I'll never forget my first week in Marrakech. After a smooth 3.5-hour flight (made better with a little wine and tapas), my mother and I arrived in this enchanting Moroccan city as the evening settled in. Little did we know that we were about to discover what felt like a hidden paradise in the middle of the bustling Medina.
As a Moroccan who has traveled extensively through my homeland, I can tell you that Marrakech holds a special magic unlike anywhere else. The contrast between the peaceful riads and the lively streets creates an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Our First Riad: A Haven in the Medina
Waking up that first morning, we enjoyed breakfast around the pool. The simple pleasure of feeling the warm sunshine on my skin was enough to make me smile. We were staying in what I can only describe as a little paradise in the middle of the Medina – peaceful, beautiful, and filled with cats wandering freely around the property.
For those unfamiliar with riads, these are traditional Moroccan houses built around a central courtyard, often converted into boutique hotels. They're designed to be cool, quiet retreats from the bustling city outside. Many feature small pools, beautiful tilework, and lush plants that create a peaceful atmosphere.
That first day, we didn't make strict plans. We simply wanted to explore at our own pace, perhaps visit Jardin Majorelle the next day, enjoy a special high tea experience, and discover a stylish café I'd heard about. Sometimes in Marrakech, the best experiences come when you allow yourself to wander and discover.
Shopping Adventures in the Souks
One of the highlights of any week in Marrakech is exploring the famous souks. These traditional markets are a maze of narrow alleys filled with vendors selling everything from spices to handcrafted goods.
Our first shopping adventure began almost immediately! We hadn't walked far before finding ourselves trying on shoes at the very first stand we encountered. My mother is an expert negotiator from her years of experience in markets and souks, so I knew we were in good hands when it came to finding a fair price.
We bought some beautiful babouches – traditional Moroccan leather slippers. My mother selected an elegant grayish pair, while I couldn't resist both camel-colored ones and a bright yellow pair that would match perfectly with a polo shirt I brought along. An artisan later confirmed we'd gotten a good deal, though my mother joked that perhaps he was just being friendly!
Later, we continued exploring the souks, walking through them for a good ten minutes before finding the main square (likely Jemaa el-Fna). Along the way, we picked up some lovely lanterns – trying to be reasonable with our purchases, though the temptation to buy everything is strong when surrounded by so many beautiful crafts!
Peaceful Moments: The Soul of Marrakech
What I love most about Marrakech is the balance between excitement and tranquility. After wandering through the busy markets, we returned to our riad and settled into the hotel's salon. They served us tea while we sat with our books beside a crackling fire in the fireplace. These quiet moments are what make a week in Marrakech truly special – the contrast between the lively streets and the peaceful sanctuaries.
One morning, we woke very early and walked through the Medina before the tourists arrived and shops opened. It was a completely different experience – quiet streets being cleaned by local workers, giving us a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Marrakech life. During this peaceful morning walk, we visited a place called "Dar B" and enjoyed a lovely coffee there.
Moving to La Villa des Orangers: Luxury Beyond Words
For the last part of our stay, we moved to La Villa des Orangers in a different quarter of Marrakech. When we arrived, our room wasn't quite ready, so we decided to enjoy a high tea at La Mamounia – a truly wonderful experience that I'll share more about later.
When we finally saw our room at La Villa des Orangers, I was speechless. The attention to detail throughout this property is simply incredible. Our room featured a beautiful sitting area with a fireplace that staff offered to light for us in the evening. The bedroom was magnificent with elegant furnishings, and the bathroom... oh, the bathroom! I had never seen a shower so large – it looked like a private hammam or spa.
But the biggest surprise came when I noticed stairs leading up from our room. Following them, we discovered our own private rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance, their peaks covered with snow. The staff mentioned we could even have breakfast served on our private terrace if we wished.
Two Swimming Pools and Exceptional Service
La Villa des Orangers features two swimming pools – one on the rooftop and another below. After changing into swimwear and light linen pants, we toured the property with my mother. Everything was absolutely beautiful. Since we were hoping to get a bit of sun, we chose the rooftop pool where the sunlight was still strong.
The rooftop terrace by the pool was perfectly peaceful – there was nobody else around, and we could hear the sounds of Marrakech all around us: occasional ambulances, police, and soon, the call to prayer from the nearby mosque. It was wonderfully pleasant to hear the city while being in our own quiet oasis.
