That moment when you visit one of your bucket list destinations. One visit to Marrakech and I'm already dreaming of when I can visit the city and the beautiful country of Morocco again. I highly recommend a visit whether you enjoy a relaxing luxury vacation or exploration while traveling there is so much to do and see in "The Red City".
STAY
If you enjoy luxury travel I recommend La Mamounia and El Fenn Marrakech. I stayed in a large room at El Fenn (#42) which features a seating area and private terrace. El Fenn has a popular rooftop bar with some of the best views of the city and Kutubiyya Mosque. Reservations recommended and I recommend eating dinner elsewhere and visiting the rooftop for drinks at sunset.
Even if you don't stay at a luxury hotel you can still visit their restaurants or spas as a day guest to take a peek (like I did at La Mamounia for a spa day).
Marrakech definitely has more than enough luxury options based on your preferences but be aware that most will be a little further from the main (and walkable) areas of the city
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes with interior courtyards and gardens (with many featuring pools). You can book riads all over the city based upon your budget and travel style. I recommend Riad Antara with its beautiful minimal and chic decor and colorful rooms it's a smaller Riad (which means less guests) with a small spa, heated pool (this is not common in most riads so you are able to enjoy the pool even after sundown at this Riad), and attentive owner and staff.
Glamping in the Desert
Most locals will recommend a visit to the Sahara Desert which is too far for a day trip so we stayed in the Agafay Desert about 45 minutes from Marrakech which was a highlight of my trip! It is a way to disconnect, eat fresh farm to table food, and relax in the most serene of environments.
EAT
Most hotels and riads offer breakfast which I highly recommend enjoying so you may sleep in or simply enjoy the amenities of your lodging choice.
Lunch at Le Jardin is the perfect stop while shopping in the Medina and is quite literally a garden (complete with turtles walking around) and is a breath of fresh air with fresh food, drinks, and juices.
Dinner at NoMad for another rooftop experience.
Drinks and bites at Comptoir Darna a tourist staple but you don't need to do the full dinner experience here. Schedule for drinks and light bites at the bar to catch one of belly dancing shows (which is a fun must!)
Keep in mind as a Muslim city/country alcohol is usually only available at larger restaurants and hotels.
PLAY
Day trip to Essaouira I thought visiting Morocco during the summer would mean no beach opportunity but I was so wrong. A port city in Western Morocco about 191 km (or 118 miles) from Marrakech you can visit the beach town and feel like you're in another world. The ride from Marrakech is interesting and scenic and I recommend booking a private transfer that can make stops along the way.
Must see museums like The Jardin Majorelle and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts (online tickets only in advance), Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (get the combined ticket to see all three in one visit), Le Jardin Secret, Medersa Ben Youssef, Museum of Confluences and House of Photography Marrakech
Must see sights Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Badi Palace, the main square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, Kutubiyya Mosque (contrary to popular belief non-Muslims May visit just not during prayer and must respect the dress), and the Medina (for shopping and experience)
I stayed one week in Morocco which is not enough to see even everything in Marrakech. There are museums and sights you will discover just walking about the city and the Medina which I highly encourage. If you're visiting plan for at least 8-10 days on the ground with at least 2-3 days dedicated to Marrakech. The weather during my trip at the end of May was highs of low 80s and lows of high 60s.
WHAT TO WEAR (a note)
Morocco is a Muslim country so while you may wear what you want I was respectable of the culture to wear longer dresses and linen pants and bring a light coverup if needed. I only wore strapless or a shorter skirt in more modern areas of the city at restaurants/bars. I would even recommend shopping your first or second day to discover the beautiful kaftans and clothing perfect for your stay! And for women bring your own sanitary products if needed (thank me later).
If you have any questions just send me a message!
Is Morocco on your bucket list?! Let me know in the comments below.
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