Indulging In Grand Retail Therapy In Marrakech

The retail experience in Marrakech is acclaimed globally not only for its excellence but also for its delightful engagement. A rich tapestry of visuals, aromas, and auditory delights accompanies the quest for the perfect finds. It behooves one to acquire a selection of Moroccan luxury goods before departing, thereby infusing one's residence with authentic Moroccan elegance. Certain shopping destinations never fall out of favor with elite travelers, and new places—like Marrakech—are always making the list.

Marrakech has no shortage of things to buy. At LVH, we can arrange a professional shopping guide who won’t waste your time taking you to places that don’t interest you but only to places matching your retail wishes.

Here are five things we suggest you add to your shopping list while in Marrakech:

RUGS

Gorgeous rugs here are made by local artisans in various tribal styles. Rug shopping is a real experience, so going with a guide who speaks the language may be a good option. Anticipate dedicating several hours to exploring myriad items, during which you will be lavishly indulged with mint tea. Moroccan rugs are made of wool, and you can test the authenticity simply by asking for a strand from the carpet and lighting it on fire. Wool will sizzle like hair, while synthetic fibers will melt like plastic. You can also dab a rug with a wet cloth to ensure the fibers are properly dyed. A bleeding carpet is the last thing you want on your floor.

You can find the most glorious rugs in Marrakech. They’re in all colors with tribal designs.

ARGAN OIL

Argan trees flourish in Morocco, earning the region its reputation as the source of the "gold that grows on trees." A particular variety of argan nuts is so irresistible to goats that they climb the trees to reach it. Argan oil, celebrated not only for its benefits to hair but also for its nourishing effects on the skin, is another reason Morocco is known as the epicenter of this precious natural resource.

Culinary versions exist, allowing you to experiment with the Moroccan habit of using it as a dip for bread (in the same way you would use olive oil).

Making pure argan oil in Marrakech

CAFTANS

Worn for everyday use and as formal garb, including weddings, Marrakech knows caftans well. Imagine how you'd ideally wear one—whether a breezy cotton style pulled on at the beach or a richly embroidered piece styled for the evening—and then hunt for quality. The higher-end makers are tucked behind more demure doorsteps (the opposite of the stalls with bright synthetic styles flapping in the air). A custom-designed, tailor-made caftan is a thing of exceptional beauty.

A highly intricate, beautifully tailored, custom-made-in-Marrakech caftan. 

Palais Anthea

The exclusive palatial Palais Anthea is a perfect residence for your shopping spree in Marrakech. The superbly designed eleven bedrooms can accommodate up to twenty-two guests. This luxury accommodation exudes imperial opulence with its Moorish architecture. The Palais offers an incredible hammam and massage room, perfect for relaxing after a day of shopping, as are the state-of-the-art fitness and cinema rooms. This secluded home is on over three acres of land covered with well-manicured lawns and gardens. Here, you will also find a luxurious mosaiced pool and a jacuzzi where you can enjoy the fantastic weather. If you are a golf enthusiast, you will be amazed by the pristine golf course, where you can appreciate the beauty of the garden as you play. 

SPICES

When in Marrakech, you’ll undoubtedly experience an unforgettable array of aromas, whether wafting from the souks, local restaurants, or bustling food stalls down the labyrinth of alleyways in the ancient medina. So, why not take some of these delicious local spices home to recreate some of your favorite traditional dishes? If you are unsure what to buy, go for the specialty “Ras El Hanout,” meaning “head of the shop,” where you’ll get more than 30 mixed spices to take home. 

You can find Ras El Hanout just about anywhere, selling brilliantly colored spices, petals, and leaves. Ras El Hanout usually includes paprika, cumin, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, aniseed, dried ginger, peppercorn, and turmeric, with whole spices, dried roots and leaves all ground together. If you’re looking for the best quality spices, we recommend visiting Rahba Kadima, the apothecaries square in Marrakech, surrounded by multi-colored spice stalls, or Apothicaire Tuareg, where you’ll find day-to-day spices and natural remedies.

Delve into the world of Moroccan spices in Marrakech

Villa Mina

The luxurious Villa Mina is an exclusive, peacefully secluded residence located in the Moroccan countryside, a mere eight miles from Marrakech's historic core. The breathtaking villa can accommodate up to twelve guests in its six glamorous bedrooms. The modern elegant home has open-concept spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing for a beautiful view of the captivating surroundings. The 12,917 sq ft of superbly designed space includes a state-of-the-art cinema room, stunning fireplace, elegant dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen perfect for culinary enthusiasts to try out the finest spices from Marrakesh’s markets. An impressive outdoor pool and jacuzzi are in the captivating garden, and the romantic alfresco dining area is perfect for relaxing in the marvelous nature of Marrakesh. 

A YAHYA CREATION

London-born Yahya Rouach (whose father is Moroccan) discovered the universe of sculpturing light and metalwork on a trip to Marrakech. In 2005, he opened a workshop there and has grown to be one of the most revered light and metalwork artists in the world. His boutique in the Royal Mansour Hotel features his stunning and intricate designs. Lighting options range from full-length installations suitable for large villas to small, intricate candle holders, creating the most beautifully intricate patterns when illuminated.

Stunning lighting creations by Yahya Rouach. His boutique is in the Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech. [Source: yahya-group.com]

Marrakech would fulfill your desire when you want to get away to an exotic destination. When you leave the planning to LVH, you will stay in an elite, private home with full services and constant support and have a custom-made itinerary that includes captivating experiences. We strive for your total enjoyment while vacationing with us. We work hard to make sure everything meets or exceeds your expectations. We’re only happy when you are. We invite you to contact one of our client relations professionals, who will begin the process of getting you to magical, mystical Marrakech for the most fascinating trip ever!