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In 1923, the artist Jacques Majorelle acquired a four-acre plot of land just outside the center of Marrakech. Inspired by numerous travels around the country to paint scenes of village life, and funded by painting more illustrious portraits such as that of Pasha Thami el Glaoui, Majorelle was able to build a small studio and house, with enough land to indulge his other passion: ethnobotany. As his career grew, he added a splendid villa, and the garden took on a life of its own, featuring innumerable exotic species from around the world; he added pools and fountains, and, of course, the now iconic, eye-popping Majorelle blue that was lavished on the architecture. The property became so expensive to maintain that the artist was forced to open it to the public until his death in Paris in 1962. The garden gradually fell into a state of disrepair and was slated for development by a hotel chain until French designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé happened upon it during one of their many trips to the Red City. In 1980, they decided to buy it and restore it to its former glory, adding irrigation and doubling the number of plants and gardeners to look after it. They moved into the villa and set about transforming other buildings into what is now the legendary Berber Museum and a boutique. The latter is especially noteworthy for creative director Stephen di Renza’s commitment to reflecting Majorelle’s lesser-known passion for the decorative arts (which is manifest in the exquisite artisanal pieces, leather goods, and jewelry) and Saint Laurent’s inspired use of traditional Moroccan dress, such as the kaftan and djellaba, in haute couture fashion.

Petra flourished more than 2,000 years ago, trading with Rome as an equal before being abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the 4th and 6th centuries C.E. It wasn’t until the 19th century, when European explorers “rediscovered” it, that the ancient city returned to the public consciousness. Now, visitors can walk down the narrow canyon of the siq to the city entrance—as dramatic an approach as any to a tourist attraction on the planet. The canyon opens up onto the carved facade of the Treasury, Petra’s most iconic site. From there, you can explore the cliffside tombs with their colorful bands of sandstone, the Street of Facades, and the amphitheater hewn from living rock. The ancient center lies some distance off, along with the splendid old Monastery, which sits at the top of a steep but rewarding climb. Consider buying a three-day ticket and visiting at different times of day to enjoy the changing light—early in the morning is best for the Treasury, while late afternoon is better for the Royal Tombs.

Enjoy Aruba’s most romantic beaches, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures with this five-day couple’s itinerary.

This week on Travel Tales by AFAR, a plan-loving traveler discovers what happens when you throw out the to-do list.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore one of the world’s most diverse cities—which didn’t really start out that way.

Afar Ambassadors are seasoned writers, photographers, videographers, and influencers who share Afar’s passion for experiential travel. They work with Afar and our partners to create engaging travel and lifestyle custom content.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene ventures beyond London’s tourist crowds with travel journalist Lottie Gross to uncover England’s rebellious cities, underground adventures, and the authentic local culture most travelers never see.

These towering fiberglass figures were America’s supersize salesmen in the 1960s. On this episode of Unpacked, America 250 learn earn how they went from coast-to-coast marketing phenomenon to beloved roadside relics.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore the world of solo travel— how to conquer your fears and get the most out of any solo trip.

This week on Travel Tales by Afar, dancer Mickela Mallozzi—host of the PBS show, Bare Feet—shares her approach to exploring the world, one dance at a time.

On this week’s episode of Travel Tales by AFAR, a polar bear biologist shares her first encounter with the world’s largest land predator.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Carolann Ouellette, President of the Maine Office of Tourism, on how the outdoors is essential to the state’s economy and its communities.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene travels to Charleston and discovers how a 150-year-old dinner party, presidential soup, and 30 ways to make shrimp and grits tell the story of America’s most flavorful city.