Escape to the desert in style with my pro tip sheet on exploring Morocco.​ Here, where to stay, shop, eat, and play.

Marrakesh

Stay: El Fenn Hotel

Shop: Mustapha Blaoui for the best selection of rugs and local artisan crafts.

Eat: The El Fenn Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, Cafe Clock.

Play: Explore Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Gardens, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Atlas Mountains, get a private hammam at El Fenn.

Essaouira

Stay: Riad Baoussala

Castles In The Sand Villas: (the owner Emma Wilson will fix you up with the most amazing itinerary while in town).

Shop: Hassan Hajjaj Gallery for vintage jewelry, Couscous Brocante for vintage midcentury finds, Gallery Jama for the best rugs in all of Morocco.

Eat: Elizir, Umia

Play: Visit the port, head to the beach, kite surf, ride horses on the beach with Equi Evasion riding company, get lost in the beautiful medina.

Fez

Stay: Riad Number 9

Eat: Restaurant 7 (attached to Riad Number 9)

Play: Visit the tanneries, take a day trip up north to Chefchaouen, a magical, blue-washed mountain village that feels like a world of its own.

Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert

Stay: Auberge Kasbah Leila (stay in the tents at the feet of the dunes).

Play: Put on tons of sunscreen, get lost in the dunes, ride camels (or walk next to them) in the dunes, go to Merzouga to explore for an afternoon, ask Mohammed the manager at Kasbah Leila to play their traditional drums and have a dance party.

x14 | Morocco Travel Diary