The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

A 5 Senses City Guide to Marrakech

14/08/13 ᛫ Add a Comment

Don’t you just love it when a taste, touch, sight or smell has the power to instantly transport you back to a travel memory? That’s exactly what happened when I was clearing my bedroom up this weekend. I came across a vase of Orange Blossom oil (fleur d’orange) which I bought in a souk in Marrakech last year.

But as well as smells, Marrakech is a city of sights, sounds, tastes and touches and for that reason I totally fell in love with it. The fusion of Arabic culture, North African cuisine and French influences make Marrakech a feast for the senses. Here’s my experience of the city through all 5 senses.

DSCF2611

Remembering Marrakech through the 5 senses

Marrakech Sights

 The sights of Marrakech are rich, colourful and forever changing. The best place to start is the Jemaa el-Fna square, right in the heart of the old town. Here you will see everything from snake charmers to magicians and dancers. The landscape of the square changes multiple times within the day, starting from orange juice vendors in the morning  and street entertainers in the afternoon to rows of food stalls come night fall. Another sight of Marrakech is the signature Majorelle Blue, which is the trademark colour of French artist Jacques Majorelle. The Jardin Majorelle is full of the stuff and you can find hints of the colour all over the city (it also makes for a fabulous nail polish colour).

Majorelle Blue is featured in the decor of the Sofitel Imperial Palace

Majorelle Blue is featured in the decor of the Sofitel Imperial Palace

Marrakech Sounds

 The sounds of Marrakech are much like many other bustling cities. Beeping cars from angry drivers mixed with the odd ‘moo’ of a cow in transit or the trotting of hooves of a horse and cart. The hectic sounds of the street contrasted with the babbling fountains and soothing spa music from within my luxurious hotels. Of course, Marrakech sounds can’t be listed without mentioning the famous call to prayer, which echoes around the city from the towering minarets five times a day (good job I’m a heavy sleeper).

If photos could speak! This photo would bottle the hustle and bustle sounds of Marrakech

If photos could speak! This photo would bottle the hustle and bustle sounds of Marrakech

Marrakech Touch

 When you’re busy getting lost in the souks, you will want to reach out and touch everything you see. Moroccan slippers, soft fabrics, hand made souvenirs and spices are some of the most common wares you can find. Be careful though – as soon as you do ‘touch’ you will have a charming stall vendor challenge you to a haggle-off before you can say ‘Fez’. Another touch I remember is when a local lady grabbed my hand in the Jemaa el-Fna square and began penning my hand with a henna paste. ‘free, free!’ she insisted, but I knew her game. I had to very strongly tell her ‘No thank you!’. But she still asked for money after she got half her design onto my hand. Pesky so and so.

The best touch of the trip was a 2 hour ‘four-hand’ massage I had at the Es Saadi Spa. Now I know what you’re thinking – sound’s a bit dodgy. But I can assure you it was all above board! The (ahem female) masseuses used their hands and warm balloons to provide a blissful massage experience.

When in Rome...Snake charming in the Jmaa el Fna square in Marrakech

When in Rome…Snake charming in the Jmaa el Fna square in Marrakech

Meeting a few of the locals as we explored the many souks of Marrakech

Meeting a few of the locals as we explored the many souks of Marrakech

Marrakech Smells

Orange Blossom is the most heavenly and exotic fragrance and is the signature scent of Marrakech. Everywhere I went in the city I would get wafts of the stuff and it lingered in the air of the lobby of my hotel, the Sofitel Imperial Palace. Another smell I remember is the crystalised methol which was sold in the souks. One tiny flake was enough to blow your head (and sinuses) off and locals claimed it helped to cure snoring.  As you wander around the old town of Marrakech you will be hit with a heady mix of food stalls and spice stalls, all of which adds to the amazing atmosphere of the place. 

