Morocco isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place that lingers with you long after you’ve left. From the swirl of colors in the souks of Marrakech to the cool weather in the High Atlas Mountains, every place holds a story.
Our trip started in Marrakech, where we stayed in the populous hotel known as La Mamounia. If you are looking for a blend of Moroccan culture and luxury, this is the place to be. It’s opulent, but never stuffy — blending traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with a timeless, almost regal calm. It offers a multitude of attributes, including picturesque gardens and dreamy Hammam treatments.
If Marrakech has a heartbeat, it’s in the souks. Wandering through them was, without a doubt, my favorite adventure of the trip. The maze of narrow alleyways seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn revealing something new — a rainbow wall of handwoven rugs, the gleam of brass teapots catching the sun, pyramids of fragrant spices that seemed too perfect to touch.
My favorite store was Marrakech’s famous herbalism shop, where shelves were overflowing with jars of spices, dried flowers, oils, and mysterious powders in every color imaginable. You can watch the shopkeepers grind herbs, mix black soap, and blend fragrant oils right in front of you, turning ancient recipes into something fresh and alive. I enjoyed learning about what they make and the variety of uniqueness tucked into this store.
One of the restaurants I thoroughly enjoyed was La Terrasse des Epices. Tucked above the winding streets of the medina, La Terrasse des Épices is a rooftop escape from the chaos below. We went for dinner and were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset while listening to enchanting live music. All of the details help to set the scene of this fantastic atmosphere. I appreciated the diversity in the menu with familiar foods, as well as traditional Moroccan dishes.
Of course, Marrakech isn’t only about food and the souks, but it’s also a city full of art and beauty. Nowhere is this shown more than in the Majorelle Garden, the beautiful and vibrant blue house formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The striking cobalt blue villa is a blend of art, fashion, and nature. As you make your way through the gardens, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the towering palms, exotic cacti, and even bamboo.
After exploring through Marrakech and falling in love with everything it had to offer, our next adventure lay in the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Our travel there was fairly easy, and the shift between scenery is dramatic. It transforms into winding roads full of the occasional Berber villages tucked into the hillsides and scenic valleys. Our hospitality was offered here by Kasbah Tamadot, a five-star hotel that hosts an amazing Moroccan retreat. The hotel was transformative from our previous experience in Marrakech. It was full of tranquility, surrounded by the mountains that embodied serenity and sweeping views.
Our entrance into Kasbah Tamadot was inviting. We were greeted with full enthusiasm, and the staff was fully committed to meeting our every need. Our stay started with a full tour where we were shown all of the diverse rooms and amenities.
My favorite experience while staying here was the endeavor we had with the cooking class. As a group of seven, we each got to select our own preference of meals that we would be cooking. I decided to go with the chicken; however, the alternatives were lamb and another form of meat. Our cooking class was sponsored by the nature, and although the weather was high in heat, fans were provided that kept our workspace the perfect temperature, along with beverages of our choice anytime we asked.
Our class started off with a brief learning experience about the origins and history of Moroccan tea. We then learned the process and techniques of making it. We were able to appreciate the delicacies of getting the perfect tea. Soon after, we each got to pour the water into the mixture and incorporate what we learned.
After we made and drank the tea, cooking began. We made many things throughout our class. We started with a salad. Something I enjoyed about this class was that everyone played a significant role in preparing our meals. Each person had a designated task-whether that be cutting up vegetables, mixing up the bowl, or measuring out ingredients-it all came together to form our dishes.
We then began layering chicken with preserved lemons, olives, and a fragrant blend of spices that filled the kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. The significance of the lemons stood out to me. Unlike fresh lemons, these are cured in salt and their own juices over several weeks, softening the rind and transforming the flavor. We also made delicate pastry parcels stuffed with creamy cheese, folded with such care that they felt like little treasures. The experience was more than just cooking—it was hands-on, immersive, and a chance to connect with Moroccan culture through flavor. My favorite part was getting to cook the chicken. We used a traditional Moroccan tagine. We finalized our experience by cooking a delicious dessert where everyone in the group got to add their own unique touches and designs.
At the end of our class, we were allotted time to hang around and wait for them to finalize and prepare our creations. A gift was provided to each of us on behalf os Kasbah Tamadot that included our own personal tagine, a variety of bottled spices, and recipes for all 3 meal options they offered. This added to the immense hospitality and generosity that were consistently provided during our stay.
As a big foodie, but someone who is not an expert in the kitchen, I was taken aback by how delicious our meals were. Knowing exactly how they were curated, and getting to do so with friends, made everything more tasty and more memorable. Continuing with the food here at Kasbah Tamadah, it wouldn’t be a complete review if I didn’t mention the complimentary breakfast. Delicious is an understatement for this meal. We were served an assortment of pastries and jam before our meals.
I enjoyed the Nutella pancakes with a side of eggs and bacon. Everyone’s meal was delicious, and I think the pictures serve it all justice.
Our journey through Morocco was nothing short of magical. From the souks to the mountains, moments of awe were achieved everywhere. Morocco left an imprint that I’ll carry long after the trip. It’s a destination that doesn’t just welcome you—it stays with you. If you have any questions or are interested in further details, do not hesitate to contact me. Click here for info.
