The Good Life in Morocco

Queen Handira - Zamzam Boutique - Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:44:00 +0000

I have luckily managed to find this Queen Handira. It is an exception piece not only because of the beautiful work but also the size. Being 3 meters long it is unusually large and makes a stunning bed end for a superking bed.

If you would like it please email me at zamzamriad@gmail.com, in the meantime, I will continue to enjoy its luxurious energy.

I have just replenished Zamzam Boutique with some more pretty handira, please click on this link to have a look https://picasaweb.google.com/106909059539278929507/MoroccanWeddingBlanketsCapes

Camel Boxes - Zamzam Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Wonderful Toureg boxes made from camels knees in the Zamzam Boutique. Thes lovely little boxes fit really well together and the insides are rubbed with amber so they smell great. They make an unusual present nd kids love them. They are covered with delicate patterns created using henna. Email me for more information at zamzamriad@gmail.com

Sparkling Berber Wedding Blankets - Zamzam Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Wow how gorgeous are these vintage handira. Chunky big pieces gorgeous on a bed or the back of your sofa, really make a room come alive. This quality of Handira are become very rare and increasingly difficult to find in this condition.

View the Zamzam Boutique stock here https://picasaweb.google.com/106909059539278929507/MoroccanWeddingBlanketsCapes

Email me Emma for further information zamzamriad@gmail.com

Zamzam Boutique, stunning vintage handira Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

I have just found and purchased these two stunning vintage handira, now hard to find in this condition. They both have a very unusual pattern. If you would like to buy one please email me at zamzamriad@gmail.com. Happy New Year! Emmax

Top Quality Vintage Handira - Morocco, Zamzam Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:27:00 +0000

I have just found these stunning Vintage Handira, they are superb quality, no marks or repairs. It is very difficult these days to find such good quality pieces with character. Email me at zamzamriad@gmail.com for further information.

Traditional celebration cakes in Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:12:00 +0000

We made a pretty cake recently for a wedding at Kasbah Bab Ourika - the transportation up the hill wasn't easy, as anyone will know who's been up there but we made it and were happy with the result. The cake was carrot cake and chocolate cake. We love to have a go at anything you might request. Get in touch with me Emma if you need a special cake - zamzamriad@gmail.com

Moroccan Gingerbread ladies - Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:06:00 +0000

I was suprised when I turned around and my daughter had decorated her ginger bread ladies in Takchitas! I supose when you have lived in Morocco since you were 2 that is what you would dress then in. I think they are gorgeous in their Moroccan dresses and black hair.

Heavenly Scent - Zamzam Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:03:00 +0000

We have gorgeous roses in our Zamzam Rose Garden. If you need any boquets making or button holes, drop us an email - Zamzamriad@gmail.com

Christmas at Zamzam Riad in Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:56:00 +0000

We have been really busy making Christmas Cakes (some gluten free)gorgeous carrot cakes with mascopone icing and 100's of mince pies for guests and our Zamzam Christmas Party. My gardener is now an expert at making wreaths if anyone would like one let me know what size and he can do it for you. You will have to decorate it yourself, a bit of ribbon and gold spray - Mohammed's your uncle!

Zamzam Berber Carpets

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:48:00 +0000

I have been experimenting with carpet designs and colours with the Berber weavers and these are the samples I have gathered so far. The wool is lovely and fluffy it's a tight luxurious weave and I love the cream with black or brown really striking. These carpets can be made to measure and take about 10 weeks. The beauty is you can have the size and design you want. Email me for a quote @ Zamzamriad@gmail.com

Cleansing and Spa Retreat - Zamzam Riad, Marrakech Medina, 11 November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:17:00 +0000

Zamzam Retreats is at The Mind, Body and Soul Exhibition this weekend at Olympia, London. We recently ran a group cooking class at Zamzam for a Feng Shui Group from America, they had so much fun. The Cleansing and Spa Retreat will be 3 full days 11 - 15 of November 2011 and includes cooking classes around healing foods - not to be missed!

For further information and full programme of the retreat go to www.moroccoretreats.com or email Emma - zamzamriad@gmail.com

Moroccan Food and Cooking Classes at Zamzam

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:42:00 +0000

Moroccan Cooking Classes at Zamzam

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:40:00 +0000

We are always busy at Zamzam running our very sucessful cooking classes with our experienced chef. Our cooking classes at Zamzam are done using the traditional Moroccan method of cooking over hot coals with a Mukla. The class begins with suggestions and a discussion on what you would like to cook before heading off to the local market to buy our produce. Once back at the riad there is a short break while everything is washed and then the work begins. Our Moroccan chef directs you while you prepare your dishes and take notes on the recipes. The finale is a delicious meal of your prepared dishes.