I can still smell the amazing Orange Blossom scent that lingered in the lounge

I can still smell the amazing Orange Blossom scent that lingered in the lounge

Marrakech Spice Stall

Pile em’ high! A typical spice stall in the souks of Marrakech

Marrakech Tastes

Seeing as Lebanese and Moroccan are my favourite types of food, I couldn’t wait to discover the TASTES of Marrakech! During my trip I was lucky enough to experience stays at both the 5 star Sofitel Imperial Palace and the Es Saadi Palace, which meant I experienced exquisite Moroccan fine dining and twists on the classic tagine. We were also spoilt at the hotel with Macaroons and fresh French pastries which were a very memorable taste. As well as the fancy stuff, I also loved digging in to local street food and shabby Moroccan restaurants off the beaten tourist trail. Like all savvy travellers, I always look out for where the locals are eating, and that’s exactly what I did in Marrakech.

The gorgeous Lamb Tagine with a twist at Cours des Lions restaurant at the Es Saadi Palace

The gorgeous Lamb Tagine with a twist at Cours des Lions restaurant at the Es Saadi Palace

Jemaa el-Fna Square Marrakech

Feast for the senses! Dining out in a restaurant overlooking the famous Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech

Read my hotel reviews of Es Saadi Palace and Spa & Sofitel Imperial Palace!

Are you planning to go to Marrakech or have already visited? Leave me a comment in the box below and be sure to tell me your favourite sight, sound, smell, taste or touch of the city . I’d love to hear from you! x

Add a Comment

Related Posts

  • 10 Amazing Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa
  • A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in The Serengeti, Tanzania
  • Safari Chic at The Four Seasons Serengeti
« Experiencing Ramadan in Agadir, Morocco
The Penthouse Suite at The Grand Hotel York »

Comments

  1. rachrachelle says

    14th August 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Amazing memories.. we got lost in the souks for hours and actually wondered so far it was quite scary, certainly something I’ll NEVER forget! To find a lovely little bar/lounge on the outskirts of the square was the biggest relief!

    rachelle xo
    http://www.rachellefashion.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      14th August 2013 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks for your comment Rachelle – glad you can relate to my post! Wandering the souks is so much fun, I got lost in there for hours – didn’t have a clue where I was and came out a fair few Dirhams lighter! It’s such an incredible place 🙂 Stay in touch x

      Reply
  2. westiedad says

    14th August 2013 at 11:39 am

    That brings back memories. I remember sitting next to a Moroccan family in the middle of that square and ordering “what they’re having”. It was beautiful, and a fantastic setting.

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      14th August 2013 at 12:11 pm

      Hi westiedad! Thanks for your comment. I agree, the square is such a buzzing and atmospheric place to be. Definitely best to take a leap of faith and order whatever the locals are having. It brought back memories for me too writing this post! Stay in touch and happy reading!

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

An Indulgent Escape at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

14 of the most Instagrammable places in Leeds

3 Day Itinerary: A Family Friendly Durham Mini Break

Follow on Instagram

Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom ✌🏼

Yesterday we hopped off the ship at Rotterdam and spent the day in Amsterdam on a shore excursion with a river cruise and 3 hours free time. We also found the best kept secret in Amsterdam, especially for foodies. Head to my stories to see what we got up to ⚓️

If you’re curious about any aspect of cruising leave a question as a comment and i’ll let you know! 💓

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#discoverwithprincess 
#enchantedprincess
Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on E Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on Enchanted Princess for the next 5 nights and will be exploring Bruges, Amsterdam and Guernsey. 

Follow my trip on stories and see what I’ve been up to so far. ☺️⚓️

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#DiscoverWithPrincess 
#EnchantedPrincess
Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that th Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that this Sunday I’ll be setting sail with @princesscruises for my second ever cruise.

Some of you may remember I experienced a cruise for the first time back in 2018 with Princess Cruises, embarking on an epic 10 day adventure around Russia and Scandinavia (swipe right for throwback photos). 

This time our 5 day cruise will be departing from Southampton and calling at Rotterdam, Bruges and Guernsey. 3 new entirely destinations for me to explore and share. I’m especially excited to see Rotterdam as it’s my Grandma’s home town and the place of my Dutch roots. 🇳🇱 

We also get a “sea day” which gives us time to enjoy all the luxurious facilities on board our ship, #EnchantedPrincess.

