Getting Wet and Wild ... in the Desert?

In the summer, the sun can feel like its melting your skin. It’s a little uncomfortable, especially if you can’t find any way to cool off. Now that you’re reading this though, that won’t happen. Here are the best ways to stay cool, even if you think you’re already cool.

• Beach: We’re starting with the obvious here. Morocco has over 1100 miles of coastline, all there for you to surf, swim and splash. Try Essaouira for an easy to get to town from Marrakech, and you will find the little to do but lounge and soak in the warm Atlantic waters.

• Waterfalls: There are tons of shuttles from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley in the center of the country. Near the Toubkal National Park, you’ll find the small village of Setti Fatma, where you can hike the seven waterfalls, and swim in the ice cold pools below them. Neither the taxi ride without air conditioning nor the hike to the waterfalls will be “refreshing,” but the first plunge into the pools will make you forget about the miserable heat on the way back.
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• Hammams: For those who don’t have the time to go on daytrips, or whole week-trips, you can remain in the cities and still find bathhouses where you can first steam, and then douse yourself in cold water after your scrub. Try Hammam Ziani (14 Riad Zitoune jdid; }062 71 55 71) in Marrakech.
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• Thermal Springs: For those whose budgets are slightly higher, Fez has a private spa over thermals springs at the Centre Thermal de Moulay Yacoub (}035 61 00 06), 22km from the center of town. In the pre-Rif mountain range, you can take a dip in the hot water swimming pools for an 80 dhs entrance fee. Avoid the weekends when this place is packed.
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• Oasis: Today was gonna be the day that they’ll never throw it back to you... No British pop-rock bands here though. The Sidi Yahya Oasis is situated in Oujda and is also said to be the legendary burial place of John the Baptist, proving that you truly can be re-baptized by these refreshing waters.