Joanna James
Beyond the sweet-smelling spices, manicured gardens and snake charmers for which Marrakech is famous for, there lies a side to this North African city in Morocco which a handful choose to explore.
Peace and tranquillity reign supreme within Marrakech and as a tourist, you will not find it too arduous a task of finding your own little space to catch your breath and grab a bite to eat. Found off the beaten path is the courtyard garden called Le Jardin Street which was once an essential part of one of the biggest riads in the Medina. Now completely refurbished, Le Jardin Street offers visitors an incredible opportunity to study Islamic art and architecture through stunningly carved archways and mosaic-tiled waterways that grace this section of the city. However, before your paths take you elsewhere, be sure to order a fresh juice from the pagoda housed within here.
Located in the deserts off Marrakech is a gem of the rarest kind – Cactus Thiemann. While you will be required to journey by car for a total of 20 minutes, Cactus Thiemann will be well worth the investment of your time and energy. Encompassing a whopping 17 acres in its entirety, Cactus Thiemann features well over 150 cacti plants with one noted for reaching 26 meters in height.
A national symbol and a sight that is often the backdrop to many of Morocco’s tourist hotspots and escapes, the glorious Atlas Mountains will coax you towards getting those hiking boots out for one awe-inspiring adventure. Better yet, have a Berber guide you as you trek past beautiful waterfalls and towering peaks but never forget to bring along your camera so that you may capture memories of your travels to one of the country’s most cherished landmarks. Conclude your trek by sharing a meal inside a Berber household and cap it all off with a few stories from yesteryear a cuppa mint tea.
Discover the rich history and heritage of the port city of Essaouira while feeling the cool ocean breeze on your skin as you endeavour to meet and greet beaming locals. An ideal tour for those based at Riad Elegancia, visiting Essaouira will be one of the better things to do in Marrakech Morocco where you will learn as to what goes into manufacturing argan oil. Aside from this enlightening experience, have a go at sampling locally produced cheese and fine Moroccan wine at a restaurant.
While there is no denying the fact that souks in Marrakech present a world of possibilities to shop for almost all things under the sun, it is highly recommended that you allocate time for the city’s 1st ever concept store. Known as 33 Rue Majorelle, this store can easily go toe to toe with Morrocco’s souks, both in terms of quality and quantity. What makes 33 Rue Majorelle stand out boils down to the fact that you will be well placed to cover 2 floors of authentic fashion, homeware and beauty care products made by locals. In the event you run out of space in your luggage, never fear as the store’s staff will ensure that your products will be shipped directly to your doorstep.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
