My Marrakesh Experience

Last December, while in Paris, two of my friends and I made a spontaneous decision that turned into one of my favorite trips to date. We booked a flight from Paris to Marrakesh a quick three-hour flight for under $200—and honestly asked ourselves, why not!? Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you stop overthinking and just go.

From the moment we landed in Marrakech, I could feel the shift. The air felt warmer, the energy richer, and everything around us felt alive. But the real experience began once we headed to our stay: Riad XO.

One of the biggest perks of staying at Riad XO is how seamless they make your arrival. The Riad arranged a driver to pick us up directly from the airport and take us there, which was absolutely perfect—especially after traveling. If you’ve ever arrived in a new country at night, you know how comforting it is to have someone already waiting for you.

Now let me be honest: the drive there had us questioning everything. The streets get narrow, the surroundings feel unfamiliar, and for a moment you’re wondering how this could possibly lead to where you’re staying. It feels a little sketchy, a little chaotic… and then you walk through the doors.
And suddenly—you’re inside an oasis.

Riad XO is calm, stunning, intimate, and beautifully designed. It’s one of those places that makes you exhale the second you arrive. The noise fades, the stress disappears, and you immediately understand why riads are so special. It felt private, safe, and luxurious without being pretentious.
One of the highlights of our stay was the spa experience, which I still think about. I booked a massage, not fully knowing what I was walking into and wow. First, they scrub you down with black soap and a net sponge, which you get to keep. They literally wash you off first, exfoliating your skin in a way that makes you realize you’ve never truly been clean before. From there, you’re moved into a massage room where I had one of the best massages of my life.

The experience reminded me a lot of a Korean spa very traditional, very intentional. You’re essentially naked except for your panties, which caught me slightly off guard, but it’s completely professional and rooted in cultural practice. I personally wasn’t ready to get my hair wet, so I had to quickly pull it up and let them know not to rinse my head. My two friends, however, were rinsed from head to toe, fully embracing the experience. It was grounding, humbling, and honestly unforgettable.

Let’s talk about the food—because it deserves its own moment. The meals at Riad XO were AMAZING. Every meal felt intimate, thoughtfully prepared, and full of flavor. We loved the experience so much that we ate most of our meals right there at the Riad. When the food is that good and the setting is that cozy, there’s really no need to venture far.

They also have an incredible dipping pool and outdoor area where you can sunbathe, order drinks, snack, and just exist. We spent hours lounging, talking, resting, and soaking it all in. Honestly, we basically lived there, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

One of my favorite perks? The rooftop restaurant and pool. The views were stunning, the energy was relaxed, and it felt like such a dream to start the day up there. Breakfast was included with our stay, which made mornings even sweeter—fresh, delicious, and enjoyed slowly, just how travel should be.

Of course, I couldn’t come to Morocco without doing a little shopping. I had to check out the Louis Vuitton store, which felt like such a full-circle travel moment—luxury meeting culture in a city rich with history. I also stopped by Zara, because international Zara always hits differently, and I make it a rule to browse whenever I’m abroad.

What stood out to me most about Morocco, though, was how deeply it challenged the narratives we’re often taught in America. Morocco is beautiful, layered, welcoming, and full of culture. It’s vibrant and complex, peaceful and energetic all at once. It’s not what we’re taught to fear—it’s a place to respect, explore, and truly experience.

This trip reminded me why I love travel so much. Sometimes all it takes is a short flight and an open mind to completely shift your perspective. Morocco did that for me—and I’m already dreaming of going back.
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let this be your sign: go to Morocco.