Whether your taste in travel leans more toward planting yourself on a beach with a drink and a book and never moving, or you’re more of the go-go-go exploratory type, Marrakech is probably high on your travel bucket list. We mean, how could it not be? From the incredible food to the city’s sumptuous history and near-constant visual overload, it’s the ultimate opulent escape—and believe us when we say that the below is only the very tip of the iceberg.
Majorelle Garden
As far as Instagram opps go, consider Majorelle the money shot of Marrakech. A massive botanical garden designed by artist Jacques Majorelle, the space's signature pops of cobalt blue—Majorelle blue, to be exact—is a must-see and should be high on your list of things to do. Famously, there's also a garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent and his longtime partner Pierre Berge—the designer's ashes were even scattered there after his death. Make sure to pop in the Islamic Art Museum, which includes pieces from Saint Laurent's personal collection, too. We recommend your best vividly-hued tunic, block heel sandals and jewelry that channels the gardens' signature shade—like a Delta Bead David Yurman necklace in lapis lazuli and sapphire.
Riad Joya
If you're down to spend all your savings in Marrakech, the Riad Joya might just be your ideal temporary homestead of choice. With just seven (!) suites, this boutique hotel is the complete Moroccan experience. Every room is designed to be completely unique, but the insane level of detail, and blend of old world, traditional design touches and more modern features make for the most incredible home-away-from-home you could ask for. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s the perfect backdrop for playing dress-up and wearing extravagant jewelry, either—we personally think it calls for your best turquoise pendant necklace.
La Mamounia
So you couldn't snag a suite at the Riad Joya. It's totally fine, because you can get a similarly opulent, classically Moroccan feel at the five star La Mamounia, too. From the incredible pool, surrounded by palm trees, to the details of the mosaic-tiled spa (complete with hammams), we can see how it would be tempting to basically never leave, except that...
Medina of Marrakesh
...there’s almost nowhere better in the entire world to get lost than the maze of souks that makes up Marrakesh’s massive medina—mostly because the further you make your way through, the more gems you'll find. Our tip? Make sure to skip some of the fancier restaurants in lieu of the food stalls (as the locals do—they’re not tourist traps, we swear). For this, we love a breezy linen jumpsuit, simple leather slides (to ease all of that shopping and exploring), and stacks of gold and silver bracelets dotted with onyx, topaz and pearls.
Ahmed Ait Taleb
You could throw a rock and hit what feels like a dozen incredible, tiny little spots to pick up all of the accessories and keepsakes you would ever want (the discovery is half the fun, TBH), but this shoe shop is a must. Here you'll find incredible leather and suede sandals and baboush (the traditional closed-toe slides everyone from Acne to Céline have been serving up as of late) in a seemingly endless range of finishes, including sequins and sparkles. Let them know you mean serious (shopping) business by keeping it minimal, save for a pair of standout earrings—like some diamond, citrine and rose gold studs.
