A Week In Marrakesh
WORDS & IMAGES: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
Marrakesh is like walking through the pages of the most beautiful coffee table book…
The area around Medina is incredible, and I feel so lucky to watch life go by along with the hustle and bustle. I always have my camera at the ready because, honestly, you never know what you will see around each corner. There are donkeys, watermelon sellers, incredible rugs, spices and cushions, glassware, and candles, and where do I stop?
To get the most out of your experience, I recommend you hire a guide (or take a guided tour) to help navigate the Souk. It can be overwhelming, and as a tourist, you are bombarded by stalls trying to make a sale - show you their wares; if this is a style of shopping you are not a fan of, a guide is very helpful. Each part of the Souk is broken into different areas, like glassware, lighting, leather goods, metalwork, food, haberdashery, clothing, and so on… It’s tough to give you a clear rundown of what stores I recommend to visit, as it really is so hard to find; however, most guides will take you to the best places - all you need to do is tell them your interest, and they will help you out. We always use Souk and Co-to to help us with guides and restaurant recommendations. However, Sally owns the company, is Australian, and puts together great travel programs with itineraries for all of Morocco.
My Moroccan Favourites…
The hotel I love and adore and we always stay at is El Fenn. The style and feel are stunning, and watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand on the rooftop is truly spectacular.
One of my favourite things is to sit and listen to the call to prayer, which sounds out over large speakers across all of Morocco. There is something so wonderful and peaceful about the call.
Bartering is a given, so don’t accept the price you were given the first time around. Some more upmarket stores won’t do this, but you will work out who you can and can’t barter with.
It can be pretty daunting when you see so many beautiful things to buy! So my best advice is to photograph what you love along with the shop name and go back the next day when you’ve had a chance to think about it.
Want to know where to shop? Start here for all the tips.
Beware of taking photos of locals, though, as they really don’t like it, so if you see something you would like to photograph. Be courteous and kind, and always ask permission.
The Beldi Country Club is a very cool place to visit and spend the day by a pool. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, there is so much you can do at this club - I loved wandering around the rose garden and shopping in the souk. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from the centre of the Medina. When all you really want to do is sit and relax for a day, this is the place to do it.
Places To Eat, Sleep & Spa…
TOP TIP! The YSL gardens are a must-visit. Yves has lived here with his partner for many years, and it’s truly spectacular. The shopping around here is very cute, with lots of boutique shops to explore.