HIGHLIGHTS

Flight: Madrid (MAD) to Marrakech (RAK)

LOS (length of stay): 4 days/ 3 nts

Lodging: Riad – Dar Al Farah AND Glamping – Agafay Luxury Camp

Attractions: Free Google Map
– Jemaa el-Fna square
– Jardin Marjorelle
– Souks: Souk Semmarine, Souk Nejjarine, and Souk El-K
– Glamping in the Agafay Desert (Check out a video here)

I’m not sure why, but we visited Marrakech in the summer…needless to say, it was HOT!

But let’s start from the beginning, shall we? Marrakech is this vibrant gem of a city that captivates the senses and leaves a mark on your soul. Our family trip to this enchanting place was nothing short of a whirlwind of culture, history, and a feast for the senses. We went from bustling souks to tranquil gardens; ancient structures, and barren deserts to modern rooftop lounges, Marrakech offered us a kaleidoscope of experiences that we’ll cherish forever.

FREE GOOGLE MAP WITH LANDMARKS & RECOMMENDATIONS

We flew from Madrid (MAD) to Marrakech (RAK); Marrakesh Menara Airport is so beautiful, my camera roll probably has more photos of the beautiful design elements of this airport than any other!

We took an airport taxi to our Riad and let’s just say when the driver pulled up I was very confused. There was no hotel in sight. I felt as though someone pressed the rewind button on the world and forgot to press stop. It felt like we went back in time. Our instructions were to walk through a large arch and we would encounter our Riad. We did as we were told, our Riad was housed behind a discreet doorway, and we only found it with the help of some boys who knew the runnings with the fish out of water visitors.

Now, I’ll get back to telling you how absolutely hot it was. The temperature high of the day we arrived was 109F. I have never felt this kind of heat! We took a siesta and cooled off in the beautiful pool, lucky for us we pretty much had the entire Riad to ourselves. We took this trip in July, 2021 you see – there were still COVID travel rules and enforcements in place, travel was just opening back up – so there was noone else there. Once we were cooled off and the heat subsided a bit, we took of to explore.

Jemaa el-Fna square

Our journey began in the heart of the city, at the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square. From the moment we stepped foot into this bustling plaza, we were swept up in its electric atmosphere. Snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, and musicians all converged to create a mesmerizing spectacle that seemed straight out of a storybook. Truth be told, as a first stop, it was a little overwhelming, especially with young children, I was wary of them getting lost, and of the lack of social distancing (given the time that we visited) it had me a little uneasy. We stayed long enough for some snake-handling and fresh-squeezed juices and then hopped on a horse-drawn carriage into the city with our sights set on Jardin Majorelle.

Jardine Majorelle

One of the highlights of our trip was the serene and beautiful Jardin Majorelle. Nestled amidst the chaos of the city, this botanical garden offered a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. We strolled along pathways shaded by towering bamboo and palm trees and the most interesting cacti I’ve ever seen. It’s hard not to admire the vibrant blue hues of the villa and the exotic flora that surrounded us.

You won’t have to do too much research to learn about the famous history of the garden. The garden was designed by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle. The special shade of bold cobalt blue, inspired by the colored tiles he had seen around Marrakech and in Berber burn-houses, was used extensively in the garden and its buildings and is named after him, bleu Majorelle—Majorelle Blue. Eventually in the 1950’s after his divorce Majorelle was forced to sell his house and land, after which it fell into disrepair. The garden and villa were rediscovered in the 1980s, by fashion designers, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé who went about restoring it and have saved this piece of history. The pair owned the villa until 2008. After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008 his ashes were scattered in the Majorelle Garden. You will notice many well-dressed (in YSL of course) Instagrammers and fashion devotees in the garden at any given time.

The Food Scene

Divine. Tagines, lamb, cous cous, Pastilla, fresh juices, teas, we were never hungry and never unhappy with our menu selections.

For dinner one night, we had a truly memorable experience at the swanky Kabana Rooftop. With views of the city, beautiful decor, and amazing staff and service, we dined on delectable the best lamb I’ve ever eaten and sipped on well-crafted cocktails. My husband even had fresh-squeezed ginger for his Moscow Mule!

Souks and Architecture

Some attractions to soak up the rich architectural heritage are the Ben Youssef Mosque, and the El Badii Palace. Both offering a glimpse into the city’s opulent past, with its vast courtyards and ornate ruins steeped in history.

I’m not a big shopper but there’s something about wandering a market and getting in a bit of retail therapy. From handcrafted textiles and intricate pottery to fragrant spices and glittering jewelry, the souks offered a treasure trove of souvenirs to take home. Beware of the motorbikes that zoom by on very narrow streets! It makes for quite the adventure!

Wandering around and peering into ornate Riads, and taking photos in front of the opulent doorframes, turned out to be my favorite part of the trip, as simple as that maybe.

Our Riad (Ryad)

The choice to stay at a hotel or a traditional Riad is a personal one, but if I were to venture some advice, especially for a first-time visit to Morocco, stay in a Riad. The term comes from the Arab word ‘ryad’ (meaning ‘garden’) it is applied to townhouses built around an inner courtyard or garden. They are so beautiful, every doorframe, every ceiling, everywhere you turn the intricacies in every bit of the design element is just flabbergasting!

Ours was called Dar Al Farah, and not just because it’s named after me do I extoll it’s virtues. It was a serene oasis in the Casbah. Tucked away down narrow alleyways, our traditional Moroccan guesthouse was a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos of the medina. With its intricately carved arches, tiled courtyard, and lush greenery, it was the perfect place to unwind each day. The staff was tremendous! We had an amazing breakfast set out for us poolside every morning, transportation arranged, beautiful rooms and a rooftop that we enjoyed after the scorching sun said goodbye each day.

Agafay Desert

We ended our Moroccan adventure at the Agafay Luxury Camp. Our glamping experience transcended all expectations. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Agafay Desert, the camp offered a luxurious retreat amidst the rugged landscape. Our yurt, a masterpiece of traditional Berber craftsmanship, welcomed us with its comfortable furnishings and panoramic views of the desert horizon. Beyond this, the camp’s kitchen gardens provided a nice place for a stroll as well as an abundance of fresh ingredients for the gourmet meals served in the open-air dining area. As we lounged by the infinity pool, savoring the tranquility of our surroundings, I had to pinch myself! It is to date one of my favorite travel experiences. Each moment at the Agafay Luxury Camp felt like a dream, blending the raw beauty of the desert with the comforts of luxury living.

In Conclusion

Go to Morocco! I wish we had time to explore Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains and the dunes of the Sahara, just to name a few. I know for sure in my lifetime I’ll be back to explore more of this beautiful country.