Marrakesh Travel Diary + Tips!
I thought I’d share some glimpses of my travels with you today to take you on a visual journey so that you can see what I saw while I was teaching for 8 days in Morocco. You already had a peek in on where I stayed (drool!), so here are some glimpses of what I saw and was inspired by… Visiting a place like Morocco, so different from my homeland and culture, truly leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime. I was so humbled by the friendly faces, kindness of the people and by the way most live there in the villages with very little, and who work so very hard to keep what they have, yet still wear the biggest smiles and have such joy of heart — and the cats are everywhere and very, very happy too.
Here are a few of my favorite places to eat, see and shop:
Visit:
* We missed seeing the Le Jardin Marjorelle but it came highly suggested only after we already had our plans set… Maybe another lifetime…
* Bahia Palace – Gorgeous, gorgeous!!! Go!!!
* Enjoy a hamman bath or spa treatment at a 600+ year old spa calledBains de Marrakech. Just make sure you go at the day’s end and then after, spend some time lounging in your hotel room. Don’t go to Bains de Marrakech and expect to shop and tour the city afterwards! You will be very rested, relaxed and well-oiled so you will most likely want to go chill out in your room. Make sure you book your appointment weeks in advance, thought.
Shop: The souks are great but there are a few special shops in the medina and other parts of the city that I highly recommend…
* For affordable and beautiful clothes and great shoes and accessories, shop at Warda la Mouche. This local designer is so talented and very friendly. She’s French — she speaks some English as well.
* For spices, I liked Riad des Epices at 56 laksour derb Zefriti in the medina. Try to see if you can get a spice presentation where they’ll let you sample everything as they explain how to use the various spices and oils that they sell. Also ask them if you can go up on their roof deck to see over the city and to take photos. It’s gorgeous up there, especially right around sunset.
* Zid Zid Kids studio and showroom
* L’Orientaliste – I didn’t get to see their shop at Rue de la Liberte in Geliz but my husband found their perfume at some random shop and bought it – and loves it! It’s a brand made in Morocco and smells delightful.
* For fine leather bags, go to Place Vendome at 141 Avenue Mohammed V, I bought a gorgeous silvered leather bag for about $150 US that I’m sure would be around double or triple back home.
* For gorgeous Indian and Moroccan fashion and homewares head to Michele Baconnier. I bought a gorgeous lamp, two scarfs and a beautiful pair of white leather slippers there.
* Kif Kif – A must see! I went to two of their shops and bought jewelry, a bag and a few other accessories. Lots of recycled and re-purposed goods and very fresh and modern. Loved Kif Kif!
* If you want an ABC Carpet experience outside of New York, visit Mustapha Blaoui at 144 Rue Bab Doukkala. This man sources the best stuff from carpets to textiles, ceramics and more. Lots of gorgeous lighting, too and he is fair with his prices. I took home a bed cover and some candle holders.
* I didn’t get to visit Kulchi (near Kif Kif) at 1 Rue El Ksour, I forgot to write it down on my list! But I heard that it’s the best place for fashion so make sure you add it to your list and make me proud. :)
* I loved the shop + Michi at 19-21 Souk Lakchachbia. I took home some gorgeous slippers from that store of the highest quality. I heard that John Derian shops there for his New York stores so that already tells you something about + Michi – right?! I am still kicking myself for passing by this gorgeous polka-dot shirt there…
Eat:
* Cafe des epices — Great food, cheap, fresh, fast and very easy to get to after a long morning shopping in the souks! We went twice and loved it. Order the vegetarian sandwich or a salad with fresh tuna – both are delicious!
* Our plans changed so we missed having dinner at Palais Soleiman, which made me nearly cry, but if you are lucky enough to get to eat there please tell me all about it…
* Have a cocktail at the gorgeous Hotel La Mamounia. What a gorgeous lounge they have there and drinks may be a bit expensive BUT they come with finger food so hey… why not! When I become rich and famous someday (ha!) I will stay here as well. It as pure luxury!
