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Morocco, the Maldives, and Magical Montenegro

Krista Nannery

As travel planning turns to fall break plans, Thanksgiving getaways, and the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, these are a few of my favorite places. Let me tell you why…

Morocco

I spent a very leisurely week in Morocco before I moved back to the US in 2019. We shopped for all the housewares in Marrakech and watched the camels slowly stroll along the beach in Essaouira. Somewhere on the road to Essaouira, we found a winery with an all you can eat lunch menu, served in a garden sprinkled with olive trees. That day, we ate all the couscous and all the vegetables, washed down with Moroccan rose. It was truly magical.

I met with the Four Seasons Casablanca here in Palm Beach recently and they mentioned that there’s a DIRECT FLIGHT from Miami to Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc. I’m very intrigued by this flight. I must take it. Soon, soon. So many places, so little time.

Here are a few favorite places in Morocco…

La Mamounia: Steep yourself in Moroccan grandeur at La Mamounia, Marrakech's legendary palace hotel. Featured in "Inventing Anna," La Mamounia offers a taste of the opulent world you crave. Wander through lush gardens, savor exquisite cuisine, and unwind at the luxurious spa. Meticulously restored interiors blend history with modern elegance, while attentive staff ensures an unforgettable stay.

Royal Mansour: Be enveloped in Moroccan majesty at the Royal Mansour, Marrakech. Imagine private riads with plunge pools, hidden gardens, and personalized butler service. Indulge in culinary artistry at lavish restaurants, or unwind at the serene spa. This exquisitely designed resort offers unparalleled privacy and bespoke experiences, making you feel like royalty.

Kasbah Tamadot: Create lasting memories for your family at Kasbah Tamadot, a unique Moroccan retreat nestled in the majestic Atlas Mountains. This award-winning kasbah offers luxurious accommodations, perfect for families, with stunning mountain views and unparalleled service. Explore the wonders of Morocco with your children – discover Berber culture through cooking classes, embark on gentle mule treks, or unwind by the pool. Kasbah Tamadot caters to every member of your family, ensuring an unforgettable adventure that transcends the ordinary.

The Maldives

Another victim of Krista’s nine-month world tour back in 2018 and 2019. I spent a week on the beach here too. To be fair, I did it value-priced style, staying on a local island (Maafushi) an hour from the airport. (Full disclosure: this island was also home to a JAIL.) Still, this little local island still had a great beach and fun restaurants. Plus fun excursions! One day, I even caught my own dinner. If you want anything to drink on Maafushi, there is a bar boat moored offshore and you can ask one of the locals to take you. (The Maldives is Muslim and on the local islands, there’s no booze.) Sadly, I was not brave enough to go to the bar boat by myself during my visit. I’ve watched too much Dateline.

When I wasn’t reading on the beach in Maafushi, I purchased day passes to the nearby all-inclusive resorts. The day passes came with my favorite thing — a BOAT RIDE. (I’m a sucker for boat rides. Always.) After spending time in both the Maldives and the Bahamas, I can tell you with 5000% certainty that all the Bahamas really needs to do is build overwater bungalows. Then we here in America won’t need to go to the Maldives. It seems so clear to me….just a few overwater bungalows off of Exuma will prove my theory. Who wants to invest with me?

In the meantime, in a very clear case of “Do as I say, not as I do,” here are a few amazing five star hotels in the Maldives where I can VIP you and there’s no jail nearby…

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: Immerse yourself in island bliss at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Choose from 119 luxurious reef, beach, and overwater villas, each a haven of tranquility. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the world-class Waldorf Astoria Spa. Savor exquisite culinary experiences from award-winning chefs, or sip on handcrafted cocktails while taking in breathtaking ocean views. Waldorf Astoria offers unparalleled service and unforgettable moments in paradise.

Six Senses Laamu: Escape to barefoot luxury at Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives' only resort on secluded Laamu Atoll. Immerse yourself in turquoise waters teeming with marine life directly from your overwater villa, or relax in a beachfront haven. Explore the vibrant coral reefs with complimentary guided snorkeling tours, or embark on dolphin-watching adventures. Six Senses Laamu is a haven for wellness seekers, boasting an award-winning spa with personalized treatments and a focus on holistic wellbeing. Savor fresh, locally-sourced cuisine with international influences, or enjoy private dining experiences under the starlit sky. Six Senses Laamu promises an unforgettable Maldivian escape that nourishes your soul and respects the environment.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Indulge in sophistication at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, a private atoll oasis. Unwind in exquisite beachfront or overwater villas, each featuring a private plunge pool and signature St. Regis butler service catering to your every whim. Explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, or tee off at the championship golf course designed by Ernie Els. Savor gourmet global cuisine at distinguished restaurants, or unwind with handcrafted cocktails at the iconic Whale Bar boasting breathtaking Maldivian sunsets. The St. Regis offers unparalleled luxury and impeccable service for an unforgettable island escape.

Montenegro

I made a grown man cry in Montenegro. I didn’t mean to. But on my drive back to the airport in Dubrovnik, I asked my driver about the war. He burst into tears. I burst into tears too. It was incredibly humbling.

Montenegro has the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed. I felt so different in Montenegro. So awake and alert yet…I slept like a log. I also met every single person in Montenegro who has been to Fort Lauderdale. For many years, Montenegrins sought jobs on the world’s cruise lines. Yes, they’ve all been to Port Everglades and have thus been to more countries than most people. Now they’ve all returned home to their clean air and octopus salad.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path vacation, Montenegro is where it’s at. (Easily combined with Croatia and a very delightful drive down the coast.) Let me know if I can help put together an amazing customized itinerary for you, but otherwise, here are some five star hotels you should check out…

Regent Porto Montenegro: This is where I stayed! The hotel anchors the glamorous Porto Montenegro nautical village, and the 175 rooms (one- to three-bedroom suites and penthouses in three hotel wings) boast a seafaring theme along with bay or mountain views. There is a holistic spa as well as four elegant pools: three outdoor infinity-edge pools and one indoor pool with a Jacuzzi, all boasting views of Boka Bay.

One & Only Portonovi: With its spacious rooms, suites, and villas, Riviera-style dining and idyllic location at the secluded entrance to Boka Bay (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this 60-acre retreat is a must-stay for couples and families alike.

The Chedi Luštica Bay: The Chedi Luštica Bay has become a haven for health and wellness enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. Here, you’ll discover spacious rooms and suites bathed in natural light. Spa treatments that harness the healing power of botanical and medicinal ingredients. And a prime location tucked between the sparkling sea and UNESCO-protected Boka Bay mountains, perfect for kayaking, hiking, or working off The Rok’s signature sushi rolls.

I hope that gives you some inspiration for your 2024! Remember I have access to customized tours and experiences too. Book a complimentary vacation consultation to review your options!

About Krista

I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA. I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.