Go to this link on our webpage to read full details of the classes and get prices. http://www.riadzamzam.com/food/

We are big foodies at Zamzam so it was natural to share our recipes with other enthusiasts. Email Emma to enquire about room availability and class availability. Zamzamriad@gmail.com

Zamzam Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:56:00 +0000

We've been doing some great weddings and parties at Zamzam and just thought I would post some photos for you to see. I'm busy making wedding cakes so if anyone needs one just email me at zamzamriad@gmail.com

Cleansing and Spa Retreat - 11/11/11

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:26:00 +0000

Come and join us at Zamzam Riad for our Cleansing and Meditative Spa Retreat. The date 111111 marks a huge shift in Mother Earth from the 3rd to the 4th dimension. This is a big change in the planet as we know it and will also be a huge change in human consciousness. The dates of this retreat are perfect for Meditation, Energy, Spa Cleansing and Healing Foods.

This retreat is all about nurturing and we have a fabulous team who have developed a suberb retreat in our luxury surroundings. Visit Morocco Retreat by clicking on the link to see full details and programmes. This is a stunning time in Marrakech of bright sunny autumn dys and cool evenings sitting round the fire. Email me with any questions or help with planning flights - zamzamriad@gmail.com

Vintage Handira at Zamzam Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:19:00 +0000

I have been busy finding beautiful handira for a couple of shops in New York. Finding these old wedding blankets in great condition is no longer easy. The popularity of them has meant that they are so hard to find. They are lovely though as each vintage piece is individual and made with love. Go to see my current selection for sale at this link https://picasaweb.google.com/106909059539278929507/MoroccanWeddingBlanketsCapes and email me Emma - zamzamriad@gmail.com

Fantasia Horses - Sidi Kaulki

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:04:00 +0000

The week before we left for France we did some superb riding on the beach at Sidi Kaulki. Here is a couple of photos of my friends son being taught to comand the horse to rear. Pretty good effort I thought.

Le Zinc Restaurant Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:20:00 +0000

We recently visited a really great restaurant for lunch called Le Zinc. It is situated in the Industrial Zone of Marrakech or Sidi Ghanem. They are open for lunch Sunday and Monday and then for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. The food was excellent. I had delicious roasted chicken with mashed potatoe, my daughter had cold roast beef, hollandaise sauce and mash and Marcus, brochette of fillet of beef with sauted vegetables. It was really very good and they also had a good selection of wines including some bordeaux.

To book a table call Damien Durand o +212 (0)661245057

Surfing Africa - Moroccan Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:09:00 +0000

More photos of Ali's surf lessons with kids in Sidi Kaulki south of Essaouira on the Moroccan Coast. Virgin Beaches and chilled atmosphere. Find Ali near the blue and white striped sun beds.

Kids Surfing in Morocco - Sidi Kaulki

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Sidi Kaulki, south of Essaouira on the Moroccan Coast is a haven for relaxing and also for children, quads, camels, massage, superb horse riding and a great guy called Ali for children's surf lessons. Ali can be found on the beach near the water near the big white building. He also has the comfortable sun beds, blue and white striped near the beach. He is very helpful and flexible and children love him.

Beach Camp Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0000

We have just spent a fantastic 4 nights camping on the Moroccan Coast. The first night was spent in a villa on the coast near Sidi Kaulki and then we started out in the morning with the camels. We walked on the beach and each day we would arrive at a table set out for kings with a tent for relaxing in so we could have lunch and a siesta.

In the afternoon we carried on walking to end the day at another beautiful spot for dinner and sleeping. This was a stunning trip all organised by Desert Camp Morocco Nick Garsten the owner has a superb team in the desert who organised and planned our coastal journey for 5 days. He decided to take 2 camels and a horse with us so that the children could have a ride if the walking got too much for them. The beaches were out of this world. I went for evening rides along the beach which was heaven for me. The group also bring their own kitchen tent and chef the meals were amazing.

Camping on the Moroccan Coast with children

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:57:00 +0000

In these pictures you can see our camp on the third night where we also had delicious fresh fish from the local fisherman.

The next two photos show the 4th night camp which was my favourite ontop of a little cliff over looking the waves and the beach. What a romantic spot for dinner. Nick also brought with him a number of fun beach games the children absolutely loved it.

Luxury Beach Camp Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:53:00 +0000

This was my favourite camp, Marcus on guitar and Uma dancing her socks off! look at the photos of the perfect beach totally deserted just for us!

Beach Camping with children Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:38:00 +0000

Beach wildlife, sea anenomes, mussles, rock pools, glorious beach. If you would like to do a walking luxury beach camp email Nick at http://www.desertcampmorocco.com/ you can combine it with a couple of nights stay at Zamzam Riad in the Marrakech Medina.

Let Sleeping Babes Lie - Marrakech

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Joyston-Bechal) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:37:00 +0000

This is the latest and most gorgeous new arrival - Malek, she couldn't be more perfect and I thought I would share these sweet photos of her that I took while her mother Fatiya was working. I am hoping the stalks will deliver me one, a Malek that is. I also recently came across a really interesting and helpful blog written by an American lady who is married to a Moroccan, they live in Qatar. It gives useful information on the kafala/adoption system in Morocco - Baby Maghrib