Welcome, friends and wanderlust design enthusiasts! I invite you to join me on a path down memory lane of an unforgettable 10-day journey through the vibrant and enchanting landscapes of Morocco… a memorable adventure celebrating a few milestone birthdays, including one of our very own m studio clients!!!
From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the ancient city of Fez, this design-oriented odyssey promises a delightful fusion of culture, adventure, and some seriously amazing design inspiration!!! Are you ready!?! Buckle up, and let’s dive into this Moroccan marvel!
Mesmerizing Marrakech
As soon as I was dropped off at my hotel, La Maison Arabe, my design eyes were swooning in literally every direction. I was mesmerized by the ornate details of hand carved woodwork, the intricacies of the lanterns and rhythmic movement of the arched openings of the interior architecture. Every nook and cranny of this riad was tastefully extravagant, bursting with design delight!
Roaming the streets, a kaleidoscope of colors, bustling souks, and exquisite architecture was abundant!!! While only in Marrakech for a few days, it was the perfect amount of time to explore the streets of the Medina. We experienced the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and delicious aromas. I could not help but marvel at the intricate Moroccan tiles, zellige tile, adorning the exquisite riads, palaces, and mosques that populate this captivating city.
MUST SEE LANDMARKS: Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque.
Oasis Retreat in Skoura
We escaped the hustle & bustle of the city as we retreated to the tranquility of the Skoura Oasis, a roughly 4 hour drive… and totally worth it! Nestled in the palm groves of the Draa Valley, we were all in awe by the beauty of lush, greenery-draped kasbahs and their ornately carved doors. Our kasbah Ksar El Kabbaba left me breathless. I was immediately immersed in the peaceful serenity of this hidden gem, while basking in the jaw-dropping views of ancient mud-brick strongholds against a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountains.
A drastic contrast from the city of Marrakech, Skoura Oasis felt like a beautifully hidden gem of greenery among fields of desert sand. Since the buildings of this area are all constructed of mostly mud and straw, the decorative elements are all hand carved on the exteriors… truly fascinating!
The few days that we spent here was the perfect amount of time to visit a few landmarks and explore local farmers markets by bicycle. I even had the opportunity to experience my very first hammam!
MUST SEE LANDMARKS: Ait Benhaddou, Kasbah Amridil.
Majestic Sahara Desert
Ok friends, no Moroccan adventure is complete without venturing into the mythical Sahara Desert… by camel no less!! It’s true, we embarked on an epic camel trek through the golden dunes, feeling the warm desert breeze on our faces. This experience was one that was truly exhilarating!!!
Watching the sand create the most beautiful patterns and wave-like texture among the dunes was a treasure of design treat. Spending the night under the starry sky in our luxury tents at the Madu Luxury Camp, relishing the magic and tranquility of this otherworldly landscape was simply unforgettable. What made this particular night so special was the unexpected popping of champagne and private fireworks show to celebrate our friends’ 50th birthday… I mean, champagne and fireworks in the middle of the desert… how insanely cool, right?!
Timeless Fez
The final leg of our journey brought us to Fez, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. While we all had to pack our patience along the drive from one region to the next, every moment was worth the wait, especially when arriving in Fez. While from the exterior every Riad had an ordinary and simplistic facade, the interiors were extravagant from top to bottom. I was enamored with the design palette of Riad Mayfez. More than just the finishes of the fabrics and flooring, the interior architecture of the columns and doorways left me inspired. This is one place that I cannot wait to return to!
I love that we were able to stay in the walled city of the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its maze of narrow streets and labyrinthine souks was a thrill to explore. Similar to Marrakech, we were immersed in the ancient world of Moroccan crafts, from intricate tilework and hand-woven textiles to copper lanterns and traditional leather goods.
MUST SEE LANDMARKS: The Royal Palace, Art Naji, Chouara Tannery.
Thank you for joining me down memory lane, on a captivating journey through the cultural tapestry of this incredible country. Morocco has proven to be a wellspring of inspiration for my design endeavors, offering a wealth of aesthetic possibilities. Of course, my photo album was overloaded with photos galore along each and every stop throughout our journey. Here are just a few worth sharing that capture the essence of the Moroccan marvels… enjoy!!!
Xoxo,
Megan
