Marrakech: The Trip I Didn’t Plan But Absolutely Needed

Marrakech was never part of the plan. But some of the best chapters in life are unplanned, right? What started as a spontaneous addition to the itinerary turned into one of the most eye-opening, beautiful experiences of my life — and I got to share it all with my mom.

Where We Stayed: The Riad Life

If you’re thinking of booking a hotel in Marrakech, pause. Let me put you on to a riad— a traditional Moroccan house built around an open-air courtyard. They're peaceful, authentic, and full of charm you just won’t get from a standard hotel room. Ours (Monriad) felt like a little oasis tucked away from the buzz of the medina.

When we arrived, our host greeted us with tea, mapped out the city for us, gave us a crash course in Moroccan culture and a quick lesson on how to bargain like a local. (This is crucial information!) They even served us dinner on the rooftop, and honestly? After a long travel day, it was exactly what we needed.

Day One: Bacha Mix-Up & Bougie Museums

Our first morning in Marrakech we thought we had reservations for Bacha Coffee. Spoiler alert: they don’t even take reservations. So yeah, I confidently showed up… and got turned away. They said it would be about a 2-hour wait, and we were on a schedule, so we dipped and ended up at a nearby café eating some very random — but delicious — chicken skewers. Moral of the story: double check ALL of your bookings, multiple times if you can.

The rest of the day was full of beautiful spots that I’m going to keep vague because… your girl is working on an itinerary for y’all. But I will say this: the architecture at the Medersa Ben Youssef? Stunning. Jardin Majorelle? A literal dream. And the Berber & YSL Museums? 100% worth it.

We ended the night with sunset drinks at Dar Dar (I have to mention the tuna crudo that looked... sketchy but slapped), and dinner at Buddha-Bar, where dinner comes with performances that are a whole show in themselves.

Day Two: Desert Dramas & Hookah with Mom

After a full first day of cultural sites, café mishaps, and museum wandering, we were ready for something totally different — and the desert delivered.

We spent the day at a luxury desert camp (BeAgafay) in the Agafay Desert. Picture this: camel rides, glamping vibes, and… a literal fire broke out. They told us not to worry about it (???), and we just kinda… didn’t. But let me tell you, that camel ride had me praying. I already have beef with horses, so being that high up on a camel? My nerves were shot.

We had signed up for ATVing too, but after the camel scare, we were like, “How many desert views do you really need?” So we scratched it.

Oh — and I managed to fall into a pot of wax at the camp. Don’t ask me how. Just know that me and Morocco had hands that day.

That night we ate at Comptoir Darna, which I am now officially obsessed with. It’s luxe, vibey, and right when I walked in, the host called me Barbie. (Say less.) Between the food, the belly dancers, the DJ, the live music, the hookah (!!), and the fact that the vibe turns full-on club by the end of the night — it was easily my favorite dinner in Marrakech. My mom even smoked hookah for the first time and now has a full setup at the house. Who is she??

Oh and shoutout to the older ladies next to us who were SWANGIN’ their hips like it was their last night on Earth. Iconic.

We tried taking a taxi back to our riad after, and let me tell you… this man quoted us 200 MAD ($20), which was steep but we just wanted to get back to our room. Then he had the nerve to drop us off 8 minutes away from where we were staying (so we had to walk AT NIGHT!). And THEN, as I’m handing him the money, he goes, “200 MAD each.” EXCUSE ME? My mom and I were like “Oh hell no” in perfect unison and hopped out the car with zero hesitation. He really tried to scam us. But baby, not today.

Day Three: Medina Madness & Hammam Surprises

By day three, we were starting to find our rhythm — kind of. We kicked off the day in the medina, and it became very clear that my mom has no business in a place like that — she was way too happy. Shopping like she had a Moroccan credit card. The vendors? Oh, they’re ready to sell you the whole city if you let them. And once they find out you're American, get ready to be called every celebrity under the sun. In just one afternoon, we were Nicki Minaj, Oprah, and Beyoncé. I even got Barbie more than once. Honestly, I’ll take it.

Pro tip: don’t entertain too long unless you really want it. Once they know you’re American, they might stand firm on price, but if you just start walking away? Suddenly the deal gets a lot sweeter.

That evening, we had a hammam spa experience booked. And let me just say — do your research before you start booking treatments willy-nilly. I thought I signed us up for a little exfoliating glow-up. What I got? A spiritual awakening.

They gave me a pair of plastic panties that were more symbolic than functional, ripped my robe off before I could even introduce myself, and immediately laid me out. I asked the woman not to get my hair wet — and she drenched it (This was long before I realized she didn’t speak a lick of English). At one point, I was just lying there like, “This is happening. I’m just a passenger on this journey now.”

At that point, I knew this wasn’t going to be a spa day — it was a bonding experience. That lady saw parts of me I haven’t even seen. We were in it together. And honestly? Once I got over the shock of being steamed, scrubbed, splashed, and nearly turned inside out, it was actually relaxing. I walked out of there smooth, grateful for the experience, and weirdly at peace. Morocco really has a way of humbling you.

Dinner that night was at Otto, a gorgeous rooftop spot with the most beautiful minimalist interior I’ve ever seen. It was a calming end to a wild day — sleek, modern, and totally different from the rest of the city’s chaos. Definitely worth a stop if you want something a little more quiet and chic.

Day Four: Bacha Redemption Arc

It was our last day in Marrakech, and with a few hours to spare before heading out, we decided to give Bacha Coffee another shot — and this time we actually made it in. The wait was still long, but only about an hour. And yes, it was worth it. I don’t even like coffee like that (my stomach usually says “absolutely not”), but I still say Bacha Coffee is a must while you’re in the city. The vibe alone is elite. They have hundreds of coffee options to choose from and a gift shop to take a little piece of it home with you.

Final Thoughts

Marrakech was the perfect mix of chaos, beauty, surprise, and soul. From camels and candle wax to couture rooftops and shopping chaos, it gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. And sharing it all with my mom? That made it unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip — or even thinking about it — just go. And keep an eye out for my official Marrakech itinerary, because it’s coming soon and I promise it’ll save you from at least a few of my rookie mistakes (plus show you a few hidden gems too 😉).