Morocco Travel Guide: The UltimateMommy Getaway to Marrakech and theDesert

A complete guide to planning an unforgettable Morocco girls trip, from the best riads in

Marrakech to glamping under the desert stars

Planning a Morocco girls trip? Looking for the perfect mom vacation destination? Sometimes, moms just need a break. Not from loving our families, but from the daily grind of carpools, meal prep, and endless to-do lists. That's exactly why my friend Gervel and I decided to escape to Morocco for a week-long adventure that would rejuvenate our spirits and remind us that we're more than just"mom."

Our Marrakech travel experience exceeded every expectation. What we discovered in the souks,riads, and desert dunes of Morocco was pure magic—and a whole lot of fun. If you're researching Morocco vacation ideas or planning a Marrakech itinerary, this guide will help you plan the perfect getaway.

Where to Stay in Marrakech: Riad Joya Review

Our adventure started with both of us arriving in Marrakech via different routes (me from France, Gervel from LA). We reunited at the stunning Riad Joya , a traditional

Moroccan riad in the Medina that became our home base for this incredible journey.

Let me tell you—Riad Joya was hands down the best hotel service I have ever experienced. If you're searching for where to stay in Marrakech, look no further. From the moment we stepped through the ornate doors, we were treated like royalty. The manager was incredibly accommodating, anticipating our every need before we even had to ask. The courtyard was breathtaking with its intricate tile work and serene fountain, but what really set this place apart was the food. Every breakfast was a feast of fresh Moroccan delicacies, and the staff made sure we felt at home throughout our entire stay. For authentic Marrakech accommodation with exceptional service, this is where you want to be.

Day One: Exploring Solo

While Gervel's flight arrived late that first night, I had a full day to explore Marrakech on my own. There's something incredibly empowering about wandering through the winding streets of a foreign city, getting delightfully lost in the souks, and finding your way back again. I soaked up the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant city, building anticipation for the adventures to come.

Things to Do in Marrakech: YSL Museum & Jardin Majorelle

One of our first adventures together was visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Garden

As someone who loves bold fashion (and you can see from my outfits!), exploring the legacy of YSL in the city that inspired him was absolutely thrilling. The Jardin Majorelle is one of the top Marrakech attractions—with its electric blue buildings and exotic plant collection, it felt like stepping into a living work of art. This is definitely a must-visit on any Marrakech itinerary.

Marrakech Food Tour: Street Food Adventure

That evening, we dove headfirst into Moroccan cuisine with a Marrakech food tour through Moroccan Food Adventures. For three and a half hours, we walked the bustling streets of Marrakech, tasting everything from tangy preserved lemons to sweet pastilla, spicy merguez sausages to refreshing mint tea. We met in Jemaa el-Fnaa, and our guide led us through the maze-like medina, introducing us to flavors we never knew existed.

Here's what made this tour extra special: even though Gervel is vegetarian, there was absolutely no shortage of incredible dishes for her to try. Vegetarian food in Morocco is phenomenal! From savory vegetable tagines to crispy fried eggplant, aromatic couscous to warm flatbreads with olive oil and zaatar, Moroccan street food is a vegetarian's dream. We both ate until we were stuffed, and it was sensory overload in the best possible way.

The Royal Mansour: A Beautiful Property, But Skip the Spa

Let me be honest here—we had high hopes for the Royal Mansour Spa. The property itself is

absolutely stunning, a true palace that showcases the finest Moroccan craftsmanship. We arrived early to explore, and the architecture alone took our breath away.

However, the spa treatment was a letdown. For the price we paid, we expected exceptional service, but it just wasn't there. The hammam experience felt rushed, and the overall service didn't match the luxury price tag. The property is gorgeous and worth seeing if you get the chance, but I'd recommend skipping the spa treatments and spending your money elsewhere. There are other amazing experiences in Marrakech that deliver much better value.

Best Restaurants in Marrakech: NOMAD

That evening, we watched the sunset from NOMAD , one of the

best restaurants in Marrakech with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views over the medina. Here's my tip: book your reservation for sunset—trust me on this. Watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange while overlooking the medina is absolutely magical.

The food was incredible—fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into creative dishes that honored tradition while embracing innovation. But whatever you do, DO NOT miss the date dessert. Seriously, it was one of the best things we ate on the entire trip. Sweet, rich, perfectly balanced—it's the kind of dish you'll dream about long after you're home. This modern Moroccan restaurant is a must-visit for any foodie visiting Marrakech.

Before dinner, we explored the shop downstairs, Chabi-Chic, picking up beautiful handcrafted treasures to take home.

