Some people think that you become less adventurous as you get older

But, for some reason, I seem to have gone the other way. Despite the fading eyesight and creaky bones, I’m bolder since hitting 60 than I’ve ever been. It’s the feeling of life getting shorter, mixed with a need to hurry up and get those ambitions ticked off that bucket list before it’s too late that spurs me on. So each trip away becomes a little more daring than the last. That’s why, a month ago, instead of going for a peaceful weekend in the Cotswolds, I chose to take a 48-hour solo holiday in exotic Morocco.

I wasn’t going to rough it, oh no. I mean, I don’t mind a bit of glamping but, this time, I wanted luxury. I was given the opportunity to stay Casa Memoria, a breathtaking villa near Marrakech, and grabbed it with both hands.

Because I only had 48 hours to spare, I made sure my itinerary was action-packed. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to have a good few hours indulging in less frenetic activities – namely lounging by the pool and people-watching from cafés and bars in town. I wanted to experience the magic of Morocco but didn’t want to totally wear myself out. Balance is the key to a successful whirlwind two-day escape.

Here’s how it went…

After taking an EasyJet flight from the UK – the return ticket was just £130 – within a few hours, I was at Marrakech airport. A 30-minute taxi ride (which cost around £50) led me to Casa Memoria, a stunning villa set in nine hectares of lush gardens. As I walked through the grand tiled hallway and out into the grounds, palm trees in contrast with the bright green grass and colourful flowers dotted everywhere, the stress of my life in England started to melt away.

The villa itself had a real 1930s vibe to it, even though it was built in 2008. Its six gorgeous suites, which can sleep up to a total of 12, were decked out with traditional zellige tiles and comfy queen-size beds. A strong scent of roses hung filled each room. The air-conditioning gave instant relief from the 40-degree heat outside and promised a great night’s sleep.

On both mornings, I woke to the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting up the stairway. Breakfast could be as minimal or lavish as I liked with a choice of fresh bread with local honey, eggs, strong coffee or mint tea, all prepared by the villa’s talented chef.

The first morning, after breakfast, I walked across the lush lawn to the 25-metre turquoise-tiled pool, heated to a perfect 30 degrees. A waiter appeared to take my drinks order and returned minutes later with water and coffee. I flicked through a novel I’d borrowed from the villa’s quirky book collection and wiggled my toes. This was the life!

After a swim, I decided to have a wander around the grounds

The peacocks, emerging from the olive groves, screeched at me in greeting (I think it was in greeting anyway) as I walked barefoot across the dense and spongey lawn.

Back inside the house, I started to explore. I’d read up a bit on Casa Memoria and had discovered that, despite the building being relatively new, it already had history. It had once been home to the legendary artist Bill Willis, and his bold paintings and sculptures, mixed with ancient Moroccan treasures, featured in every room.

After lunch – cinnamon-dusted chicken and a fresh beetroot salad – on the terrace, I took a 20-minute taxi ride into Marrakech. I soon became lost in the souks, haggling for leather bags and unusual handmade jewellery.

The heat was almost unbearable, and the air was dusty. I dodged the man in the market square offering me a monkey to hold, and swerved the snake charmer and his swaying cobra! I bought a pendant and some healthy tea then made my way ‘home’.

Back at the villa, dinner was pure magic: tender lamb tagine, spiced oranges and creamy crème brûlée, accompanied by chilled local white wine. As the stars came out, I stepped back into the garden. The night was still and warm, the peacocks silent, the scent of flowers divine. Heavenly! That night, I slept like a particularly contented and well-fed baby.

Into the desert…

On the second day, after another delicious breakfast, I headed to the Agafay Desert, about 40 minutes away, for a half-day adventure with Starry Morocco Tours. I started with a camel trek.

When I first saw the camels, with their gyrating jaws and matted fur, the younger, more fearful me kicked it. I had a bad back and climbing up one of these huge humpy beasts looked difficult. I couldn’t imagine that a trek across the sun-baked plains, the Atlas Mountains towering in the distance, aboard one of these stinky creatures would do my sciatica any good, so at first I declined.

Watching other people clamber up though caused me to come to my senses. “I’ll do it!” I shouted. The camel lowered itself by bending its front legs into a kind of kneeling position (although technically I suppose the bending parts are elbows, not knees!) and a kindly man in a turban and long robe helped me up. The initial lurch as the camel returned to standing position was a bit scary but, other than that, the experience was fine. And, oddly, my back felt better after the trek than before.

Then came the real thrill – quad-biking over dunes and rocky trails. The adrenaline rush was unreal as we raced across the desert, following our instructor, dust flying in huge clouds behind us as we rode!

Later, guests at Casa Memoria, could enjoy a traditional Moroccan massage at the neighbouring hotel’s spa. Dinner was another masterpiece: flaky pastries stuffed with aubergine and perfectly spiced chicken that I’m still intending to try cooking at home. As night fell, I sipped cocktails and watched an amazing fire performance – a mesmerising end to a perfect day.

Information

Casa Memoria, an all-inclusive paradise with gourmet meals and drinks included, is perfect for anyone who craves luxury and adventure. It’s romantic enough for a weekend away with a paramour (not that I have one, but I can dream!), ideal for a chic getaway with friends, and is a fabulous venue for a family milestone celebration. The staff made the experience seamless and luxurious. And while it’s not cheap (check prices at Casa Memoria), every moment was worth it.

My stay at Casa Memoria combined sophistication, adventure and Moroccan soul. From the heated pool to the art-filled rooms, from desert thrills to souk treasures, this 48-hour escape was pure joy. I left with memories – and a feeling of pride at being such a daredevil. I’ll cherish that forever.