Marrakech has been a destination on my bucket list since my teenage years. I can’t pinpoint exactly how it all started - perhaps it was a movie or a magazine article filled with beautiful photographs. The desire to visit this unique city has been with me for as long as I can remember. Finally, I made my dream a reality, and it was everything I thought it would be and more!

Our stay was at the beautiful Riad Dar One, a hidden gem I discovered through a great boutique hotel website, Mr & Mrs Smith. Riads are traditional guesthouses in Marrakech, typically featuring only a handful of rooms surrounding an open courtyard filled with lush plants and a soothing water feature. Riad Dar One radiated style and tranquility, immediately making us feel at home. To our delight, we were warmly welcomed with a crackling fire, fragrant Moroccan mint tea, and pastries after our late arrival. The breakfast took us by surprise - it was outstanding, everything freshly prepared by the riad’s cook and changed daily. The tastiest I’ve ever experienced in any accommodation! The rooftop terrace was beautiful and tranquil; we loved to unwind there and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before our departure.

Marrakech is an extraordinary experience, unlike anywhere I have visited before. It’s a captivating blend of chaos and beauty, unapologetically loud, busy and overwhelming, with pockets of tranquility and unique charm. I LOVED it!

Here are some of our highlights:

Green Spaces. We explored Le Jardin Secret and the iconic Jardin Majorelle (be sure to book in advance, as it gets busy and is absolutely breathtaking). as well as other parks. Marrakech is filled with orange trees heavy with juicy fruit and blossoms. At one point, we lay under an orange tree in the sunshine in one of the parks, listening to the sound of a water fountain; that moment was just perfection. Both Le Jardin Secret and Jardin Majorelle, especially the latter, featured incredible displays of huge cacti, succulents, palms, and various other flora that looked stunning in the Moroccan sunshine.

Evening Food Tour. This was an exceptional way to delve into the local cuisine. We wandered through the lively food stalls of the Medina, sampling an array of Moroccan delicacies, all while immersing ourselves in the local culture and getting our bearings in the busy streets. It was a fantastic evening.

Cooking Class. We opted for a late afternoon/evening cooking class, allowing us to explore during the day while combining cooking with our dinner experience. We first selected fresh ingredients at a food market, then prepared and cooked traditional tagines and accompanying side dishes. It was a hands-on experience full of local flavours.

Souks. The souks are filled with incredible treasures, from little trinkets to carpets. If I had any room left in our luggage (we traveled light, unfortunately), I would have bought many beautiful things to bring home! There are also numerous carts in the Medina selling fresh juices, like sugarcane or pomegranate, which were delicious.

Henna Café. We enjoyed a fresh, yummy lunch on the rooftop, where there was also a separate henna room. I jumped at the chance to have my arm decorated with a beautiful henna design, and I absolutely loved my henna “tattoo.” Even a week later, every time I look at it, I'm transported back to Marrakech. There are many intricate and beautiful designs to choose from, with various price points.

Bahia Palace. This palace (its name means The Beautiful) showcases beautiful Moroccan design, with dazzling and unique ceiling details.

Rooftops. These are perfect for relaxing, eating, enjoying the Moroccan sun, admiring sunsets, or sipping cocktails in the evening.

Djemaa El Fna. Marrakech’s bustling main square truly comes alive as the sun sets, filled with the aromas of street food, music, snake charmers, and more!

Things we could do without:

Motorbikes - they darted through the Medina and the narrow alleyways with alarming speed.

Things to know before going:

Be sure to apply sun protection - I burned on the first day, and it was only early March. Money exchange is not available outside of Morocco, but you can easily exchange currency at the airport or within Marrakech. Comfortable shoes are essential, as you will be doing a lot of walking. We only needed transport for our journey to and from the airport, which we arranged through our riad.

Things we wish we had done:

Sadly, we did not have time to indulge in a hammam treatment, but it is definitely on my list for next time! There are numerous excursions outside of Marrakech, including trips into the Atlas Mountains and the desert that look very enticing.

Would I come back?

In a heartbeat! There is so much more to explore and I truly loved it.

Patti x

3 Days in Marrakech - Wedding Bouquet Preservation Travel Edition