Prepare the mint tea and ready the djellabas—Team Morocco made its grand entrance into the City-by-the-Sea, signaling the start of a cultural exchange infused with maghribi warmth and Mediterranean flair. Follow their travels or recreate the mélange of festivities firsthand!
Wednesday: From Casbah to Coastline
Trading in the medina’s bustle for the breeze of Narragansett Bay, our Moroccan horsemen’s caravan by Rockstar Limo arrived at Hammetts Hotel setting the stage for an unforgettable journey of discovery, diplomacy, and dashing polo.
First impressions were created from aboard the majestic Schooner Madeleine, a vessel fit for sultans and sea captains alike. The team cast off from Bowen’s Wharf and sailed on a voyage around the bay at golden hour, taking in the spectacular coastline and waterfront estates before adjourning for a lively welcome dinner hosted by Team USA with seasonal local fare and global storytelling, with friendships kindled over laughter, spice, and shared passion for the sport.
Thursday: Royal Roads and Gilded Glamour
The day begins with a regal tour in classic British Jaguars—like something out of a Moorish fairy tale—courtesy of Newport Jaguar Tours. With a personal guide, the Moroccan delegation experienced Newport’s gilded past, winding past seaside cliffs and taking a tour of one of the lavish mansions of Bellevue Avenue, a New World cousin of the palaces of Rabat. A sumptuous lunch at Castle Hill Inn provided blissful serenity and seaside elegance.
Concluding the day, the Moroccan and American teams mixed mounts and mingled in a friendly scrimmage. With borrowed horses, the friendship tournament became less about rivalry and more about brotherhood. A fireside barbecue followed, echoing the camaraderie of a desert camp, where stories flow freely under a canopy of stars.
Friday: Wind in the Sails, Gold in the Sky
Friday called for a guided tour of Ft. Adams State Park, the coastal fortification that guarded Newport harbor from 1841 for nearly a century, exploring from the top of the Fort walls to the depths of the underground listening tunnels, exploring the quarters where officers and their families lived, learning about the past and future plans for restoration of the most complex land defenses in the United States, experiencing over 200 years of American history, military culture, architecture & engineering.
Working up an appetite, a grand picnic awaited on the lawn of the nearby Eisenhower House, arranged by bespoke picnic planner, Elizabeth in Newport.
A fascinating motor yacht experience in the afternoon onboard Gansett Cruises was the perfect cooling relaxation to soak up the fresh salty air.
The evening’s events began with a Polo Club cocktail hour that progressed to an elegant dinner at Clarke Cooke House, where candlelight and conversation set the tone for the eve of the great match. The final toast—a blessing for fair play and friendship—echoes into the Newport night.
Saturday: The Showdown at the Oasis
Saturday dawns with stillness—a quiet morning on the wharf and leisurely brunch to center body and mind. But by 5PM, the odyssey begins: USA vs. Morocco in the Newport International Polo Series, presented by Turkish Airlines.
Spectators turned out in Midnight in Marrakech splendor with tailgate tents transformed into Moroccan riads to be in the running for a prize from Stella Artois.
After the match, Newport Chowder Company’s lobster rolls and chowder, followed by a burst of sunset enjoyed from the firepit at Dillon’s Patio Bar. The journey ended as it began—rich in spirit, bound by friendship, and lit by the glow of summer’s magic.
Make your own journey to Newport to discover the many unique attractions and timeless experiences that await.