperial cities and at one time served as the country's capital before settling on the city of Rabat.

Why Donors Will Love It

A luxury private villa package to Marrakesh gives donors the opportunity to support your cause while observing the best of what Morocco has to offer.

Here are a few things that’ll have them drinking it all in!

MYSTICAL MARKETPLACES

Marrakesh is most famous for its 11th-century medina quarter, a glorious technicolor marketplace and UNESCO World Heritage site straight out of Aladdin.?

The medina is a maze of narrow alleyways and bustling squares, filled with colorful textile, ceramic, craft, and food markets known as souks as well as traditional riads and historic buildings that line each lane. Donors can wander the labyrinthine streets of the medina and experience a feast for the senses, with aromatic exotic spices, the sound of vendors calling out their wares, and endless prismatic goods on display. Bargaining is a common practice in Moroccan markets, so your supporters will jump at the chance to haggle for the best price.?

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the iconic square at the heart of Marrakesh and is a must-see for any traveler. The busiest marketplace in Africa, the square is home to all manner of merchants as well as snake charmers, fortune tellers, and dancers. Here supporters will find memorable street performers, mouth-watering food stalls, and an electric atmosphere all day and night.

ALLURING ARCHITECTURE

Donors will love keeping their eye-line on the skyline as Marrakesh offers visitors some of the most entrancing Moorish architectural wonders in Africa.?

Visitors to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque will delight at this towering structure dating back to the 12th century, with its distinctive minaret that rises above the city to become a beacon for the city's travelers--a monument visible from almost every corner of Marrakesh. The mosque is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, ornate arches, and beautiful calligraphy, making it a true masterpiece of Islamic art and artisans.

Donors won't believe their eyes when they glimpse the stunning Bahia Palace, a sumptuous showcase of Moroccan and Andalusian blended architectural styles constructed in the late 19th century. The palace features a series of courtyards, gardens, and lavishly decorated rooms that are a testament to the wealth and luxury of its former residents. Visitors can admire the intricate tile work, carved wood ceilings, and colorful mosaics that adorn the palace walls, creating a truly magical and enchanting atmosphere.

KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURE

With a complex history bolstered by its prime geography, Marrakesh is known for its rich cultural heritage with a perfectly balanced blend of Arabic, Berber, and French influences evident in the city's cuisine, music, and art.?

These influences are best felt with a visit to the tranquil and relaxing Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle. A peaceful Parisian-Moroccan oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, donors can explore the vibrant plant life, wander through fountains, and visit the Berber Museum located on-site.

Throughout their days of sightseeing, donors can get a taste of Marrakesh's flavorful culinary melting pot on every corner, with a diverse range of dishes from traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as tagine, couscous, and mint tea to the French, Spanish, and African influences that flood the marketplaces. The souks are filled with vendors selling spices, oils, and herbs from around the world, creating a sensory experience that is unmatched.

The AP Experience

A World of Fundraising Starts Here. Maximize your fundraising by teaming up with Auction Packages at your next event. Here’s what our Marvelous Marrakesh?experience includes:

Marrakesh Private Villa 7-Night Stay with Daily Breakfast for (8)

Discover your own desert oasis with a luxurious weeklong stay in a private Moroccan villa in marvelous Marrakesh. Nestled in a serene hideaway on the outskirts of the city, this magnificent villa offers an unrivaled blend of traditional Moroccan charm and modern elegance for eight guests. The four opulent suites, adorned with exquisite Moroccan décor, provide an intimate and comfortable environment that will have you feeling at home among the acres of greenery. Immerse yourself in the lush gardens, with citrus trees and high walls covered in bougainvillea and jasmine that fill the air with the sweet fragrances of Morocco and offer complete privacy from neighboring villas. Soak up the warm Marrakesh sun by the sparkling infinity pool or on one of the many shaded terraces, perfect for basking in the stunning views of the Atlas mountains while enjoying your provided daily breakfast al fresco or watching the sunset with a cocktail or two. In the evenings, the rooftop terrace is an alluring spot for entertaining and enjoying the cool nights in the Moroccan moonlight.

With its central location, Villa Zaria offers convenient access to Marrakesh's vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and captivating cultural experiences with the iconic Marrakech Medina and bustling souks just twenty minutes from the villa. Fully staffed with maids and a cook to provide breakfast for the duration of your stay, the staff’s exceptional attention to detail and personalized service ensures that your every need is met, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.

You're Dune Great!

When you fundraise with luxury oasis auction packages like this one, you're sure to get your just deserts!

Your nonprofit's fundraising efforts are important and Auction Packages is here to help you meet your goals.

Reach out to our Fundraising Specialists to learn more about the Experiences we offer and how to partner with us for your next fundraising event.