Monica’s Marrakech

From souks to palaces, Marrakech is a riot of colour, pattern and sensory delights. No wonder it's a source of inspiration for artists and designers the world over. Here Monica tells us about her recent trip and lists her top places to visit.

STAY
We stayed at the much talked about Palais Namaskar in the Palmeraie region, where we enjoyed long, lazy breakfasts each morning followed by a swim. The Guerlain massage in the hamman is not be missed - one of the best facials I have ever had!

Palais Namaskar was the perfect place to relax after an afternoon spent in the hustle and bustle of the medina. I find it's important to have a quiet retreat to come back to after a day in Marrakech because though it's a wonderful assault on the senses, you are alert the whole time, whether dodging snake charmers and monkeys or bartering for a new piece of fabric!

VISIT
Madrasa Ben Youssef, an Islamic college building and the largest Medrasa in North Africa, can only be reached by foot through the medina, so there are no crowds to contend with, meaning you can enjoy the beauty of the place in peace. This building is one of the most interesting landmarks in Marrakech, and I particularly love the gorgeous fountain in the middle of its courtyard.

Jardin Majorelle is also a must. Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and once the property of Yves Saint Laurent, these gardens have a fantastic botanical landscape of cactus, and the buildings are painted a vibrant cobalt blue, now called bleu Majorelle. I just couldn't stop taking photos, the colours were so rich and vivid - I wanted a slice of that garden for my own! Its little adjoining Berber museum is also well worth a visit.

SHOP
For Djellabas (traditional Berber robes), fab beach cover-ups and gorgeous hand embroidery, head to Karim Bouriad, R'mila Rue Fatima Zahra. You might want to bring an empty suitcase for this place.

Contemporary Moroccan labels, including cool kids' brand Zid Zid Kids, can be found at 33 Rue Majorelle and on Rue Yves Saint Laurent.

Antiques lovers must visit Almas in the Gueliz (inside the Hotel Almas, Boulevard Moulay Rachid) for a superb collection of ceramics, great lanterns, antique jewellery and giant Amber necklaces.

I always hit the souks and medina to seek out Berber rugs - I particularly like the Rothko-esque reds and pinks from the Middle Atlas M'rirt tribe, jade green ceramics, salad bowls, lanterns, tea pots, trays and leather slippers. It's great to really let yourself get lost here, because you never know what you might stumble across and you're bound to have some amusing conversations with vendors along the way.

At the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, I always buy nuts, dates and spices - there is every spice under the sun and the Moroccan cuisine will inspire you to cook when you get home, so this is the perfect place to stock up. Black Argan Hammam soap is also a favourite of mine from the market, a small luxury to remind me of my trip when I get home.

For contemporary ceramics and bespoke pieces, get yourself to the industrial zone of Sidi Ghanem and visit Loun. Your next dinner party will be the most stylish your friends have ever seen.

EAT
Try B'stilla, they have an amazing pigeon pie that I'm still dreaming of on my return.

MARVEL
The sublime snow-capped Atlas Mountains and desert landscape will never cease to amaze me.