impressions overall.
Marrakech in Morocco serves as the gateway to the nation, offering a fusion of Moroccan and French culture, a wide range of stylish hotels, shops, and eateries, numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and an inviting atmosphere for leisurely strolls.
In my experience, Marrakech was cozy, secure, and clean. It’s a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage, where the locals are friendly and eager to engage with tourists. While there’s a lively atmosphere and a desire to sell goods and offer advice, it’s a common part of the Eastern culture. Responding with “Welcome to Marrakesh” is met with smiles, akin to the hospitality in Uzbekistan, though the tourism industry in Uzbekistan is less developed.
The direct flight
Marrakech’s accessibility through direct flights, its blend of French and Moroccan influences, and a wide range of hotels made our trip enjoyable. Even my initially hesitant spouse was open to returning to explore more of the nation. Marrakech in Morocco proved to be an inviting and fascinating destination.
The vacation left us feeling immensely satisfied. We had a whole six days. Although they often spend less on Marrakech in Morocco, we didn’t want to rush or go all over the place.
Ramadan, and entry.
Local eateries have shut down because there is no need for them during the fast. The eateries that had remained open started to close an hour before the curfew, at seven o’clock. You have to return to the hotel by 8 o’clock.
There are some open and others shuttered shops and stores throughout the medina. Some are open because to Qawid, while others are closed due to Ramadan.
The greatest annoyance is having to repeatedly confirm (on the phone because the internet is false) if the locations you intend to visit are open or closed. The Bahia Palace, the Saadite Tombs, the Palmeraie Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Menara Gardens Marrakech in Morocco were all closed. But the experience was unaffected.
Hotel
The increased importance of the hotel is one of the changes that the Covid has made to our way of life and how we travel. In a world where nothing is understood or known for certain, it should now be able to meet any conceivable need and serve as a sort of haven. It should be feasible to stay there permanently without feeling guilty about a missed holiday.
We settled on the wonderful resort hotel Amanjena in Marrakech from the Aman brand. And we rented a villa with a garden and pool there as well, just in case we didn’t want to venture out if we didn’t like Marrakech in Morocco, if it was too difficult to walk, if there were issues with the cultural program, or for any other reason.
The hotel is almost immaculately clean. It is a sizable resort 15 minutes from the medina that has its own golf course, is surrounded by vegetation, and was constructed to make you feel as though you were living in the ideal Moroccan city of your dreams. Water is present everywhere. petal-filled fountains. singing birds. Thousands of candles are lit all around the region as night falls.
Very attentive service; possibly the absence of a large number of guests aids in this, but it’s more likely just the best caliber of labor. Although every last detail was carefully considered, the slippers in the room were nonetheless too small for me. Every night, gifts. Total discretion is provided. Overall, very good. We found the meal in a Berber tent that had been set up on the grounds extremely charming. Whoever read my blogs must have noticed its beauty. Whoever didn’t watch can now indulge in and submerge themselves in a realm of luxury (just joking).
We had a villa with a private pool, sliding windows in the living room, and a stair. and a patio shaded by palm palms with a garden pavilion. Every technical aspect of the hotel is concealed, and even body lotion is delivered to you in a ceramic container so that nothing contemporary clashes with the classic Moroccan decor. Overall, everything is A-plus for its thoughtfulness.
Medina
The medina, or old city, is at the center of Marrakech in Morocco. It is a maze of retail lanes, bazaars that flow into one another, market squares, quaint cafes, and gardens tucked away behind rose-colored walls.
Marrakech in Morocco is a world of color and a spectacular visual experience. The city seems as though someone splashed pinkish-red paint all over the new and old homes, hotels, fences, and other structures! It has the pink hue of the regional clay. It became a cult thanks to the French, who ruled Morocco throughout the first half of the 20th century. All of this marshmallow grandeur increased during the French rule when regulations were passed mandating that all homes, including brand-new ones, be decked in the customary manner.
