Marrakesh Moments: From Bustling Souks to Sunrise Skies
I based myself at the Sofitel Marrakesh Palais Impérial & Spa, a luxury property within easy walking distance of the Medina entrance. My room was bright and spacious, with a lovely balcony overlooking the pool, the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
We kicked things off with a traditional horse and carriage ride around the city, tracing the outer walls of the old Medina. It was a charming, gentle introduction and a great way to get our bearings.
That evening, we were brought to Dar Soukkar Marrakesh, a dinner-and-show experience set about 15 minutes outside the city. You should book ahead, and trust me, it’s worth it. The food was delicious, but the entertainment stole the show - singers, dancers, musicians... it was a whirlwind of colour and sound. At times, it was almost too much to take in but in the best possible way! The venue itself is also stunning.
The next morning was spent delving deeper into the Medina with a local guide. Wandering through the narrow, quiet alleyways lined with beautiful riads, we slowly made our way to the iconic Jemaa El Fna Square. Snake charmers, food stalls and henna artists at every turn, it’s a sensory overload and an unforgettable experience.
After the hustle and bustle, a visit to the serene Le Jardin Majorelle was exactly what we needed. Once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, these botanical gardens are a haven of peace. The cobalt blue buildings set against exotic plants and tranquil fountains make it a must-see and a beautiful place to spend an hour or two wandering around away from the craziness of the city.
In the afternoon, we ventured just under an hour outside the city to the Agafay Desert, arriving at the stunning White Camel Lodge. This luxury desert retreat has a selection of tents and lodges (some with private pools) offered on a half board basis. Activities include camel rides, horse riding and quad biking. We opted for an hour of quad biking, and it was so exciting! The landscape here is vast, rugged and so different from the city which makes it a great option for a twin-centre break.
The real highlight of the trip came the next morning. We were up long before sunrise and back out to the desert for an experience I’ll never forget, a hot air balloon ride with the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Watching the sky change colour as the sun slowly rose over the Atlas Mountains was genuinely magical. The ride lasted about an hour and was smooth, peaceful, and surreal, floating above the desert landscape in near silence. After landing, we were treated to a traditional Moroccan breakfast, served al fresco with mint tea and warm breads. Just perfect.
Later that day, we took part in a cookery class at Le Bled by Chef Moha, just outside the city. We began with a stroll through the on-site farm to gather fresh herbs, followed by a hands-on cooking session. Le Bled is also a riad in a beautiful rural setting and would make a lovely stay for those looking for peace and authenticity just outside Marrakesh.
Before heading home, we paid a visit to El Fenn, a stylish riad tucked away in the heart of the Medina. Walking in from the busy street, you’d never expect to find such a calm, spacious oasis with two pools, a gorgeous rooftop bar, and lots of hidden corners to relax in. If you’re after a boutique stay with wow-factor, El Fenn is a real gem.
This was my second time in Marrakesh, and what struck me most is how different it was from my first visit. There’s just so much to see and do here. From the maze of alleyways in the Medina to the vastness of the desert, every day offered something new.
Yes, the Medina can be hectic, but I felt completely safe walking around, and the locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The summer can get very hot, but Marrakesh is an absolutely brilliant option for winter sun, especially with the direct flights.
If you’re after a trip full of culture, adventure, colour and unforgettable experiences (like floating over the desert at sunrise!), I’d be delighted to help you plan the perfect Moroccan escape.
