Marrakesh

Every visit to this vibrant city feels like coming home

Every visit to this vibrant city feels like coming home. My mother was born there, and I spent every Christmas and Easter of my childhood immersed in its energy and beauty. In the 80s, our family would stay at @LaMamouniamarrakesh, a truly glamorous palace hotel where evenings were spent dressing up for dinner, while my parents enjoyed long nights at the casino and my siblings and I chased adventures through the sumptuous gardens. (If your budget allows, I do recommend La Mamounia.

Marrakesh is intense—arguably the most dynamic city in Morocco, with an energy that buzzes day and night. For that reason, I often prefer staying in a hotel outside the city, where I can retreat from the chaos of the markets and return at my leisure. While I highly recommend experiencing the unique charm of a riad (try @RiadMena_marrakesh if you're interested), I personally appreciate the freedom of stepping away from the hustle whenever I choose.

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Lodge:

I've stayed in a lot of hotels in Marrakesh in my lifetime but my favorite is @BerberLodge. It's a little out of the way and you have to take some bumpy roads to get there but it's absolutely worth it.

I did not stay here over Christmas because we rented a house with friends but Berber Lodge is hands down the best price value, the simplest best homemade food, the best staff. The rooms are clean and beautiful, the gardens gorgeous and it's so peaceful. It also attracts a cool crowd. Not pretentious but tasteful; my favorite kind.

In fact as I type this I'm making a reservation for a long weekend there in May.

Over Christmas I had the privilege to be invited by my childhood friend in a beautiful home on the outskirts of the city. He and I hosted our NY friends who had never been to Morocco. In their honor he organized the most extraordinary Shabbat Dinner. So many of our friends where in Marrakesh over the holidays and reuniting everyone was beyond beautiful.

Celebrating Shabbat in Morocco and eating Moroccan Jewish food may be the closest thing to love that I can feel. Having my son witness and participate in a Moroccan Shabbat of this size with all the singing and music was pure joy and the highlight of the year. I am a Moroccan jew and there is nothing I’m more proud of.

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Restaurants:

I spent my childhood going to @DarYacoutmarrakech. Honestly the food is not mind-blowing ( its solid) and it can feel a little touristy. Locals prefer Al Fassia ( in the gueliz) for the food and I agree but the architecture and décor of Dar Yacout remains one of the most beautiful restaurants in Morocco. Perhaps it's the memories I have there but the rooftop view of the city and Menara ( The biggest mosque in the city) is out of a dream. @SahbiSahbimarrakech is absolutely one I would try. Owned by women with a great spin on traditional Moroccan cuisine.

When you get tired of Moroccan cuisine and you need some great fresh more western cuisine I suggest two places which are right by one another in the Gueliz; @Plus61 and @Farmers. Both delicious. Also in the gueliz I had dinner at Petanque Social Club ( @psc_marrakech) which I enjoyed.

For amazing coffee and a place I absolutely loved visit @bachacoffee.

Lastly, I've been told @villa_aaron_marrakech is really beautiful.

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Shopping:

Getting lost in the souks is a must. You will want to buy so many things. Honestly a lot of it is unnecessary and the bargaining is exhausting but time to time you will stumble across the most charming little store that sells beautiful linens and home wear. Wait for those spots. Don't let yourself be seduced right away. A good example of one I liked is called @ValerieBarbowski .

@Mustaphablaoui really feels like an endless cavern of amazingly beautiful things. I personally get overwhelmed and it's hard to focus but if you have the patience to spend hours there and do some bargaining I strongly suggest it.

Bargaining tips: offer what you would pay for it, what you can afford to pay for it and what you feel is fair. Don't try to get something for free and don't let yourself be robbed. If they refuse walk away if they come back with a higher but more reasonable offer refuse and be clear about what you feel is fair.

@Sofiane.zarib is my new favorite place. It has one showroom in the Medina in the center of Marrakesh and one in the industrial zone. Honestly go straight to the industrial zone. It's not cheap but everything is worth the price and you'll want to just ship an entire container home. The carpets are by far the best. There is no point in going anywhere else.

My mother introduced me to a place called @Botanikamarrakeschofficial in the Gueliz ( new city) which is a tiny store that makes really good scents. I'm obsessed with Hivernage. It makes your home smell incredible. I go there every time I'm in Marrakesh and stock up on candles, oils and home sprays.