MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Its location on the northern tip of africa, proximity to spain and strong arabic influence give Morocco an exotic, sexy vibe that’s been drawing bohemian glamour-seekers for decades.
Sleep You could choose a cozy boutique riad (courtyard-style traditional house, such as the Riad El Fenn recommended by Gwyneth Paltrow, from $365) or a luxury resort such as the four seasons Marrakech (from $450), but the place to stay is la MaMounia (from $739), a former prince’s palace boasting a recent multi-million– dollar renovation. From the intoxicating bespoke date, rose and cedar hotel fragrance by French perfumer Olivia Giacobetti, to the tray of honey-drenched phyllo-pastry sweets in your room, every detail feels local, authentic and intimate.
Eat Dine late and catch the nightly belly dancing show at the see-and-be-seen Le Comptoir Darna. Or book Dar Marjana for traditional Moroccan cuisine such as spicy lamb tagine with fluffy couscous in a vintage-palace setting. Celebrities are known to frequent this sensual city and love to lounge at the hedonistic, clubby Nikki Beach when in town.
Play During the day, get lost in the shady streets of the souk (market) in the Medina (the old walled town). At the magic hour of dusk, as calls to prayer ring from nearby mosques, the main square transforms into a night market with steaming food stalls, trick-performing monkeys and snake charmers, putting the two of you in an Arabian
Nights–style scene.
—Charlene Rooke