Morocco Desert Tour: Glamping in the Agafay Desert

One of the highlights of our trip was our Morocco desert experience with Stone Camp Scarabeo.

They picked us up from Riad Joya for the journey to their luxury desert camp in the Agafay Desert. If you're looking for Morocco glamping options near Marrakech, this is an unforgettable experience.

Camel Riding in Morocco: Sunset in the Desert

As the sun began its descent, we mounted our camels for a sunset camel ride through the desert landscape. There's something deeply peaceful about the slow, swaying rhythm of camel travel, the vast emptiness around you, and the sky shifting through shades of orange, pink, and purple. Camel trekking in Morocco is truly magical.

Back at camp, we enjoyed an incredible dinner (the reviews weren't kidding—the food was amazing!) under a canopy of stars. Sharing stories with Gervel around the fire, away from the demands of daily life, we remembered who we were before we became moms. We laughed until our sides hurt and made memories we'll treasure forever.

Connecting with Locals

One of the most beautiful aspects of our Morocco trip was the genuine warmth of the Moroccan people. From our camel guides to the women who showed us their crafts, every interaction reminded us of the universal language of kindness. We learned about their traditions, their families, and their daily lives. These connections enriched our journey beyond any tourist attraction ever could.

Returning to Marrakech: Our Final Feast

After our desert adventure, we returned to Marrakech and spent the afternoon shopping, relaxing, and reflecting on our incredible experience. That evening, we dressed up for dinner at Dar Yacout, one of Marrakech's most famous restaurants. Housed in a restored

riad, the restaurant felt like dining in a sultan's palace. The prix fixe menu showcased the best of traditional Moroccan cuisine—every course was a work of art.

Saying Goodbye (For Now)

Our final day included some last-minute souvenir shopping and lots of promises to do this again. Gervel and I both left Morocco changed—refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful for this time together.

Why Every Mom Needs a Morocco Trip

This wasn't just a vacation. It was a reminder that we're multifaceted human beings with our own dreams, interests, and need for adventure. Being a mom is beautiful, but it shouldn't be our only identity.

Traveling with another mom was the perfect choice. We understood each other's need to both explore and occasionally just sit in comfortable silence. We didn't judge each other for wanting to sleep in or splurge on amazing experiences. We celebrated each other's joy and supported each other through the inevitable travel hiccups.

Want My Complete Morocco Itinerary?

If you're serious about planning your own Morocco girls trip or mom getaway and want the complete day-by-day itinerary with all the details I used to plan this perfect trip, you can get my full Morocco travel guide

It includes everything from where to stay, what to book in advance, restaurant reservations,

transportation details, exact booking links, and a realistic budget breakdown. I've done all the research and testing so you don't have to!

Planning Your Morocco Vacation: Essential Tips

1. Stay in a traditional riad in the Marrakech medina—the experience is incomparable to a regular hotel. We absolutely loved Riad Joya!

2. Book Morocco activities in advance—popular experiences and restaurant reservations fill upquickly

3. Go to NOMAD at sunset and don't miss the date dessert (best dessert in Marrakech!)

4. Embrace getting lost in the medina—some of the best discoveries happen when you wander

5. Try everything—from Moroccan street food to fine dining, Morocco's culinary scene is incredible. Vegetarians, you'll have plenty of options!

6. Connect with locals—their stories and perspectives will enrich your Morocco travel experience

7. Leave room in your schedule—some of our best moments were unplanned

8. Bring layers—Morocco weather can be warm during the day but chilly at night, especially in the desert. We were there in December

9. Skip overpriced spa treatments—there are better ways to spend your money for authentic

Moroccan experiences

10. Consider a desert tour from Marrakech—it's closer than you think and absolutely worth it!

Final Thoughts on Morocco Travel for Moms

Morocco exceeded all our expectations. From the vibrant chaos of the Marrakech souks to the serene silence of the Agafay Desert, from luxurious riads to adventurous camel rides, from gourmet Moroccan meals to simple street food—every moment was a gift.

But the real treasure was reconnecting with myself and deepening my friendship with Gervel. We returned home not just with gorgeous photos and beautiful souvenirs, but with renewed energy and a reminder of who we are beyond motherhood.

To all the moms reading this Morocco travel guide: You deserve this kind of adventure. You deserve to explore, to be pampered, to try new things, and to remember that you're extraordinary. Your family will survive without you for a week (they might even appreciate you more when you return!), and you'll come back better equipped to give them the best version of yourself.

Morocco is waiting for your mom getaway. Ready to start planning? Get my complete Morocco itinerary with all the details you need for just $11.99! Email me at hello@myriambanks.com