Dar Sunrise

A wonderful dar, with amazing breakfasts and lunches cooked by Mohammed's sister and brother-in-law. Mohammed owns the house and also took us around the Medina as our guide. He grew up there, back when it was still a home and before it became a guesthouse. Everyone in the Medina seemed to know him.

The plaster carving class was such a fun hands-on way to explore the Islamic geometric patterns, ornament, and architecture we love. Mohamed explained everything clearly, and we could have spent all day refining our carving. Once I understood the format, it made sense: first you choose a detailed template and watch an experienced artist carve it, then you make your own piece using a simpler design. You take both carvings home. The work can feel tricky at first, but soon you're absorbed and lose track of time. They pack the pieces while they're not fully cured, though they're firm enough to travel with, just don't sit on them or drop them. These are easily the best souvenirs to bring home, along with the skills to make more. We'll definitely carve again at home.

Mohammad is a skilled carver, and he shared a lot of his knowledge throughout the plaster workshop. The class begins with an introduction to design elements and patterns, then you pick from templates inspired by historic sites like Alhambra and Ben Youssef Madrasa. An experienced artist carves your chosen intricate pattern while you watch, before you try a simpler geometric design yourself. Mohammed stopped by now and then with advice, and I got so absorbed in the work that minutes turned into hours. It was advertised as a 2.5 hour class, but he let us stay as long as we wanted. We went home with our own carving, the artist's beautiful piece, and skills to keep practicing. We booked through GetYourGuide, and it was worth every penny.

They were very kind, and I didn't have a single inconvenience during my two night stay. The place was in excellent condition, and finding such good accommodation on my world trip felt like a stroke of luck. If I come back to Fez, I'd definitely stay here again.