PTO ME PLEASE
A Travel Series
Lantern-lit rooftops, fire dancers, and unapologetic luxury
Now, I am a HUGE proponent of taking your time off. Your PTO is not to be played with. We invest a lot of our life to our jobs that I truly believe that our time out of the office whether a full blown vacation or just a staycation is so very sacred. So if you’ve ever dreamed of getting lost in a city filled with lantern-lit rooftops, fire dancers, mint tea, and unapologetic luxury Marrakech might be your next favorite destination.
I planned this trip for me, my sister, and my mom. It wasn’t a fast-paced tourist trap kind of week. It was thoughtful, soft, cultural, and full of absolute magic. Here’s exactly how we spent our 6-day trip to Morocco’s most iconic city — and how you can steal the itinerary for your time out of the office.
Where We Stayed
We split our time between two very different accommodations to balance serenity with the energy of the city. We stayed at the Park Hyatt first to get that resort-style relaxation. Giving poolside lounging, spa moments, and a quiet escape from the hustle. Then we switched over to a riad in the heart of the medina for the full-blown Moroccan experience. Winding alleyways, mint tea on the rooftop, and all the charm that comes with it. I’d definitely recommend doing both if you’re looking to experience Marrakech from all angles.
Park Hyatt Marrakech (Days 1–3)
Location: 20 minutes outside the medina
Price: Rooms start around $500+ per night
Why We Chose It: We wanted a peaceful, resort-style stay to ease into the trip before the medina. The Park Hyatt felt like a private oasis. Quiet, spacious, and beautifully designed.
Vibe: Think modern luxury with Moroccan details, terracotta tones, arched doorways, palm-lined pools, and mountain views in the distance. It’s perfect for slowing down, enjoying long breakfasts on the terrace, lounging by the pool, and booking a spa treatment.
Good To Know: It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for calm, privacy, and five-star service before diving into the city energy, it’s worth it. I’d recommend booking 2-3 nights here to fully enjoy the resort experience.
Riad Tarabel (Days 4–6)
Location: Inside the medina (old city)
Price: Typically ranges from $150-$400+ per night depending on the riad
Why We Chose It: Staying at a riad is a must if you want that immersive Moroccan experience. These boutique guesthouses are known for their stunning courtyards, rooftop views, and personalized hospitality.
Vibe: Intimate, charming, and rooted in Moroccan culture. You’ll be in the heart of the action — walking distance to souks, restaurants, and hidden alleyways. Expect mint tea upon arrival, tiled courtyards, and cozy rooms that feel like a little escape from the city noise.
Good To Know: Riads vary a lot in style, size, and amenities, so do your research. Look for one with a rooftop, breakfast included, and strong reviews on hospitality. It's all part of the Marrakech experience.
Day 1: Arrival + Dinner at Park Hyatt
We landed in the afternoon and headed straight to the Park Hyatt. After a quick freshen-up, we kicked off the trip with dinner at the hotel. They had the cutest outdoor and indoor set up. Their restaurant was centrally located, so from any room on the property it was very easy to get to. We had a traditional Moroccan dish for dinner and virgin pina coladas. The prawns as a starter and the sea bass for the main course were delicious.
Day 2: Royal Mansour Spa + Tea + Sunset Dinner
We booked a mid-day spa appointment at the iconic Royal Mansour — and yes, it’s every bit as stunning as you’ve heard. Post-massage, we had to get their high tea which was absolutely worth it!
Vibe: Easily one of the most peaceful and luxurious experiences of our trip. From the moment you arrive, everything is intentional and personalized. They greet you by name at the entrance, take your shoes, and offer you mint tea or infused water while you check in. The space itself is stunning all bright, and designed to make you slow down and relax.
Pre-Treatment Experience: Before your treatment, you’re guided to the relaxation lounge, a quiet area with lounge chairs, calming music, and light snacks. It’s not crowded or noisy it feels like the entire space was created for you to pause and unwind.
What We Booked: We booked the 60-minute massage, which starts at around 2,300 MAD (about $220 USD). The therapist checks in on pressure preferences and any areas you want to focus on. The massage itself was incredibly relaxing slow, intentional, and done with aromatic oils that leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
Post-Treatment: After the service, they guide you back to the relaxation lounge where tea, nuts, and dried fruit are waiting for you. There’s no rush you’re encouraged to stay and enjoy the space for as long as you like.
Good To Know: If you’re looking for a true moment of calm and luxury during your trip to Marrakech, the Royal Mansour Spa is absolutely worth the visit. Be sure to book your treatment in advance — it’s one of the most popular spas in the city.
Royal Mansour High Tea Details
Booking:
We booked Afternoon Tea at Royal Mansour in advance through their website — reservations are highly recommended since seating is limited and it's a popular experience.
Hours:
High Tea is served daily between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM in their La Grande Table Marocaine or outdoor garden area, depending on the weather.
Pricing:
550 MAD per person (about $55 USD) for the Moroccan Tea Time Experience.
What’s Included:
Traditional Moroccan mint tea (refillable), A selection of savory finger sandwiches, Moroccan pastries including chebakia, gazelle horns, almond briouats, and more
French-inspired desserts like mini tarts, macarons, and eclairs, Fresh scones served with jam and cream
Atmosphere:
Quiet, refined, and not overly crowded.
Service was attentive but gave you space to relax.
