Morocco

This store is run by a British man named John who moved to Marrakech and converted to Islam and now “lives and looks like Cat Stevens,” according to my local friend. The Moroccan lanterns of all shapes and sizes that are sold in the store are of amazing quality and craftsmanship.

An endless corridor of gold lamps in every shape and size. I had considerable trouble walking away without buying the whole store!

A well-stocked and elegant one stop shop for all things traditionally Moroccan.

In Marrakesh there is a sprawling Souk or traditional Moroccan marketplace, where myriad goods are sold in small stalls and stands that line labyrinthine hallways. Fruits, vegetables, rugs, lamps, furniture, spices and handcrafts are all sold here and have been for centuries. I loved the colorful pharmacies chock full of jars of herbs for all kinds of maladies, argon oil, and kohl for traditional eye-makeup. A great deal of haggling takes place at the souks, so brace yourself for bargaining. Laetitia Trouillet, our wonderful shopping guide, took us around to a few great boutiques and guided us through the souk, which can be overwhelming without the right person. If you’re ever shopping in Marrakech, she’s the person to call. Below are a few shops and restaurants she recommends along with the spots I visited on my trip.

From Michael Berg, several holy sites worth visiting in and near Marrakesh. These are the places where several Jewish saints are buried: 1. Saint Hanania Cohen is buried in the city’s Jewish cemetery. 2. Saint Yaacob Nahamias or Moul Almay, is buried in the town of Sidi Rahal, near Marrakech. 3. Rabbi Shlomo ben Hensh is found in the Ourika valley, about 2 hours from Marrakech. 4. Saint David Lachkar or Moulay Ighi, is buried at the highest point on the road to Ouarzazate, in the stronghold of the most powerful Berber family of the twentieth century, the Glaoui.

Open night and day, this club dishes Lebanese food, fancy drinks at the bar and dance music downstairs.

This restaurant boasts some of the best traditional Moroccan cuisine in Marrakesh. Be sure to book in advance as it’s always full. Laetitia highly recommends the Lamb Shoulder for two.

A bar, a restaurant, and a boutique, Le Comptoir does it all. The sprawling building has a clubby feel to it. My local friends have mentioned that it is a tourist spot, but it’s great fun just the same. A good spot for dinner and a drink plus, there’s a belly-dance show every night at 10:30.

I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant which means “rare pearl” and indeed it is, found in the district that used to make up the Pasha’s palace. The restaurant is in a restored mansion and every night you’ll find the best traditional Moroccan dishes fit for a king (in fact, King Mohammed VI is known to visit here from time to time). It sounds exotic, but I promise the pigeon pie is a must! The added bonus to meals here is that belly dancers serenade your table, which my friends got beyond into. I’d almost like to upload the footage on YouTube—it’s that good—but for now I’ll leave to the imagination.

Located in the new part of town. The food is French and the place, a renovated post office, has an old, elegant yet casual air.