A Guide to Marrakech: What I Wore, Where I Stayed & What I Learned
Marrakech wasn’t just a vacation: it was a full-circle moment.
A trip that started as an impulsive add-on to a Portugal itinerary became one of the most beautiful experiences.
Marrakech has always been on my bucket list. So when my mom & I began planning to go on a group trip to Portugal, I just kneww we had to squeeze this in, considering it’s only an hour and a half flight from Lisbon, and I am so happy we did.
My favorite moment? Walking through the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, this intersection of fashion, color, and history. It reminded me why I love style, storytelling, and beauty so much, it’s how I process the world, it sounds dramatic but it’s really what keeps me going: being creative and seeing what other creatives have built. YSL is one of my favorite fashion brands, so it felt surreal to knock this off my bucket list.
We spent three days in Marrakech but technically had 2.5 days since we had to head to Portugal. But honestly? I think that’s all the time you need in Marrakech. When I go back, I’ll plan for 3 full days, I would only extend it if I was staying in the dessert (which we got to squeeze in too).
A Special First: Me, My Mom & the Four Seasons
This trip was special for a lot of reasons—but the biggest one? It was the first international trip my mom and I ever took together. On land at least lol, we’ve done cruises before but it was definitely an experience traveling together, just us. And not just that—it was our first time in AFRICA, together.
If I was solo traveling or with friends I would have booked a traditional stay at a riad, but my mom is..BOUGIE lol. So, I decided to put us up nice in the Four Seasons, and it did not disappoint.
From the moment we stepped into the lobby, the service was 10/10 – from the beautiful fountains, mint tea at check-in, birds singing like background music, it felt surreal and like I was stepping into my new reality, because I was. Watching my mom walk around smiling and soaking it all in? That made everything worth it. Because she’s just a girl. And so am I. And this trip reminded me how beautiful it is to pour into each other.
This wasn’t just a vacation, it was a moment of gratitude. A trophy for all of the hard work I’ve been putting in. A reminder that I can lead and still lean into softness. That I can give, without losing myself. That I can create the moment, and still be present enough to feel it.
Our Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Hammam Spa Experience
10:30 AM: Arrived and checked into the Four Seasons Marrakech: hello luxury and serenity after a longgg travel day!
12:00 PM: We had our first drink and meal at the restaurant, the hummus and lamb chops were absolutely amazing!
5:00 PM: After we got settled into our room and got ready for the day, we headed to the spa for a Hammam bath – a MUST DO if you are in Marrakech! Since we had a long travel day, I decided to book the experience right at our hotel. We were exhausted from travel and I didn’t want to fill the day with more things to do.
8:00 PM: Headed to dinner at Buddha Bar: Buddha Bar is a must do while in Marrakech
- TIP: Make sure you book as early as possible, since it’s dinner and a live show (very common in Marrakech), the further out you book, the more guarantee you have to good seating for the show.
We enjoyed multiple appetizers and I kept it light and ordered the sea bass. The sea bass was okay, but the star of the show was these lobster dumplings, if you go to Buddha Bar these are a MUST!
Day 2: Medina Magic + Desert Dreams
11 AM: We booked a guided tour through the Medina souks—leather goods, spices, rugs, everything. We purchased A LOT of jewelry and I bought some handmade leather sandals. When I travel now, I don’t buy your typical souvenirs like shot glasses or fridge magnets, my new thing is buying unique jewelry, clothes and accessories to that country. I got this beautiful jade ring and my mom got this beautiful silver and ruby ring that she hasn’t taken off yet!
We also stopped at a traditional apothecary to learn about Moroccan oils and remedies: I bought a lot again lol, traditional argan oil, prickly pear facial oil, serum for acne, lotion, perfumes, etc.
We definitely spent a good amount of time in the Medina, and let me tell you: it’s a full experience. If you’re going to Marrakech, you have to visit the souks at least once. It’s a maze of narrow alleyways overflowing with color, life, and treasures. You’ll see everything from handwoven rugs, brass teapots, and custom leather bags to Moroccan oils, spices, perfumes, jewelry, and embroidered kaftans. The visuals alone are worth the trip.
But let me be real with you—it can be overwhelming. This is not the place to go alone, especially if it’s your first time. You will absolutely get approached (multiple times) by men offering to be your guide or take you to “the best spots.” Some are polite, some are very persistent, and some just will not take no for an answer.
So my advice? Go with someone. Stay aware. Be confident and assertive when saying no. And don’t pick up anything unless you’re seriously considering buying it.
Also, haggling is expected. The first price is never the final price, and vendors will often start high just to see what they can get away with. If you’re not used to negotiating, it might feel uncomfortable at first—but once you get into the rhythm, it becomes part of the fun. You can honestly find some gems if you’re patient.
It’s chaotic, yes. But there’s something undeniably magical about it too—especially when you find a vendor who’s kind, explains their craft, and makes you feel welcome.
5:00 PM: I booked us a desert experience with camel rides, dinner, and a live show, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. I still can’t believe I got my mom on a camel! 😂 The sunset over the dunes? Chef’s kiss. It was so peaceful, so surreal. Being surrounded by all that natural beauty had me feeling inspired, grounded, and lowkey emotional. I already know I’ll be back
Day 3: Jardin Majorelle + YSL Museum
11:00 AM: We visited Jardin Majorelle, and honestly—every corner looked like it belonged in a Vogue editorial. I booked the experience through Viator instead of the official site because it included pickup (highly recommend). Pulling up to the museum in a black sprinter? Yeah, this was a life I can get used to.
3:00 PM: Grabbed a light lunch and drinks as we headed to the airport to go to Portugal.
What I’m Leaving With
Marrakech didn’t just give me pretty photos. It gave me perspective. It gave me presence. It gave me a moment with my mom that I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life, not because everything was picture perfect, but because I saw us both clearly for the first time in a long time. Just two women, two generations, walking through a new country with our own stories, our own baggage, and still choosing to show up for each other.
It reminded me that I can create beautiful experiences even when life behind the scenes is heavy. That I can treat myself and the people I love to softness, even if I wasn’t always given it. It gave me space to breathe, to reflect, to grieve, and to glow, without having to explain why.
I’ve been in a season of unlearning, of breaking cycles, of returning to myself. And for some reason, being in Marrakech, with the heat, the color, the chaos, the slowness, felt like God saying, “It’s your time to walk boldly into your new season.”
I don’t always have the answers. But I’m learning that I can always pivot, always pause, always realign. I can always choose me: even when it’s hard, even when it’s quiet. Marrakech didn’t just add to my passport, it added to my peace. And that means more than any photo ever could.
