Stop, Pause, and Relax / We're Engaged!

Eight years ago, a Frenchman was horse-riding through the Morocco wilderness outside of Marrakech. As he crested one of the rocky hills, he spotted a small oasis of palm, fig and olive trees. One this site, he dreamed of building a hidden retreat that would become La Pause. Over the years he slowly added different mud and straw adobes, berber tents, a pool, and various natural gardens to create the ultimate private resort.

We heard all this as Frederic drove us from Marrakech to La Pause a few days ago. As we turned down an unmarked dirt road, passing villages of dried-mud, we couldn't wait to see his vision.

Along the way Frederic explained that he'd recently hosted a wedding at the resort and to reward his employees (mostly locals) for their hard work, he was taking them on a one-day beach vacation. We looked at each other wondering if we'd be making our own meals, but were quickly assured we'd be taken care of. He was right. He also explained that because of this we'd be the only guests at the resort and that he would put us in the "big house."

Upon arrival, our bags were carted up a rocky trail to our "room" at the big house.



We were shocked and surprised as we toured the two living rooms, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and kitchen. It was larger than some of the tourist sites we've been to. The rooms are simply decorated with Moroccan rugs, low-lying couches, and enough candles to light the electricity-free hotel.



In awe of the privacy, space, and quiet that we've missed for some time now, we sat on our patio and took it all in. The staff brought us some olives and made arrangements for our evening sunset horse ride.

Around 7, we saddled up and a guide led us up and down the surround hills. We took in views of the Atlas Mountains, wheat-blanketed slopes, and old fortified casbahs. Lindsey galloped ahead up and down hills while Steve tried his hardest to hold on and slow down his horse.



By the end, though, he looked like a cowboy. A young pony followed us for the whole ride.



When we returned after sunset, the stars had come out against a deep purple sky. We cleaned up for dinner and Steve asked Lindsey to change into one of her only dresses. She was a bit curious as to why she needed to, but agreed nonetheless. Steve had wine, olives, and candles set up on the patio where we both sat down for a drink before dinner. It was one of our few glasses of wine in the last four months!

Moments later, Steve asked Lindsey to be his wife. She agreed rather quickly and cried for a very long time.

After we held each other and the tears stopped, we headed down to dinner to celebrate, which like all meals at La Pause, is an endless supply of amazing food. We absolutely gorged ourselves. Steve bragged about having proposed while wearing Patagonia and adventure pants.



When we finished, the trail leading to our house was lit by lanterns and every room within it was lit by candles. It was a very romantic setting for us.

The next morning (hardly even hungry) we enjoyed a massive "petit" dejunier at a new dining location. Each of our meals was set up at a different perfectly chosen site. We were both still excited, but Lindsey was a tad frustrated she couldn't call anyone without electricity. Steve thought it was a perfect way to enjoy it for a day.



We followed our massive carb-intake with a hike down the river bed. We passed some beautiful hillsides and local homes.



After an equally large lunch (this time set in a berber tent), we clenched our stomachs in pain and surrendered to an afternoon nap.



That evening we mounted camels and took a shorter tour of the surrounding area. Our temporary dog, who followed us everywhere and slept on our doorstep, joined us.



Our last morning, we enjoyed breakfast, some pool-time, and lunch before bidding farewell to La Pause. We took some of their self-bottled olive oil as a memento to an amazing and special stay.

Back in Marrakech, we loaded Skype and began the phone calls. We were both excited to call our friends and family to share the good news. For those of you just finding out, we are hoping for a spring 2010 wedding in New Orleans and will be holding an engagement party in New York City on July 11th. We can't wait to celebrate our engagement and wedding with all of you.

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