Easter school holidays: hot, exotic and only three hours away

Morocco is the most accessible, otherworldly and colourful experience from the UK, and it’s not too late to book for the Easter school holidays.

MD Max Lawrence says: ‘There is still good availability – not over Easter itself (flights are super-expensive then, and hotels generally full) – but from the end of March until mid-April, when flights are reasonable and you have a good chance of staying where you want to be.’

Max, who lived in Marrakech for 12 years, takes his two young children to Morocco three or four times a year. ‘Easter is the most wonderful time to go. It’s warm enough to swim and sunbathe, without being scorching. However many times they’ve been, the kids’ eyes are out on stalks in the Djemaa el-Fna (Marrakech’s main square), taking in the snake charmers, sorcerers, storytellers and tumblers. And if you really want to give them something to remember, take them on an overnight desert camp with camel ride.’

There are so many appealing options and combinations for families. Lawrence of Morocco tailor-makes itineraries to suit individual families’ interests and requirements. Here are just a few suggestions, with prices based on Easter school holiday dates:

Desert hippy life for families

La Pause is only 40 minutes from Marrakech but a million miles away in mood. It’s a Berber-style encampment in a small desert oasis, where families can live like desert hippies – except in comfort. Activities include camel-trekking, traditional cooking, Arabic calligraphy and desert golf.

A seven-night, tailor-made trip – shared between Maroc Lodge (half board), La Pause (half board) and Dar Ayniwen (B&B) – costs from £1,156 pp (two adults and two children sharing) including flights (London) and private transfers throughout.

Mule trekking in the Atlas

Pretty cool to be able to tell your teacher you’ve been mule trekking in the mountains of Morocco in the Easter hols, huh? Pick your way, en famille, through trickling streams and carpets of wild flowers in the heart of Berber countryside, 90 minutes from Marrakech. La Roseraie, a family-run mountain retreat, has a beautiful pool, spa and mountain guides.

A seven-night stay is from £956 pp (four sharing a Senior Suite) including flights (London), half board and private transfers.

Boarding school for your little beach bums

There’s an impeccably-run surf school – sponsored by Quiksilver – with courses for all ages, in Oualidia – a beautiful 11km lagoon with stunning, quiet beaches. Lawrence of Morocco has been sending people to the family-run Hippocampe Hotel here for many years; accommodation is simple but comfortable, the location is spectacular (it’s right on the beach), and the fresh seafood is exquisite.

Four nights at the Hippocampe (half board), combined with three nights at the Hotel Tichka (Marrakech’s most family-friendly four-star – B&B), costs from £1,006 pp (four sharing two rooms) including flights from London and private transfers.

For further information, call Lawrence of Morocco on 01672 500 555 or visit www.lawrenceofmorocco.com.

Ends 11 March 2014

Press: For more information please contact Mischa Mack at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email m.mack@travelpr.co.uk