Morocco has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was a child and read books about far away places up until last year when I finally finished The Alchemist. Northern Africa is what long lost adventures are made of... from wandering nomads crossing the Sahara Desert to ancient spice markets and tales of sheep herders crossing the Straight of Gibraltar in search of gold. I finally thought what am I waiting for?!? Book your tickets Amy! I booked our plane tickets through Lisbon (out of nyc... the cheapest flights) which turned out to be a saving grace when our flights were delayed 24 hours allowing us to spend the layover in Portugal. Another spectacular spot I can’t wait to return and spend more time exploring. Touching down in Marrakech was no doubt one of the most exciting moments of my life and to be able to share the experience with my youngest (4 years old) made it all the more fun. We began at Ryad Dyor in the famous Medina for a couple of nights and it’s hands down one of my favorite spots to date. We ate our way through the narrow streets (we ate at mainly local spots and it was all DELICIOUS) and into the famed Souks for shopping and exploring. We were carrying more than our weight in baskets and rugs by the end. We wandered the YSL museum, where Stella almost knocked down every mannequin in a domino effect. Most places do not serve alcohol which I thoroughly enjoyed, it made for a relaxing child friendly environment that doesn’t consist of tourists getting drunk and acting like fools (no offense tourists). The next leg of our adventure was by far my favorite, the Wild Morocco tour through the high Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert. I was a bit unsure of the nearly 10 hour drive with a 4 year old, but we chose to break up the drive both ways and stay in old Kasbah’s en route. First up was Kasbah Ellouze in Ouarzazate, near the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. This was a French owned Kasbah with a pool and breathtaking views in every direction and the BEST home cooked meal we experienced. There were tiny stores with special finds that had to be 1000 years old (so LEGIT vintage) for just a few dollars. We explored ruins close by and got to pet the local donkeys and camels before taking a dip in the pool to cool off. The next day we headed to the desert for 2 nights of Glamping. The Sahara was every bit as magical as I expected, if not more. The sunsets, the family style meals, the sand boarding and camel riding. It was all absolutely perfect and we were in heaven. One thing I have to say about the Moroccans, they LOVE children and Stella couldn’t have had more fun listening to music and playing with everyone (even the camp kitten). We were sad to say goodbye to Boo Boo (he was in charge of the camp) but our next stop was Kasbah Azul for more home cooked meals and even a Hammam/Mud Bath. Everywhere we turned there were more farm animals and magical spots awaiting... if anyone questions the child friendliness of Morocco, look no further. We headed back to Marrakech to stay outside the Medina for our last 2 evenings at the Amanjena. I have to say, it’s an absolutely stunning resort and very photogenic but in no way did it compare to the specialness of staying at ancient Kasbahs and a Ryad in the Medina (just my personal opinion). Morocco was one of the most amazing, breathtaking, kindest and soul changing places I’ve been yet. The people, the food and the earth itself feel other worldly and I cannot wait to experience it all over again one day. Thank you Morocco ☀️🙏🏼☀️
Stay - Ryad Dyor Kasbah Ellouze
Kasbah Azul Wild Morocco
Eat - Nomad Terrasse Le Mederse
Go - YSL Museum and Gardens
Wearing - Baldwin Deitas Beek
