Marrakech: Travel Guide

48 Hours in Marrakech

Right from the outset, this trip to Marrakech had a whole different tone and tempo than most of my travels because I went on my own, without Vic and Jivan. No doubt about it — independence when traveling is a muscle I have not exercised in a very long time. The major plus-side of the equation: I was a free bird on this excursion, and with this freedom came license to indulge. Being solo granted me the flexibility to pamper myself and explore anything and everything I desired.

So explore, I did. I wandered aimlessly in the gardens of expansive, storied hotel La Mamounia. I traversed the souks with nowhere in particular in mind, simply being led by the scents and sounds. And I spent five hours with one carpet dealer, Soufiane Zarib, just because I couldn’t tear myself away from the towering stacks upon stacks of stunning textiles. I loved every moment of my 48 hours of independence.

And yet, this unabashed “me time”, partaking in whatever whims I, alone, wanted, quickly began dripping with irony — it made me ache for my two guys to share it all with. Funny how that works, isn’t it? With every sip of almond milk, waft of jasmine, and bite of perfumed, spiced food, I fell in love with Marrakech more and wished they were able to experience it too. I guess when you feel the love, you also feel the longing for your loved ones.

In any case, I most certainly would not have taken the opportunity to twirl around in the intricate tiled splendor of La Mamounia, indulging my girly fashion sense, if I were with my guys. So there’s that! Regardless of whom you choose to experience Marrakech with, I’m sharing all my personal favorite wonders below.