Marrakech

Kudos to Caftans

After breakfast, our adventure gets off to a stylish start with a visit to Nancy’s favorite caftan designer. Beloved by Hollywood A-listers, these impeccable creations epitomize Moroccan chic: traditional craftmanship meets high-fashion flair. With so many irresistible colors, patterns and fabrics to choose from, our bet is you’re going to want several. (Fun fact: One Vogue editor has embraced caftans as her new “work-from-home uniform.”)

Our group lunch is at the boutique’s chic Le Jardin restaurant.

To Market

We then head to the souks, or Arab markets, in the heart of the Marrakech medina. Along its meandering streets, there’s a maze of tiny, open-front stores featuring an array of local wares: spices, lanterns, pottery, leather bags, sequined slippers, rose water and more. With our guide in tow, we’ll navigate the labyrinth of stalls and learn the in’s and out’s of negotiating. (Hint: haggle ruthlessly, but always, with a smile.)

After a full day of shopping, it’s back to our Riad for some well-deserved relaxation. We highly recommend booking one of the soothing spa treatments. Later that evening, you’ll have the option to join Pat and Nancy for a walk throughout the Medina where we’ll experience its tantalizing tastes, sights and smells. (If you prefer, you can take the night off.)

Natural Beauty

We start the day at one of Nancy’s must-see shops—an exceptional clothing and accessory boutique stocked with every imaginable piece we’d want to take on a fabulous beach vacation. In our stylish state of mind, we’ll head to the YSL Gardens for lunch at one of the area’s beautiful outdoor cafés.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Jardin Majorelle’s exotic botanical gardens, the handiwork of Parisian artist Jacques Majorelle. At its center: the cobalt blue villa designer Yves Saint Laurent purchased as a vacation home in 1966. According to the renowned designer: “Marrakech taught me color. Before Marrakech, everything was black.”

Couture, Culture and More

Explore your museum of choice:

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a fashion lover’s nirvana—a sprawling collection of couture, accessories, sketches and photographs. The museum captures YSL’s adventurous 40-year career, from his first LIFE magazine cover to his last runway show in 2008. Yet it’s not all about Yves: don’t miss the gallery showcasing young artists and designers.

Located in Majorelle’s former painting studio, The Berber Museum, reflects the extraordinary creativity of North Africa’s most ancient people. More than 600 objects, collected from the Rif Mountains to the Sahara by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent, attest to the richness and diversity of this vibrant culture.

Marrakech After Dark

Our very full day continues well into the evening. Everything in Marrakech comes to life when the sun sets. We’ll spend Saturday night experiencing the intense magic of the city after dark—a colorful, energetic mix of food, dancing, music and more.

Among our stops: Jemaa el-Fna, a vast open square, just steps from our Riad at the heart of the Medina. Expect snake charmers, street entertainers, henna artists and barbecue stalls serving up Moroccan specialties. Locals and tourists alike descend on the Jemaa every night, drawn by the ceaseless hoopla and halqa (street theatre).

Luxury in the Desert

Today we travel to Agafay, our exclusive desert camp. Just an hour outside of Marrakech, it’s a world away from the bustle of the city. Imagine: Luxury tents furnished with rustic glamour (think berber carpets, iron lanterns, plush bedding). Dining under the stars. Panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Falling asleep to the desert wind.

Activities abound. Ride a camel through the desert or explore the terrain on an ATV. For meals, we’ll feast on authentic local cuisine at Agafay’s ethereal, fine dining restaurant. Before retiring, enjoy a cocktail or Moroccan coffee around the firepit.