Sunrise in a hot air balloon

Marrakech

Emma Rutherford on 24 Nov 2025

If you’re dreaming of a break with your best friends, Marrakech is truly unforgettable. I’ve just come back from an amazing three-night escape with the girls, full of colour, adventure, and some hidden gems I can’t wait to share.

We travelled during the week for our girls trip. Our home in Marrakech was Riad El Grably, a beautiful riad tucked away in the medina. It had gorgeous tiles, peaceful courtyards, and lots of cosy places to relax after a busy day. And with only 7 rooms, it honestly felt like a home from home. 


Our Riad

After dropping off our bags, we wandered over to El Badi Palace. Exploring its vast courtyards and ancient walls was a perfect introduction to the city’s history. Then came our first taste of the souks: winding alleys, colourful stalls, and the buzz of bargaining all around. We picked up a few treasures before heading out for dinner at La Tattoria—a secret-garden sort of atmosphere, with great food and an easygoing vibe that made for a fantastic start to our trip.

El Badi Palace


La Tattoria


Our second day started with a very early wake-up call for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. We floated above the sweeping countryside outside Marrakech and watched the sun climb over the horizon—such a peaceful, unforgettable moment. Afterwards, we enjoyed an amazong breakfast with incredible views.

Later, we found ourselves back in the souks, unable to resist their energy. Lunchtime meant a rooftop meal at L’Mida, where the food and views were equally stunning. In the afternoon we visited the YSL Museum, which was such a treat for anyone who loves fashion or design. As evening approached, we grabbed cocktails at Dar Dar and watched the sun set over the medina rooftops—a beautiful way to wind down. Dinner that night at Saffron was extra special thanks to their traditional Moroccan show, which starts at 8pm. The music, costumes, and atmosphere are a must-see, so definitely book a table for the right time if you visit.


Souks

On our last full day, our private driver took us out into the Atlas Mountains. We stopped at a Berber family’s house for a traditional breakfast and a lesson in making real Moroccan mint tea—one of the warmest and most memorable parts of the trip. Then it was off to Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s retreat in the mountains, for a glorious lunch surrounded by beautiful gardens. Later in the day, we drove out to the Agafay Desert, where the landscape is wild and peaceful and the silence feels a million miles from city life.


Meeting a Berber family

Our final night called for something special, so we ended at Nobu Marrakech—an evening of world-class food and a cool, contemporary vibe.

Looking back, Marrakech is a dream for anyone who wants a mix of culture, adventure, relaxation, and great food. Travelling midweek gave us a chance to really enjoy every moment. If you’re thinking about an escape like this, I’d love to help you craft your own unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Get in touch if you’d like to start planning your perfect trip.Hot Air Balloon