Casablanca, Morocco: Mint Tea, Louis Vuitton, and a Whisper of White Lotus
Arriving in Casablanca was nothing short of a cinematic experience… minus the drama, thankfully. From the moment we touched down at Mohammed V International Airport, it was clear this wasn’t your average airport hustle. We breezed through customs and border control with expedited access (thank you, travel gods), and were greeted by an immaculately clean terminal and an even more polished escort, flashing a warm smile that instantly made us feel like Morocco was ready to impress.
Now, let’s be honest—airports across the globe can be a mixed bag. Some feel like luxury lounges, while others… well, let’s just say they're still waiting for their passport to the 21st century. Morocco, however, is clearly stepping into its next chapter with style and intention. The airport in Casablanca is a shining example that others should take note of. If more international airports made the same concerted effort—with cleanliness, efficiency, and genuine hospitality as top priorities—we’d all be a lot happier travelers.
Shortly after collecting our bags, we met our Adventures by Disney representative, who seamlessly whisked us away in a private car. The air-conditioned vehicle felt like an oasis as we cruised toward our hotel, the legendary Four Seasons Casablanca—though let me tell you, if the opulent setting and mysterious characters were any clue, we might have just checked into the next season of White Lotus. Where was Tanya?
Funny enough, our flight over was shared with a cast of characters that would make any reality producer drool: a crew of sophisticated ladies of a certain age, a delightfully eccentric Moroccan artist, and a few others that all seemed to mysteriously end up at the same hotel. Suspicious? Perhaps. Entertaining? Absolutely.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed like royalty—gracious staff, cold towels, mint tea, and a few Moroccan sweets to tide us over. I could get used to this kind of hospitality. Greg and I settled in, admiring the resort’s architecture: a clean blend of modern design with subtle nods to traditional Moroccan patterns. The scent of orange blossoms and the sound of the ocean nearby set the tone perfectly as we awaited the arrival of our travel companions, Josh and Shahzad.
With the usual suspects together, we kicked off our first evening with a dinner that paid homage to cinema and nostalgia: Rick’s Café. Inspired by the iconic film Casablanca, this restaurant is more than a themed gimmick—it’s a beautifully curated space full of ambiance, candlelight, and an elegant menu that wasn’t strictly Moroccan. Local musicians played traditional Moroccan music, which was beautiful, but part of us longed for the piano tucked behind them to come to life with the soft, familiar strains of As Time Goes By. A little Humphrey Bogart mood lighting and a cocktail in hand—it was almost perfect. We were still waiting on Erin and Lindsay to arrive the next day, but the table already felt full of anticipation—and a few well-crafted cocktails didn’t hurt either. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The next day, we decided to indulge in a bit of shopping—yes, we went to the mall. Yes, we found the Louis Vuitton store. Resistance is futile when there's a monogram involved. It was a great way to take in the modern side of Casablanca before heading to the more traditional sights.
After the mall, we made our way back to the Four Seasons, where we had the chance to unwind poolside. With a shisha pipe in hand and the warm sun on our faces, it felt like the perfect moment to absorb the Moroccan vibe. While the hotel doesn’t serve alcohol—due to the investors’ belief system around alcohol consumption—there was no shortage of crafted teas to keep us refreshed. It was the perfect way to relax, reflect on the journey so far, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Our first full day in Casablanca also included a visit to the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a true marvel of modern Moroccan architecture. Standing tall at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s hard not to be awestruck by its sheer size and beauty. The mosque boasts the world’s tallest minaret, reaching an impressive 210 meters, and its intricate details—mosaic-tiled walls, marble floors, and carved wood—are nothing short of stunning. The open-air prayer hall is massive, and if you're lucky enough to visit when the ocean breeze hits just right, you’ll feel like you're standing on the edge of the world. Visitors can also step out onto the terraces for panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and the lush surrounding gardens. It was a peaceful, almost spiritual experience, and a must-see when in Casablanca.
Our welcome was a lovely affair, with Robyn and Mustapha, our adventure guides, joining us to introduce themselves and outline the journey that awaited us. Everyone was eager to dive in, but I have to admit, after the long flights and anticipation, we were all definitely feeling the weight of travel fatigue. By the time we sat down for our first dinner at Kubed, a fabulous restaurant serving up delicious, flavorful dishes, we were ready to collapse into our seats—but the food and company were so good, it kept us going just a little bit longer.
Casablanca itself is a city of contrasts: bustling streets lined with vendors, sophisticated seaside promenades, and that ever-present Atlantic breeze that carries a sense of possibility. The beaches are vibrant and full of life—surfers, locals, and curious travelers all coexisting in a harmonious dance.
But as with all travel, it’s important to keep your awareness sharp. Panhandling can be more aggressive here than in some destinations. A few quick tips:
Learn to say a friendly “no” in the local language ("La, shukran" – No, thank you – goes a long way).
Keep your personal items close.
Don’t engage too deeply—kindness can sometimes be misread as invitation.
Stay alert without being rude; you can be gracious and firm at the same time.
Morocco is magical, but it’s also real life—beautiful, layered, and sometimes chaotic. That’s part of the charm. Casablanca set the tone perfectly for what would become a vibrant, colorful adventure through this incredible country.
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