The "Oh My Goodness, Why Didn't I Know About This?!" Edition
Here’s a love note about Marrakesh—a city that hugs you in earthy tones, fills the air with spice, and leaves you dreamy-eyed in its stunning architecture. But you know what? Morocco . Letter #11
Dear Ageless Wanderer,
Everyone and their cousins flock to the big-name spots: the Jardin Majorelle, the Medina, and the Bahia Palace. Lucille and I agree that you absolutely must visit these places when you are in Marrakesh. Each is a multisensory experience you can’t get by watching a video or looking at pictures in a book.
These breathtaking icons deserve their fame, hands down. But can we take a moment to gush over the gems hiding in plain sight, quietly humming with beauty and charm?
We're intentionally spilling the tea (mint, of course) on two magical places in Marrakesh that we encourage you to put at the top of your "I'm-a-traveler-not-a-tourist" list: The Monde des Artes and the Marrakesh Museum of Culinary Arts. Both are offbeat wonders where fewer crowds and more charm rule the day.
Intrigued?
Oh, you should be. Keep reading…
The Monde des Artes: A Closet of History and Quiet Soul-Stirring Beauty
You know how you sometimes stumble upon little corners that make you whisper, "How is everyone not losing their minds over this place?" That's precisely what we said to each other at The Monde des Artes (MAP). This private collection makes you feel like you've wandered into a traveler’s hidden attic—a treasure trove of garments, jewelry, and artifacts with stories etched into every thread and piece of jewelry.
Not sure if this is your cup of tea? If your heart beats a little faster for fiber art, if shiny baubles make you swoon, if history’s mysteries pull you in, if you thirst for a dash of cultural adventure, if you’re short on time, and/or just can’t stomach another large painting of fruit bowls, this is for you.
"The MAP Marrakech presents nearly 3,000 pieces of ornaments, jewelry, clothing, textiles, and other ethnographic objects to the public. This collection has been chosen from the 7,000 pieces gathered by Marlène and Paolo Ponce-Gallone over decades of passionate travel and research. ….MAP"
The garments? They're not just garments. They're up close, wearable history within reach of your fingertips (not behind glass). Flowing fabrics whisper tales of traditions and craftsmanship. You want to touch. To look at the stitching underneath, but please don’t touch.
At the same time, the jewelry, glinting in the soft light, feels like it belongs in some cinematic Moroccan royalty moment. But you can also imagine someone wearing it and how it must have felt next to their skin (some are so heavy), and wonder if there was any emotional conflict in parting with such a piece.
And let's not forget about those curated odds and ends: knives so intricate you wonder if they were used as adornment on royal occassions or as an actual “time to slit throats," and three-layered tobacco bags that drip with cultural charm and Berber history; each layer soft camel skin, hand painted and holding different type of tobacco; and even household items that'll make you wonder how everyday things can radiate art.
As we stood there, heart wide open and slightly misty-eyed, envisioning the rich stories behind each item, the curator appeared and introduced himself. Our in-depth and intimate conversation is a story and treasure unsuitable to share in this letter. So as not to leave you wondering: Every aspect of this museum was thoughtfully and meticulously planned. Even the entrance was created to provide a different feeling of time and place when visitors step away from the cobblestoned alley of the Medina and onto the glass bridge leading through the heavy wooden doors.
The MAP is not just a museum; it's an invitation to pause and respect the life lived before yours. So, suppose you're craving a slice of intimacy and nostalgia (without elbowing your way through selfie sticks), The Monde des Artes is waiting to enchant you. If lucky, you'll meet the curator who will engage you in an intimate conversation and guide you on a cultural expedition, unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
HOT TIP: To ease yourself back into the rhythm of Medina life, climb the stairs and rest in the rooftop cafe, SHAMS. It's a lush garden you would never know existed unless you visit. With views over El Badi Palace, it's perfect for a bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. If you're lucky, you might see a nesting stork feeding babies.
Marrakesh Museum of Culinary Arts: A Tasty Journey to Steal Your Heart
Okay, folks, brace yourselves—this one's likely to ignite a full-on food frenzy. The Marrakesh Museum of Culinary Arts is basically an elegant tease of everything you wish you had in your kitchen right now. Imagine walking room by room past dazzling visuals of Moroccan cuisine—tagines, couscous, pastillas, flaky almond pastries—and feeling a physical ache in your stomach because you need it in your life immediately.
The visuals alone? Stop. You'll feel compelled to whip out your phone to screenshot everything and text your friends: "We're making THIS when I get back." There's something undeniably magical about seeing the recipes come to life through drool-worthy photographs and videos that make you want to sprint home and take your kitchen hostage.
And here's the thing: it's not just about the food itself—it's the connection.
Moroccan cuisine is part celebration, part ritual, and part art. Every spice is layered with intention, every dish rooted in generations of wisdom. It's the place that will inspire you so deeply that you'll find yourself back home Googling Ras el Hanout or planning a dinner party just so you can recreate it all.
And you might think, "A museum about food? Really?"
Trust me—it's an experience, not just an exhibit. Plus, you get major bonus points for showing appreciation toward a culture that doesn't just cook meals—it creates masterpieces on your plate.
HOT TIP: Plan your visit before your next feeding, as the rooftop restaurant is an exceptional experience, and the Salon de Te hits your sweet spot. There is also a fantastic ATM directly across the street.
But Can We Take a Moment for the Real Talk?
Look, one of the hardest things about hustling through life is the sheer chaos of it all. You see people posting perfect shots of their Marrakesh vacation—and you're over here wondering if anyone realizes how hard it was to save up for this trip. Or, maybe you're choosing between the big tourist attractions because you feel like you should, rather than following your instincts on what speaks to you.
Places like The Monde des Arts and the Marrakesh Museum of Culinary Arts are so special. They let you slow down, absorb beauty in a quiet space, and connect to something almost spiritual—a reminder that life doesn't have to move at 100 miles per hour all the time.
They're proof that the uncharted path often holds the brightest treasures. So, go ahead and permit yourself to ditch the conventional checklist. Instead, let yourself serendipitously fall in love with unique, soulful places like these. And when you're back home, throwing Moroccan spices over your couscous or daydreaming about handcrafted jewelry, you'll remember that the best journeys happen the moment you stop treating life like a race.
Your Marrakesh adventure deserves to sparkle with hidden treasures. Make time for The Monde des Artes and the Marrakesh Museum of Culinary Arts. Whether you're soaking in centuries of craftsmanship or drooling over culinary masterpieces, you'll leave feeling like a smarter, more inspired version of yourself—one who refuses to settle for the ordinary.
When you add these to your itinerary, tell me how much you love them. Or, tell me how hungry you got staring at the food pictures. (Spoiler alert: it's impossible not to.)
Until next time, friend—keep wandering, keep dreaming, and keep savoring the sweet flavor of life.
Love, Stella