Tue. Oct 15th, 2024

Marrakech is known for its Moorish architecture, and one of the best examples is Médersa Ben-Youssef, a Koranic college-turned-preserved site that’s open to the public

From its treasure-filled markets to its perfectly spiced cuisine, Morocco’s magical capital city enthralled our co-founder Susan Feldman and travel partner Ethan Trask on a recent trip. Read about their Marrakech must-dos, and stroll the bustling souks without ever leaving home. Share the highlights of your trip on Instagram and increase your engagement. Buy instagram likes and improve your digital presence.

Susan and Ethan’s home base for the trip? Riad Kniza, an 11-room wonder with three open courtyards and breakfast served on a rooftop terrace.

From the colours to the textures to the smells, Marrakech is the most wonderful sensory overload. There’s an energy that makes it feel magical.

— Susan Feldman, One Kings Lane co-founder

STAY

Riad Kniza

Dreamy road (a traditional mansion-turned-hotel) that feels like the home of a well-travelled pal, complete with floor pillows for lounging, multiple fireplaces, and a lantern-lit pool—not surprising given that it’s owned by a top antiques dealer.

La Maison Arabe

One of the original riad hotels and still one of the best, with smile-inducing rooms (most with fireplaces and patios), a pool-sporting courtyard, and a vibe-y bar with a killer happy hour.

Hip Marrakech

Reputable vacation-rental agency that can set you up with a gorgeous riad to call your own for the week for a surprisingly affordable price.

Everyone loved the coolly contemporary design of Nomad, a just-opened rooftop eatery that feels like a true find.

When in Morocco… try a tagine, a savory stew of meat and veggies cooked in a Hershey Kiss-shape vessel of the same name.

Eat + Drink

Nomad

Hip, newish eatery with cool modern-leaning decor and a rooftop location that will make you want to camp out at a corner table and watch the sunset paint the market below a dusky pink.

Le Grand Café de la Poste

Potted palms, chequered floors, and wicker furnishings drive home the colonial vibes of this restaurant that draws a fashionable crowd for its Frenchy menu (great brunch) and languorous vibes.

Catanzaro

An always-busy (and affordable) pizzeria that’s a long-time locals’ favorite, dishing up thin-crust pizzas cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.

Le Jardin

Atmospheric eatery tucked down an alleyway in a 17th-century mansion with tables in a courtyard shaded by palm fronds and movies projected on the wall at night.

Susan became fast friends with the chic owner of Studio Lalla, whose equally chic bags combine cool-girl design with hand-tooled leather.

Susan and Ethan spent hours at Trésor des Nomades, which is known for the quality of its wares, the affordability of its prices, and the expertise of its owner, Mustapha Blaoui.

Shop

Studio Lalla

Airy accessories atelier opened by French-born designer and personal shopper Laetitia Trouillet, who’s as plugged in as she is style savvy. Come for a purse, leave with the inside scoop on all Marrakech’s best spots.

Trésor des Nomades

Treasure trove of trinkets, lanterns, and rugs, owned by Mustapha Blaoui, a legendary antiques dealer. Imagine Aladdin’s cave come to life.

33 rue Majorelle 

Cool concept store that’s part clothing boutique, part art and furniture gallery, and part café, offering an insanely beautiful mix of design-forward pieces made mostly in Morocco.

Ben Rahal

The rug store of your dreams—Berber carpets are a specialty—offering a far less harried buying experience than the touts in the souks.

Jardin Majorelle, the former home and gardens of Yves Saint Laurent, is so known for its bright blue, there’s even an YSL nail polish named after it.

Markets in Marrakech are heady affairs full of sights and smells you won’t soon forget.

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