Inside Loop - Dispatch #3 | My top 6 places in Marrakesh

All things tailored travel - visit inside-loop.com for more info.

Welcome to dispatch #3 of “Inside Loop” - a bespoke travel consultancy, tailored just for you. This newsletter will be arriving in your inbox every two weeks, and all the editions will be archived and live here.

This third newsletter is written on on the 1-year anniversary of my first ever trip to Marrakesh. I was traveling with a large-ish group of girlfriends, but amazingly all the best restaurants and terraces allowed for larger tables, so I didn’t miss out on any of the places I’d been wanting to try. The shopping was as fantastic as I’d imagined, and so were things to see. I’ve handpicked 6 of my favourite spots, which to me, are unmissable. My current guide to Marrakesh includes 34 saved places, so get in touch if you are planning a trip and want full access to the whole list! As a side note as it appears I have emphasized this service enough - I get amazing rates on all hotels worldwide too, so definitely let me know if you if want access to this.

1. Comptoir Darna

Photo Credit: Comptoir Darna - google maps link

I was skeptical about this place at first because it sounded like the ultimate tourist trap, but I was recommended it on various occasions from those who visit Marrakesh often. Set slightly outside the Medina, Comptoir Darna is essentially a two-story establishment straight out of Arabian Nights - covered in rugs, dimly lit, with lanterns at every corner, it really sets the scene for a Moroccan boudoir. The food is absolutely delicious (some of the best Moroccan food I had all weekend) and they have several different areas where you can choose to have your table (terrace, main room etc.) Impressive belly dancing performances happen throughout the night (sounds cheesy, but is surprisingly not). After the last dinner service at 11pm the entire place turns into an upscale yet vibey bar for late night drinks.

🧡 Works perfectly for: A large group-dinner or an intimate date night - be sure to book ahead!

2. Caftan by Mo

Photo Credit: Me - in my new long velvet jacket! - google maps link

I was on a serious mission to find myself a velvet-embroidered Moroccan jacket, and months ahead of my trip I had done extensive research of where to find one. I was disappointed by every shop I went to (quality was poor, embroidery was shiny etc.) until I happened to stumble past Caftan by Mo while walking around the outskirts of the Medina. From the outside it looks like an overly expensive shop and quite distinct from the other rickety stalls that sell these coveted jackets, however they had absolutely the best selection in terms of price/quality. Turns out they make all the jackets for Folkoore which I’d followed as a brand for a while, but gulped at the prices. He doesn’t have an instagram or website, so it’s an in-person experience only; Mo can give you a deal, especially when you pair up with a friend and buy a couple of jackets. Don’t be afraid to haggle - even though you’re in a shop and not a stall, you can still negotiate the price!

🧡 Great to pair with: A visit to “Le Jardin Secret” followed by a terrace lunch next door at Le Terrace des Epices.

3. Les Bains de Tarabel

Photo Credit: Les Bains de Tarabel - google maps link

If you want a hammam experience outside of your hotel/riad, then Les Bains de Tarabel is a one-stop wonder. You could even treat yourself mid-day to a hammam while exploring the Medina, if the crowds and the shopping become too much for you and you need some “me” time! Set in an amazing courtyard with lots of private treatment rooms covered in marble, this place completely transports you. If you’re keen to try a traditional Moroccan bath, but in an elevated setting, this is the place! They make it easy for you to book online, or you can always call ahead, but walking in is not advised as they get booked up.

🧡 Great to pair with: Treat yourself to a coffee at the epic Bacha Coffe House next door, pre or post-treatment.

4. L’Mida

Photo Credit - L’Mida - google maps link

If you’re looking to get a great view over the Medina and want to enjoy a delicious rooftop lunch (and you don’t want to spend hours queuing to get into NOMAD) then L’Mida is the spot for you. Even on a hot day it is nice and breezy up here, and they are not overly fussy about the menu. Go on sligthly on the earlier side so you can hear the lunchtime call to prayer from up top.

🧡 Great to pair with: I saved this unique stall next door to L’Mida that sold amazing wooden things (spoons, bowls, tissue cover boxes etc.) Among all the tat and junk that the Medina can offer, this felt like a shop with true craftsmanship.

5. Bahia Palace

Photo Credit - me! - google maps link

Of all the palaces and “classic” must-see places I visited during my time in Marrakesh (including the Marjorelle gardens & Madrasa Ben Youssef), the Bahia Palace was my favourite. The tiles, colours, architecture and shapes were just amazing. Since it’s out of the main centre (but still walking distance from the Medina) it’s not nearly as touristy. You can actually relax and contemplate while walking around it! It’s a fantastic backdrop for photos and interior architecture inspiration too.

🧡 Great to pair with: Walking through the Jemaa el-Fnaa main square and stopping for some glasswear shopping on this narrow little street.

6. Beldi Country Club

Photo Credit: Beldi Country Club - Google Maps Link

One of the highlights of my time in Marrakesh was discovering the Beldi Country Club. A good friend of mine had stayed there on a romantic long-weekend and mentioned it was slightly out of town, so I decided not to book staying there and instead opted for a Riad in the Medina. However, as is the case with most Riads and hotels in the Medina, they kick you out at 11am, when you don’t exactly feel like walking around the sweaty markets until your flight in the afternoon or evening. This is when the Beldi enters as the ultimate last-day treat. You can call up and book a “day lunch pass” and enjoy a full day by their stunning swimming pools (yes multiple!), as well as a lunch on their garden pool-side terrace. You’re then already positioned only 10 minutes from the airport, and can enjoy a relaxing day before flying home.

…and that’s all! If you enjoyed reading this newsletter please do encourage friends to also subscribe. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tailored travel tips on any upcoming trips!

🧡 Camilla