Marrakech

Twenty years later, my return to this vibrant city.

Last November, I made my grand return to Marrakech after 20 years. I was invited by Duende Retreats to co-host a six-day “Marrakech with Ajiri” experience. I was 25 the last time that I was there, also in November, to deliver a few trunks of clothes and assist on a shoot for a stylist and photographer I had never even met. My boss walked into the fashion closet around 7pm and demanded, “Ajiri, do you have a passport?” Her stomping in like that was never good, especially since she was probably grumpy to still be at the office. I nervously said yes, and she barked, “Good. You are going to Marrakech tomorrow.” I was kind of annoyed because it meant I would miss Thanksgiving with my friends. But I was also very curious because I hadn’t been back to Africa since I left at 5 years old. (I know North Africa and West Africa are very different, but still.)

I was nervous and totally out of my element. Not to mention, I didn’t know the people that I was meeting to work with on the magazine shoot. It turned into an adventure, just as this trip did, two decades later, in a completely different way. This time, I was ready and excited to meet people I didn’t know again and spend a week with them. (Full disclosure: I did, however, know one woman who was a past Provence retreat guest and now a friend as well as Regina Tingle from Duende.)

Over the course of the week, we walked the souks with local experts, shared long meals, got silly with impromptu photoshoots, and had deep, meaningful conversations over many meals. Well…except during the cooking class, where we may have been a bit too chatty for the chef’s liking.

I also led a workshop called “Cultivate & Curate: Telling Your Story Through Style,” and the response truly exceeded my expectations. It was powerful to explore how the design and style choices that inspire us are often connected to deeper personal narratives.

Marrakech is a vibrant city in every sense. In the medina, it’s loud, colorful, and chaotic, and for some, a little overwhelming. I tend to avoid the snake charmers and monkey handlers in the square, preferring to wander the narrow alleys in search of caftans and carpets. Personally, I can only dodge donkeys and motorcycles for a few hours before needing a break or some time in another part of the city that’s a bit calmer but still full of beauty and inspiration. And I just love all the shades of my fav color pink everywhere.

Below, I’m sharing just a few restaurants I visited on this trip, along with some eye candy pics for inspiration. For the full experience, you will have to follow Duende and join her for future trips.