MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MARRAKECH TRIP

Marrakech, also known as the “red city” is a popular North-African city in Morocco. There are many things to do in Marrakech and there are tons of travel guides that will list the popular tourist attractions. However, if you’re looking to make the most out of your Marrakech trip, here are some suggestions on how to experience this city from both a tourist and local perspective.

WHERE TO STAY: TOP TWO RECOMMENDATIONS

Dar Ayniwen:

It is common for travelers to want to stay in the city center, but I always try to explore boutique hotels that allow me to easily get to the city while also enjoying peace away from it. Dar Ayniwen is a beautiful, intimate hotel that is truly an unforgettable getaway. Located in the heart of the palm grove of Marrakech and containing only 10 suites, guests can expect 5 star level of service, friendly and attentive staff and a beautiful oasis and garden with hotel facilities and pools that are designed for relaxation. The best part is that the hotel offers free shuttles into the city, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

Dar Aynwien actually used to be a large family home and it has now been converted to a luxury hotel. Upon your arrival, you will notice that Dar Aynwien is a hotel that takes up a lot of greenery, extending over 2 hectares of land! It truly is an oasis and you will be surrounded by a beautiful garden andunique collection of exotic birds. On the property, you will also find a Moorish patio, evocative of the Alhambra in Granada, an impeccable English lawn, a cactus garden, woodland with fragrant tree essences, a riad style garden with fountains, as well as a bamboo garden.

These peaceful and beautifully-tended gardens are home to a large swimming pool. It is one of the few heated outdoor pools in Marrakech, making it perfect for a swim in all seasons. Surrounded by a lawn, planted with olive and palm trees, and equipped with comfortable loungers, the pool offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a decadent afternoon nap.

The Dar Ayniwen spa is also something that you should experience if you decide to stay here. There are many spa services offered including massages, body treatments, facials and hand and foot care. All of the treatments use only organic dessert plants, argan oil and essential oil. I would highly recommend trying the hammam, which is a steam bath and sauna treatment because it’s a popular treatment in Morocco.

Riad Kniza:

It is no surprise that riads are a popular accommodation option when visiting Marrakech. The term ‘riad‘ means garden, but it is applied to town houses built round a central courtyard. To fully experience this unique experience, I would recommend staying at Riad Kniza, a small, luxury “Hotel de Charme” in the heart of the old Médina of Marrakech. Located only within only few minutes’ walk from the famous Jema l’ Fna square, Riad Kniza is the perfect hotel if you want to be in the center of it all.

Dating from the 18th century, Riad Kniza has been completely restored by Haj Mohamed Bouskri “using traditional materials and artisans to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience.” The eleven rooms and suites are all tastefully decorated and you will truly feel like you are a true Moroccan. There is also a beautiful courtyard that is in the center of the hotel, a stunning pool where you can swim and a spacious rooftop terrace to soak in some sun. Every corner is truly a photo opportunity and it’s mind blowing to experience this type of luxury, while being so close to the medina.

If you love food like I do, then you will enjoy the gastronomy here! You can expect a true Moroccan experience during your stay as the hotel provides delicious Moroccan cuisine. The lunch is to die for and I would highly recommend having a meal at their restaurant. All you have to do is let the staff know what time you would like the food to be ready by and where you want to dine.

WHAT TO DO: TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

MAJORELLE GARDENS/ BERBER MUSEUM YSL MUSEUM:

The Majorelle Gardens, Berber Museum and YSL Museum are all worth a visit. By purchasing a combination ticket, you will be able to experience all three of these attractions. The Jardin Majorelle, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in Marrakech, is one of the most visited sites in Morocco and rightfully so as you will be transported to an enchaining garden that covers nearly two and a half acres. Be prepared to take lots of photos as there is beautiful greenery everwyhere. The Musée Berbère is also an interesting component of the gardens as it is dedicated to Berber traditions, displaying costumes, craftwork, jewels & musical instruments. The Yves Saint Laurent museum is a short walking distance from Jardin Majorelle, and is entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. You can see his haute couture collection up close and personal and will be mesmerized by his stunning design!

HAGGLE IN THE SOUKS

If there’s one thing you have to do in Marrakech, it’s to shop at the souks. If you’re not familiar with a souq, it is basically an open air market, where vendors sell everything from carpets, rugs, mirrors, lanterns, souvenirs, etc. Never pay for the full price because part of the experience is to haggle! Don’t be afraid to do so because it’s what’s expected. There isn’t really a rule for how much to pay but I would say to start with 60% of the asking price and negotiate from there. My best advice is to be confident in your bargaining and don’t be afraid to walk away because there are tons of other shops selling the same items.

GET LOST IN THE MEDINA

Whether you want to or not, you will get lost in the Medina! The Medina is the old, walled part of Marrakech, containing over 20 huge gates and a central courtyard where people continue to live a traditional way of life. It can be a bit overwhelming because there is a lot of commotion as this area is jam packed with tourists and locals. Everything looks the same so it’s difficult to navigate through the Medina. Looking back at my trip, it’s quite a unique experience but you have to just embrace getting lost here because that’s what makes the Medina, the medina.

LOOK DOWN ON PLAZA JEMAA EL-FNAA

Djemaa El Fna is the main square of Marrakech and it’s hard to miss this especially if you’re shopping at the souqs and roaming around in the Medina. There is a plethora of activity during the day until late in the evening. Aside from hanging out here and dining at the restaurants, I would recommend having a drink or a bite at one of the rooftop bars and restaurants and time it so you are able to watch the sunset. I did this during my last night here and it was quite an experience. When you are overlooking the Jemma El- Fnaa, you are able to appreciate the beauty of Marrakech despite the insane movement that is happening down at the plaza.

ADMIRE THE KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE

The Koutoubia mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco and you can’t miss it because it’s located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh, near the famous public place of Jemaa el-Fna. Five times a day, you can hear a voice calling the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque minaret. This is also a great meeting spot or point of reference if you are roaming around Marrakech.

No matter where you stay or what you do in Marrakech, you will leave with a great, unique experience because there is so much life and culture here. I wasn’t 100% comfortable during my travels, especially since I got lost a million times but again, that’s the beauty of Marrakech and what is expected when you are traveling to a foreign place. Marrakech is beautiful and I think you guys would all enjoy if if you decide to visit!