Destinations: A guide to Marrakech
Having long admired Moroccan craftsmanship, a trip to Marrakesh had been on my radar for quite some time. Late September was the perfect time to go and soak up inspiration and end of summer sun.
Stay
I was advised to stay in a Riad style hotel and specifically within the Medina. The sheer volume of options online was quite overwhelming so I narrowed down my search with Mr & Mrs Smith.
Cherry picking the best boutique hotels globally within a range of prices, I settled on Izza Marrakech which provided comfort and calm in a bustling city. We stayed in the Brion room which was perfect for two.
Open for just around a year, Izza perfectly captures the vibrant flair of Marrakesh with every detail thoughtfully curated. The interiors balance traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with contemporary minimalism and features artisans work across the space.
My favourite nook would have to be the rooftop which was filled with layered greenery, potted herb gardens and sun warmed terracotta surfaces, making it the best way to unwind during the midday heat. Overall, the atmosphere of the hotel felt intimate and relaxed.
Visit
Naturally, a trip to Marrakech means that Le Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech are a must see. The residence owned by Yves Saint Laurent is spectacular with vibrant hues and the iconic house is painted in Majorelle Blue. As for the museum, designed by Studio KO, is an architectural master piece in terracotta brick, concrete and earthen coloured terrazzo. Both sites are easy to access by pre-booking your tickets online.
My trip was mainly for leisure rather than sourcing however I did want to check out to see if I could find any goodies or one off pieces in the Souks. In several shops you could find a wide selection of authentic Morroccan tamegroute ceramics, berber rugs and babushka shoes. While there was plenty to admire, it was a little harder to find independent makers or artists within the Medina. For sourcing, I’d recommend travelling slightly further afield.
Eat
For lunch, we ate at Le Grand Cafe de Post which has a stunning terrace to sit outside. The restaurant, housed in a former post office built in the 1920s, blends classic French charm with Moroccan details such as high ceilings rattan furniture.
Rooftop bars are also relatively popular in Marrakesh and we managed to squeeze a drink in at both El Fenn and Kabana. It's best to arrive by 5pm to guarantee entry and to enjoy the sunset with a Hibiscus Margarita.
A few days in Marrakesh were the perfect mix of inspiration and slow moments in the sun. With the flight just under four hours, you don’t have to travel far to find yourself in a place that feels like another world.
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