These past few days I’ve been lucky enough to spend a well-deserved vacation in Marrakech with family and friends. It had been years since I’d had the chance to travel to Morocco’s most iconic city, and it was truly a wonderful surprise.
On our first day, we took a city tour of the old town, visiting the main palaces, the mosque, and the Koutoubia Mosque. We were lucky enough to stroll through the city’s lively and colorful souks, where typical tourist stalls coexist with spectacular designer shops. Meanwhile, the spice and nut stalls add a distinctly Arabic flavor.
Jemaa el-Fna square is the best reflection of the country’s life. Bustling, colorful, and vibrant, with snake charmers, storytellers, and water carriers, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
The other day we spent exploring the surrounding area a bit more and having as much fun as possible. We wanted to get away from the tourist routes and ventured into the countryside to discover its Berber villages and incredible landscapes. Just an hour’s drive away, we had already stepped back in time. We found ourselves in the most rural area imaginable, with ancient customs, where, of course, there’s no internet. We were lucky enough to be invited into a private home for tea, to play with the children in the fields, and to chat with the elderly. We capped off the wonderful day with a relaxing meal at a charming luxury hotel in the middle of the desert. Pure magic for a day of total disconnection.
The next day we decided to dedicate to fun and adventure. We flew over the desert in a hot air balloon, enjoying its vastness, and seeing the Atlas Mountains from the air at sunrise made it truly magical. After a hearty breakfast in a traditional Berber tent, we headed to the Palmeral (palm grove) on the outskirts of the city. We then took to the wheel of quad bikes to explore the undeveloped and unpaved areas. Finally, we returned on camelback and capped off the action-packed morning with lunch on a hotel terrace overlooking the Palmeral.
We left the most “chic” touch for the last day when we took a horse-drawn carriage to the Majorelle Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
To add to the experience, we decided to stay in a luxury riad in the Medina. There, we discovered fabulous Moroccan and international restaurants worthy of any major capital city.
Without a doubt, I must say that Marrakech is today a great destination to consider, whether for a well-deserved vacation, a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a getaway with friends.
