DESIGN TRAVEL: GETTING LOST IN MARRAKECH

A small square in the Medina of Marrakech

There are certainly worse things in life than accompanying one's husband on a business trip to Marrakech, Morocco.  

Chris has a travel business Travel Impresarios and is visiting Marrakech for a travel conference called PURE.  While he is meeting with hoteliers from around the globe I thought it would be fun to find beautiful things to bring back to Toronto. 

Perhaps a small pop up shop?  Or just some treasures for friends and family....we'll see if I make it out of the Souks!

Hotel La Sultana

Our beautiful hotel, La Sultana, is located within the Medina which is the oldest part of the city.  A dear friend suggested that I take pictures, like a digital breadcrumb trail...which was such useful advice!  A maze of stalls and shops make for a whirlwind. It is said you haven't been to Marrakech unless you have been lost in the Souks. 

Within the same moment you will see live chickens being carried by their feet,  turtles for sale as lunch, and even a donkey cart.

Colourful produce stands line the streets

And then I found the carpets....

Piles and piles of carpets

"For you madam....best price." 

And I have an oasis for sale in the dessert....

The terrace of Lahandira

There are carpets and then there are carpets...Hakim at La Porte D'Or has the most beautiful things I've seen in Marrakech.

On my last day here I will bundle up as many of my favourite things as I can and ship them back to Toronto, including the rugs, but also lighting, woven baskets and tableware. It will likely be a while before I see them again, but once they arrive I have big plans for them!

Hakim explains an antique silk carpet