* Djemaa el Fna at night and eat at one of the many fantastic food tents. When you see the snake charmers, monkey handlers and others in the square, always tip them for a photo. Make sure you buy a coconut cookie if you see anyone selling them – they are delicious!
Psst: If you are going to Morocco soon, pick up the terrific guide Shopping in Marrakesh by Susan Simon.
(images: holly becker for decor8)
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November 2nd, 2010 at 3:09pm
Thanks for the glimpse!! Gorgeous and brightly colored mosaics….
laura trevey´s last [type] ..Color Inspiration- Silver and Gold
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:11pm
It sounds like a wonderful experience! I’d love to go! If only I could just hop on a plane…
Heather´s last [type] ..Pendant lighting
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:31pm
Lovely photo’s Holly. I’ve only been once to Marrakesh but can’t wait for my next visit. Maybe I’ll stay at Peacock Pavillions!
Carole´s last [type] ..I Spy – Jocelyn Warner………
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:31pm
Thank you for all the tips. I’m going to Morocco next week for a well deserved vacation, and will be spending a couple of days in Marrakesh. Can’t wait to explore and visit your recommendations.
andrea suskey´s last [type] ..En la Cocina – Homemade Granola
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:32pm
It sounds like you had such a wonderful time – your earlier blog posts on Morocco were gorgeous but this one takes the biscuit! The colours are simply stunning, thank you so much for posting :-)
Jem xXx
Jem´s last [type] ..Hope you had a spooktacular Halloween!
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:34pm
Oh the colour and those gorgeous mosaics! I can see why you feel so inspired and energised by this gorgeous place… :)
Would really love to go myself sometime soon, not sure I would want to come back though!
Emma x
emma lamb´s last [type] ..fabulous vintage homewares
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:37pm
Oh it looks so beautiful! I’m desperate for a pair of those slippers!
Rebecca Newport´s last [type] ..skipping to take something from a skip
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:38pm
I think I would be really happy there. So much colors, so much to see, so much to learn!
Zee´s last [type] ..Sewing – A Fresh Restart
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:38pm
Lovely pics! I would love to see what you have brought to your new home and if your travel to Marrakesh will affect your way of decorating in some way!
hugs
karina´s last [type] ..Bedroom inspiration
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:41pm
How gorgeous and inspiring.
It’s been over 10 years since I visited Marrakesh and I really long to return.
Will have to tuck these suggestion into my to-do book.
Cheers, Alcira
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:03pm
Gorgeous things! I love the tiles! Sounds like an amazing trip. :-)
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:09pm
Beautiful pictures. Looks like such a fascinating city. I really like all the vibrant colours!
Sarah@Mocha´s last [type] ..Modern Furniture- Coffee Bench
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:23pm
all that amazing tile: swoooon!
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:24pm
Stunning photos! I’m dreaming of a trip there now! Can you recommend some shopping (home/fashion) sites where one can “get the look” without traveling?
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:45pm
@Emily – Yes I can do that next week! :)
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:08pm
Last spring I was in Marrakech and also discovered cafe des epices, specially the coffee was very good!!
Great to see your pictures, Marrakech is like a fairy tail!
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:35pm
Beautiful photo’s !! My heart skipped a beat when I saw the gorgeous slippers hanging on the wall..So curious how much are a pair ???
Love em !!!
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:37pm
Simply irresistible, what an inspirational trip!
I can’t imagine how fantastic the actual trip must have been. It makes me want to hop a plane right now. :)
Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey and experiences!
Erica Cooper´s last [type] ..Chocolate Guinness Cake… A Re-Post
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:46pm
What a beautiful and colorful place. So many things to look at and such detail in the tile and textiles. I would love to visit this place. Not sure when I ever will get to, but it was nice to see it through your eyes.