I’ll be travelling with some fabulous fellow content creators including @kirstyleannetravels @charliepauly @laurenacliffe @bonnierakhit @joshuanueva. Be sure to give them all a follow to see the same trip from different perspectives. 

Have you ever thought of doing a cruise or are you already a cruise covert? Hope you can all follow along 🚢 💫

(1st photo from my recent Abu Dhabi trip, taken at @beirutsurmer) 

This upcoming trip is a paid campaign so all posts / stories during the trip will be marked as ad. This post is not part of the campaign.
(Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope ever (Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope everyone had a lovely early May bank holiday. Ours has included an incredible meal at @billsrestaurant in York to try out their brand new menu. Swipe for some serious #foodporn 👉🏼

I took Theo and my parents so we were able to sample lots of different dishes (as well as the kids menu) and we were all so impressed with both the quality of the food and also the service. 

The menu is a very international so you can pretty much eat your eat around the world in three courses (or stick to one type of cuisine). But either way there’s definitely something to appeal to everyone around the table

Here are my recommendations from Bill’s new menu;

Starters
✔️ Cheese and truffle fondue with sour dough bread - hands down the best of the 3! Ridiculously good
✔️ Burrata and chargrilled red peppers - insane creaminess in the Burrata, my Dad loved it
✔️ Crispy calamari with roast garlic and basil aioli - a staple starter for me! You cannot go wrong 
✔️ Bill’s sticky duck salad - so light, fresh and flavoursome 

Mains 
✔️ Bill’s sea bass thali - What I ordered. An Indian feast on one plate with so many elements. Loved it!
✔️ Halloumi shawarma - a strong choice from my Mum, I kept stealing her halloumi 
✔️ Miso salmon and aubergine - My Dad raved about this. I was also tempted to order it

Dessert 
✔️ Chocolate and salted caramel tart 
✔️ Eton colada 

The kids menu was also great at £5.95 for two courses and a side, and lots of great / tasty / healthy options beyond the classic kids menu dishes.

Thanks to the team at York Bill’s for such a great experience ✨

Which of the above dishes sound like a bit of you? 🤤🍽
(Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxur (Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxurious family-friendly hotel / holiday this summer, I have a great recommendation for you.

New on the blog is my review of @columbia_beach_resort, which I visited with my family in March with @jet2pics. Find my full review via the link in my bio. 👆🏼#Jet2Cyprus 

Whilst this was a press trip, I researched and selected the hotel myself, and it didn’t disappoint. A few reasons why I chose Columbia Beach Resort:

🍋 It’s part of @smallluxuryhotels 
🍋 Spectacular beach front location
🍋 Beautiful aesthetics whilst also child-friendly
🍋 30 minute transfer from Paphos airport
🍋 Excellent Trip Advisor reviews on food and service
🍋 Kids clubs for babies to age 3 and ages 4-12 (free for 4-12)
🍋 Small play area and shallow children’s pool 

This holiday was part of an Indulgent Escapes package with Jet2Holidays, which come with lots of additional benefits such as:

🌥25kg baggage allowance per person
🌥 Private transfers to and from your hotel
🌥 Priority lane passes through security
🌥 A round of complimentary drinks on board your Jet2 flight (including beer and wine)
🌥 A luxurious gift on arrival at the airport (ours was a beautiful leather travel wallet)

All of these little extras really added up to make our journey so much easier and more enjoyable, especially the priority lane pass at @leeds_bradford_airport and the private transfers on arrival. The driver even had a toddler car seat so we didn’t need to worry about bringing one along with us. I was so impressed.

Hope this review comes in handy for some of you! Check out the blog post and feel free to ask any further questions about this hotel in the comments ☀️
Magic moments in Marbella 🌞✨ If anyone is pl Magic moments in Marbella 🌞✨

If anyone is planning a hen party / stag in Marbella and would like details of the villa get in touch and be sure to check out @mymarbellaweekender for inspiration and help with planning (a friends account) 🌴

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10039followers
  • 2030subscribers

Copyright © 2022 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2022 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact