Travel Blog by Bandana Tomar

“Marrakesh, the Red City, was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Exploring the Medina, I stumbled upon the majestic Koutoubia Minaret, its intricate architecture a testament to the city’s rich history. The local Medina market was a treasure trove of vibrant colors and enticing aromas, with Souks offering everything from spices to handicrafts. A tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, Jardin Majorelle was a breathtaking haven of beauty and serenity.

Jardin Majorelle has a fascinating history, built in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who spent 40 years transforming the 12-acre property into a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture and lush gardens. Later, fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé acquired the property in 1980 and painstakingly restored it to its former glory.

When visiting Jardin Majorelle, you can expect to be mesmerized by the vibrant colors and exotic plants from around the world. Take a stroll through the peaceful gardens, admire the striking blue buildings, and explore the various courtyards and water features. Be sure to visit the Berber Museum, located within the garden, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Morocco’s Berber community. With its unique blend of art, architecture, and nature, Jardin Majorelle is a must-visit destination in Marrakesh.”

Ozoud Waterfalls:

“The climb down to the Ozoud Waterfalls was a bit challenging, especially with kids, as the soil path was slippery and steep. Thankfully, my husband was a lifesaver, carrying our little one on his shoulders to ensure her safety. At the bottom, we took a boat ride for €2 per person, which brought us closer to the majestic waterfalls. We spent some time taking photos and videos, soaking in the natural beauty. Afterward, we ascended via a proper staircase on the other side, which had plenty of shops selling local goods. We ended the day with a delicious Moroccan lunch, complete with vegetarian and non-vegetarian tajine options, for £13 per person. The view of the waterfalls while enjoying our meal was the perfect ending to an amazing experience.”

“After enjoying the waterfalls, we paid our tour guide 50 MAD as a token of appreciation for his services. Then, we headed back to Marrakesh, which took around 3 hours. Our day trip started early, at 7 am, and we returned to our hotel around 7 pm, after a fulfilling day. Conveniently, we were the first to board the tour bus and the last to disembark, as our hotel, Labranda Targa Aqua Park, was located in the Targa area. Being an all-inclusive hotel, we looked forward to relaxing and unwinding after our exciting day trip.”

Ourika Valley:

“The next day, while my husband and 4-year-old took a well-deserved rest, I mustered up the courage to embark on another solo adventure. I’d booked the tour through GetYourGuide, and the bus picked me up at 8:40 am. Our first stop was a local shop and house where I was warmly welcomed by the ladies. They offered us freshly baked bread and delicious dips, showcasing their culinary skills. The highlight of the visit was learning about the traditional method of making argan oil and seeing the beautiful products made from natural herbs and argan oil. I ended up purchasing a few items, including an argan oil face serum, a ‘botox cream’, and a natural lipstick.

After this enriching experience, we headed to the Ourika Valley. Our adventure continued with a thrilling climb up the Atlas Mountains, reaching an altitude of 2100 meters. The ascent was quite challenging, with steep and stony paths that required careful footing. However, the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the sense of accomplishment made every step worthwhile. As I climbed higher, the scenery shifted, revealing breathtaking vistas of the valley below.

Once we reached the top, I was rewarded with panoramic views of the Ourika Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery. After taking in the views, we descended to a picturesque spot by the river, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at ground level, surrounded by nature’s serenity. The valley’s natural beauty, combined with the warm hospitality and delicious food, made for an unforgettable experience. My legs were shaking but tour gave plenty of time to relax than we headed back it took 1.5 hour to reach to Hotel.

Hotel relaxing:

“After our exciting day trips, we spent two relaxing days at our all-inclusive hotel, Labranda Targa Aqua Park. Each day was filled with delicious meals and refreshing activities. We started the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by fun-filled hours splashing around the swimming pools and water slides. Drinks were readily available, quenching our thirst after a swim. Lunch was a highlight, with an amazing spread of dishes to satisfy every craving. Afternoons were spent lounging by the pool or taking another dip to cool off.

In the evenings, we enjoyed snacks and got ready for a fantastic night ahead. After a relaxing bath, we dressed up in beautiful clothes and headed out to enjoy the hotel’s evening entertainment. The live music and dances were mesmerizing, and the drinks flowed freely. We ended the night with a satisfying dinner, feeling rejuvenated and content after a wonderful day of relaxation.”

Atlas Studio and Ait Ben Haddou:

“My next adventure took me to the Atlas Studios and Ait Benhaddou, a journey that began early at 7 am from Marrakesh. As I traveled through the scenic mountainous route, I couldn’t help but feel excited about exploring these iconic locations. Atlas Studios has been the backdrop for many famous movies and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Prince of Persia. I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes insights into movie magic, seeing sets, costumes, and props that brought these epic stories to life.

After visiting the studios, I headed to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksars (fortified villages). This ancient mud-brick village has been the setting for numerous films and TV shows, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones (as the city of Yunkai). To reach the village, there’s a climb that may look daunting from a distance, but it’s easily doable. The stunning architecture, the intricate earthen structures, and the rich history of this ancient trading post made every step worthwhile. Walking through the narrow alleys and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape was a truly unforgettable experience.

This trip was another solo adventure, as my husband and daughter opted to relax at the hotel. After a fulfilling day of exploration, I finally returned to Marrakesh at 10:30 pm, tired but content after a day well spent.”

Thank you for reading, See you next time.