Written by Alexandria Hilton
ATI’s own Molly Biter recently found herself on assignment in Morocco, a destination close to our hearts.
Do you remember May of 2021?
We might not either. Except that we definitely do. For many months prior, we had a trip planned. We had a plane chartered, too. We were buzzing on an incredibly special opportunity to travel to an enchanting destination in a way that had never been done before! In retrospect, we did all the things we said we’d do; we just did it in a way far more… (all expletives removed) challenging and far more rewarding than any of us could have ever imagined.
Royal Mansour Marrakech, 2021
CAUTION! CAUTION! PERSONAL NOTE INCOMING:
None of us are strangers to how the COVID-19 pandemic changed and continues to change our everyday lives and I will not try to recount all of the ways this entire world was (rather impolitely) asked to adjust. When I think about Morocco, though, all I think about is how ATI had to adjust. And how I watched my mom pivot and pivot and pivot again, relentless in the face of countless travel restrictions, vaccination requirements, health anxieties, and so much more. I do try hard to maintain a distance between Mom and Boss these days but at such an uncertain time as lockdown, my mom was my mom and I am amazed at what she and her team were able to do when it truly was do or die for small businesses.
While I had not yet been hired as a full-time employee the day that plane lifted from Sarasota, bound for Fes, “ATIntern” was a title I donned proudly on my nametag. This Founder’s Journey to Morocco, my first taste of the industry, challenged me to say the least: 70+ guests, a new destination, and a world wrestling itself awake from a nightmarish reality, fighting tooth and nail for normalcy.
I had the opportunity to speak with Molly Biter about this year’s Morocco site inspection. She was there and back in a matter of days; a concentrated concoction of culture, her trip defined itself by the works of a professional stargazer and a famous botanist within the walls of world-class accommodation and award-winning service.
Le Royal Mansour, a collection you are sure to recognize if you joined us in May of 2021, has recently opened a luxury hotel in Casablanca. Molly tells me that the Agafay Desert poses a particularly iconic experience, a day excursion that impressed itself as many trips to the desert do, especially from atop a camel — something about the bouncing, maybe? Or is it the smell?
Royal Mansour Casablanca
The Oberoi Marrakech, also particularly impressive, is set in a city that only continues to inspire with its spirit, history, and mystique. Molly also had a chance to stay at La Fiermontina Ocean, a remote and exotic property in Northern Morocco, and the Fairmont in Tangier.
“The city taught me color” – Yves Saint Laurent
I grin toothily when Molly recalls to me, “I kind of felt like princess Jasmine.” I have to agree that I remember feeling somewhat similar. Yves Saint Laurent has been recorded as saying of Marrakech, “The city taught me color,” and I’d argue that one need not abandon their quest for new knowledge in the Red City; the region has more to offer and Le Royal Mansour is intent upon proving it. We are overjoyed to announce that we officially have our sights sharply set on one new private jet and the two new hotels the company has recently announced and opened, sure to enhance our Royal Return to their Marrakech.
While it has been a challenge to curate this itinerary without trying to replicate the Crystal Skye departure we hold so near and dear, the challenge acts as a timely reminder that ATI always strives to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Innovation is our expertise; non-replicability is our standard.
We are certain that something wonderful and new awaits us in Morocco because when you travel to Morocco, your world evolves; you widen your eyes, expand your palate, and open your palms, ready to receive something distinguished and grand…something royal, really.
