Oddbod & The City: Getaway Plans – Marrakesh
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- June 8, 2021
I am not usually one to tip my hand about my manifesting plans but with my second vaccination dose looming over me all I can think about is how this girl has got to travel.
I am planning all sorts—practically I may not have the time to pull off half of it, but a girl can dream.
Top of the list for a long weekend globe-trotting adventure is Marrakech, nestled in western Morocco on the edge of the Sahara Desert, steeped in history, and bursting at the seams with vibrant souks, exotic hammams and great food.
Its North African location means you are guaranteed pleasant weather anytime you decide to visit, it’s the perfect blend of “old city” with a contemporary feel.
Where to Stay…
La Mamounia
mamounia.com
Set in 20 acres of gardens this extraordinary five-star palace hotel offers luxurious comfort, plush décor, a divine spa, and some of the best dining options in Marrakesh.
This award-winning hotel is an oasis of calm and beauty amidst the bustling city and has fully earned its stellar reputation.
Where to Eat…
Le Grande Café De La Poste
Grandcafedelaposte.restaurant
Originally built in the 1920s, this beautifully authentic Moorish building is a proudly revived part of Marrakech’s heritage. The interior is a seamless balance of east meets retro west, boasting a huge statement staircase and art deco motifs. The menu is authentically French, with emphasis on using the freshest ingredients possible with some of the vegetables grown in the garden.
Where to Go…
The Souks of Marrakech
Famed throughout the world, the Marrakech’s souks are the largest in Morocco. These exotic markets are the place to find the perfect memento of your trip. Stroll through the shadowy alleyways and barter your way to owning gorgeous multicoloured carpets, silk kaftans, spices, antiques, lanterns, pottery, and exotic jewellery.
Treat Yourself…
Farnatchi Spa
farnatchispa.com
After a busy day of sightseeing, pampering yourself with an evening spa treatment is the perfect way to finish your day.
Located in the heart of Medina, the Farnatchi Spa offers a range of treatments including facials, manicures, and massages. When in Morocco one must try the Hammam, a luxurious ancient bathing ritual that involves steam, a rigorous scrub with black soap and essential oils, a massage, and skin treatments. You will leave with beautifully soft skin and your mind and body relaxed.
What to see…
Jardin Marjorelle
jardinmajorelle.com
Forty years of passion and dedication by French painter Jacques Marjorelle created this garden in the heart of the ‘Ochre City’. Later restored in the 1980s by designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, this attraction is a mixture of Moroccan garden with European spirit. Bamboo thickets sit alongside magnificent cacti and palms, all the vibrant greens contrasting beautifully with the famous Marjorelle blue. The garden is tasteful, elegant, and sophisticated, a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Odun in YSL garden
Tea break….
Le Riad Yasmine
riad-yasmine.com
Marrakech is saturated with a ton of suitable options for tea and a snack from private hotels, tea shops and cafés. The trick is to find somewhere packed with enough charm and ambience to make the experience memorable.
This charming boutique hotel is a haven of beauty and tranquillity and the perfect spot to take a timeout from the bustling Medina streets.
Treat Yourself…
Farnatchi Spa
farnatchispa.com
After a busy day of sightseeing, pampering yourself with an evening spa treatment is the perfect way to finish your day.
Located in the heart of Medina, the Farnatchi Spa offers a range of treatments including facials, manicures, and massages. When in Morocco one must try the Hammam, a luxurious ancient bathing ritual that involves steam, a rigorous scrub with black soap and essential oils, a massage, and skin treatments. You will leave with beautifully soft skin and your mind and body relaxed.
Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.
