A Design-Lover’s Guide to Finding Inspiration (and Shopping) in Marrakech

Original story featured on Vogue.com. Read it here. 

Amanda Shine, of the chic New York–based ceramics line and branding agency, The Setting, recently headed to Marrakech with business partner and pal Billur Kazaz. It was a celebratory trip to commemorate their first year in business together and to gather inspiration for the launch of their next project: a hotel debuting this summer. Morocco ranked as their number one destination to gather homeware and hospitality insight, but the trip soon turned into an educational journey in culture, cuisine, and color—plus launched a serious love affair with Moroccan coffee. “One of the reasons I was most excited to travel to Marrakech was to touch and see Moroccan ceramics,“ explains Shine, adding that “Marrakech has a modern and inclusive energy full of people from all aspects of life and that was an especially enlightening and unique element of the trip.”

Between the swoon-worthy mosaic-clad interiors, lush gardens, and delectable sweets, Shine’s design-focused guide to Morocco is bound to inspire your own trip. Below, Shine shares a photo diary from her trip as well as some of her top picks on where to stay, dine, and explore in the Moroccan city.

Where to Stay:
La Sultana
Be prepared for a greeting of fresh almond milk and the finest dates when you enter this amazing set of riads (a riad is a traditional Moroccan-style house with interior courtyard) close to the city center with exceptional service, decor, food, and amenities. The hotel is in bloom with fountains of rose petals, a viewing rooftop, full-service hammam, a serene restaurant by the pool, and roomy, authentically decadent rooms. Immediately outside of the hotel is a mini version of the souk where you can explore without having to make the full commitment of traveling into the main city center.

Dar Zemora
A beautiful country house–styled property outside the city center was the perfect ending to our Marrakech trip. Some rooms have a small balcony for enjoying the gardens or a sitting of Moroccan mint tea; our room had fireplaces that the staff would light to ensure we had a warm and cozy night. Every detail of this amazing boutique hotel is one of a kind including freshly made breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your desired hour with your specific dietary needs. Lounge, indulge, and take in what the countryside of Morocco has to offer.

Where to Eat:

Le Tobsil
This is the romantic dinner destination in Marrakech. Upon being dropped off to a specific cross street by a taxi or carriage, a guide will meet and lead you down a winding path with a lantern in hand. Once you get to the secret door, you will be greeted by the owner of the establishment that welcomes you into an intimate environment lit by candlelight, covered with roses, and filled with the sound of tantric yet mellow live music. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan tasting menu and never forget this special experience.

Le Foundouk
For a more contemporary dining experience with traditional dishes and French-inspired desserts, Le Foundouk is a Marrakech must. Try a fish or chicken tagine and don’t shy away from indulging in almond-milk ice cream at the end of the meal.

Breakfast at La Sultana Marrakech. “French culture is fused with Moroccan cuisine by way of freshly baked pastries. We took full advantage of this.”

Strolling through the gardens with a new, four-legged friend, in tow.

“Our favorite part of walking through the Medina was buying these coconut macaroon cookies sold by women in the street. The streets were sometimes crowded and chaotic, but these women were always calm and happy.“

A view of the formal entry to Royal Mansour Marrakech, a hotel and spa just a short walk from the Medina. Commissioned by King Mohammed VI in 2010, he often hosts his guests in one of the 53 private riads, situated amongst the lush gardens.

”The bisque ware and palette of dusty pink and blues sometimes had sparks of bright green like these glazed glassy pieces found during a walk through the souk.”

Delicious afternoon tea and cake served on traditional Moroccan silver trays at Dar Zemora.

A view of the markets within the Medina. The Jemaa el-Fna is home to numerous vendors selling everything from woven bags, ceramics, wooden crafts, and leather goods, to nuts, dried fruits and spices.

“One of the many beautiful shops inside the souk. These handmade lanterns are among the more valuable pieces within the markets and sell for several hundred dollars each. That price includes some strong negotiating.”

Heaps of Argan nuts in their natural state before being ground into the oil.

Dried spices and flowers in colorful linen baskets lining a street of the Medina.

“At 6am, driving to Casablanca International airport, I asked my driver if he wouldn’t mind pulling over so I could take a photo of the sunrise over the Atlas Mountains. I think he was amused and happily led me to a small road with this view. It was a crisp morning and now a beautiful memory."

What to See:
Jardin Majorelle
This roughly 2.5-acre botanical garden offers inspiration for every nature- and decor-lover and is perfect for a half-day adventure. Wander the endless cacti, tropical plants, and cobalt blue exteriors that were once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and where his ashes are spread.

The Souk
Get lost in this endless web of shops offering handcrafted silver, spices, leather goods, rugs, garments, and food. Take a guided tour to see the full span of the souk on your first day to help you get an understanding of specific districts that house woodworking, leather, or other specialties. You can always venture out yourself; chances are you will be back for multiple shopping trips during your stay. (Pro tip: Always have cash (dollars are a good backup for large purchases like rugs) and an extra duffel to stash your goodies.)

Jemaa el-Fna
Located in the Medina quarter, this lively square has been a main destination for locals and tourists since the early foundations of Marrakech. Games, snake charmers, cactus fruit, street food, and henna, along with an array of locals and tourists make up the famous square and is surely not to miss. But a word to the wise: If you’re taking photos of any act you will be expected to tip!

What to Buy:

Argan Oil
Made from local argan nuts that are ground on site inside the small natural remedy shops, it’s a staple in Moroccan cuisine and beauty, and truly a must for argan oil devotees.

Orange Blossom Oil
If you’re wondering what the amazing aroma is in your hotel and around Morocco, it’s orange blossom oil. You can use it on your hands and skin as an essence, in baking recipes, or put some drops in your diffuser and make your whole house smell wonderful. We both purchased this and brought it home; definitely a favorite!

Silver
Small candlesticks, letterboxes, trays or teapots are all authentic to Morocco and make for incredibly valuable and special gifts for others or for your own home.

Woodwork
The most special pieces with incredible amounts of inlay and labor. Get yourself a small jewelry box or chess set.