MARRAKECH
Natural STATE.
Set in the foothills of the Atlas mountains sits this burnt city where the walls are built from red hued sandstone. You can wander the narrow corridors of the Jemaa el-Fnaa, finding secret riads, chameleons, straw baskets, and tagines of all colors and sizes.
Do. Get lost
Part of the magic of Marrakech, is the deep labyrinth of corridors which maps out the Medina and the Souk. Before indulging in the touch, tastes and smells of Marrakech acquaint yourself by wandering the long red walls in the late afternoon. The light pitches against the walls and you will feel a synergy with the town, a rite of passage before you dive into this sensory mecca.
STAY. go rogue in luxury at La Mamounia
We arrived at La Mamounia Hotel like three feral beauties, barely making it through the gates as supposed guests. However, with our T. Anthony luggage, straw bags, straw hats and dusty duffles in tow we were greeted at the entrance of the hotel and escorted swiftly to our Park Suite. A one bedroom, convertible living room sanctuary above the gardens of the hotel. There are many less expensive options to stay in Marrakech, small riads set in the old town. However, for the historic and glamourous experience, La Mamounia is it. It also, caters to the active guest with multiple pools, tennis courts and grounds to run and exercise throughout the day. Hamman Daily! The pool, sauna, hamman facilities at this hotel are unchallenged!
Also, beware, the Moroccan salad tapas has lamb brain's as an ingredient.
stay. where the cool kids are at the El Fenn
SHOP. Taste the rainbow
Shopping in Marrakech. Taking a taxi from the hotel, we arrived in the Medina and briskly walked under the hot sun into the Souk. The Souk is the epi-center of commerce you must bargain drastically with everyone, it is a cultural rite of passage so embrace it. You will have a sense of achievement and peace once you and the vendor agree on a price. Do not yell, assess everything you want to purchase from one shop and then decide your price. You can start with negotiating as much as 50% off the quoted price.
Marrakech Souk, Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech 40030, Morocco
El Fenn Riad, Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, Bab el Ksour, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco
Bouriad Karim, Rue Fatima Zohra, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco, +212 5243-86517
Bennouna Faissal Traditional Weaving, 25, kaat Bennahid | Souk Hel Fez, Marrakech 40030, Morocco
They sell chameleons in the center of the Souk. We bought 4 and set them free in the gardens of Mamounia. It seemed better that they at least have a day of freedom rather than remaining in their cages. Considering my behavior. Been there, done that.
EAT. SPICE MARKET
Cafe des Epices (in center of the Souk) 75 Rahba Lakdima, Marrakech Medina, Morocco
Barometre Marrakech, Rue Moulay Ali Gueliz | Résidence Al houda, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Corner Cafe, 18 Bis Kenaria dabachi, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
La Table Du Riad at Riad 72, 72 Arset Awzel, Bab Doukkala | Taxi stop: Dar el Bacha, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
BlackChich Cafe Restaurant, 1 Derb Nakouss riad zitoune el jedid, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Naranj, 84 Rue Riad Zitoun Jdid | Medina, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
La Sultana, 403 Kasbah, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Originally owned by artist Jacques Majorelle as his primary residence and home. This Yves Klein blue sanctuary was purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge restoring it to its original glory. The most incredible part as your wander the gardens are the maps provided of different species trees, plants and other vegetation as well as its origins, for those who want to build a Jardin Majorelle of their very own.