We managed to capture the city very much alive despite the convid. It’s an indescribable delight, in all honesty! Initially, to travel. The second is to travel to a new location. Thirdly, it’s a sense that’s almost forgotten to be in the city. to discover things you didn’t know before, to smile at people, and to be amazed by new things. having fun in the sunshine. The stores, bazaars, and attentiveness that always flows over to the tourist are other aspects of the oriental ambience that I really like. Imagine how much attention you would receive if you were the only visitor in town!
One day, during Ramadan when the bustling medina had turned tranquil, we decided to go shopping without a guide. Our mission was to purchase gifts for our loved ones back home, and perhaps a little something for ourselves. Among the places we explored was a shop that specialized in babushi, traditional Moroccan shoes. The owner not only warmly welcomed us but also treated us to refreshing mint tea. He even took it upon himself to personally chauffeur us to his preferred merchants, asking about our shopping preferences.
We found ourselves in a delightful spice shop, and later, on the rooftop of a lavishly carpeted mansion (I was tempted to stay there!), and finally, in a unique Moroccan-Japanese couple’s store filled with straw and wood goods.
How ebulliently our host led us—such privileged and privileged guests—behind him as he marched through the Medina. And, strangely enough, he discovered slippers for Pasha in size 47. Anyone with that size knows how difficult it is to get shoes. By the way, the shoes are a vivid blue, another Marrakech hue that Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent elevated to cult status.
Gueliz
When the French took control of Morocco, they showed the utmost respect for the nation and its architectural legacy. They created new neighborhoods for themselves without attempting to infringe on the eastern city’s center. Thus, Geliz—a brand-new city that combined elements of both traditional Moroccan and characteristic French architecture—appeared in Marrakech in Morocco. For instance, this city could not exist without corner cafes, without which it is impossible to picture Paris. You may find anything in Gueliz because it was ruled by the French from 1912 until 1956, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modernism. And that unmistakable, beautiful shade of pink is used to paint everything.
Of course, there is some squalor in Gelizé. After all, it’s Africa and not Europe. But this is what gives the neighborhood—as well as all of Marrakech—an amazing appeal, especially when mixed with the ancient French relics like the Grand Café de la Poste. It has everything at once, including pubs full of Frenchmen smoking like locomotives, carts carrying freshly baked scones from street vendors, Moroccans sipping tea in run-down cafes, a riot of bougainvilleas, the rumbling of mopeds, and iron gates that are beautifully adorned and brightly painted. Although there are obviously less Ferraris here, this area of the city somehow made me think of Beirut.
Gardens
The gardens of Marrakech in Morocco are among its top draws. Nearly all respectable museums have a garden nearby, and there are some secret gardens in the medina, inside of the old riads, the typical Moroccan homes. The green of the plants and the blue of the water in a garden contrast sharply with the pink clay used to construct the city, making it a luxurious haven of cooling. In other words, if you enjoy gardens and gardening, you must visit Marrakech immediately.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden
Yves Saint Laurent claimed that Marrakech was the place where he first saw color; black had previously been the designer’s go-to hue. In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent made his debut Marrakech in Morocco. It was a time when the city was a popular travel destination for everyone who was young, free, believed in novelty, and was looking for new experiences and feelings. In other words, Marrakech once served as a shelter for hippies, musicians, and other artists, which, incidentally, infuriated the native Moroccans. Later, the French orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle’s residence with a garden was purchased by Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
Early in the 20th century, Majorelle built his publically accessible home and garden in the Heliz neighborhood. His inspiration came from the color blue, not just the royal blue that the French were familiar with, but also from the indigo used to dye the textiles worn by the nomadic Tuareg people, the cobalt blue of southern Moroccan ceramics, and the deep shade of blue that can be seen in shadows on a sunny day. Of course, the blue used by Matisse is the one that best captures the hues of Morocco in his artwork. The artist’s most well-known piece ultimately turned out to be The Majorelle Garden.
When Saint Laurent and Bergé acquired this garden and the Villa Oasis in 1980, it was in poor condition. There is a museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent, the garden is now open to the public, and the villa can be be visited (prepare $6000 and a group of 6 persons). The Museum of Berber Culture is also located inside the Majorelle Garden.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum did not appeal to me. A stunning structure, but the exhibit is dated and, of course, duplicates what is on display in the Paris museum in smaller form. By the way, I went into length about it here; it makes for good reading while drinking coffee. You cannot take photos in the museum for some reason (why? There is nothing about the influence of Morocco on the couturier and his life in Marrakech; all that exists are copies of the gowns; there are hardly any originals, and those that exist are all in Paris.
