Travel Guide: Marrakech
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Inattendu is a Swiss blog with the newest in fashion, design and interior. Never sleeping. Inattendu ist einer der grössten Schweizer Blogs mit dem Neusten aus den Bereichen Mode, Interior und Lifestyle.
Welcome to Marrakech, the Red City. It’s the heart of Morocco, a dazzling city in the middle of the desert, a mixture of luxury and simplicity. Let me introduce you to my favourite places!
WHAT TO SEE
Jemaa El Fna
Jemaa El Fna (“La Place”), the main square of Marrakech, is like a magical outdoor theatre. Come in the early evening when the square gradually fills until it becomes a whole carnival of Berber musicians, snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, fortune tellers and acrobats. Once the sun begins to go down the place turns into a huge openair restaurant and the air is filled with wonderful smells.
Jardin Majorelle
One of the most magical spots of Marrakech is this exotic sub-tropical garden designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Everywhere in this delightful, calm oasis you will find a special shade of bold cobalt blue which is named after him bleu Majorelle. After years of neglect, the garden was restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Rue Yves Saint-Laurent, Gueliz. Phone +212 (0)5 24 31 30 47.
Medersa Ben Youssef
The medersa was a Koranic school and is affiliated with nearby Ali ben Youssef Mosque. Nowhere in Marrakech is the influence of the Andalusian style as evident as in this spectacular place. Kaat Benahid.
Maison de la Photographie
Housed in a beautiful riad the museum hosts an impressive collection of old photographs of Moroccan daily life covering the period from 1870s to 1950s. Don’t miss to enjoy a drink on the roof terrace! 46, rue souk Ahal Fès., Medina, phone +212 (0) 524 385 721
Jardin de la Menara
The lovely 12th-century Menara gardens are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Medina. With the Atlas mountains in the background they have been a popular retreat for the Marrakchi ever since. It has a formal basin overlooked by a pavilion from the nineteenth century, which replaced an earlier 16th-century structure built by the Saadians. Aïn Mezouar.
Have a cup of tea at La Mamounia
Even if you can’t afford a stay at the legendary 5-star hotel La Mamounia, you should visit this place that has the most history and glamour in Marrakech. The Le Menzeh pavilion is open to public, an elegant building in the heart of the gardens where guests can try ice creams, delicate pastries or a delicious mint tea. Avenue Bab Jdid 40040, phone 212 (0) 524 388 600.
WHERE TO SHOP
Kulchi
Best place to shop carpets! Cassandra Karinsky’s shop also carries ceramics, hammam towels, african stools, pom pom blankets and other objects and artefacts. Rue el Ksour, Medina, phone: +212 (0) 639 221 259 (by appointment)
33 Rue Majorelle
Across the street from the Jardin Majorelle this unique two-story concept store is three projects in one: a cool boutique specializing in contemporary Moroccan fashion and homeware, a snack bar with healthy food and an art gallery. A must-go for the style-conscious traveller! 33 Rue Yves Saint Laurent, phone +212 (0) 524 314 195
Lalla Studio
Former personal shopper Laetitia Trouillet sells her own handbags, jewelry and Moroccan vintage wares. 60, Souk Cherifia, Marrakech Medina (located under the restaurant La Terrasse des Epices)
SHOPPING SIDI GHANEM
You should definitely take the time to visit Marrakech’s up and coming design district: Sidi Ghanem in the industrial zone of Marrakech with factories, stoneworks and plumbing stores but in-the-know buyers can also find designer stores and great merchandise there. Such as:
Fenyadi
Three different brands under one roof: Akkal (ceramics), Via Notti (textiles) and Amira Bougies (ornamental candles) spread over three floors of a converted warehouse. 219 Industrial Sidi Ghanem, phone +212 (0) 524 356 024
Atelier Nihal
French stylist Marion Verdier designs and produces traditional and bespoke hand-woven fabrics on traditional hand looms with a modern twist. Must buy: her cute tassle bags. 266 ZI Sidi Ghanem
Retrofurnish
Design furniture at affordable prices. 278 QI Sidi Ghanem.
Le Sens de Marrakech
Great line of Moroccan beauty products, many of them feature argan oil and come in lovely containers. 17 QI Sidi Ghanem, phone +212 (0)524 336 991
Atelier Bernard Henriot / Peau d’ane
A true gem in Sidi Ghanem: very sophisticated design store. 297, Z.I.Sidi Ghanem, phone +212 (0) 524 336 550
WHERE TO EAT
Le Jardin
A gorgeous oasis courtyard restaurant of imperial green tiles in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. 32, Souk El jeld. Sidi Abdelaziz, phone +212 (0) 524 3 8 295
La Maison Arabe
This fine dining restaurant is a great spot for a special dinner. 1 Derb Assehbé Bab Doukkala, Medina, phone +212 (0) 524 387 010
Nomad
Modern Moroccan cuisine in the heart of the Medina, the lovely rooftop bar offers a great view over the spice market. 1 Derb Aarjan. Medina, phone +212 (0) 524 381 609
Café Clock
This hip hangout in the Kasbah area offers tasty camel burgers(!), almond milkshakes and homemade ice cream. 224 Derb Chtouka, phone +212 (0) 524 378 367.
WHERE TO STAY
Les Deux Tours
I highly recommend this serene boutique resort located in the city’s lush Palmeraie. I spent a whole week at the charming 37-room retreat with its Andalusian-style gardens, pools and fountains. Douard Abiad Circuit de la Palmeraie BP 153, phone +212 (0) 524 329 527
Riad Bellamane
Located at the heart of the medina this traditional riad features a panoramic terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. It has two heated swimming pools, a hammam and a spa. 17 derb Arrab Bâb Aylen, phone +212 (0)524 384 312
Riad Tarabel
Owned by Frenchman Léonard Degoy this elegant riad close to Jemaa el Fna has just three rooms. For those who seek total privacy. 8 Derb Sraghna Dar El Bacha, phone +212 (0) 661 989 782
Hotel Du Trésor
Marrakech on a budget: Close to Jemaa El Fna “The Trésor” is a little gem. The interior is a lovely mixture of Moroccan features and mid-century accessories. Best place to relax: the white-tiled patio with its Saarinen tulip chairs and tables and a deep plunge pool. 77 derb Sidi Boulokat, phone +212 524 37 51 13
El Fenn
Fenn is local slang for cool which says it all. This luxury boutique hotel is owned by Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa. Made up of 7 interconnected riads, it has 20 rooms, 3 swimming pools, a cinema and a spectacular views over the Koutoubia mosque and Atlas mountains Derb Moullay Abdullah Ben Hezzian,
Bab El Ksour, phone +212 524 44 1210.