This spring, one of my biggest dreams came true: I got a book deal.
After years of writing — and another 18 months working on a proposal — Harmony Publishers picked up my prescriptive memoir, The Selfish Wife.
My deadline? February 1st, 2025.
In the thralls of all things Faherty and all things motherhood, I knew the only way I could sneak in some writing was if I fled my children, domestic duties, and NYC.
When my dear friend, Noor, mentioned she’d be in Morocco for a few months working on a book of her own, the vision was clear: Book the flight.
With the laser-like focus of a true author, I’d breeze through a half dozen chapters or so before my mint tea could cool.
I landed in Marrakech with lofty ambitions and a suitcase overflowing with Faherty. The smell of spices had barely wafted past my nostrils—a tantalizing invitation—before reality set in.
After a joyful reunion, Noor and I faced a question:
Could two female entrepreneurs—both of whom work with their husbands—visit a country beloved for its art, food, and shopping and actually write? Or would we be so entranced by Morocco's glory, we’d quickly forget our oh-so-productive plans?
The answer was... somewhere in the middle. But it all was perfect. (As evidenced by the itinerary below.)
Stays:
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, which was an absolute dream. The pool villa is next-level luxury. This is just outside of the medina, so it's a calmer scene after all the hustle and bustle. If you are looking for a spot in the Medina, renting a riad is a must. (A La Sultana and El Fenn are also gems.)
If you can make it to the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Bab Ourika is an absolute dream. Noor had a solo writing retreat here for 4 days, and it was one of the most nourishing experiences. As a bonus, it’s only a little over an hour outside of Marrakech.
Food & Experiences:
1. Amal Nonprofit trains and empowers disadvantaged Moroccan women through culinary arts, confidence building, leadership, and language. They provide cooking classes and also have an incredible restaurant just outside the medina.
2. Clock Cafe is my go-to for great food, rooftop ambiance, live music, and writing. (And if you need to take a meeting, they have strong wifi!)
3. All things Hassan Hajjaj. This brilliant Moroccan artist, photographer, and filmmaker has a concept cafe outside of the medina called Jajjah by Hassan Hajjaj. If you're looking to visit his gallery or even buy a piece, his hidden Riad Yima is worth the visit.
4. Le Bistro Arabe is a delightful dinner spot with a great live music scene. 
5. La Famille is an incredible women-owned family-style dinner spot in a beautiful secret garden.
6. Masnou3 is an incredible vintage spot. They craft incredibly one-off pieces using vintage fabrics and really unique handmade jewelry, too. It's attached to another woman-owned restaurant called Maison Reine, which offers a cool dining concept.
7. If you are hoping to buy rugs, leather products, etc., only buy Anou. They are a women and Amazigh-owned cooperative that is fair trade, so you purchase directly from the artisans with no middlemen. Please support their work. Representation and quality, generational craftsmanship are so important.
8. Mandala Society is a Moroccan and Icelandic coffee shop and cafe with the best coffee and breakfast. The food isn't Moroccan, but if you are going for a more plant-based breakfast, check it out. (Personally, I’d start with the oat milk latte.)
9. Kutubiyya (The Booksellers Mosque) can’t be missed once you're in the Medina. It’s a beautiful sight; in the 19th century, 100+ booksellers surrounded the mosque.
10. For all of my adventurers, Cieldafrique. Who doesn’t want to take a hot air balloon ride over the Moroccan Sahara?
Marrakech is a place of wonder, magic, and the deepest hospitality. You never leave the same. If you ever experience the land often called “The Kingdom of Sunset”, don't forget to offer your hosts the most loving expression of gratitude: Shukran bizzaff!
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