You’re paying for the setting as much as the food — it's peaceful, beautiful, and a perfect slow-down moment in the middle of a busy Marrakech day.
How Long We Stayed:
We stayed for about 2 hours — they don’t rush you at all.
Dress Code:
Smart casual. It’s not required, but this is definitely a place to pull out a nice dress, linen set, or something elevated.
Booking Link:
Reserve Afternoon Tea at Royal Mansour: https://www.royalmansour.com/en/dining/ afternoon-tea/
Sunset Desert Dinner
That evening, we made our way to the Agafay Desert for a sunset dinner. Or at least that was the plan. To get out there, you’ll need to book a driver since it’s about 45 minutes outside of the city. Luckily, our dinner reservation included transportation, which made things easier. However, our driver showed up late… so our sunset dinner quickly turned into a late-night, pitch-black dinner under the stars. lol.
For context, dinner started at 7PM. If I could do it again, I’d leave Marrakech by 5:30PM (5:45PM max) to catch golden hour and really soak in the views.
When we arrived, the vibe was definitely a scene: think moody candlelit tables, live performances, and a dinner that felt like part show, part experience. I had originally booked The Best of Marrakech experience (which looked stunning in photos), but since we missed it, we were able to book dinner at Al Kamar Camp instead.
If you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan evening in the desert — I’d absolutely recommend it. Just come prepared: bring a coat or jacket because once the sun goes down, it gets cold and extremely windy. I was grateful for every layer I had on.
Day 3: Shopping in the Souk + Pool + Dinner
We spent the morning lounging by the Park Hyatt pool, soaking up every bit of quiet luxury before our 1 PM shopping trip to the souk. Prepare yourself . The souk is an experience. You’ll haggle , you’ll see some of the most beautiful handcrafted items, and you’ll walk... everywhere. It’s vibrant, chaotic, and full of energy., but also exhausting after a few hours. After a long day of negotiating and navigating the maze of shops, we kept it lowkey for the night. We knew our next stay would be a big shift from the resort life we’d gotten used to at the Park Hyatt and we wanted to be rested and ready for it.
Day 4: Checking into Riad Tarabel
Arrival Experience:
One thing about staying in a riad in Marrakech, you’re not just pulling up to a grand hotel entrance. The beauty (and the adventure) is that most riads are tucked deep within the winding streets of the Medina and completely hidden from the world.
When we arrived to check into Riad Tarabel, we were met at the car drop-off point by a staff member from the riad. They greeted us warmly and immediately took care of our bags loading them onto a small wooden cart to wheel through the narrow alleyways. It’s the kind of moment that feels like stepping into a movie following a guide through stone streets while the noise of the city slowly fades behind you.
First Impressions:
After a few quick turns, we arrived at an unassuming wooden door no big signage, no flashy entrance just quiet luxury waiting on the other side.
As soon as the doors opened, we were welcomed into the courtyard with cool towels and fresh mint tea. The check-in process was calm, relaxed, and felt more like being welcomed into someone’s beautiful home than checking into a hotel. They handled everything while we sat under the trees, taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Property Tour:
Once we were checked in, they gave us a full tour of the property pointing out the rooftop pool, library, and shared spaces before walking us to our room. Everything about the experience was slow, personal, and intentional.
Overall Stay:
Staying at Riad Tarabel truly felt like being tucked away in your own little world a perfect contrast to the energy of the Medina just outside its doors.
Day 5: Souk Shopping + Toro Toro + Cafe Arabe
Day 5 was our day to wander, for some home decor in the Medina. We spent the morning going through the souks, and found a personal shopper to take us around lol. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the souks, but the key is to take your time, and haggle. It's a little chaotic but full of beautiful craftsmanship. After a full morning of exploring (and bargaining), we headed to Toro Toro for lunch. It was so bomb. It's a trendy, Latin-inspired restaurant. The vibe here is upscale but relaxed, perfect for a midday break with small plates and cocktails. Later that evening, we grabbed dinner at Cafe Arabe, another beautiful rooftop spot tucked away in the Medina. It was the perfect end to a day of wandering, watching the sunset over the city, listening to the call to prayer in the distance, and soaking in the energy of Marrakech at night.
Day 6: Send Off
Day 6 was our final morning in Marrakech. We had a slow, quiet start soaking up the last few moments at Riad Tarabel with breakfast in the courtyard. After packing up, the riad staff helped us with our bags and arranged for someone to walk us back through the Medina streets to our car transfer. Just like our arrival, they handled everything with care, making the departure feel seamless and stress-free. We headed to the Marrakech airport for our flight home leaving with full hearts and new memories.
Tips for your Trip
- Bring cash (dirhams) for taxis, tips, and souks
- Book dinner reservations and desert activities in advance
- Pack linen, bold accessories, and comfortable sandals
- Use a driver — especially when shopping
- Don’t skip the rooftops at sunset
Clocked Out
This trip was a reminder of what The Art of Clocking Out really looks like slowing down on purpose, creating space for joy, and letting rest feel just as special as the work we do every day. Marrakech wasn’t just a destination, it was a lesson in intentional living. From slow mornings in a riad courtyard to mint tea breaks in between souk shopping, every moment felt like an invitation to pause and be present. However you choose to clock out whether it’s across the world or in your own city I hope you give yourself permission to lean all the way in. Rest is not a luxury. It’s part of the rhythm of a well-lived life.
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