I also didn’t enjoy the museum devoted to Berber culture. The collection Pierre Berger put together is stunning, but it is poorly presented, has almost any notes or signatures, and there is no way to receive an audio guide or more information. It’s okay that you have seen it.
However, the garden is quite lovely. With its beautiful blue, these bold colors, and this riot of flora, it literally knocks you down. One of Marrakech’s most picturesque locations, in fact.
Garden Secrets
In the heart of the medina, this garden is obscured. It has a history of almost 400 years; the garden and the structures around it, which were the remains of a palace from the Saadite era (16th–17th century), were reconstructed in the 19th century. The complex is split into two distinct sections, one in the Arabian style and the other in the Andalusian style, both of which had a big impact on Moroccan architecture and garden art. The garden was also left unattended until it was purchased and lovingly renovated in our time by an Italian. Pictures of how it used to be neglected are within.
One of the most lovely areas in the medina is the secret garden. It smells of flowers and rosemary, not just generally. These lovely emerald tiles, these painted pavilions, the turtle and fish ponds, and the wrought iron chairs under the trees! These rainbows of decorations and patterns! The old city and the garden itself are both visible from a tower next to the garden. A cafe is located on the roof of one of the pavilions, where you may enjoy Moroccan tea or coffee while looking down over the malachite garden.
Dar the Bacha
This museum and garden, whose name translates as “Pasha’s house,” was constructed in the early 20th century for Tami el Glaoui, who served as the French government’s governor of the country’s southern region. First and first, Pasha was a man of taste; second, he was a man of society; and, third, he valued innovation. Have you heard of the Cartier Pasha watch? For Tami el Glaoui, Louis Cartier created them and added a waterproof mechanism so Pasha could swim in the pool without taking them off. Overall, our man is accustomed to luxury. The palace and garden turned up beautifully as well! It is among the nicest examples of Moroccan architecture that I could observe.
Since I was familiar with most of the techniques from Uzbek architecture, I found it to be quite interesting to observe all of this beauty. However, the execution, colors, and embellishments are entirely different. It seems as though you have seen these rows of columns and intricately carved doors before, but you are unable to place them.
There is a very popular coffee house with a coffee shop inside the palace and garden (which are also in the medina), which will appeal to people who enjoy coffee beans.
Garden of Anime
If you enjoy modern buildings in addition to gardens and lovely vistas, this garden is worth seeing apart from Marrakech. André Heller, a versatile artist who works across several genres, produced it. The garden itself is a work of beauty in this fantastic, immensely rich setting, and the scattered sculptures just serve to further this image and leave you in awe at how deftly and discreetly art and nature are mixed.
The Photography House
a tiny, historic house in the medina with a cafe on the roof terrace. You may view the earliest images that Europeans took in Morocco in the museum. Don’t miss it if you enjoy taking human portraits and photography in general.
MACMA
Private museum in Gueliz called the Marrakech Museum of Art and Culture. You wouldn’t anticipate it to be this large until you’re inside! It is a great place to start your program in Marrakech because it provides a wealth of information on Moroccan culture. both about the various nations that call the nation home and the role that women play, about clothing, songs and dances, tea parties, and Moroccan homes. The hallways also feature furniture, everyday items, and jewelry; photos of Marrakesh from the late 19th to the mid-20th century are accompanied by detailed commentaries.
Current Art
Marrakech in Morocco is home to various museums of modern art. Unfortunately, because to the Qawid and Ramadan, we were unable to visit all of them. Sincerly, I did not anticipate such a well-developed cultural atmosphere and a thriving art scene. It will give you a cause to return!
Macaal
Outside the medina, next to Amanjena, is the Museum of Contemporary African Art, which is absolutely worth a visit. Although the museum has a sizable collection of its own, there isn’t a permanent exhibition there; instead, Maccal is organized as a series of thematic exhibitions in which objects from the museum’s collection are shown with pieces from other galleries. We visited a Moroccan city by the sea called Essaouira where we were surprised by how well organized and thought out the exhibition was, as well as how detailed, interesting, and high-quality the tour was for us.
