
As we gear up for the Sex and the City 2 movie which comes out in Ireland this Friday, this month’s Style City is Marrakech, which will get you in the mood. It’s where the SATC girls filmed their holiday scenes.
Shopping in Marrakech
Marrakech is a shopaholics dream. The souks (markets) are made up of over 2000 alleys filled with stalls. There are leather handbags in every colour, tea glasses, silk scarves, shopping baskets and lovely lanterns. You will need to barter though, it’s the norm.
Also, a word of warning from Dee, a WhatSheWears.ie reader. If you’re unsure about a purchase and ask the stall seller to put the item aside for you, don’t let them put it in a plastic bag. That means that the sale has completed and they have “runners” all around the souk who will soon let you know about it.
Dee also recommends buying leather “poufs”, if you’re after a cool, leather interiors which you can stuff yourself, once home. It cost her approx €60 for two of them they come in fabulous brownes or wine colour. If they’re made of goats leather, they’ll smell (of goat, naturally!) and you’ll need to wrap them well before travelling back with them. If you use them straight away. Leave them in your garden shed for a while until the odour leaves them. Dee says it’s worth it, as they are a key feature in her living room now!
She also recommends covering up before going shopping. Moroccan men tend to “leer” at foreign women – so don’t give them much to look at by covering up your chest and shoulders with a pashmina.
If the idea of the souk phases you, then head for Centre Artisanal on Derb Baissi Kasbah. It’s a department store filled with fantastic Moroccan trinkets, and there’s no bartering required.
Where to stay in Marrakech
A riad is the real McCoy when it comes to getting the real Marrakech experience. These are gorgeous courtyard mansions, hidden away in the old part of the city.
Riads Marrakech
Check out Riad Darhani which has a plunge pool and sun loungers surrounded by beautiful rooms. Darhani also has a roof terrace when you can eat breakfast to your heart’s content.
There are plenty more riads to be found on www.hipmarrakech.com .
Eating out in Marrakech
Lunch in Marrakech
For lunch, head to the chic Cafe Bougainvillea on Rue el Moussine. It’s a funky place with hot pink chairs and a Moroccan tiled fountain.
Dinner in Marrakech
Riad Kniza is an experience Carrie and the girls would certainly approve of. For €45, you receive drinks and a five course meal of local pastries and traditional tagines – all served on a rose petal strewn table on their rooftop restaurant!
Going out in Marrakech
You may have noticed a common theme in this month Style City. Roof terraces are a bonus to any venue and hotel and bar owners pay top dollar for this extra bit of real estate. With that in mind, Cafe Arabe’s roof terrace is great for sun downers.
Then head to Theatro which is a club in a refurbished theatre – or another hip nightspot called le Comptoir Darna.
Other Things to do in Marrakech
Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes are scattered in the picturesque Jardin Majorelle, which was previously owned by YSL himself (pictured in blue).
The Cafes around Djemaa El Fna square are worth sitting outside to people watch (you’ll see street vendors, entertainers and belly dancers).
While there, enjoy a mint tea to cool you down in the hot Moroccan sun and enjoy the spectacle that will unfold before you.
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May 25, 2010
Lifestyle