an escape - marrakech

the art of checking out

Marrakech is an amazing assault on the senses. You really are fully In Living Color. And Scents. And Sounds. It’s incredible.

But after a month in the city, in the middle of the chaos and constant stimulation, we were looking for something a little more mellow for a minute. A little more secluded. That oasis in the desert type of thing. So we booked a weekend at Berber Lodge, about an hour drive from the city into the desert.

While not the most remote place, it’s sort of in a little village, once you’re there, you are there. You basically need a lodge provided driver to arrive and you aren’t leaving until they return for you. You have to embrace being somewhat lost, not sure exactly where you are or how to get back. Checked out, not only of society for a minute, but also of the need to be in control (kinda challenging). Surrendered to the experience. All be it at a glam desert lodge in a beautiful and lux location. So I mean, it wasn’t that challenging.

The Lodge is gorgeous and has all the best vibes. You lounge by the pool, have dinner and drinks on the terraces, listen to the music gently flowing with the donkeys as background singers. And while you aren’t forced to co-mingle, the lovely people we met added to the experience. We literally just existed, hanging out in the serene space, reading and writing, eating incredible food and partaking in the nightly happy hour. A real relaxing respite.

We considered staying longer as it felt like an escape to another, less hurried, time. Actual time travel. In the end though, my wanderlust won out and it was off to a few more adventures before our departure for Fez and our first train ride in Morocco.