Marrakech

Where to stay?
We booked a small hotel through Airbnb called Oriental Rias & Spa, and it ended up being one of those places you remember not just for the space, but for the people. The hotel had a warm, easygoing feel — the kind of place where you quickly settle in. The food was a highlight, thanks to the chef who not only cooked beautifully but also brought a lot of personality to the table. The rooms were small but had charm and character, which made them feel more personal than polished.

Where to eat?
NOMAD — I still think about the mezze plate I had here.

Amanjena — If you’re in the mood for something more refined, this place offers a unique, detail-oriented experience.

YSL Museum Café — Good food, and the architecture alone makes it worth visiting.

What to do?
One of our favorite experiences was a guided walk through the souks, arranged by our hotel. Having someone local to show us around gave us context and helped avoid the overwhelm.

We also did a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains. Waking up at 4 AM felt like a tough sell at first, but once we were in the air, it was all worth it.

A traditional hammam.

Essaouira

We made a short stop in Essaouira while heading from Marrakech to Imsouane. The old town has a certain charm — not as busy as the Marrakech souk, more simple to navigate and full of little discoveries. Wandering the narrow streets, ducking into shops, and finding spots to eat along the way made for a slow but memorable day.

Where to stay?
Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & Châteaux. The riad had a quiet elegance, and the rooftop pool was a great spot to relax after walking around. Staff were genuinely kind, and everything felt thoughtfully done without trying too hard.

What to eat?
Salut Maroc — We went for dinner and got lucky with a clear sunset. The view was the kind that makes you linger longer than planned

Imsouane

Where to stay?
We stayed in two places, each with their own set of advantages. If you are staying for a week or more, I would suggest moving around. Not that the town i particularly big, but just to experience the different senses of community of each place.

The O Experience was modern and right in town, with friendly staff and comfortable spaces. However, it did feel busy in August, especially because of the central location.

A few minutes up the road lays Surf & Sound Hostel, which ended up being our favourite. It was a bit removed from the main area, which gave it a more laid-back, secluded feel. Meals here were simple and delicious (their meatball tagine, in particular, was a standout), and dinner was served family-style on their rooftop for everyone to enjoy together.

What to eat?
Besides meals at our hotels, we had a couple of great meals at Imi Bay Surf House. The food and drinks, accompanied by live music, hit the spot after a long day in the sun.

What to do?
Surfing is the thing to do here — the waves are long and mellow, perfect for spending time in the water without constantly paddling back out.

We also took a trip to the Timlalin dunes, right by the Atlantic. Sandboarding was fun, and sitting on the dunes with mint tea in hand was one of those unexpectedly perfect moments.

Tip
Be careful with water, especially in the bay. We got sick during our time here and suspect that was the cause. It’s worth being on high alert.