The service at La Villa des Orangers deserves special mention. Every time we ordered something to drink, it came with an unexpected treat. When we sat by the pool, they immediately served us a delicious lemonade with orange blossom water and small fruit verrines. When we ordered espresso, it came with cornes de gazelle (traditional Moroccan pastries that I absolutely love and had enjoyed several times since arriving).
An Exceptional Dining Experience
The dinner at La Villa des Orangers was excellent. For starters, I enjoyed scallop carpaccio with truffle, while my mother had a prawn tartare – both were delicious. For the main course, I had a barfish fillet with chanterelle mushrooms, and my mother had a saddle of lamb with dried fruit and almond purée and a potato millefeuille. Everything was absolutely delicious.
Before finishing our meal, we asked staff to light the fireplace in our room. When we returned, we enjoyed our leftover pastries from the high tea at La Mamounia in front of the warm fire – a perfect end to a wonderful day.
High Tea at La Mamounia: A Must-Do Experience
One of the highlights of our week in Marrakech was undoubtedly the high tea at La Mamounia. This experience was truly formidable – so wonderful that I struggle to find words to describe it. La Mamounia is known as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, and the high tea lives up to this reputation.
The setting is elegant and refined, and the pastries were so delicious that we couldn't finish them all at once. We actually saved some to enjoy later by the fireplace in our room at La Villa des Orangers. If you visit Marrakech, even if you're not staying at La Mamounia, I highly recommend treating yourself to this special experience.
The Moroccan Welcome: Warmth and Hospitality
Something my mother and I both noticed throughout our week in Marrakech was how incredibly friendly everyone was. The Moroccan people we encountered were all smiling, pleasant, and extremely helpful.
Even in the souks, where you might expect persistent vendors, the atmosphere was respectful and friendly. Of course, there were people inviting us to look at their goods and offering "good prices," but that's normal and part of the experience.
I was actually quite surprised by how comfortable we felt as two blonde women walking through Marrakech. Before coming, I'd had some questions about how we might be received, but my concerns were completely unfounded. Everyone was exceptionally kind and welcoming.
Capturing Memories: A Photographer's Dream
During our stay, my mother and I found ourselves constantly taking photos. Every corner of Marrakech, especially in our accommodations, seemed designed for beautiful photographs. The attention to detail in the architecture, the play of light and shadow, the vibrant colors – it truly felt like paradise.
The traditional Moroccan design elements – intricate tilework, carved plaster, wooden screens, and lush courtyards – create a feast for the eyes and the camera lens. If you visit, be prepared to fill your phone or camera with countless photos!
Last Day Reflections: Why I Love Marrakech
On our final day, sitting by the pool at La Villa des Orangers, I found myself reflecting on what makes Marrakech so special. It's the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility, the incredible attention to detail in everything from architecture to food presentation, and above all, the warmth of the people.
My mother and I both agreed that we couldn't wait to return – she with my father, and me with my partner Sami. Marrakech had completely captured our hearts.
Tips for Your Week in Marrakech
If you're planning your own week in Marrakech, here are some recommendations based on my experience:
- Stay in a traditional riad at least for part of your trip. The experience of these peaceful havens in the middle of the bustling Medina is truly special.
- Indulge in high tea at La Mamounia – even if you're watching your budget, this is a splurge worth making.
- Wake up early one morning to experience the quiet Medina before the crowds arrive. It's a completely different atmosphere and gives you insight into local life.
- Budget time for shopping in the souks, but pace yourself. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the beautiful crafts and goods available.
- Try traditional Moroccan pastries like cornes de gazelle – they're absolutely delicious with mint tea or coffee.
- Consider splitting your stay between different accommodations to experience various parts of the city.
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases – even a simple "Salam" (hello) goes a long way in showing respect for the local culture.
Have You Been to Marrakech?
Have you experienced the magic of Marrakech yourself? I'd love to hear about your favorite places and experiences in the comments below. Or if you're planning a trip and have questions, feel free to ask – I'm always happy to share more tips about my beloved Morocco!
For more Moroccan adventures, check out my guides to Chefchaouen, the Blue City or Hiking in the Atlas Mountains.