Former fashion designer and co-founder of Sass and Bide, Sarah-Jane Clarke takes us through her top picks of what to see, plus where to eat and shop in Morocco’s famous city of colour.
It’s the city built for Instagram-ready moments, getting lost in mazed, colourful streets and finding once-in-a-lifetime bargains at the many souks. As Morocco’s most vibrant offering, Marrakech has made a firm name for itself as a bucket-list worthy destination. Here, Sarah-Jane Clarke takes us inside the city’s coolest corners.
WHERE TO EAT:
La Famille
Situated in the bustling medina, enter through a tiny door in the wall and you find yourself in charming garden of olive trees. Boasting a vegetarian menu with fresh salads and homemade lemonades, and complete with a cute gift shop selling jewellery and leather goods. With its drift wood inspired interiors one could think you are in Ibiza.
Image credit: Instagram.com/la_famille_marrakech
Djemaa el Fna
Be immersed in this World Heritage site at sunset, where the square comes alive with storytellers, the snake charmers, acrobatics and street food vendors selling smokey barbecued brochettes, hot fried fish, snail broth carts lit by fairy lights, and chicken tagines. Soak up the atmosphere!
Image credit: Instagram.com/rociogatophotography
Beldi Country Club
For a day of tranquillity by the pool, or a long nap under an olive tree or a beautiful fish barbeque, a day here to gather your thoughts is a must.
Image credit: Instagram.com/beldicountryclub
Grande Café de la Post
An iconic colonial-era café with great steak and frites and fresh salads. A good place to go at night for a drink to feel the charm of Marrakech at night.
Image credit: Instagram.com/sammieburr
Nomad Marrakech
Most of the jetsetters are in the know of this modern Moroccan eatery. With its fresh menu and cool rooftop cocktail bar that overlooks the spice market it’s a welcoming gastronomic feast.
Image credit: Instagram.com/nomadmarrakech
WHERE TO STAY:
El Fenn
Aboutique hotel with a modern take on Moroccan interiors — think beautiful handmade tiles mixed with vintage furniture. Three pools and a great concierge with all of the local inside knowledge. The El Fenn boutique — a tightly edited selection of the best local designers and artisans is set within the bar and restaurant of the hotel. Stock up on local treats while sipping on a mint tea.
Riad Mena & Beyond
A chic and elegant light filled riad, in the heart of the Medina. Huge rooms with a peaceful neutral palette. I felt so at home I didn’t want to leave.
Berber Lodge
40 mins from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech is a tranquil lodge set in several hectares of olive trees and cactuses where everything is pared back and a beautiful pool, home cooked food and sleeping under the stars awaits. The eccentric French owner Roman will entertain you with his stories of his time living in Morocco, too.
La Sultana
For a more luxurious five star traditional stay, where the interiors are rich and opulent, the service impeccable you can’t beat La Sultana. An afternoon in their luxurious hammam is a must.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Majorella 33
A concept store just opposite the tranquil Majorelle gardens. Cool local products, with everything from artisanal clothing and textiles to interesting and unique homewares.
Image credit: Instagram.com/33RueMajorelle
Souks
Set in the bustling energy of the Medina, a dream for the shopper of homewares, fashion, knick knacks and food — plus, it’s fun haggling with the store holders to buy anything from wicker baskets to soft leather Moroccan slippers from the barouche.
Image credit: Instagram.com/revolve
Kulchi Rugs
A beautiful curated selection of rugs by fellow Australian Cassandra Karinsky. Her new showroom is as breathtaking as her rugs.
Pictured: Kulchi ‘Beni Mguild’ rug
V. Barkowski
One stop shop for luxury for bed and bath linens finished in her signature tassels.
Image credit: Instagram.com/valeriebarkowski
Flea markets
Dig deep and bargain hard at the local vintage flea market — find old silver, retro furniture often sourced from old hotels that are being demolished. The best place to pick up Tamegroute pottery at the best price.
Image credit: Instagram.com/ingeborgvdkerk
WHAT TO DO:
Visit a Hammam
Your trip to Marrakech is not complete until you are slathered in magical black, olive based soap and scrubbed until you are as soft as a baby. I particularly like the La Sultana day spa for a luxurious experience. One may not be enough.
Museé YSL
The hottest museum opening for 2017, be stunned by the beautiful building of KO architects while immersed in couture gowns and the history of Yves Saint Laurent’s time living in Marrakech. The museum also houses a library of over 5000 books on fashion.
Majorelle Gardens
Yves Saint Laurent poured his love into these gardens where he lived with Pierre Berge. The cacti, bamboo bushes and palm trees are thanking him for it. Now the garden has been gifted to the city of Marrakech.
Image credit: Instagram.com/vivianegobbatoarquiteta
Beldi Country Club
A dreamy retreat only 15 minutes from the Medina. Soak up the hot desert sun, swim in the tiled 50 metre pool or read a book under the 100-year-old olive trees. There is a huge garden of roses that greet you when you arrive, the scent is unmatchable.
Image credit: Instagram.com/beldicountryclub
