Ships of the desert...

The allure of Morocco goes hand in hand with the images and culture of caravans of camels and their owners trekking across the desert. Even though the camels of Morocco are not used as a method of transport, they have become vital in the tourism industry and to the income of many locals. In Aglou Plage where our luxury beachside villas in Agadir are based, camel trekking along the shore is a pastime most visitors enjoy.

Traditionally camels have two humps on their backs but the camels used in Morocco only have one. Camels in Morocco are therefore known as Dromedaries, are rarely found in the wild and most of those seen walking around the landscape have owners. Often herds that have not been domesticated to a certain degree can be seen, but they will still follow their nomadic owners from one feeding ground to another.

These very gentle creatures are highly intelligent and extremely patient. They have long thick eyelashes and very hairy ears that protect their eyes and ears from the sand. Full-grown camels can stand at a height of between six or seven feet and their lifespan ranges between twenty-five to fifty years of age. Owners and locals respect the Dromedaries for their natures and their ability to survive in the desert with very little food and water. Their amazing ability to survive the desert heat is by being able to increase their own body heat.

So, while the women at Aglou Plage are learning the skills of making a Moroccan tajine, the men are trekking on their camels dreaming of being the next Omar Sharif !
We have new villas in Aglou Plage and on two different domains. All of our Agadir luxury villas are on the beach and with the excellent year round climate is perfect for your winter and spring break.

If you would like to speak to a specialist on a Morocco villa holiday do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk or contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

A fishy tale....

I have just returned from a week’s holiday near Agadir – Aglou Plage to be precise where we have beachfront villas in Aglou as part of my Morocco portfolio for Quality Villas.

As the villa I stayed in was right on the beach then what better idea than to have freshly caught fish for supper. All along this coastline from Agadir to Mirleft are fishing boats and many single fishermen casting their fishing rods from the shoreline. The Atlantic Ocean offers some great sports fishing. Tunas and marlins are among the main game fishes here, and both deep-sea and coastal fishing are available. Fishing is Agadir is good throughout the year, and there are several charter boats available for fishing trips.

The first morning I was there the local fisherman knocked at my door selling fish. I settled on a large sole and it did not disappoint even though I probably paid well over the odds for it! It was delicious and this whetted my appetite for more.

In the village of Aglou Plage where our luxury villas in Aglou are located is the local fish market which is government controlled. You visit in the morning depending on the weather to witness the catch being brought in. Then the bargaining starts for a good price for anything from shark, tuna, sole or marlin, to name but a few. The fish is so fresh and perfect to BBQ or coat in seasoned flour and pan fry until golden.

A trip to the fish counter in Tiznit market is indeed interesting where a good variety of fish is sold. Here you can get your choice of fish gutted, descaled and cleaned and even told a tale about the fishing industry along this coastline. For me, squid is my favourite jewel of the sea and I have had love affair with this wriggling, ugly specimen for years! I love it whether it’s grilled, fried or stuffed. I had the best squid of my life in a small restaurant in Sidi Ifni which is about 45kms from Aglou Plage where our luxury villas on the beach are. It was so fresh, so yummy that I could have eaten platefuls!

If fishing is your “thing” or just eating it then a holiday in Agadir is just for you. You can fish for your own supper! Why not think about an autumn or Winter break now in one of our Morocco luxury villas in Agadir.

Contact us now to discuss your autumn and winter sun holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

It’s not all sunbathing in Morocco!!

When people think of a beach holiday in Morocco they think of sun, sun bathing and getting that golden tan. There is so much to do and see in this wonderful country ranging from camel riding and skiing!! Our portfolio of villas can encompass all these things thus making your Morocco villa holiday a little different.

All these activities are available all year round so why not think about your Winter Sun holiday now with a beach villa in Agadir or a Morocco luxury villa in Marrakech.

Golf
Golf flourished under King Hassan II, who was an accomplished player, and has continued to grow in popularity. With all year of blue skies and sunshine, golfers can enjoy a round at any time of the year in extremely attractive locations, enjoying pine and eucalyptus lined fairways or spectacular mountain views. Green fees are far less expensive than European courses too.

