Morocco: the new Bali. A paradise of sun-baked terracotta tones, intoxicating souks, and vibrant architecture at every turn. Tim and his wife Mathilde’s recent two-week honeymoon excursion was a non-stop adventure, jam-packed with daily activities to the point where he needed a holiday just to recover from the holiday.
Marrakesh
Marrakesh, a shopper’s paradise, served as Tim’s home for four days. A major highlight was exploring the famous souks: vibrant markets overflowing with handmade trinkets, genuine leather goods, carpets, and local hand-made crafts. Speaking of carpets, Tim nearly bought one for £2,500 before skillfully haggling the vendor down to £310. Whether it was actually worth that much after such a massive discount is a mystery best left unsolved!
As for accommodations, the five-star Riad Nellia couldn’t have been more hospitable. With its photogenic interior, bold colors, and intricate geometric tiling, it’s easy to see why Marrakech has skyrocketed in popularity. Another must-see was the home of Yves Saint Laurent, a true fashion titan who fell in love with a small house in the medina. It was right here in Morocco, YSL once noted, where he truly learned the art of color.
Agadir
Though brief, this trip quickly became the couple’s most memorable experience. Tim and Mathilde leaned fully into tourist mode and embarked on a sunset camel ride through the desert. There’s a quiet magic to being hoisted high above the dust, gently swaying side-to-side as the camels plod steadily through the sand, all while basking in the golden glow of the setting sun as day fades into dusk.
Essaouira
After Agadir, they headed to the coast for another four-day stint. Unfortunately, somewhere between camel rides, sightseeing, and Instagramming, Tim caught a case of what I like to call the ‘Moroccan Mud-Gut’ – the local answer to Bali Belly. All I’ll say is do not drink the tap water, not even to brush your teeth!
With Tim temporarily out of commission, Mathilde ventured out on her own. She noted that she actually felt safer exploring solo than she did walking through Gatwick Airport when they landed back home, late at night. A notable perspective given Morocco’s mixed reputation for safety. As with anywhere, staying cautious is key.
Once the food poisoning subsided, they were able to enjoy hands-on activities like pottery making and crafting their own argan oil, Morocco’s famous native plant extract. To wrap up the trip on a romantic note, they treated themselves to a traditional hammam. A full body scrub down and lather up with various lotions and potions, a hot steam room and a prominent sense of relaxation and cleanliness afterwards.
Local Cuisine
No Morocco recap is complete without highlighting the food. Tim’s standout culinary discoveries included:
- Jackfruit Tagine: A rich, slow-simmered stew layered with sweet and savory flavors, packed with dates, pomegranate seeds, jackfruit, and tender chickpeas.
- Taktouka: A smoky, warm salad and dip crafted from roasted green bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and rich olive oil.
- Vegan Shakshuka: A plant-based twist on the classic breakfast dish, subbing chickpeas for eggs in a spiced tomato, pepper, and onion sauce infused with cumin, paprika, and cayenne.
The Final Verdict
From bargaining for Persian rugs in the bustling souks of Marrakech to recovering in a tranquil seaside hammam, Morocco delivers an experience quite like no other. It’s vibrant, sensory, aesthetic, and unpredictable, easily earning its reputation as the “new Bali” for travelers seeking culture and luxury in equal measure. A word to the wise: pack your stomach remedies, embrace the haggling, and let yourself get lost in the terracotta streets.
Whether you’re visiting for four days or two weeks, Morocco will leave a mark long after the dust settles.
