Our base in the heart of the medina

We stayed at Riad Al Grab Lee, tucked away in the centre of Marrakech’s bustling medina. The moment we stepped through the doors, the chaos of the city melted away. Inside was a calm, intimate sanctuary: tiled courtyards, cosy corners, and that unmistakable sense of stepping into a traditional Moroccan home rather than a hotel.

For four girls arriving in a new (or long-forgotten) city, having such a central, welcoming base made all the difference. We could wander out on foot into the souks and main sights, then retreat back to our riad whenever we needed a breather from the buzz of the city.

A sunrise we will never forget: hot air balloon over Morocco

If there is one experience that defined this trip, it was our hot air balloon ride.

We set off in the cool pre-dawn darkness, feeling that mix of excitement and slight nervousness that comes with doing something completely out of the ordinary. Watching the balloon slowly inflate as the sky shifted from inky black to soft purples and golds was almost as magical as the flight itself.

Then we lifted off.

Floating silently above the Moroccan landscape, with the sun rising over the horizon, was honestly one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. The views were endless: rolling desert, distant mountains and tiny villages slowly waking up for the day. There was something almost surreal about looking down at the world in complete stillness, far removed from the bustle of the medina.

It is the kind of moment that stays with you long after you land, and it is something I would recommend to anyone wanting to make their Marrakech trip truly unforgettable.

Feasting our way around Marrakech

Of course, no trip to Morocco would be complete without talking about the food. We definitely made it our mission to sample as much as possible, and Marrakech did not disappoint.

We tried lots of different places, from laid-back spots to special “treat” venues for cocktails and long, lazy dinners. A few highlights:

• Nobu: Chic, stylish and a real contrast to the traditional side of Marrakech, this was one of our more glamorous evenings. We sipped beautifully presented cocktails and tucked into dishes that felt like a real occasion. It is the perfect choice if you are looking for something modern and high-end during your stay.
• La Trattoria: This was one of those evenings that felt effortlessly elegant. La Trattoria has a wonderfully atmospheric setting, a mix of Moroccan charm and Italian flair. Think candlelight, great service and beautifully cooked dishes that make you want to linger over a second cocktail and just soak it all in.
• La Médina restaurant (La Meda): Another gem on our culinary tour, this was all about relaxed, enjoyable dining and those flavours you want to remember when you get home. It felt local and characterful, somewhere you could easily recommend to clients who want a real sense of place.

Beyond the sit-down dinners, we also savoured plenty of Moroccan specialities along the way: tagines, fresh breads, local pastries and sweets picked up as we wandered. Each meal felt like part of the adventure.

Culture, colour and creativity

We made a real effort to balance food, fun and culture, and Marrakech is ideal for that mix.

We visited both of the palaces, stepping into grand courtyards, intricate tilework, painted ceilings and peaceful gardens that tell the story of Morocco’s rich heritage. They offered such a beautiful contrast to the energy of the streets outside and gave us a deeper appreciation of the city’s history and artistry.

A particular highlight was visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. For anyone with an interest in fashion, design or art, this is a must. It celebrates the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent and his deep connection to Marrakech. The space itself is stunning, and there is something very moving about seeing how the colours, shapes and spirit of Morocco influenced his creations.

Getting lost in the souks

No matter how many photos you have seen, nothing quite prepares you for your first walk through the Marrakech souks.

We wandered through a maze of narrow alleyways lined with stalls selling everything from spices and leather goods to lanterns, ceramics and textiles. The air was filled with the scent of cumin and saffron, the sound of bargaining, and the constant, fascinating movement of local life.

We picked up local delicacies as we went, and there was such joy in discovering little treats to take home. Shopping in the souks is an experience in itself, and we felt that wonderful combination of slight sensory overload and total enchantment.

Cocktails, conversation and connection

One of the loveliest parts of this trip was travelling as a small group of four Travel Counsellors. In between all the sightseeing, we had long chats over cocktails, shared plenty of laughter and swapped stories about our clients, our favourite destinations and the trips we dream of planning next.

Marrakech lent itself perfectly to that kind of break: days full of experiences, followed by evenings of great food, atmospheric venues and that warm feeling of being somewhere special with people who truly “get” your love of travel.

Why Marrakech should be on your list

Looking back, our three nights in Marrakech felt like we had been away much longer. In that short time we managed to:

• Stay in a traditional riad right in the heart of the city
• Experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride
• Dine at some fantastic restaurants, from chic and contemporary to local and characterful
• Discover palaces, museums and the city’s creative side
• Get delightfully lost in the souks and bring home a taste of Morocco

Above all, we had an amazing time. Marrakech is vibrant, colourful and full of contrasts, and it is a brilliant choice for a short escape, a special celebration or a stylish long weekend with friends.

If this has sparked ideas for your own Moroccan adventure, I would love to help you design a trip that captures the same magic: perhaps a few nights in a riad, a sunrise hot air balloon, and a handpicked selection of restaurants and experiences tailored just for you.

Contact your Travel Counsellor today to start planning your own Marrakech story.