Melissa Allam´s last [type] ..Gifted Magazine
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:28pm
Thank you so much, Holly, for this breathtaking post. I had always been curious about Morocco, and now I’m even more so.
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:39pm
“She’s French so she spreaks some English as well.”
Now, this really made me laugh :)
It’s a pity you didn’t get to the gardens, they’re so much more beautiful than the palace.
Are there any photos of the loot coming up? Would love to see them!
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:47pm
What beautiful & inspiring photos Holly :) Djeema el Fna is too exotic for me ^^ but I love love love the Jardin Majorelle: a pure Merveille <3 I highly recommend you !
November 2nd, 2010 at 8:07pm
Wow – great inspiration.Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Habitat´s last [type] ..Home Office Design 101 – Going Beyond Function
November 2nd, 2010 at 8:34pm
Holy smokes, that’s awesome! Love your photos too… I swear everything you do has a glow of warm pink around it (I love it)!
bussbuss´s last [type] ..SeenOn Private Sales- Star Style at Sample Sale Prices
November 2nd, 2010 at 9:59pm
Wow, wow, wow! Your photos are fantastic. I have had Marrakesh on my destination list since for ever. I am determined to go and now with your recommendations I am even more motivated…a girls gotta shop…and eat right!
Jess (Where My Heart Is)´s last [type] ..There’s an avalanche in our family-room!
November 2nd, 2010 at 10:21pm
Would you look at all those pretty colors!!! Simply Stunning!!!
se7en´s last [type] ..Se7en’s Fabulous Friday Fun 42
November 2nd, 2010 at 10:57pm
thanks so much for this wonderful guide! i’ve heard great things about morocco and reading this and checking out the sites you’ve shared makes the thought of going even more enticing for me. so glad to hear you had an awesome trip!
amy´s last [type] ..Blogging Break…
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:05pm
oh my goodness… now i must add “go to morocco” to my bucket list. these colors are incredible!!!
jenn´s last [type] ..raising vegan
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:06pm
These are great photos!! I would love to visit Marrakesh one day. Thanks for the tips!
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:09pm
This is totally on my bucket list! Incredible colors and textures! Love it!
thehiddenlist.com´s last [type] ..Stay Spooned!
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:19pm
wow, now i feel like i was there, too…love your pictures and your great travel trips…is on my travel wish list just now…;)…thanks…so exciting and the colors are amazing…really beautiful…hugs…i…
frauheuberg´s last [type] ..Welcome in Zakka Heavenor a visit to Hirondelle
November 3rd, 2010 at 1:08am
What a magical collection of images. You really took some amazing photos….I think I have to add this place to my must see list!
janis – pinecone camp´s last [type] ..Baked On Monday – Short Black Cupcakes
November 3rd, 2010 at 4:01am
my goodness, i absolutely LOVE this! everything is so vibrant. now i definitely have the travel bug (again!) and i want to go!!!
November 3rd, 2010 at 4:18am
WOW – gorgeous, colorful photos!
Angela DiGiovanni´s last [type] ..Feeling Shy…
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:49am
So beautiful! And what wonderful pictures too. I really love the vibrant colors everywhere. This will be on my bucket list of places to visit before I die.
Thanks,
Amanda
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:06am
Gorgeous Holly…now I know I MUST go sometime in my lifetime. I am dying for one of those sparkly bedcovers or throw pillows in that similar fabric. Cannot wait for you to post where we might be able to get the look without (sigh) being able to visit yet!! ;)
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:23am
Nice work done :) and nice pics too
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:58am
i sooo want to go there now!
what a beautiful & colourful city x
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:59am
this is a posting im looking for so long..full of tips and traveling excitement!
adding with many pictures overthere make this posting i have to bookmarked. i’ll read this when i make a traveling on those places.
November 3rd, 2010 at 1:52pm
Holly these photos are gorgeous!! Really, so beautiful! I especially liked the blue doors and the tiles, of course!
