Mystical Marrakech: A Journey Through Color, Spice, and Soul

Arrival in Marrakech 🇲🇦: From Lisbon Layovers to Moroccan Magic

Today marked our grand entrance into Marrakech—and surprisingly, it all went off without a hitch. After a short layover in Lisbon (and yes, TAP made us check our bags at the gate again 🙄), we landed in Morocco with fingers crossed… and this time, miracle of miracles, our bags actually made it with us!

We braced ourselves for a long customs ordeal based on everything we’d read—but it turns out Marrakech had other plans. We breezed through customs and immigration in just 10 minutes, stepping into the golden heat of North Africa faster than we ever imagined. Our driver wasn’t immediately visible, but a quick call to the Riad Andalla Spa had him pulling up in no time, whisking us away in a blissfully air-conditioned van.

Driving into the medina felt like crossing into another dimension—dusty roads, bustling streets, the constant hum of life in motion. Because cars can’t access the inner alleyways of the medina, we walked the last few minutes to our riad through narrow, twisting streets that felt straight out of a storybook.

When we arrived at Riad Andalla Spa, we were greeted with warm mint tea, Moroccan pastries, and the kindest hospitality we’ve ever experienced. This wasn’t just check-in—it was a welcome. The manager gave us a full rundown: local tips, taxi pricing, common scams, hidden gems. Everything. We felt completely taken care of—like royalty. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly safe, welcome, and at home.

And then… came the heat.

We ventured out into Jemaa el-Fna—the legendary market square—under the unforgiving blaze of 111°F (44°C). Yes, forty-four degrees Celsius. Our skin was sizzling, our shirts soaked, but the experience was unforgettable. Juice carts, snake charmers, henna artists, tourists, spices, monkeys—it was a sensory overload in the best way. Pro tip: Don’t photograph anything without asking—especially monkeys. We learned that the hard way (and a few dirhams lighter). Another pro tip: consider wearing a mask when it’s windy as the wind really kicks up a lot of dust, which you don’t want getting in your lungs. Also, wear full coverage sunglasses to block the dust from getting in your eyes.

Dinner at Ayaso was a serene escape above the chaos. We ordered the fruit secs smoothie, vegetarian tagine, and a rich vegan curry, and enjoyed it all on a breezy rooftop. It felt like a secret oasis high above the noise.

Afterward, we dove into the souks. If Jemaa el-Fna was chaotic, the souks were chaos multiplied—endless alleyways of colors, smells, and persuasion. We dodged mopeds, bartered for things we didn’t need, and waited 20 minutes for a Moncler polo that—surprise!—didn’t exist in our size. Pure Marrakech.

We made our way back under the stars, buying bottled water from a local shop and returning to our peaceful riad haven. Sticky, sun-drenched, and already enchanted by this city of contradictions. We never once felt unsafe or unwelcome—only fascinated.

Day 6 – Sun, Souks & Surprises: A Full Day in Marrakech

We woke up with the rising call to prayer echoing through the medina and a full itinerary ahead. Despite the heat, we hit the streets early and made our way to Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent’s former botanical dreamscape. The cobalt blues, towering palms, and meditative stillness made it feel like another planet—cooler, calmer, and incredibly photogenic. We also toured the Berber Museum, which gave us a beautiful peek into Morocco’s Indigenous heritage, and then stepped into the elegant world of the YSL Museum, where fashion, color, and culture collided in perfect harmony.

Next stop: the Bahia Palace. While parts were stunning, unfortunately, large sections were under construction, and it didn’t quite live up to the hype. So we shifted gears to the Koutoubia Mosque monument, Marrakech’s tallest minaret and a stunning architectural symbol of the city.

Of course, no visit here would be complete without another adventure into the souks, where we hunted for treasures—and found them. A tiny genie lamp (yes, really) caught our eye, along with a solid perfume bar that smelled like ancient spice bazaars. One vendor had us try a stevia leaf straight off the plant, and then insisted we smell a scent they boldly named “cocaine”. Marrakech doesn’t hold back.

But the biggest surprise of the day? Ben Youssef Madrasa. Hidden away behind a modest entrance, it turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip. Intricate cedar carvings, brilliant zellige tiles, and tranquil symmetry—it was a masterpiece of design and serenity. How is this place not on every must-see list?

Dinner brought us to Mandala Society, a chic vegan gem where we devoured a smoky chilli sin carne and a vibrant Buddha bowl. The flavors, presentation, and vibe were on point—and exactly what we needed.

Before heading back, we stopped for spontaneous haircuts at a local barber—and wow, we left looking fresh. With expert precision and surprising speed, he gave us cuts that rival any NYC salon.

We closed the day with one last visit to Jemaa el-Fna, this time under the stars. The square transforms at night—lanterns glow, drums beat louder, the air feels heavier with magic. We stood there for a while, just watching. Soaking it in.

Marrakech, you were wild, warm, and unforgettable. From rooftop teas to the heart of the souks, we felt not just safe—but welcomed. Until next time. 🌙✨