Walking, hiking trekking
There’s no better way to get to know Morocco than on foot. No matter whether it’s a gentle city stroll or a climb up Toubkal, Africa’s highest peak. In Summer, hiking provides an escape from the heat of the towns, Winter’s ideal for exploring southern deserts. Trekking can be arranged to suit all abilities, providing an opportunity to get away from the usual tourist areas, while mules carry food, equipment and personal belongings.

Horse and camel riding
There are excellent equestrian centres throughout the country catering for riders of all abilities. For some people, riding a camel is just downright painful, for others it is the only way to explore the desert. Either way, it is an experience that won’t be forgotten.

Skiing
When people think of Morocco, it is unlikely they’ll think of skiing, but the High Atlas Mountains have two ski resorts with gentle slopes for beginners and real challenges for advanced skiers.

Fishing
Morocco has almost every kind of fishing. Boat trips can be arranged on the Atlantic coast where there are sea bream, tuna, swordfish, marlin and barracuda. And there are gentle and fast-flowing inland rivers, wadis and beautiful lakes where the angler may land pike, perch, roach, trout, carp, eel and barbel.

Water sports
Every type of water sport is catered for along Morocco’s 1100-mile plus coastline from sailing, yachting, windsurfing, surfing and kayaking. There are good centres for scuba diving and the resort of Essaouira offers particularly good surfing and windsurfing. Inland, there’s white-water rafting on the rivers of the High and Middle Atlas.

Sightseeing
Morocco’s museums are often works of art themselves, palaces of mosaics and marble, while the souks are not just places to buy and sell but the focal point of Moroccan life. Away from the towns, there is much to explore in the mountains and deserts and the Berber villages, where the culture has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years.

If you would like to speak to a specialist on a Morocco villa holiday do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillas.com or contact our office or email us on info@qualityvillas.com

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

The Morocco adventure continues.....

In late Autumn I will be off again to Morocco again and this time I will be travelling to Oualidia and Essaouira which are on the coastline between Casablanca and Agadir. Ideal destinations for your luxury beach villa in Morocco.

Due to the success of our Aglou Plage portfolio which features villas in Agadir Quality Villas is keen to expand into additional coastal regions whereby families and adults can experience the long sandy beaches, memorable sunsets and have a wonderful relaxing beach holiday. Morocco still retains its history and culture and it remains remarkably inexpensive and with its all round sunny climate and high temperatures it’s a must to visit for your Morocco family villa holiday.

My first port of call will be Oualidia with its fabulous lagoon and long sandy beach. The town is small but big in impact and a surfer’s paradise. Fresh caught oysters and crab are a speciality here and a perfect accompaniment with a delicious Moroccan salad. We have 2 new villas that we hope to procure and as always they will be quality villas as our name applies.

My next seaside destination is the adorable town of Essaouira with its blue & white painted houses, excellent food medina and the harbour. A must is to go early in the morning to see the catch come in and then wander to many of the cafes for your morning coffee. Freshly caught fish and seafood is a speciality here as well as many restaurants cooking excellent Moroccan tajines and couscous. The long sandy beach is perfect for families with miles of sand for children to play. I will be visiting a lovely Riad which has its own plunge pool, a rarity in Essaouira.

These new villas will be on our website later this year so keep logging on to our web site www.qualityvillas.com or www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk and consider your next holiday in this new and exciting addition to our Morocco portfolio.

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

Le Vendange !!

September has long been one of my favourite months so it is no surprise that I think September is one of the best times to visit France. Not only will you get to enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but the tourist season is beginning to wind down which means cheaper travel, fewer crowds but most of all our French family farmhouses or French villas are that much cheaper to rent!!
September also marks the beginning of grape harvest season in France and in the medieval and picturesque town of Saint Emilion the wines of Saint Emilion have been well recognized and respected for centuries. A celebration honouring the harvest of these very special grapes takes place in the middle of the month with open air festivities. One of our popular South West France villas is Maison Pastorale which is less than hours drive from St Emillion.

