Morocco!

Our summer escape to Morroco began with our stay at the magical Selman Marrakech. We loved spending our evenings on the terrace sipping on fresh mint tea and eating traditional pastries, while recapping the day’s latest adventures.

We visited the Riad El Fenn, a former palace, for a stunning rooftop dinner as we watched the sunset in the Morrocon sky. The architecture of the Royal Mansour Marrakech was a dream with sky-high drapery that grazed each intricately tiled floor. Another resort we fell in love with was the Amanjena. The terracotta walls of the resort were surrounded by olive groves. We couldn’t help but feel totally at peace, listening to the calming water fountains while exploring the grounds.

Of course, a Thursday’s trip isn’t complete without shopping. We got lost in the mazes and labyrinths of the Marrakesh’s souks - filled with spices, silks, leather, and antiques. One of our favorites was Nora Ayron, who makes the most stunning silk caftans. Max&Jan is a must see - which celebrates classic Morrocon style with international elements in a beautiful space.

We also recommend a visit to Chabi Chic, home to stunning Morrcocan ceramics.

Strolling through Gueliz district was one of the highlights of our trip. The area is home to the Majorelle Gardens, designed by the iconic Yves Saint Laurent. Shopping at 33 Majorelle is a for checking out the latest and greatest Morrocon designers - especially Zyne for the most gorgeous Morrocan shoes. The historical square of Jemaa El Fna was absolutely magical as we walked through storytellers, fortune tellers, and even snake charmers.

For dining, we ate at the Grand Cafe de La Poste, which actually was a post office built in the twenties. One of my favorite spots was Le Jardin, a green oasis set in a courtyard of banana trees. We also recommend Dar Yacout, with their dining area illuminated by lanterns surrounding a pool. Comptoir Darna is a must for a fabulous dinner accompanied by belly dancers. If you feel like showing off your culinary skills, then a cooking class, or just dinner - if you’re like us ;)  at La Mason Arabe is the perfect way to finish off your food journey of Marrakesh.

We checked glamping off of our bucket lists as we rode camels through the Sahara desert, sandboarded, and road ATVs through the dunes. We also visited Sir Richard Branson’s retreat, Kasbah Tamadot, situated at the bottom of the Atlas Mountains. We didn't get the chance - but we've heard you can't go to Morocco without experiencing a hot air balloon ride in the Atlas Mountains. 

If we were to go back, I would love to visit Chefchaouen - The Blue City - every Instagrammer’s dream. I would also visit Essaouria, Morocco's coastal UNESCO beach town. 

Emily Mais for Thursdays

 

Here is a quick list of all of our recommendations! 

Restaurants: 

  • Grand Cafe De La Poste 
  • Le Jardin
  • Nomad- Rooftop 
  • Dar Yacout 
  • Comptoir Darna- Belly Dancing in the New City (Gueliz)
  • Le Palace 
  • Restaurant at La Maison Arabe 

Hotels:

  • Riad El Fenn - amazing dinner and great rooftop for drinks (also a very cool concept store underneath) 
  • Selman Marrakech 
  • Royal Mansour Marrakech 
  • Amanjena  
  • La Mamounia
  • La Sultana 
  • Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camps (Sahara excursion)
  • Scarabeo Camp "Stone Desert" (closer to Marrakech)

Shopping:

  • Medina/Souk
  • Nora Ayron- Amazing caftans 
  • Max et Jean 
  • Pyjama Man from Vogue (Souk Semmarine Rbaiya No. 18)
  • Chabi Chic- ceramics under Nomad 
  • Gueliz
  • The Moroccan 
  • 33 Rue Majorelle- Great Morrocan designers and carry my fave shoe brand from Morocco- Zyne shoes
  • LRNCE- Home goods and ceramics 

Excursions: 

  • YSL Museum & Le Jardin Majorelle 
  • Jemaa el-Fnaa 
  • Le Maison Arabe cooking class or dinner 
  • Hot air ballooning 
  • Atlas Mountains 

Trips Outside Marrakesh:

  • Sahara desert - camels/glamping/ sandboarding/ ATV’s 
  • Kasbah Tamadot 
  • Chefchaouen- The Blue City 
  • Essaouira - beach town 
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