For my birthday, I decided to treat myself and travel to a destination long on my list – Marrakesh, Morocco. I wanted to see craft, pattern, architecture, tiles, food and most of all feel very removed from my typical surroundings. When I really need a change, I believe you have to change your environment. Many self-help gurus like Tony Robbins say the same, I agree. So off I went for 8 days and it was more than I hoped for.
Marrakesh is like a rough rock with jewels encrusted throughout, there is great squalor next to beauty, splendor and wealth. I stayed in the Medina or Old Town which is the heart of Marrakesh – inside the city walls are the palaces, the main square, the souks and the main mosque. I went during Ramadan -the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. There were several calls to prayer per day, chanted over loudspeakers throughout the city.
I stayed in a few places to get as much inspiration as possible. The first place was Riad Jardin Secret. The attention to detail by owners Cyrielle and Julien, a creative duo from Paris is everything I wanted on this trip. See my album of their incredible place here. The staff greeted me with mint tea and sweets, I settled in, rested, and wanted to see the streets.
The Room had it’s own art studio
The streets were more than hectic as well as the shopping markets or souks. You cannot not get lost in the souks, I decided to embrace that and get lost my first days there. The merchants love to go back and forth with you, debating prices and it can get a little tiring. A few tips on shopping in Marrakesh – Don’t buy the first day. Also, there are malls outside the Old City in the modern area that have many of the items you would purchase in the souks at a set price that is quite reasonable. It’s not as fun as the markets, but it’s cheaper. I purchased many inspiring items such as ornaments, jewelry, and shoes (yes, the pointy ones). I was also pointed to a decor store that was called Mustapha Blaoui and was 6 floors of the most incredible home furnishing and decor, I wanted to get a shipping container! I bought some rugs and textiles and left that place super inspired. I also suggest hiring a tour guide for the souk to go through faster and hit top sights like the craftmen making things from wood, iron, and metal.
It was cool to see so much street style in the Medina – kids wearing traditional Moroccan clothing mixed with fake Gucci and Supreme socks and slips. This knockoff stuff was everywhere, made me wonder what does it feel like to own Supreme and see that?
I went to the Majorelle Gardens (Jardin Majorelle), designed by Jacques Majorelle and later purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. The contrast of the “Majorelle Blue” and the tropical plant-life had the tourists IG accounts blowing up. Well, mine too. And there was a wonderful traditional Berber exhibit there as well at the time, sadly no photos allowed.
I ate at several highly recommended places not only for their food but their beauty. Jardin Secret Restaurant with it’s strolling turtles and gorgeous green tile, Maison Arab with textiles in abundance and traditional live music, La Famille with it’s vegan yumminess, all just stunning.
I then did some glamping outside of Marrakesh at Scarabeo Camp. So glam, my tent was as big a Brooklyn Studio and included a sink, toilet, huge bed, rugs, and a fire place. My view were beautiful desert hills and some occasional camels. Dinner was served in a communal setting and I met people traveling from all over the world. I also did a camel ride and dune buggy ride. It was such a great mind-reset.
Then it was back to the Medina the next day but this time I stayed at El Fenn. Like I said, I wanted design and decor inspiration. This was the design education of a lifetime. I am designing new products such as wallpaper and other textiles and this stay was very appreciated. Leather tiled floors, stained glass window seats, green tile terraces, tent covered terraces – designer Willem Smit and owners Vanessa Branson and Howell James get my praise. If you are a Madonna fan like I am, she just had her birthday in Marrakesh and stayed here too, in other words, copied me. JK.
I toured several castles and took too many photos of pattern and tile. I did learn that there is so much pattern in the Muslim architecture to inspire awe, much like that of God. Yes, I was in awe at the path involved in creating all these patterns. Of course, you will see more stencils with these patterns featured.
I also visited the La Mamounia Marrakech, A beautiful hotel with lush grounds, a pool, and many themed rooms in the hotel lobby. Stunning and inspiring to say the least.
You can see a bunch of photos from my trip here on the Stencil facebook page. I hope the article and pictures inspire and thanks for letting me share!