Family Adventure in Vibrant Marrakech

Finding Serenity in Marrakech's Hidden Gems

Today was a delightful escape from the bustling city center, as we ventured into the tranquil havens that lie just outside Marrakech. With Leela and Thomas in tow, I was eager to explore the artistic and natural beauty that this part of Morocco had to offer. It turned out to be a perfect day of discovery, blending art, nature, and a touch of local culture.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Un déjeuner à Marrakech. The aroma of freshly baked bread and mint tea filled the air as we settled into our cozy corner. Leela was particularly thrilled with the assortment of pastries, and Thomas enjoyed a strong Moroccan coffee. It was the perfect start to a day of exploration.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in a stunning setting at Un Déjeuner à Marrakech - where tradition meets contemporary dining.

Anima (André Heller Garden): A Whimsical Wonderland

Our first stop was Anima Garden, a creation of the Austrian multimedia artist André Heller. As we stepped through the entrance, we were immediately transported into a whimsical wonderland. The garden is a vibrant mix of exotic plants, quirky installations, and sculptures that seem to pop out from every corner. Leela was absolutely captivated, running from one artwork to another with glee.


Explore Anima Garden, a botanical wonder in Marrakech, where art meets nature amid stunning landscapes and vibrant flora.

The garden is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the visual feast of colors and shapes is simply mesmerizing. We wandered along the winding paths, discovering hidden gems at every turn. There were sculptures by Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso nestled among cacti, bamboo, and flowers from all corners of the world. It was a delightful fusion of art and nature.

The Anima Garden is more than just a garden; it's a living, breathing work of art that invites you to explore, reflect, and reconnect with your inner child.

We took our time exploring the garden, pausing to admire the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The views were simply breathtaking. Leela even spotted a chameleon blending seamlessly with the foliage, which sparked a mini-lesson from Thomas about animal camouflage.

Afterward, we stopped at the café within the garden for some refreshing mint lemonade. Sipping our drinks on the rooftop terrace, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the entire garden. It was a perfect moment of peace and tranquility.

Lunch at Dar Cherifa: A Culinary Oasis

Next on our itinerary was lunch at Dar Cherifa, a restaurant nestled in a beautifully restored 15th-century riad. Finding it was an adventure in itself, winding through the narrow alleyways of the Medina. The restaurant is tucked away, offering a serene escape from the bustling streets.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Dar Cherifa in Marrakech's charming Medina – where tradition meets culinary artistry.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by an atmosphere of old-world charm. The riad's courtyard was adorned with intricate stucco work, antique doors, and carved cedar, creating a truly enchanting setting. We were seated at a table overlooking the courtyard, and the gentle sounds of a nearby fountain added to the ambiance.

The menu at Dar Cherifa offered a delightful selection of Moroccan dishes. I opted for the tagine with lamb and prunes, while Thomas chose the couscous with vegetables. Leela, ever adventurous, decided to try the chicken pastilla, a sweet and savory pie that was a hit with her.

The food was exquisite, each dish bursting with authentic Moroccan flavors. The lamb tagine was tender and flavorful, and the couscous was light and fluffy. The service was impeccable, and the staff made us feel right at home. We lingered over our meal, savoring every bite and soaking in the atmosphere.

La Ménara Pavilion: A Moment of Reflection

In the late afternoon, we made our way to La Ménara Pavilion, a historic site known for its serene gardens and iconic pavilion. The Ménara Gardens date back to the 12th century and feature a large artificial lake surrounded by olive groves and orchards. The pavilion, with its distinctive green pyramid roof, offers a stunning backdrop against the Atlas Mountains.


Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and historical richness of La Ménara Pavilion in Marrakesh, a must-visit cultural treasure.

As we strolled through the gardens, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the landscape. The air was still and peaceful, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call to prayer. We walked around the perimeter of the lake, admiring the reflection of the pavilion in the water.

The history of the Ménara Gardens is fascinating. Originally built as an agricultural site, the gardens have served as a place of recreation and relaxation for centuries. The lake was created to irrigate the surrounding orchards, showcasing the sophisticated engineering skills of the Almohad dynasty.

Leela enjoyed watching the large carp swimming in the lake, while Thomas and I took in the panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. It was a perfect moment of reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shopping at Souk Jdid: A Treasure Trove of Local Crafts

Before dinner, we decided to explore Souk Jdid, a market known for its diverse offerings and local crafts. The souk was a vibrant mix of colors, scents, and sounds, with vendors displaying everything from traditional clothing to handmade leather goods.


Explore Souk Jdid in Marrakech, a vibrant marketplace filled with unique gifts, traditional crafts, and the essence of Moroccan culture.

We wandered through the narrow alleys, admiring the intricate craftsmanship on display. Leela was particularly drawn to the colorful babouches (Moroccan slippers), while Thomas was interested in the handcrafted metalwork. I was on the lookout for some unique spices to bring back home to Heidelberg.

The vendors were friendly and eager to share the stories behind their crafts. We bargained for a few souvenirs, including a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl and a set of aromatic spices. It was a fun and immersive experience, and we enjoyed interacting with the local artisans.

Dinner at Narwama: A Culinary Finale

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Narwama for dinner. This restaurant is known for its blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as its lively atmosphere and traditional music.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in the heart of Marrakesh's vibrant Medina at Narwama.

The restaurant's decor was stunning, with a beautiful blend of traditional Moroccan elements and modern elegance. We were seated at a table in the courtyard, and the soft lighting and live music created a magical ambiance.

The menu offered a wide variety of choices, and we decided to try a selection of Moroccan dishes. I ordered the tagine with chicken and preserved lemons, while Thomas opted for the grilled fish with herbs. Leela, always a fan of pasta, chose the spaghetti with tomato sauce.

The food was delicious, each dish expertly prepared and presented. The tagine was fragrant and flavorful, and the grilled fish was fresh and succulent. The service was attentive and friendly, and the staff made us feel like honored guests.

As we enjoyed our meal, we were treated to a performance of traditional Moroccan music and dance. The musicians played a variety of instruments, including the oud and the darbuka, and the dancers twirled and swayed in colorful costumes. It was a perfect way to end our day of exploration.

After dinner, we made our way back to Riad Le Rubis, feeling content and fulfilled. Today had been a perfect blend of art, nature, culture, and cuisine, and we had created memories that would last a lifetime.


Discover comfort and culture at Riad Le Rubis, a tranquil haven in the heart of Marrakesh, just steps from iconic landmarks and experiences.

Tomorrow, we're planning a camel ride and quad biking adventure in the Palmeraie. Leela is especially excited about the camel ride, and Thomas is looking forward to exploring the desert terrain on a quad bike. I'm a bit nervous about the quad biking, but I'm willing to give it a try for the sake of adventure. Until then, I'm off to dream of starlit Moroccan nights.