September is a great time to check out the many vineyards around the country and go wine tasting or join in the local Vendange. The Vendange is great fun even though a bit strenuous the superb open air lunch and lively chatter dispels all that plus it’s fascinating to see how the grapes get to your bottle of wine. If this is too much like hard work then visit one of hundreds of vineyards across South West France. Wine tasting or degustation with a guided tour is a must and at the end of the day you can take home your wine and savour it at your French family villa.

We still have September availability at our villas in the wine regions of France and some at amazing prices. Why not call us now to discuss your French villa holiday in September.

If you would like to speak to a specialist regarding our villas or where best to visit, do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillas.com and contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Manager
France & Morocco

The family holiday rush to France has begun!!

Last weekend saw the biggest exodus from UK to France – the start of the UK summer holidays!! As parents pack the suitcases and children are getting their swim suits out of storage we at Quality Villas are getting ready for a busy six weeks. Our luxury villas in France all have private pools so you can be assured not only of a super house but a sparkling blue pool all to yourself!!

Before you leave its always worthwhile having a couple of essentials packed with your holiday documents and those are guide books and a simple translation booklet. Whilst we know that all you want to do is lay by the pool in your family villa in France there are some amazing sights to be seen in France and are worth a look so take your guide book and language book and explore!!

Guide Book
Do your self a favour and purchase at least two and pay attention to buy the most current editions. Rough Guides or Lonely Planet Guides are well known for their independent view and they are a great choice. These are in-depth guides printed in small letters on a thin paper to pack as much information as possible and still keep the volume small enough to fit into your luggage. If you prefer plenty of colourful photographs on a quality paper, then you will do better with the National Geographic Guides. Do study your guides before you leave, so that you can better plan your trip. You will know exactly where to go (or where/when not to go), and what can be seen near your rural villa in France.

Language
You may have heard of the French being proud of their language and although they learn English at school, they hesitate to use it. However, you would be surprised by the change in their attitude if you just try a few words or simple phrases. You are a guest in their country so it makes more sense to make the first step. You’ll be amazed to see how far a little French will go. It will literally open doors to their culture. If they see that you try with some help of mimics and hand signs you will get your message across, that’s for sure. Try simple words and then go onto small phrases. A good idea is to learn restaurant menus and foods – most important if you think you are ordering beef and you get horse instead!!

For the past few weeks at Quality Villas our phones have not stopped ringing as we have some amazing last minute reductions for your holiday villa in France. From the northern coast to Cote d’Azur there is something for everyone from a family farmhouse to a coastal villa.

If you are still interested in a late escape to the sun, our staff is on hand to discuss with you any requirements you may have.

Do visit this site on line: http://www.qualityvillas.com and contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco

Sunflowers & Summer Night Markets in South West France

Right now in SW France the sunflowers are beginning to come out and the fields are ablaze with yellow. This year must "Sunflower Year" as almost every field is sunflowers – it’s an amazing sight! Some of them are still quite small and others are the size of dinner plates! If you are on holiday at one of our French farmhouses in south west France then you will enjoy the beauty of these flowers.

They are planted as seeds and when fully grown all face the same way – south east to the sun; hence Tournesol (turn to the sun). In this hilly yet fertile region the sunflowers are a part of South West France as is the Eiffel Tower to Paris.

Now turn your minds to the fabulous night markets that have just started a couple of weeks ago in the South West and the area where I live. So, if you are staying at any of our luxury villas in south west France then make sure you visit one of the many in the region. The one that I go is at St Maurin the Lot et Garonne which is on a Wednesday. The centre of the village is taken over by stalls selling bread, pancakes, salads, pizza, barbequed meats and of course the local wine!! Long lines of trestle tables are laid out in the centre with the stalls dotted around the outside. There is always a band which gets things going and it really is like a street party. I live in Bourg de Visa, in the Tarn et Garonne, which has started the night market trend on Friday evenings and its as good as St Maurin, if not a little smaller. We have family villas around both of these area and some still have August availability.

Why not call us now and ask about our south west France villas waiting to be discovered. If you would like to speak to a specialist on a French villa holiday or where best to visit, do visit this site on line : http://www.qualityvillas.com and contact our office or email us.

Gill Woolsgrove
Area Manager
France & Morocco