Casablanca may have been in black and white, but Morocco is a country full of colour. And my recent trip to Marrakesh proved to be a vibrant one. From the gardens to the souks, from the local restaurants to my own riad, the city possessed a spectrum for all the senses.
With an array of activities planned, I wanted an outfit that would last all day and night. And with the African summer sun in full effect, I wanted to keep cool. Plus given the conservative policies of the people, I wanted to keep my look low-key. So I wore a long cotton maxi dress in moss green, a very utilitarian but under utilised neutral colour. Paired with a scarf/shawl and flat sandals, I was set for city cruising.
First, I visited the Jardin Majorelle, the famous preserved gardens by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. With its expansive collection of cacti, I blended in like a regular succulent. There I was struck by the cobalt blue fountains, koi pond, and Berber Museum (well worth the extra 3€ for a peek at very fine fashions and jewels).
For some midday sustenance, I stopped for lunch at the lovely Le Jardin (which is part of the same restaurant group as Nomad and Café des Épices – also excellent for food and city views). In its shaded courtyard, filled with greenery and roaming turtles, I indulged in a sweet and spicy vegetable tagine and chilled rosé.
After lunch, I visited the souks, a literal labyrinth of shops. Among the brightly coloured tapestries, gleaming lanterns, fragrant spices and leather goods, my senses were set on fire. With Moroccan Dirham burning a hole in my pocket, I haggled for a small handwoven basket.
Lastly, I ventured to the city’s Big Square – another colourful scene. Lined with orange juice vendors (the city’s choice beverage), the space was dotted with umbrellas, shading henna artists, monkey handlers, and snake charmers. Lured by the snake charmer’s music, I snapped a quick pic of a very poised King Cobra.
Back at the Riad Irhalne, my urban oasis awaited. The lobby, with its turquoise pool and wafting incense, was a welcome respite from the medina’s buzziness. And the rooftop, with its trees and tented tapestried seating areas, was the perfect place to sit and refresh with a warm pot of sweetened mint tea, before a night out on the town – when the city gets lit.
For my late night look, I threw a short-sleeved knit sweater over my day dress with a little extra bling and headed out to dinner at Nomad (mentioned above) to take in the glowing orange cityscape views. And then I took one last walk through the now dark but very bustling Big Square before heading back to my radiating riad.
dress: Gap / scarf, bag and necklace: J.Crew / shoes: Birkenstock / sunglasses: Kate Spade / sweater: Sweaty Betty
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