Foundation Montresso
The Montresso Foundation is committed to providing discussion opportunities and art residencies for artists from all around the world. The Foundation is roughly a forty-minute drive from Marrakech and includes a sizable space, including exhibition halls, workshops, and a garden. Only visits that are scheduled in advance are permitted. What you see inside mostly depends on the artists that now reside and work here.
Restaurants
Famous French and Italian chefs operate restaurants in large hotels, there are more expat-oriented bars and bistros, and there are other cafés and restaurants with local cuisine of varied degrees. Marrakech also has a thriving nightlife. We regrettably weren’t able to try everything we wanted because of the current circumstances. We sat down for dinner at 5pm due to the curfew. This is because many places are closed and the time you have access to food is too short.
The Big Café at the Post
One of the most gorgeous and delicious places I’ve ever been. You guessed it: It’s an ancient French café that transports you to France. Oysters and rosé, foie gras, ham, baked camembert, and a stylish colonial setting with excellent service. This setting reminds me of Casablanca!
The 68 Vino Bar
a fantastic wine bar in Guéliz on a street. There are a lot of French smokers (it’s odd that smoking is permitted on some terraces but not in Moscow), a fantastic wine list, a dark, ominous ambiance, and excellent French cuisine. We went inside for an aperitif, and we recommend that you do the same.
A Little Cornichon
A delicious bistro, this time in another French location. Modern French food with a lot of imagination, lovely interior. The scallops and beets were outstanding.
The Palais Ronsard’s Le Jardin D’Hiver
The Palais Ronsard, a Relaix&Chateau member, is a stunning boutique hotel that is nonetheless always outdone by establishments like Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, or Amanjena. It is a palace hotel with charming, alluring colonial decor that is situated in Palmeraie, the most aristocratic and remote area of Marrakech in Morocco. Le Jardin D’Hiver was one of the restaurants and bars operating when we were there, and it was completely empty. Even though the chef’s compliment—something about mozzarella—was extremely incorrect, we still enjoyed our meal. There are two menus: French and Moroccan; the latter appears to be the chef’s stronger suit.
Jean-Georges L’Italien restaurant at Hotel La Mamounia
The Hotel La Mamounia is worth a visit even just for a cup of coffee (there is a pastry shop and tea parlor by chocolatier Pierre Hermès), to enjoy the bar, which was renovated by designer Jacques Garcia, to admire the lovely interiors, and to wander the lobby and corridors, which honor Churchill’s steps. The hotel’s sole dining establishment is an Italian eatery run by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It is located in a large room with fully operable windows that overlook the garden and swimming pool. Although the restaurant is more of a dining establishment, we enjoyed the food—pizza, pasta, and all. But everything is carried out to the utmost standard.
Trattoria
Another Italian restaurant, this one more valuable for its design than for its food. In’s fortunate that we were able to enter it, even if it was by accident. The Alaimo Brothers restaurant in the Royal Mansour was closed, but Kovid fell during Ramadan, and yet the concierges of two upscale hotels, ours and the Royal Mansour, confirmed our bookings. In the end, the Royal Mansour’s concierge recommended an Italian restaurant in Guélise.
The champagne helped a little with the bad mood, and while the food was generally nice, it wasn’t particularly outstanding due to the confusion and the desire to eat quickly (hello, curfew). But! The restaurant was packed with locals (it was before Ramadan), and I enjoy people-watching. Second, I found it quite fascinating to look at the interiors, which were created by Bill Willis, a design legend from Morocco. The Uzbek suzane on the walls truly warmed my heart (along with the champagne, of course).
Also
Hotel Royal Mansour
While waiting in the lobby for a reservation and a car, we spent an hour admiring the interior of the Alaimo Brothers restaurant even though we never made it there. Sincerity be damned, I had no idea how much art and design had gone into it, even though I knew it was lovely. Both the hotel and Marrakech in Morocco is general are to blame for this.