Our Travel Guide to a Weekend in Marrakech

RESTAURANTS

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Nestled among the stalls of the city’s bustling souk, Nomad has quickly become one of the hottest tables in Marrakech with its mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisines (think: traditional gazpacho, lamb tagine with prunes and barley). Ask to sit on the terrace overlooking the spice market, and don’t say no to dessert (two words: date cake).

Nomad, 1 Derb Aarjane, Rahba Lakdima, Marrakech, nomadmarrakech.com.

Le Catanzaro

A testament to the city’s international embrace, Le Catanzaro is where the local expats head when they’ve had one plate of tagine too many. The cozy trattoria, designed in the style of a Swiss chalet with stucco walls and decorative wood trim, serves up wood-fired pizzas and creative pastas in Marrakech’s new city.

42 Rue Tarik Bnou Ziad, Marrakech.

HOTELS

Urban Retreat

For his first hotel project, L’Hôtel Marrakech, British fashion designer Jasper Conran converted a 19th-century riad in the heart of the medina, or old city, into five guest rooms. It’s more home than hotel, with art and furniture from the designer’s personal collection, and breakfast served among orange and fig trees on the rooftop terrace.

L’Hôtel Marrakech, 41 Derb Sidi Lahcen ou Ali, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, l-hotelmarrakech.com.

Berber Lodge

Located outside the city, Berber Lodge—created by renowned local designer and hotelier Romain Michel-Meniere—embodies simple luxury: tadelakt walls, interiors by Moroccan artisans, and meals made with ingredients grown in the lodge’s organic garden. Escape city crowds in one of its nine suites, or take advantage of the many al fresco hiding spots spread across leafy grounds.

Douar Oumnes, Tamesloth, Marrakech, berberlodge.net.

Riad Les Yeux Bleus

This recently renovated temple to high design stuns with handpainted tiled floors, brightly colored walls, and handcarved wooden doors. Conveniently set in the popular Bab Doukkala district, the boutique hotel also features two pools, a rooftop bar for post-excursion drinks, and a hammam-equipped spa.

7 Derb El Ferrane, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, marrakech-boutique-riad.com.

EXHIBITS

City Style

Designer Yves Saint Laurent first fell in love with Marrakech in the 1960s, later citing the city as essential to his work. The long-awaited Musée Yves Saint Laurent, designed by Paris architectural duo Studio KO and located near Marrakech’s Jardin Majorelle (where Saint Laurent’s ashes are scattered), debuts this fall with a permanent display curated by architect Christophe Martin.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent, opens October 2017, Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, jardinmajorelle.com.

“Collective Exhibition”

David Bloch Gallery celebrates its resident talent with works that revolve around three themes: “The letter and calligraphy,” in which various Moroccan and French artists explore lettering; “The abstraction and imaginary,” featuring works by artists with a background in graffiti; and “The optical and kinetic art,” centered around pieces that aim to immerse viewers in the “sweet sensation of vertigo.”

11/7–12/12, 8 bis rue des Vieux Marrakechis, Marrakech, davidblochgallery.com.

Nicolas Mathéus, courtesy Fondation Jardin Majorelle (Yves Saint Laurent); courtesy photos (nomad, l’hÔtel marrakech)