Marrakesh Travel Diary
AMIIN Founder, Ameena Bajar, shares an excerpt from her 2016 Marrakesh travel diary.
Marrakesh was the design and shopping hub of the journey. The city is filled with stunning riads that combine both traditional architecture and design with contemporary and modern elements, while the medina is a maze filled with everything from home décor pieces, leather goods and spices. Take time to explore the souqs, visit Koutoubia mosque, but don't forget to indulge a little and enjoy the amazing food and spas the city has to offer.
Courtyard of Riad Snan 13
Rooftop oasis of Riad Snan 13
Riad Snan 13
Nestled at the end of a tiny street, Riad Snan 13 is a calm oasis in the hectic medina. There are only a few rooms available, maintaining an intimate and quiet setting in the riad and allowing you to feel at home. The design is traditional, whereas the décor is clean and minimalistic, with a splash of Moroccan details throughout. The rooftop terrace is host to breakfast each morning; a selection of breads and pastries alongside various jams and spreads, spiced berber eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee.
La Mamounia Spa
The perfect way to escape the craziness of old Marrakesh is to spend the day at La Mamounia. The hotel is located within a ten minute walk from the medina and boasts several gyms, pools, tennis courts and restaurants, all spanning the large grounds of the hotel. It received #1 in the 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, and before even stepping into the hotel itself, it's not hard to see why. Book a traditional hammam treatment to be scrubbed clean and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
L’Italien at La Mamounia
If you are craving a break from traditional Moroccan food, but want to try something of excellent quality, look no further than L’Italien at La Mamounia. Opt for the set menu and choose from a variety of delicious starters, mains and desserts. Recommended are the soufflé, lamb à deux façons, fresh pasta with prawns and tiramisu.
Jemma el Fnaa
The centre of the madness that is the medina of Marrakesh, Jemma el Fnaa is the place to see it all. Avoid during the day (due to scorching sun and lack of shade), unless you're stopping to quickly grab a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (only 4 MAD) from one of the many vendors. But at night is when it truly comes alive, with hundreds of locals and tourists alike revelling over street performers and enjoying the evening. One important note; beware any buskers (e.g. snake charmers, people with monkeys on leashes, those playing music) as they will ask you for money if you stop to watch or take a photo, and will not back down lightly.
Medina shopping
Once you leave the spectacle that is Jemma el Fnaa and delve deeper into the medina, you can easily become lost in the maze of streets and tiny alleyways of the souq. Aim to spend at least one afternoon if you plan to do some serious shopping- one to get an idea of what you would like to buy and potential prices, and another to go back to targeted shops and weigh in on the items. Bargaining is expected, but don’t be surprised if the salesperson refuses your offer. Even as a fairly seasoned market shopper, Marrakesh was one of the most difficult places I’ve ever bargained!