March is an ideal time to go to Morocco. The weather is warm during the day and cool at night. The orange blossoms are in bloom which fill the air with the intoxicating scent of azahar. For an authentic experience in the Medina of Marrakech, a stay in a riad (Moroccan guest house) near the Souk Market is a fabulous wallop to the senses that can only be described as organized chaos and glamorous luxury, simultaneously.
The Jardin Majorelle is a peaceful botanical garden that was once the home of Yves Saint Laurent. It is now an essential tourist attraction that includes the amazing Berber Museum of art and culture, as well as a museum of the life's work of the fashion designer.
Jemaa-el Fna is a unique plaza in the heart of Marrakech. It's an evolving space that changes roles drastically throughout the day. It's like no place on earth.
Koutoubia Mosque is a focal point of Marrakech as it is the highest structure in the city. Built in the 12th century, the name "koutoubia" means bookseller as the area in front of the mosque once attracted 100 book sellers and traders.
The Kasbah of Marrakech is an eclectic area of shops and markets bordered by the ramparts of the El Badi Palace and the Saardian Tombs. The pace is slower here so strolling through the rose colored streets is a delightful experience.
Saadian tombs are one of the only remains of the Saadian dynasty from 1524 to 1659. In the early 18th century, almost all traces of the magnificence of this dynasty were destroyed leaving just this necropolis. To avoid sacrilege, the burials were saved, but the entrance to the mausoleum was sealed to the public until it was rediscovered in 1917.
Built in 1593, El Badi Palace was the most exquisite Saadian palace of its time; but was also a casualty of the Alaouite dynasty and was stripped of its contents, building materials and decorations, to be used in the construction of a new palace in the northern city of Meknes.
To get from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, you have to cross the Atlas Mountains using an ancient nomadic route. Due to road construction, the drive is four hours each way. Nonetheless, the views are absolutely spectacular.
Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent ancient Berber village near the town of Ouarzazate. Only 4 of the original Berber families still live there. The village has been filmed in several movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, and more recently, the TV series Game of Thrones.
La Mamounia Hotel is an old world Hollywood styled luxury hotel near the Koutoubia Mosque. When it opened in 1925, the decor was considered sober and modern.
Riad Les Trois Palmiers El Bacha is a fabulous guest house in the medina within walking distance to the souks. It is a little piece of paradise.
