Marrakech is known for its kaleidoscopic spectrum of color and culture. Having lured the Rolling Stones to Yves Saint Laurent, perhaps it’s time you, too, travel far and wide to this city in Morocco to see what it is all about. Follow BELLA travel editor Dara Kaplan with her must-stop Marrakech travel guide so you don’t miss a thing …
- If you’re looking to be treated like family, try out Riad Wow. Owner Alain Sarraf has entered the hospitality world with his first hotel in Marrakech. From the grand bedrooms with wooden doors to the welcoming mint tea, the Riad Wow encompasses everything you’ve heard about that classic Moroccan service.
- Time to get your shopping shoes on! Visit the souk where you will find everything from teapots and spices to jewelry, handmade leather goods, apothecaries and more. The souk will tantalize all of your senses – even some you didn’t know you had! My suitcase was bursting open by the time I landed back in New York!
- If you want to catch a glimpse of what the Garden of Eden might have been like, take a trip to Jardin Majorelle. Wander into serenity within the paths of this garden brimming with bamboo, cacti, palm trees, pots and buildings and pools. Yves Saint Laurent himself owned a home here and had his ashes scattered among the beauty. “Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
- Looking to cool down? Take a dip in the famed La Mamounia pool and experience the decadence of a world gone by. La Mamounia is famous for its world-renowned service – white glove everything! – which will let you escape from your life and truly feel like royalty. Equally amazing: the lush flora, colorful pavilions and serene fountains. It’ll be the most divine dip ever, I promise!
- Three words: Sweet mint tea. Indulge in Morocco’s famous mint tea every – and any – chance you get!
- The sight of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains is breathtaking to behold from the desert. Not many places in the world can show you both extreme climates. While driving up to your destination, be sure to stop in the ancient Berber village and speak with the locals to gain insight into the classic Moroccan way of living. And don’t forget … the best way to see the countryside is on the back of a camel.
- Want to take a walk through history and beauty? Stop in the 14th century Attarin Medursa and immerse yourself in its opulent, yet welcoming, beauty. There’s no denying its mesmerizing grandeur, from the arches to the intricately designed tiles.
- Want to spot Brad Pitt? Head to Amanjena, an isolated oasis of understated elegance within the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Try one of their three award-winning restaurants, or just relax and decompress. Don’t forget to take a picture in the regal arches like we did with our new Parisian friends!
Sure, meandering through the narrow streets and alleyways of another country is intriguing, but one of the best ways to see the city is by gallivanting on the rooftops. Be sure to stop for sunset drinks on the top of Riad Wow. The stunning vistas range from palm trees to the snowcapped Atlas Mountains – a perfect way to toast m’a ssalama to an exotic and unforgettable trip.
