We discover the enchanting allure of Morocco through the eyes of Valerie and Chafik Hilal, the visionary co-Founders of Blue Sky Morocco. Specialising in luxurious travel experiences that bridge cultural divides and reveal the country’s breathtaking landscapes, the company’s tours are designed to inspire awe in every guest.
UNVEILING THE WONDERS OF A TIMELESS DESTINATION
Woven from a vibrant tapestry of Arab, Amazigh, European, African, and extensive Andalucian influences, with each thread telling a story, Morocco’s culture has been shaped by centuries of interaction and exchange.
The country’s diverse heritage is evident in its arts and crafts, including carpets, pottery, and leatherwork, as well as its music, architecture, and cuisine, which features aromatic spices and tagines.
Morocco is known for its rich cultural distinctiveness, as well as its stunning interior landscapes, which include the majestic Atlas Mountains and the sky-gazing Sahara Desert. The country also boasts many intriguing cities, such as the capital Rabat, charming Casablanca, and Fez, famous for its ancient medina.
Additionally, Chefchaouen, often referred to as the ‘blue pearl’, captivates visitors with its blue-washed buildings, whilst Marrakech enchants with its kaleidoscopic souks located in Djemaa El Fna square.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s coastlines, spanning both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, also offer a variety of experiences, from long sandy stretches to rocky coves and secluded bays.
Deeply rooted in a strong sense of family and tradition, the nation is characterised by its hospitality. Tour company Blue Sky Morocco truly excels in this aspect with its meticulously crafted itineraries, exploring enchanting delights on a captivating journey through the country.
Founded by husband-and-wife team, Valerie and Chafik Hilal, the company specialises in creating luxury experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Blue Sky Morroco’s inception was inspired by the couple’s profound love and enthusiasm for Chafik’s home country, a passion that is reflected in every facet of the business.
“I’ve always felt like an ambassador. I was constantly introducing people to Moroccan culture, its rich history, and incredible hospitality. Deep down, I knew that one day, I wanted to do something that would allow me to share Morocco in a more meaningful way,” he opens.
Valerie, who originates from the US, had been travelling to Morocco for over 20 years and fell in love with the destination as it changed her perspective on the world.
“I wanted to showcase and give back to a country that had given me so much, including my husband!” she begins.
“From a cultural standpoint, there’s nothing like Morocco; it’s a country that has blended Western and Islamic values as well as Arab and Amazigh heritages”
Chafik Hilal, co-Founder, Blue Sky Morocco
AN ALLURING DISCOVERY
Blue Sky Morocco is undoubtedly a product of Valerie and Chafik’s passion, but it was also created to overcome people’s reluctance to embrace new cultures due to perceived language barriers and differences.
“We encountered the same story over and over – people who dreamt of visiting Morocco but always pushed it to some indefinite future. They would always say, “maybe one day”. When we dug deeper, we discovered that for English-speaking travellers, Morocco felt intimidating and even scary,” reveals Valerie.
This realisation fuelled the Hilals’ mission to eliminate these obstacles and give potential clients the reassurance that they would be cared for and safe during their trip.
“We recognised the need to eliminate barriers and instil confidence in potential clients regarding their well-being. We achieved this by implementing educational campaigns on social media and hiring the top English-speaking guides and drivers throughout Morocco,” she continues.
As a destination, Morocco is a country that has it all, including warm hospitality that makes guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. For high-end travellers, the 5-star hotels and luxury experiences on offer can rival those in Dubai, London, Paris, and New York.
Equally, for history enthusiasts, there are ancient imperial cities, Roman ruins, former Portuguese forts, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the only US national historic landmark located on foreign soil – the Tangier American Legation Museum.
“From a cultural standpoint, there’s nothing like Morocco; it’s a country that has blended Western and Islamic values as well as Arab and Amazigh heritages. Its architectural and artisanal achievements can be witnessed in the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, as well as in a Marrakesh riad or an Amazigh home in the Draa Valley,” Chafik impassions.
“From handmade tiles (zellige) to UNESCO-recognised ceramics craft in Safi or Amazigh rugs, the skill of Morocco’s artisans is humbling.”
Boasting unique food, the country has its own distinct cuisine that is celebrated globally for dishes like couscous, tagines, rfissa, and more, adding to the plethora of the nation’s many offerings.
“Morocco is an ideal destination because it offers unique experiences that captivate even the most experienced traveller,” Valerie expresses emphatically.
“Blue Sky Morocco is firmly established and ready to welcome distinguished guests who recognise quality and luxury and are seeking to create their own unique travel story”
Valerie Hilal, co-Founder, Blue Sky Morocco
CRAFTING AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
Luxury, sustainability, authenticity, and exclusivity are the four essential elements that seamlessly blend together to create the core of Blue Sky Morocco’s identity.
All of these components are easily accessible; however, unifying them into a harmonious journey can prove to be quite a challenge, one which the company successfully embraces.
“Firstly, we build our tours around uniquely Moroccan experiences that offer a wow factor for our guests whilst also benefiting and involving the local community, for example, visiting an artisan’s workshop and learning how to make zellige.
“Secondly, we’ve lived in both France and Dubai for years, so we recognise luxury from the quiet to the extravagant. We have partners that cover the entire range, and part of our process for selection is understanding their sustainability efforts and commitment to Morocco’s development,” Valerie highlights.
Once both elements were established, it was only natural that exclusivity would follow. Few travel companies go to the lengths that Blue Sky Morocco does, and little share the same love for the country and its people as Valerie, Chafik, and their dedicated team.
“Together, Chafik and I have explored every corner of the country, and our private tours cover all the major cities and regions in Morocco – it’s hard to choose a favourite.”
To effectively promote Blue Sky Morocco and the nation itself, the company believes it is essential to develop a strong marketing and promotion strategy. This approach will not only highlight the region’s unique beauty but also ignite the interest of potential visitors, inviting them to discover all that Morocco has to offer.
“We are fortunate to have an incredibly dynamic marketing team that develops our promotional approach. They work to educate and inspire potential clients to realise their dream trip with Blue Sky Morocco,” Chafik outlines.
Valerie points out that Morocco is poised to become a popular travel destination. With significant events like the World Cup 2030 approaching, travel in the region is already on the rise, and airlines are seizing the opportunity to expand their services.
Last year, Ryanair launched numerous flights connecting cities in Morocco, and Delta, a major American airline, is set to introduce a new route from Atlanta to Marrakesh from October 2025.
“Blue Sky Morocco is firmly established and ready to welcome distinguished guests who recognise quality and luxury and are seeking to create their own unique travel story,” Valerie excitedly concludes.
