Strictly Marrakesh
All the strictest spots to stay, eat, & be inspired by in colorful Marrakesh - and some special nearby getaways! &&& an update on what I've been working on and what's coming soon!!!
Last month I went on a little trip with my best friend to Comporta, Lisbon, Tangier, and Marrakesh. I’ve been making my way through the recaps and wanted to chat through my most recent saves and favorites in (and near) Marrakesh. Lisbon & Comporta coming soon…
It is very important to find a travel buddy who likes to travel in the same way you do. I feel very blessed to have met my best friend Peyton in the dorm room next door freshman year of college. We both like to Cut It Close at the airport, read books aloud to each other, blast music in corded headphones while walking around a familiar city, and split various small bites (ideally accompanied by an aioli like sauce). Peyton believes in greeting the ocean immediately upon arrival in any seaside location, renting a car and/or ideally a boat, taking the scenic route, wearing goggles in the pool, and adding an additional necklace before you walk out the door. Since freshman year, we’ve gone on many adventures, written and rewritten “best practices” that we fully disregard and fall into the same ditches. Something always goes wrong, but that never phases us. It honestly just makes it even more fun… or what we like to call “A Mess.” There is a lot that goes into The Art of The Mess… but key criteria includes laughing when you miss your flight.
In 2018, Peyton was studying abroad in Morocco and I met her in Marrakesh. Since then, I’ve been dying to return — it’s truly a city overflowing with energy, color, inspiration. I love starting the day with meloui (the best moroccan bread) and finding gems while strolling in the medina <3
STAYS IN / NEAR THE MEDINA //
This trip was especially inspired by many hotels that I’ve been dying to check out…
I highly recommend staying at a riad for a least a night or two, but there are honestly sooo many incredible hotels inside and outside the medina. Below are my favs:
El Fenn: We stayed here for one night and it was so beautiful. It’s definitely one of the largest riads in the medina with gorgeous rooms all adorned in different saturated color combinations. If you don’t stay here, check out the rooftop for drinks and the boutique for a strict curation!
Jnane Rumi: This would be my #1 stay recommendation and ultimately the reason I felt called to booking this trip. Of course it was completely privatized during the time we were going to be in Marrakesh, so I didn’t get to stay or go for lunch…guess I’ll have to return!!
L’Hotel Marrakech: Very special little riad and luxury hotel designed by Jasper Conran (same as Villa Mabrouka in Tangier!), in the heart of the Medina. If you don’t stay here, stop in for a lovely lunch!
Dar Rbaa Laroub, Riad Rosemary, Le Jardin Secret, Riad Mena & Beyond: All incredible smaller riad options that are very affordable!
The Selman, Royal Mansour, La Mamounia: The fancy big hotels and resorts with incredible service and quintessential grounds. Great for families too.
Amanjena: A little out of town, but truly the most incredible place. Stayed here when I was little and returned for dinner on the last trip. It’s magic!
GETAWAYS //
While in Marrakesh, I HIGHLY recommend spending a night or two in the dessert or countryside.
Farasha Farmhouse: We spend two nights at this idyllic little farm and basically did nothing, made no decisions, and majorly BASKED in the 100 degree sun. Food menu changes based on what’s fresh at the farm and you never have to order, the rooms are newly built and beautifully decorated, service incredible and well priced. You can also buy a day pass and come for lunch and a pool day, but highly recommend spending the night!
I saved these for my next adventure:
La Pause
Scarabeo Camp
Beldi Country Club
SEE & DO //
Jardin Majorelle: A must! Book ahead!!!
Yves Saint Laurent: Something about me is that I LOVE a fashion museum. Incredible to learn about YSL the story behind the brand and how key Morocco was to the influence.
Ben Youssef Mosque: Beautiful and a must see!
Bahia Palace: Showcase of Moroccan architecture and tiles!
Jemaa el-Fnaa: Main square and bazzar, worth a walk through at night!
House of Photography: Special smaller museum.
MACAAL: Modern art museum.
Bloom House Pilates Studio: Very cool pilates studio if you are looking for that!
Spa at Royal Mansour: Always a strict idea to get out of the heat and bask at the most beautiful spa <3
A quick little aside that I’m working on something I’m really excited to show you…EEK! I’ve been chatting about it on TikTok and giving a little BTS in a new series called Strictly Business. It’s going to make all this good stuff even Stricter & more actionable for your adventures hehe. & the best part is paid subscribers to The Strict List are going to get to demo it first!!!!! More soon xx
SHOP //
Ok, back to Marrakesh…so many one of a kind finds and special pieces in the Medina…