Mariella´s last [type] ..Ecouterre recycled denim challenge
November 3rd, 2010 at 4:02pm
So gorgeous Holly! I see that you have my mannequin lamp in there! And I was the personal shopper for the Susan Simon book — so plenty of my favorites in there, including all the stores you’ve listed.
xo
Maryam in Marrakech´s last [type] ..Marrakech- a tale of a Halloween costume
November 4th, 2010 at 12:13am
Wow these pictures are great! Just looking at the busy splashes of color inspire me.
November 4th, 2010 at 12:28am
Did you go to where they tan the leathers? I swear that process hasn’t changed in 2000 years! We were escorted through the medina by an 8 year old boy who spoke 14 languages– he took us to his “favorite” places. I was charmed by the people. We were invited to tea by his family, very humble but proud and gracious– a definite return visit for us!
November 4th, 2010 at 2:46pm
you’re so lucky to have gone! what an amazing experience. thanks for sharing your photos. they’re beautiful and very inspiring. i can’t get over the colours and patterns. it’s all so gorgeous.
November 4th, 2010 at 9:08pm
So much colors and beauty! It’s unbeliveble. Cute cat!
PriscilaPetersDecor´s last [type] ..Joy of the day
November 5th, 2010 at 3:42am
belissimas imagens !!!!
November 5th, 2010 at 3:08pm
I loved Jardin Majorelle (perhaps it was the escape from the midday heat that I also enjoyed)! You will definitely have to go back in another lifetime:) And while you are at it, if you can make it up to the north of Morocco, Fes and Chefchaouen are also wonderful. Your pictures of tile patterns are so pretty. Just can’t wait to hear about Istanbul!
Katie Truelove´s last [type] ..Travel Photo Friday- Chefchaouen
November 6th, 2010 at 9:02pm
Your beautifull pictures made me feel like going to maroco.
Love the light and the colors!
November 7th, 2010 at 4:30am
I love, love, love these colors:) Simply Bella!
Jen´s last [type] ..Big Announcement- Bella Grace Home
November 7th, 2010 at 10:57pm
this post makes me want to visit marrakesh right now!
brandeye´s last [type] ..retirement home
November 8th, 2010 at 3:06am
I have always wanted to travel to Morocco. Your post is inspiring!
thanks
November 8th, 2010 at 5:55am
Oh my word, love love love, this post! So beautiful! Gives me the travel bug! Amazing!!
November 8th, 2010 at 5:18pm
Luuuhve those tiles! Great pics. Don’t you just love visiting other locations to see how other people put together colors? Lovely inspiration!
November 9th, 2010 at 10:26am
Marocco is such a beautiful place, I have to go there urgently! I am loving the blue windows, the colours and the fabrics!
Amazing pictures, thanks for sharing!
Viele Gruesse, Kristina
Kristina´s last [type] ..picture postcards from
November 9th, 2010 at 4:50pm
What amazing colors! I really love the photos!
Katiedidonline´s last [type] ..Tie dye coasters set of four in teal and black
November 11th, 2010 at 4:09pm
Beautiful colors, wonderful pictures..
A little bit of sunshine in this rainy day :) !
November 12th, 2010 at 12:43am
Loved your post! I am from Marrakesh and very honored to see you posting such lovely photos and advices about it. I agree you with all your guiding tips.
Blesses :)
hinda´s last [type] ..Audrey Tatou says “no” to Botox
November 13th, 2010 at 11:12pm
Very helpful post Holly, thanks!
November 19th, 2010 at 9:31pm
I love your post on Marrakesh! I’m going next spring and will use your list for shopping! I can’t wait to be overhelmed by the colors, fabrics, patterns of the area. My shop on etsy will bloom! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucysLushLife
November 25th, 2010 at 9:48am
Many thanks for your review about KiFKiF. See you soon in Marrakesh! Stef